Best Cell Phone Deals This Week

Looking for an iPhone or Galaxy deal? We do the math so you don't have to.

If you’re looking for a new Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or another popular Android phone, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a good deal. But that can be hard to figure out amid all the iPhone On Us and free phone when you switch slogans out there.

To make things easier, we’re highlighting the best deals we’ve found this week from top carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Spectrum Mobile, and Xfinity Mobile.

Our picks don’t just feature the best advertised price, we tell you the price of any required plan fees so you know the true total cost of each phone deal, plans included. The goal is simple: to help you understand what you’ll actually pay for the phone and plan combined and determine whether the deal saves you or costs you in the long run.

Note: All costs before taxes and fees. Trade-ins must be in good condition to qualify unless noted otherwise.

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Xfinity Mobile: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max

Phone: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (256GB)
Plan Requirement:
Xfinity Mobile Mobile Plus
Phone Price:
$0/month for 36 months (with iPhone 15 Pro or newer trade-in)
Plan Price:
$15/month for the first 12 months (includes $30/month promotional credit), then $45/month

Why This Deal?

The iPhone 18 Pro Max just launched and Xfinity Mobile is already offering it free — no extra monthly phone cost — when you trade in an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. At $15/month for the plan in year one, the combined first-year cost of $15/month is one of the most aggressive launch deals we've seen on a brand new Pro Max model.

Who Qualifies

Customers bringing over a number from another carrier to Xfinity Mobile and activating on the Mobile Plus plan with an iPhone 15 Pro or newer trade-in in good condition. Note: Xfinity Mobile deals and promotions require an active Xfinity Home Internet account to qualify.

What You'll Pay

Months 1-12 Months 13-36
Plan $15/mo $45/mo
Phone $0/mo $0/mo
Monthly Total $15/mo $45/mo

Estimated total over 36 months: $1,260 (before taxes and fees)

How the Credits Work

Xfinity Mobile applies $1,299.99 in promotional bill credits over 36 months to fully cover the iPhone 18 Pro Max's installment cost. A separate $30/month plan credit runs for the first 12 months, dropping the Mobile Plus plan from $45/month to $15/month. Once that plan credit expires at month 12, the plan price increases to $45/month for the remainder of the term.

About the Plan

Xfinity Mobile Mobile Plus includes fully unlimited high-speed data that is never slowed, 50GB of high-speed hotspot data (then unlimited at reduced speeds), and 4K UHD video streaming. It also includes unlimited talk, text, and data in 215+ countries, and a Lifetime Device Warranty — which covers repairs and replacements and is typically a $10–$25/month add-on elsewhere. The service runs on Verizon's nationwide network, though Verizon customers may receive priority during congestion.

Xfinity Mobile service also runs on Verizon's nationwide network. Check out the video below for more details:

About the Phone

The iPhone 18 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, a triple 48MP camera system (Main, Ultrawide, and Telephoto with 4x periscope optical zoom) plus an 18MP front camera, Apple's A20 Pro chip, and up to 45 hours of battery life.

Who Should Get This Deal

✅ Get If:

  • You own an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to trade in
  • You're switching to Xfinity Mobile and have an active Xfinity Home Internet account
  • You want Apple's newest flagship at one of the lowest launch prices available right now

❌ Skip If:

  • You don't have an Xfinity Home Internet account (required to qualify for Xfinity Mobile deals)
  • You don't own an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to trade in
  • You're interested in the new iPhone Duo foldable — announced alongside the iPhone 18 but shipping later

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AT&T: Apple iPhone 18 Pro

Phone: Apple iPhone 18 Pro (256GB)
Plan Requirement: AT&T Extra 2.0
Phone Price: $7.49/month for 36 months (with eligible trade-in)
Plan Price: $70/month

Why This Deal?

AT&T is offering the iPhone 18 Pro at just $7.49 a month with an eligible trade-in — and the deal is available on its mid-tier Extra 2.0 plan, not its most expensive option. At $77.49 a month combined, it's one of the most affordable ways to get Apple's newest flagship iPhone at any major carrier this week.

Who Qualifies

Customers switching to AT&T (moving over a line from another carrier) and activating on the Extra 2.0 plan with a trade-in of an iPhone 14 or newer in any condition. Note: a higher-tier trade-in will reduce the device cost further — customers on AT&T's Premium 2.0 plan ($90/mo) can get the iPhone 18 Pro down to $0/mo with a qualifying trade-in.

What You'll Pay

Months 1-36
Plan $70/mo
Phone $7.49/mo
Monthly Total $77.49/mo

Estimated total over 36 months: ~$2,790 (before taxes and fees)

How the Credits Work

AT&T applies $930 in promotional bill credits over 36 months toward the iPhone 18 Pro's $1,199.99 retail price, leaving $269.99 — or $7.49 a month — on the device. Credits begin within three billing cycles after AT&T processes your trade-in, and require the line to remain active and in good standing for the full term.

