November is the ultimate month for scoring a fantastic deal on a new phone. Black Friday is just around the corner, but the early signs are already indicating significant discounts and, most notably, price slashes on smartphones that hit the market at the beginning of the year.
It’s fascinating how manufacturers tweak their profit margins as units are sold. Year after year, I find myself astounded by the substantial price drops experienced by models that initially carried somewhat exorbitant price tags at launch. After crunching the numbers, the trend is clear: manufacturers routinely reduce prices by a considerable 20 to 30%, a discount that still leaves them with a healthy profit margin. So, is November the really best time of the year to buy a new smartphone?
November is the best time of the year to buy a phone
So, the Magic Number: 30% Less We’ve become accustomed to the notion that high-end smartphones should hover around or surpass the 1,000 euros mark. As the year winds down, discounts from major companies reveal that these products can be sold for significantly less.
In Europe, take, for example, the Samsung Galaxy S23. Initially priced at a staggering €959, even without a Black Friday offer, the handset is now available for a mere 654 euros – a substantial 31.8% discount from its official price.
The discount on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is even more jaw-dropping. So, originally priced at a hefty 1,499 euros, it has now dropped below the thousand-euro mark to 999 euros, marking a significant 33.36% reduction – a remarkable figure for a phone of such caliber.
Also, other major players follow suit. OnePlus slashes the price of its OnePlus 11 from £919 to £668, representing an almost 30% discount. Honor does the same with its Magic5 Pro, plummeting from €1,199 to €849 – a discount of 29.27%.
So, the magic figure of 30% isn’t exclusive to high-end phones; it applies to mid-range models as well. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+, initially priced at €499, can now be snagged for 350 euros, even without any Black Friday deals. The Samsung Galaxy A54, starting at €499, has seen its price drop to €359. These figures align closely with the 30% mark, showcasing a consistent trend across various brands and models.
This brings us back to the fundamental point: as the year progresses, we approach the Recommended Retail Price (RRP) at which manufacturers continue to turn a profit. Yet, this RRP might be significantly distant from the initial proposed price. Interestingly, one doesn’t have to wait for Black Friday to enjoy the magic of that 30% discount, a trend seemingly favored by major manufacturers.
While mobile phone prices have soared to new heights, there’s a glimmer of hope for consumers in the form of these enticing offers. The trajectory may be upward, but the discounts persist, providing a silver lining for those looking to upgrade their devices without breaking the bank.
Tips and tricks for getting the best deal on a new phone
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1. Do your research. Before you start shopping, take some time to research the different models of phones that are available. Consider your needs and budget to narrow down your options. Read reviews and compare prices from different retailers.
2. Wait for price drops. New phones are often released at high prices, but they typically experience price drops as the year progresses. Consider waiting a few months after a model’s launch to take advantage of lower prices.
3. Shop around. Don’t just buy from the first retailer you see. Compare prices from different retailers, both online and in-store. Also, you may be surprised to find that the same phone can be found for a much lower price elsewhere.
4. Consider buying refurbished. Refurbished phones are phones that have been returned to the manufacturer and have been repaired and restored to like-new condition. They can be a great way to save money, as they are often sold at a significant discount.
5. Take advantage of promotions. Many retailers offer discounts and promotions on phones throughout the year. Keep an eye out for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, as well as retailer-specific promotions.
6. Consider buying an older model. If you don’t need the latest and greatest features, you can save a lot of money by buying an older model phone. Older models are often still very capable and can be found at a fraction of the price of newer models.
7. Trade in your old phone. Many retailers will allow you to trade in your old phone for a credit towards a new phone. Also, this can be a great way to offset the cost of a new phone.
8. Be patient. The best deals don’t always come right away. Be patient and wait for the right deal to come along.
9. Consider buying unlocked. Unlocked phones are phones that are not tied to a specific carrier. This means that you can choose any carrier you want, which can give you more flexibility and save you money in the long run.
10. Negotiate with your carrier. If you are a loyal customer of your carrier, you may be able to negotiate a better deal on a new phone. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount or promotion.
11. Buy during the off-season. Phones are typically sold at a discount during the off-season, which is typically from January to March. This can be a great time to find a good deal on a new phone.
12. Buy from a gray market retailer. Gray market retailers are retailers that sell products that are not authorized by the manufacturer. This can be a risky proposition, as you may not have the same warranty protections as you would if you bought from an authorized retailer. However, gray market retailers can sometimes offer lower prices on phones.
13. Be careful about accessories. Accessories can add up in cost, so be careful about what you buy. You may be able to find cheaper accessories elsewhere, or you may not need them at all.
14. Don’t be afraid to buy used. Used phones can be a great way to save money. Additionally, there are many reputable websites and stores that sell used phones, and you can often find phones in excellent condition for a fraction of the price of a new phone.
15. Sell your old phone. If you don’t want to trade in your old phone, you can try selling it yourself. So, you can sell your phone online or at a local electronics store.
16. Consider buying a pre-owned phone. Many carriers and online retailers offer certified pre-owned phones that have been thoroughly inspected and refurbished. These phones are often covered by the same warranty as new phones, and they can save you a significant amount of money.
17. Look for manufacturer discounts. Many manufacturers offer discounts on their phones throughout the year. These discounts can be found on the manufacturer’s website or through authorized retailers.
18. Sign up for email alerts. Many retailers offer email alerts that will notify you when the price of a phone you’re interested in drops. This is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest deals.
19. Follow tech blogs and websites. Tech blogs and websites often report on the latest phone deals. This is a great way to find out about deals that you might not otherwise be aware of.
20. Use a price comparison website. There are many price comparison websites that can help you find the best deal on a new phone. These websites compare prices from different retailers, and they can often help you find a phone that is significantly cheaper than the same phone from another retailer.
By following these additional tips, you can save even more money on your next new phone.
