What is a carrier?
Carrier is a commonly used term in the US and Canada for a company that provides voice or data services. These services can be either wireless or through wired landlines. (For example: T-Mobile, Verizon,Sprint, Time Warner, AT&T, Cricket Wireless, etc.)
What is a no-contract phone?
When a cellphone is bought, the customer will have an option to either buy the phone with a subsidized price and sign-up with the said carrier or pay-up the entire cost of the phone and choose a carrier of his/her choice. While the former comes with typically a two year contract which binds the customer to stay with the carrier for the said period and requires a hefty termination fees to be paid in case he chooses to switch to another carrier within the contract period, the latter is called a no-contract phone. Almost all phones and carriers in the US have both contract and no-contract plans.
How to own cheap cellphones without contract?
No-contract phones can be bought with two types of payment options. One is to buy a lump sum amount as a one-time payment and the other one is through installments payed through PayPal or credit cards with an interest fee distributed over the period of payment. If the usage of the phone is limited to just text and call, it is better to pay for the phone upfront and have a flexibility to switch over carriers whenever preferred based on the type of plans offered.
At the same time, prepaid, also known as pay-as-you-go options, are offered by most carriers these days which means you can buy a phone of your choice with an amount paid in advance for the services to be used. This will help to control the budget on phone usage itself and also not paying unnecessarily for the features that are not used. Once the prepaid amount is used up, the phone can be returned back or topped-up (prepay the amount again) to continue with the services.
Prepaid phones eliminates the costs incurred on activation, overage, changing carriers, and termination fees, and at the same time gives the flexibility to choose the phone and the carrier making it a cheaper option over the traditional contract phones.
Although no-contract plans are offered by all major phone manufacturers, only some phones will be compatible with the carrier’s network. So, this has to be kept in mind while buying a phone or a carrier to save up on unnecessary charges for the features that will not be usable.
It is also a cheaper option to own a basic model if the usage is limited to just voice and texts. As there will be no features in the phone to get updated, the overall life of the phone itself will increase. Retaining the phone for more years helps in recovering the initial investment on the phone.
Are you looking to save money this year by taking advantage of the best smartphone deals on Cyber Monday? If so, here is a helpful list of the top ten best smartphone deals from the previous year so that you can get an idea of the offers and discounts one can expect during this year’s Cyber Monday, scheduled for November 28. With these deals, you could make hefty savings and purchase other items you need.
Apple iPhone 13
All new and existing users could get $800 with a trade-in on an eligible unlimited data plan at Verizon. It would be helpful if you were switching over from another carrier.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Apple offered a fabulous combination of deals on this phone. You could get free Apple AirPods Pro, or on switching to Visible, you would also be able to get a $100 gift card. One could use this gift card at many retailers.
Apple iPhone 11
The best trade-in deals for the Apple iPhone 11 included a complimentary device with trade-ins. The gadget would likely be available for sale with similar captivating deals this year.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus (128 GB)
It was available at an excellent discounted price of $749.99 on Amazon. Originally priced at $999.99, it is a solid deal for a device with advanced features such as capable performance, outstanding display, and user-friendly cameras. It will be available in purple and silver color variants.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (128 GB)
You could get this at the reduced price of $949.99 on Amazon. Originally priced at $1195.99, it is one of the most capable, sturdy, and robust mobiles with a big screen. It has a versatile camera system and many other valuable features.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
The foldable phone was available at a brilliant deal the previous year. You could get it at $924.99, with the actual price being $999.99. You could also get a free Galaxy Buds 2 and a wireless charger. It was among the best combination offers that were available last year.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
It was available at the reduced price of $1099.99, with the actual cost of the device being $1429. It is amongst the most powerful devices that Samsung makes. This offer which allowed users to save a considerable amount, was popular last year. So, look out for the same this year and act fast before it runs out of stock.
