Best early Prime Day phone deals to shop in October 2024


While Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale doesn’t start for another week or so, the commerce giant is making it clear this year that early shoppers will be rewarded. If you’re in the market for a new phone, now may just be the best time to pull the trigger, with most manufacturers running Amazon promotions on their latest handsets.

A scan through the A-to-Z catalog finds several deals on phones we’ve thoroughly tested and recommended at ZDNET. Considering Prime Day officially starts on Oct. 8, I wouldn’t stress about the prices dropping any lower. (When in doubt, take advantage of Amazon’s 30-day return policy or contact customer service for a price adjustment.) Here are the best early Prime Day phone deals we’ve found so far.

Our favorite early Amazon October Prime Day phone deals

Best early Amazon October Prime Day Samsung deals

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 all colors

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Best early Amazon October Prime Day iPhone deals

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

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Best early Amazon October Prime Day Motorola deals

Motorola Razr Plus (2024)

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Best early Amazon October Prime Day Google Pixel deals

Google Pixel 9 phones

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More October Prime Day phone deals

  • Current price: $1,049
  • Original price: $1,299

While the Galaxy S24 Ultra was released back in January, Samsung packed so many features and flagship specs in the device to keep it ever-relevant seasons later. In fact, it’s still regarded as the best phone we’ve tested so far this year, besting the newest Google, OnePlus, and Apple phones. This offer is for the 256GB model, with a 200MP main camera, and built-in S Pen.

  • Current price: $65 a month
  • Original price: $999

Carrier deals are almost always too good to be true, but if you happen to meet all the right requirements and are willing to exchange loyalty for a discounted iPhone, then things may just work out. Case in point, this Boost Mobile deal will cover the cost of the latest iPhone 16 Pro, with the requirement being to enroll in the brand’s wireless plan ($65 a month over 36 months). If you were already considering switching carrier plans or starting a new one, this deal is worth considering.

  • Current price: $899
  • Original price: $1,099

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is much more accessible than its foldable sibling, the Z Fold 6, and this Prime Day discount only widens the gap. At $200 less than retail, you’re getting a sizeable 6.8-inch display when the phone is unfolded, a handy external display for framing photos and videos and accessing quick widgets, and 12GB of RAM to help power Samsung’s Galaxi AI features.

  • Current price: $399
  • Original price: $499

A $100 discount doesn’t seem like much, but for the Pixel 8a, that’s a 20% markdown, making Google’s fantastic budget phone even more affordable. I tested the handset earlier this year and highly recommend it for anyone who wants a compact phone and/or is tight on cash.

  • Current price: $599
  • Original price: $699

If you’re looking for a phone that’s fast at everything, from the performance to the charging speed, consider the discounted OnePlus 12R. This deal is only active for the 256GB variant, not the 128GB one, so it’s best for those who take a lot of photos and videos and/or download a lot of apps. The 12R also has a beefy 5,500mAh battery, making it one of the longest-lasting phones on the market.

FAQs

When is Amazon’s October Prime Day 2024? 

This year, Amazon’s October Prime Day event takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 8, and ends on Wednesday, Oct. 9. However, there are already deals available for shoppers to take advantage of, and we can expect them to last a day or two after the official event ends.

Are phones really cheaper on Prime Day? 

Yes, phones are often cheaper on Prime Day, matching the level of discount you’d find in a Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal. This is partly because Prime Day is happening in October, months after most manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, Google, and Motorola have launched new devices in the first half of the year. With the amount of time that has passed, you’ll often see the more recent phones discounted by a good amount at this time.

When is the best time of the year to buy a phone?

It depends on urgency. If your phone is damaged, cracked, or usable in a significant way, you should buy a new device as soon as you can — whether through a carrier or brand retail store. In the case of an emergency, I’d advise buying it from the former, as your local carrier can best help you transfer contact information and data while potentially giving you an upgrade deal. If you can wait things out, consider buying a phone during major shopping events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. For more, here’s our list of the best Prime Day deals so far.  

How did we choose these Prime Day deals?

ZDNET chooses Prime Day deals based on the percentage of discount compared to the original price ($5 off a $20 item is just as good as $250 off a $1,000 item), how significant the discount is compared to pricing history, and whether our experts have tested and recommended the product.

We also look at deals from a wider scope, considering better alternatives, unique use cases, stock, and existing customer reviews on websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit. The best deals will save you a decent amount of money while giving you a truly worthwhile product.





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