Note: AT&T charges tax on the iPhone 18 Pro's full retail price at the time of sale, not after credits are applied.

About the Plan

AT&T Extra 2.0 includes unlimited high-speed data (speeds may slow after 100GB), 50GB of high-speed hotspot data (then unlimited at reduced speeds), SD (480p) video streaming, and unlimited talk and text. It also includes unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada.

About the Phone

The iPhone 18 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, a triple 48MP rear camera system — Main, Ultrawide, and Telephoto with 4x periscope optical zoom — now with variable aperture for the first time in an iPhone, plus an 18MP front camera with autofocus. It's powered by Apple's new A20 Pro chip, which delivers a 40% improvement in graphics performance over the A19 Pro. Battery life comes in at up to 36 hours.

Available colors: Black, Glacier, Burgundy, and Silver.

Who Should Get This Deal

✅ Get If:

  • You have an iPhone 14 or newer to trade in — any condition qualifies
  • You're switching to AT&T from another carrier
  • You want the iPhone 18 Pro without committing to AT&T's most expensive plan

❌ Skip If:

  • You want HD or 4K video streaming (this plan caps at SD 480p)
  • You'd prefer the device to be fully free — AT&T's Premium 2.0 at $90/mo gets you there, though the TCO is higher
  • You want to avoid a 36-month financing commitment

‍

T-Mobile: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8

Phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 (256GB)
Plan Requirement: T-Mobile Essentials 2.0
Phone Price: $5.55/month for 36 months (no trade-in required)
Plan Price: $60/month‍

Why This Deal?

Foldable phones are having a moment. Apple just unveiled the iPhone Duo — its first-ever foldable — at $1,999, putting the form factor front and center for a whole new audience. If you're curious about foldables but not ready to spend two grand on Apple's first attempt, T-Mobile is offering Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip8 at just $5.55 a month with no trade-in required. At $65.55 a month combined on T-Mobile's entry-level plan, it's one of the most accessible ways to experience a foldable smartphone right now — and at a fraction of what the iPhone Duo will cost.

Who Qualifies

Customers switching to T-Mobile (moving over a number from another carrier) and activating on the Essentials 2.0 plan. No trade-in is required.

What You'll Pay

Months 1-36
Plan $60/mo
Phone $5.55/mo
Monthly Total $65.55/mo

Estimated total over 36 months: ~$2,360 (before taxes and fees)

How the Credits Work

T-Mobile applies $1,000 in promotional bill credits over 36 months toward the Galaxy Z Flip8's $1,199.99 retail price, leaving $199.99 — or $5.55 a month — on the device. Credits typically begin within two billing cycles of activation and require the line to remain active and in good standing for the full term.

About the Plan

T-Mobile Essentials 2.0 includes unlimited talk and text, and unlimited data that may be slowed after 50GB of premium usage. Mobile hotspot is included but at reduced speeds only — there is no high-speed hotspot allotment. Video streams at SD (480p). International coverage includes unlimited text to 215+ countries and talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico, though data speeds in those countries are capped at 128Kbps. T-Mobile Tuesdays perks are also included.

About the Phone

The Galaxy Z Flip8 features a 6.9-inch Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and HDR10+, plus a 4.1-inch Super AMOLED cover screen that also runs at 120Hz — useful for checking notifications, controlling music, and running select apps without opening the phone. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, runs Android 17 with One UI 9, and weighs just 180 grams. The rear camera system consists of a 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide, with a 10MP front camera. Battery is 4,300mAh.

At 13.1mm folded and 6.1mm unfolded, the Flip8 is slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor. Available colors: Graphite, Cream, Pink, and Mint.

Who Should Get This Deal

✅ Get If:

  • You want a foldable smartphone and don't have a trade-in device to offer
  • You're switching to T-Mobile from another carrier
  • You want the lowest combined monthly cost of any deal in this week's roundup
  • You primarily use WiFi at home and don't rely heavily on mobile hotspot

❌ Skip If:

  • You regularly need mobile hotspot — this plan has no high-speed hotspot allotment
  • You want HD or 4K video streaming — this plan caps at SD (480p)
  • You want a traditional candy-bar smartphone — the Flip8's flip form factor isn't for everyone

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Spectrum: Apple iPhone 17

Phone: Apple iPhone 17 (256GB)
Plan Requirement: Spectrum Mobile Unlimited
Phone Price: $13.83/month for 36 months (with iPhone 15 trade-in)
Plan Price: $0/month for the first 12 months (includes $40/month promotional credit), then $40/month‍

Why This Deal?

Spectrum Mobile is offering the iPhone 17 at $13.83 a month with an iPhone 15 trade-in — and the first year of service is free. Apple has not yet announced the iPhone 18 base model, meaning the iPhone 17 remains Apple's current standard iPhone and the one most readers are shopping for right now.

