Why buying your new phone before Black Friday beats waiting for disappointing sales

As November rolls around, it's time for tech shoppers to brace themselves for Black Friday. In the United States, this shopping extravaganza takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving, which this year falls on November 27. However, retailers typically begin slashing prices weeks before the big day. It's already clear that mobile phones, in particular, aren't worth the wait when it comes to discounts.

The savings offered are usually disappointing and not worth the wait. Black Friday deals for phones are rarely worth it, but there's still a way to take advantage of these promotions.

A friend who works in fundraising for a charity shared a piece of wisdom that I've kept in mind: a discount of under 20% will rarely convince someone to buy a product. Many people need a significant discount, around 50%, to be tempted. This rule seems to apply even more strongly to tech buyers. Even if a product is technically discounted, it may not be cheap enough to justify the purchase.

When it comes to cell phones and Black Friday, the answer is usually no. The discounts offered are rarely as good as those for other gadgets like TVs, audio devices, or home tech. For instance, last year, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Apple iPhone 12 saw discounts of $125 and $150, respectively. While this may seem like a good saving, when you consider that the phones still cost $675 and $750, the discount doesn't seem as appealing. Ultimately, a 15% savings won't convince me to buy a phone.

Despite these limitations, there are still some deals worth paying attention to on Black Friday. Carriers often run discounts that seem amazing, but they usually require you to sign up for a contract, which can cost you more in the long run. It's essential to be cautious about signing up with a carrier you're not entirely sold on, even with the discounts.

Additionally, previous-generation mobile phones often see substantial price cuts, especially on flagship and folding devices. If you don't mind having a slightly older model, these are always worth considering. If you've already spotted a mobile on offer and are tempted to make a purchase, my official recommendation is: do it. Or at least, don't let the prospect of Black Friday deter you from buying.

Although I've advised ignoring Black Friday for buying a new phone, that doesn't mean you should ignore the sales season entirely. Accessory deals can be quite generous during this time. I'm referring to extras like cases, stands, holders, cardholders, wired and wireless chargers, location tags, and even styluses. Headphones and earbuds often see better discounts during Black Friday as well.

If you've been wanting to buy a pair for your new mobile, I recommend creating a wishlist now so you know what to look for when the sales begin. While cellular devices may not frequently be subject to remarkable discounts, accessories often are. I've discovered that headphones and earbuds tend to have better deals during Black Friday.

If you've been considering buying a new gadget, my advice is to make a wish list now so you'll know what to look for when the sales kick off.