Black Friday2024 is gearing up to be one of the most competitive shopping events yet, as top retailers and carriers go head-to-head with unbeatable phone deals. Whether you're diving into holiday shopping or making up for missing last month's Prime Day, fantastic offers from Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Apple are already hitting the shelves. Also: The best Black Friday deals live nowThe phone deals below will save you a significant amount of money on some of the best handsets we've tested and recommend at ZDNET. For example, carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile are offering "On Us" promotions that can get you the latest iPhone, Samsung, or Google Pixel for free with a qualifying trade-in. You'll also find links to the retailer with the best offer for various phones below, whether that's Best Buy, Amazon, or AT&T. Keep an eye out, as we'll be continuously updating the list with new deals leading up to Black Friday. Shop deals at AmazonOur favorite smartphone deals for Black Friday 2024Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: $1,000 (save $420 at Samsung): Thebest phonewe've tested so far, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the best specs across key categories, including display, performance, battery life, and camera. It also has a built-in S-Pen for precision inputs.Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: $475 (save $175 at Amazon): If you want to buy an unlocked Samsung phone, check out this deal on one of the best mid-rangers we've tested.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: $1,200 (save $700 at Samsung): If you opt for one of the special edition colors (Crafted Black or White), the Korean giant will discount a total of $700 with no trade-in required.iPhone 16 On Us: $25/month (save up to $3,200 at T-Mobile): The uncarrier will sell you four iPhone 16 models for free when you trade in eligible devices, start 4 new lines at $25 per line, and agree to 24 months of bill credits.Apple iPhone 16: $0.00/month (save $830 at Verizon): The carrier will credit you the cost of Apple's base-model iPhone when you open a new line and are under an Unlimited Ultimate plan.Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: $70.55/month (save $1,200 at Boost): Boost Mobile will cover the cost of the latest iPhone 16 model when you sign up for an eligible wireless plan and 36-month financing.Google Pixel 9: $700 (save $100 at Amazon): Possibly the best Android phone for most people in 2024, the comfortably sized, very capable Pixel 9 is selling at close to its all-time low price.Google Pixel Fold: $1,120 (save $680 at Walmart): The brand's firstfoldable phonehas a compact 5.8-inch display on the outside and an expansive 7.6-inch screen on the inside.OnePlus Open: $1,500 (save $200 at Amazon): One of thebest foldable phoneswe've tested is selling at a $200 discount ahead of Black Friday. Motorola Razr+ 2024 Renewed: $675 (save $315 at Amazon): The best flip phone you can buy right now is more than $300 off and comes with 256GB of storage. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024: $250 (save $250 at Motorola): For a budget phone with stylus support, consider Motorola's G Stylus model, which comes with 256GB of storage. Jason Hiner/ZDNET Current price: $1,000Original price: $1,419While the year hasn't ended yet, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains ZDNET's top pick for best phone of 2024. The big selling point with the Ultra model is its maximalist approach to being a smartphone, giving you all the features you could need, including a built-in S Pen stylus, upwards of 1TB of storage, and a quad-camera system. For a limited time, you can pick up the 512GB of storage variant for the same price as the 256GB.Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra View now at Samsung Adam Breeden/ZDNET Current price: $700Original price: $800The Google Pixel 9 is the phone I recommend to most people in 2024. It doesn't have the flashiest features, like a dedicated telephoto lens or LTPO display, but it's a well-rounded package that holds up against phones that cost hundreds of dollars more. With seven years of software support, Google AI features, and a very capable camera system, you've got one of the safest, best-value phones on sale ahead of Black Friday.Review: Google Pixel 9 View now at Best Buy Max Buondonno/ZDNET Current price: $800Original price: $1,100One of the best flip phones on the market, you can buy Samsung's latest foldable for $300off ahead of Black Friday. For the money, you get a compact handset with dual cameras, dual screens, and up to seven years of software features, operating system, and security updates. The new Z Flip 6 model is also Samsung's most durable one yet.Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 View now at Amazon Jason Hiner/ZDNET Current price: $65 a monthOriginal price: $999Carrier deals are almost always too good to be true, but if you meet all the right requirements and are willing to exchange loyalty for a discounted iPhone, 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.Review: Apple iPhone 16 Pro View now at Amazon Kerry Wan/ZDNET Current price: $350Original price: $700The Motorola Razr (2023) is one of the more accessible foldable phones on the market, and this early Black Friday deal makes it even more so. While the outer display is not as large as the flagship flip phones, its inner display is the same size as Razr's more expensive sibling, Razr Plus. Right now, you can buy the Razr at a $350 mark-down.Review: Motorola Razr (2023) View now at Motorola Best Black Friday Samsung phone deals Kerry Wan/ZDNETSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: $1,000 (save $420 at Samsung): Thebest phonewe've tested so far, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the best specs across key categories, including display, performance, battery life, and camera. It also has a built-in S-Pen for precision inputs.Samsung Galaxy S24: $700 (save $100 at Samsung): The base model of the Galaxy S24 series has also been discounted by $100. It's a more compact option if you're not a fan of big phones.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: $1,200 (save $700 at Samsung): If you opt for one of the special edition colors (Crafted Black or White), the Korean giant will discount a total of $700 with no trade-in required.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: $800 (save $300 at Amazon): For a flagship foldable that won't break the bank, consider Samsung's latest Z Flip 6, which is selling for a record-low price, so long as you opt for the green color.Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: $300 (save $100 at Amazon): One of thebest budget phoneson the market, with a 120Hz display and triple camera setup.Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: $475 (save $175 at Amazon): If you want to buy an unlocked Samsung phone, check out this deal on one of the best mid-rangers we've tested.Best Black Friday iPhone deals Kerry Wan/ZDNETApple iPhone 16 Pro Max: $71/month (save $1,200 at Boost): Apple's most competent iPhone model features a 6.9-inch display and the best battery life among the iPhone 16 line.Apple iPhone 16: $0/month (save $830 at Verizon): The carrier will credit you the cost of Apple's base-model iPhone when you open a new line and are under an Unlimited Ultimate plan.Apple iPhone 16 Pro: $65/month (save $1,000 at Boost): Want a Pro iPhone that's actually comfortable to hold and use? Consider the smaller iPhone 16 Pro.Apple iPhone 16 Plus: $65/month (save $930 at Boost): Apple also offers the standard iPhone 16 in a Plus size, with a 6.7-inch display. Apple iPhone 16 On Us: $25/month (save up to $3,200 at T-Mobile): The uncarrier will sell you four iPhone 16 models for free when you trade in eligible devices, start 4 new lines at $25 per line, and agree to 24 months of bill credits.Best Black Friday Motorola phone deals Kerry Wan/ZDNETMotorola Razr+ 2024 Renewed: $675 (save $315 at Amazon): The best flip phone you can buy right now is more than $300 off and comes with 256GB of storage. Motorola Razr+ 2023: $550 (save $450 at Amazon): Anotherfoldable phonecontender, the higher-end Razr+ model is also discounted and is arguably a better flip phone than Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip thanks to a more customizable and functional outer screen.Motorola Razr 2024: $600 (save $100 at Best Buy): It's not as big of a discount, but if you want a Motorola Razr with more future-proofed specs, consider the 2024 model.Motorola Razr 2023: $350 (save $350 at Motorola): The most affordablefoldable phoneon the market right now just got cheaper, with the 2023 Motorola Razr marked even lower at $350.Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024: $250 (save $250 at Motorola): For a budget phone with stylus support, consider Motorola's G Stylus model, which comes with 256GB of storage. Motorola Moto G Power 2024: $200 (save $100 at Best Buy): Motorola's G Power line doesn't have the flashiest features, but its large battery and efficient processor make it a fantastic pick-up for kids, students, elders, or a secondary device.Best Black Friday Google Pixel deals Kerry Wan/ZDNETGoogle Pixel 9: $700 (save $100 at Amazon): Possibly thebest Android phonefor most people in 2024, the comfortably sized, very capable Pixel 9 is selling at close to its all-time low price.Google Pixel Fold: $1,120 (save $680 at Walmart): The brand's firstfoldable phonehas a compact 5.8-inch display on the outside and an expansive 7.6-inch screen on the inside.Google Pixel 9 Pro: $0.00/month (save $999 at T-Mobile): When you trade in an eligible device, are on a Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan, and agree to a 24-month installment plan.Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: $5.55/month (save $1,200 at Verizon): When you trade in an eligible device, are on an eligible Unlimited plan, and agree to a 36-month installment plan.Google Pixel 7a: $330 (save $170 at Amazon): One of thebest budget phoneson the market, with Google AI features and a 90Hz display.Google Pixel 7 Pro: $430 (save $570 at Amazon): The older flagship is still relevant in 2024, with a large display, a reliable camera system, and 256GB of storage.Google Pixel 8: $500 (save $200 at Amazon): Coming with 128GB of storage, the year-old Pixel 8 is still a fantastic mid-range option if you value camera quality above all else.Best Black Friday OnePlus deals Kerry Wan/ZDNETOnePlus Open: $1,500 (save $200 at Amazon): One of the best foldable phones we've tested is selling at a $200 discount for the 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage variant.OnePlus 12R with Nord Buds 3 Pro: $499 (save $80 at OnePlus): A fantastic mid-range phone with fast charging and an ultra-smooth display, the 12R is currently being bundled with a pair of Nord Buds 3 Pro for free.FAQsWhen is Black Friday?Black Friday takes place on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. However, expect retailers to begin early discounts and sales weeks before.When is Cyber Monday?Cyber Monday is happening on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, following Black Friday.Are phone deals really better on Black Friday?Yes, phones, including recent iPhone models, are often cheaper on Black Friday, matching (if not beating) the level of discount you'd find during any other major shopping event. This is partly because Black Friday happens months after most manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, Google, and Apple have launched new devices. With the amount of time that has passed, you'll often see the more recent phones discounted by a good amount at this time. iPhones are cheaper during this time because carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T offer competitive trade-in and sign-on promotions. As long as you read the fine print about the qualifications, most of these deals will cover the retail cost of the new iPhone. You'll just have to agree to a long-term installment plan that ranges between 24 months to 36 months.Which retailer will have the best smartphone deals?While Amazon has traditionally been the most competitive with its Black Friday smartphone deals, other retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have caught up in recent years. In fact, we're seeing top offers available across a variety of stores versus just one, which is a good thing for the retail landscape.That said, I'd highly advise scanning the catalogs of the manufacturers themselves, such as Samsung, Motorola, Google, and Apple. Beyond discounts to the retail cost, manufacturers often bundle free wireless earbuds, chargers, and other accessories with your purchase. Since you're purchasing directly from the manufacturer, you'll also have a direct line with their customer support, should any problems with the product arise.What's the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?While Black Friday's online presence has risen exponentially over the past decade, Cyber Monday was the original "online only" commerce event. Still, you'll find deals in-store and online for both occasions. In some cases, retailers will list new deals during Cyber Monday, especially for products or inventory that didn't sell as much during Black Friday a few days earlier.How did we choose these Black Friday deals?ZDNET chooses Black Friday 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.Where can you shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals?There's no beating in-person shopping that begins on the eve of Black Friday, and retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart have made it a point to reward those who do. However, you can still find similar discounts online -- and with a higher chance of securing a product before it's snatched by someone else.Besides big-box retailers, most carriers and e-commerce brands will also host some form of Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotion; simply visit your preferred destinations and see what's available. It won't hurt to try.What are the best Black Friday 2024 deals?ZDNET's experts have been searching through Black Friday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by category:You can also find the best Black Friday deals by price:And the best Black Friday deals by retailer:Top holiday deals