Getting a new phone doesn’t have to mean spending a small fortune. Right now, major carriers and retailers are offering incredible deals that make premium smartphones surprisingly affordable. With the right plan or financing strategy, you can upgrade to the latest tech and still keep your monthly costs low.
Why Carriers Offer Affordable Phones
When carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T advertise free or discounted phones, they’re not doing it out of generosity. These promotions are designed to lock in loyal customers. Instead of charging full price upfront, carriers apply monthly credits to your bill over two or three years.
If you stay on your qualifying plan for the full term, those credits cancel out your device payments entirely. But if you cancel or switch to a cheaper plan, you lose the remaining credits and owe the rest of the balance.
For people who plan to keep their carrier long-term, this setup can make expensive flagship phones genuinely affordable.
The Best Affordable Smartphone Deals Right Now
Verizon is offering the iPhone 17 Pro for $0 down when you add a new line on the Unlimited Ultimate plan and trade in an eligible device. The promotion also includes six months of Apple One and discounts on accessories. Full details are available on Verizon’s free phone deals page.
T-Mobile’s Galaxy S24 Plus offer is another standout. Customers can save up to $1,000 with a qualifying trade-in on a Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan, bringing the price down to nearly zero. Even phones with mild wear can qualify, which is a big win for users with older devices. You can learn more on T-Mobile’s Galaxy S24 promotions page.
AT&T is offering the Google Pixel 9 Pro at no cost when you trade in a recent phone and sign up for a qualifying unlimited plan. What makes this deal stand out is that it extends beyond premium tiers to include more affordable options like Unlimited Starter. Details are listed on AT&T’s deals page.
Even prepaid carriers are joining in. Visible, which operates on Verizon’s network, frequently offers up to $300 off unlocked phones or free devices when you switch.
What Affordable Really Means
Affordable doesn’t always mean free. Taxes on the full retail price are typically due at purchase, and activation or upgrade fees may apply. The key is that your monthly bill credits offset the cost of the phone over time.
If you remain on the required plan through the end of your agreement, the total cost of the phone is covered. If you cancel early or change plans, the credits stop and the remaining balance becomes your responsibility.
These offers are best suited for customers who plan to stick with their carrier for the full term and who already use a qualifying plan.
The Rise of Buy Now Pay Later
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) programs are changing how people buy smartphones. Platforms like Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal Pay Later allow you to split a phone purchase into smaller payments—often interest-free if you pay on time.
BNPL gives you flexibility. You can buy directly from a retailer or manufacturer and pair the device with any plan you want. Combining BNPL financing with a lower-cost prepaid carrier such as Mint Mobile, Boost Infinite, or Cricket can dramatically reduce your overall spending.
For example, financing a $1,099 iPhone over 12 months with a $30 prepaid plan costs around $1,459 for the year—much less than a three-year premium carrier plan.
BNPL does require discipline, since missed payments can lead to fees or interest. Used wisely, it’s an excellent alternative for buyers who want flexibility without long-term contracts. For more information, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s BNPL overview explains how these services work and what to watch for.
Prepaid or Postpaid: Which Makes More Sense
Postpaid carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile tend to offer the most eye-catching deals on high-end phones, but their plans are usually more expensive. In exchange, you get top-tier perks like faster data, generous hotspot access, and international coverage.
Prepaid carriers focus on flexibility and control. There are no credit checks or long-term commitments, and monthly rates are significantly lower. While prepaid plans rarely include free flagship devices, pairing BNPL financing with prepaid service can make the combination just as affordable as any postpaid offer.
If you travel often or rely heavily on your phone for work, postpaid service might be worth the premium. If you prioritize savings and independence, prepaid service is the smarter choice.
Trade-Ins That Stretch Your Savings
Trade-ins are one of the easiest ways to make a new phone more affordable. Carriers often overvalue older devices during promotional periods, especially around new product launches. Trading in an iPhone 13, for instance, could earn up to $830 in bill credits toward a new iPhone 17 Pro with Verizon.
Before sending your old device, back up your data, reset it to factory settings, and confirm that it qualifies for the promotion. The best trade-in values usually appear during major sales events like Black Friday or when new phones hit the market.
Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake customers make is changing plans mid-contract. Downgrading or canceling before your credit term ends voids your discounts and leaves you with the remaining phone balance.
Taxes and activation fees are another surprise for many buyers. Even if the phone is advertised as free or $0 down, sales tax on the full retail price is typically due at checkout.
Before signing up, always read the fine print and ask your carrier for a complete breakdown of costs. A quick review can save you from unpleasant surprises later.
Why Now Is the Time to Upgrade
Carriers are in intense competition for customers. With 5G coverage nearly universal and eSIM technology making it easier to switch providers, they’re offering more generous incentives than ever. Many promotions now include extras like free tablets, smartwatches, or streaming subscriptions alongside phone discounts.
Manufacturers are also getting in on the action. Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program and Samsung’s Upgrade Plan let you trade up every year without paying full price, creating even more ways to stay current without overspending.
With so many overlapping offers, financing options, and trade-in bonuses, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your device affordably.
How to Get the Best Deal
Compare total costs before making your move. Look beyond the upfront price and factor in monthly plan fees, taxes, and the duration of the promotion. Then compare that to buying the phone through BNPL and pairing it with a cheaper plan.
If you plan to stay with your carrier long-term, the installment-credit model will likely save you more overall. But if you prefer flexibility, BNPL financing combined with a prepaid plan could be your best bet.
Timing is everything. Promotions change often, and the biggest trade-in bonuses typically appear right after new product launches. With a little planning, you can score a flagship phone that feels truly affordable.