Google Pixel 5a
This Google Pixel 5a phone falls under the category of cost-effective devices; therefore, there are chances of fewer discounts. However, with the offer available last year, you could save $50 and only pay $399 for this cell phone. It makes it even more affordable, especially for those on a budget.
Google Pixel 6 Pro
During the sales last year on Cyber Monday, Verizon offered the best trade-ins for the Google Pixel 6 Pro. Last year, users saved $200 by opting for an unlimited data plan. By trading in a handset, you could save $800. This deal merger would allow you to save a hefty amount on this smartphone.
Google Pixel 6
Last year on Cyber Monday, those who opted for an unlimited data plan from AT&T got the Google Pixel 6 at a significant discount. The discount was nearly 50% off last year.
Listed above was the list of the top ten best Cyber Monday smartphone offers from the last year’s mega shopping day so that it will give you an insight into the trend for the offers for this year as well. It is advised to research, plan and be ready with your budget and buy the gadget you desire by keeping in mind its features and your preferences and requirements.
The past years have witnessed plenty of discounts on smartphones from big retailers and carriers. During the Black Friday sales period this year, you could save a considerable amount whether you are buying an Android or iOS device. Great incentives are expected to be offered for the best smartphones of 2022. Listed below are the best Black Friday smartphone offers of the past year, and similar deals are also expected this year.
Apple iPhone 13
You could buy Apple’s newest phones starting at $799 from Verizon. When you trade in an eligible device and sign up for a Verizon unlimited plan, you can get up to $700 off. Another deal that might be available is from T-Mobile, where you trade in an eligible device and activate the T-Mobile Magenta Max plan to get up to $800 off.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is one of the trending smartphones of 2022. You could buy this Apple phone from Verizon and get up to $800 off. To avail of this deal, you’ll have to trade in an eligible device and sign up for a Verizon unlimited plan.
Samsung Galaxy S22
AT&T could offer customers a chance to trade any Samsung Galaxy phone in any condition to get the Samsung Galaxy S22 for free. All you would need to do to get your new device is to choose an installment plan and upgrade to any of AT&T’s unlimited plans.
Google Pixel 6
Last year, Google Pixel 6 was available at a discount of $100 and was priced at $499 during the Black Friday sale. It is rare to find a price cut right now as the demand for Google Pixel 6 is quite high. However, Verizon could offer Google Pixel 6 for a limited time at a deal.
Google Pixel 6 Pro
You could save up to $800 when you trade your old or damaged phone with select Verizon 5G Unlimited plans. Plus, when you bundle the items together, you can get 50% off on Pixel Buds A Series.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Samsung could offer tempting deals on the new Galaxy Z Fold 4 phone. Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4; you could save up to $1000 in credit when you trade in a phone, tablet, or smartwatch. You might also get a free upgrade to the 512 GB model, which could help you save $120 plus a free-standing cover with an S Pen worth $210.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Pre-order this new smartphone from Samsung and get a discount of up to $900 off when you trade in your old phone, tablet, or smartwatch. You will also receive a memory upgrade up to 256 GB saving a further $60 and a free cover with your order.
OnePlus 10 Pro
Various retailers could offer the OnePlus 10 Pro deals, but the best one usually comes from T-Mobile. The carrier could offer up to $400 off when you trade in an eligible device. Without the trade-in, OnePlus offers $50 off if you own an existing OnePlus device.
Apple iPhone 13 Mini
Though small, the Apple iPhone 13 is one of the most powerful phones. Buy this phone from AT&T, and you could save $700 with trade-in and signing up for an eligible unlimited plan. Verizon could also offer a rebate of up to $700, but for this, you might need to take a new unlimited data line. New customers switching from another carrier can expect an additional $200 gift card, making it a deal hard to miss.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Even though Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is here, the popularity of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has not decreased. Galaxy Z Fold 3 is Samsung’s most popular foldable device. You could save up to $800 when you trade in your old device and add a new Verizon line.