At $13.83 a month all-in for year one, it's the lowest combined monthly cost of any deal in this week's roundup, and unlike other carriers, that price already includes taxes and fees. Spectrum Mobile runs on Verizon's network, so coverage is the same.

Who Qualifies

Customers switching to Spectrum Mobile and trading in an iPhone 15 in good condition. An active Spectrum Internet subscription is required to qualify for Spectrum Mobile service.

Months 1-12 Months 13-36
Plan $0/mo $40/mo
Phone $13.83/mo $13.83/mo
Monthly Total $13.83/mo $53.83/mo

Estimated total over 36 months: ~$1,460 (taxes and fees included)

How the Credits Work

Spectrum Mobile applies $432 in combined trade-in and promotional bill credits over 36 months, reducing the iPhone 17's price from $929.99 to $497.99 — or $13.83 a month. A separate $40/month plan credit runs for the first 12 months, dropping the Unlimited plan from $40 to $0 a month. Once that plan credit expires at month 12, the plan price returns to $40/month for the remainder of the term.

About the Plan

Spectrum Mobile Unlimited includes unlimited talk and text, unlimited high-speed data that may slow after 30GB, 5GB of shared high-speed hotspot data (then at reduced speeds), SD (480p) video streaming, and free international texting from the U.S. and while abroad. Spectrum Mobile runs on Verizon's nationwide network. All prices include taxes and fees — no surprises on your bill.

An active Spectrum Internet subscription is required to use Spectrum Mobile.

About the Phone

The iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display, 48MP main and 48MP ultrawide rear cameras plus an 18MP front camera, Apple's A19 chip, and up to 30 hours of battery life.

Who Should Get This Deal

✅ Get If:

  • You have an iPhone 15 to trade in
  • You're an existing Spectrum Internet customer — or plan to become one
  • You want the lowest all-in monthly cost of any deal in this week's roundup
  • You want Verizon network coverage without paying Verizon prices

❌ Skip If:

  • You don't have an active Spectrum Internet subscription (required to qualify)
  • You need more than 5GB of high-speed hotspot data
  • You want HD or 4K video streaming (this plan caps at SD 480p)
  • You don't have an iPhone 15 to trade in

‍

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the best move isn’t just chasing the biggest advertised discount — it’s understanding which deals you actually qualify for and what they really cost over time.

Each week, the Save On Wireless team reviews phone promotions across major carriers. Instead of focusing only on the best advertised phone price, we calculate the total cost over the full financing term, factoring in trade-in requirements, required plan fees, promotional credits, and post-promo pricing.

Promotions can change quickly. But you'll always find the latest phone deals and plan offers across top carriers at Save On Wireless.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • Deal of the Week: Xfinity Mobile — iPhone 18 Pro Max free with an iPhone 15 Pro or newer trade-in on Mobile Plus, at just $15/month combined in year one
  • Best Foldable Deal: T-Mobile — Galaxy Z Flip8 at $5.55/month with no trade-in required, starting at $65.55/month combined on Essentials 2.0
  • Lowest All-In Cost: Spectrum Mobile — iPhone 17 at $13.83/month combined in year one with an iPhone 15 trade-in, taxes and fees included
WHY TRUST US
50+ years of combined wireless experience
See the total cost—not just the best-advertised price
Phone and plan deals verified daily
We feature deals based on true savings—commissions or not
Market Based Trade-InCarrier Trade-in Promo
PAYOUT TYPECash, PayPal or Store CreditMonthly bill credits or account credit
CONDITIONSBased on phone’s fair market value
Must buy a new phone or switch plans
TYPICAL VALUELower (e.g. $100-300 for older models)Higher (e.g. up to $1000, with strings)
FLEXIBILITYNo obligation to switch or upgradeMust commit to contract or installment
TRANSPARENCYStraightforward cash dealPromotional value applied over 24-36 mos.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does a "free phone" deal from a carrier actually mean?

When a carrier advertises a "free phone," it typically means the phone's cost is covered through bill credits applied over 24 or 36 months. You'll still need to stay on a required plan for the full term to receive all the credits.

Do I have to trade in a phone to get a good deal?

Many of the best carrier promotions do require a trade-in, but not all of them. When a trade-in is required, the eligible device and its condition matter — carriers typically require the phone to be in good working condition to qualify for the full credit.

What's the difference between buying a phone outright and financing through a carrier?

Buying outright means you own the phone immediately and aren't tied to any carrier or plan. Financing through a carrier spreads the cost over 24 or 36 months, often with promotional credits that reduce or cover the entire phone cost.

About the Author
Jason Hahn
Senior Writer

Jason Hahn is a senior writer with over a decade of experience writing and editing for various news publications.

Since earning a B.A. in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, Jason has covered topics such as technology, social media, smartphones, national news, and human interest stories.

When away from his desk, Jason can be found at the beaches near his home in Los Angeles, exploring new coffee shops, or indulging in his passion for video and photography — using either his iPhone or mirrorless camera.