Why You Can Trust CNET
Great Black Friday, Cyber Monday phone deals (pictures)
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, CNET keeps an eye out for some of the best handset deals for the holiday season.
Samsung Galaxy S III (Sprint, AT&T)
Markdowns for the most talked about Android phone of the year, the Samsung Galaxy S III, are happening in several retailers this week. Both RadioShack and Best Buy are offering the Sprint handset for $49.99 and $48, respectively. In addition, the AT&T version is going for $49.99 from Best Buy, $99.99 from RadioShack, and $129 from Walmart.
Editors' note: CNET's listed price for each device may not reflect the lowest available price.
Motorola Droid Razr Maxx (Verizon)
Sure, the Razr Maxx HD is already out, but the original Motorola Droid Razr Maxx is still really good. In addition to its dual-core processor, vivid display, and 4G LTE speeds, it has a 3,300mAh battery that keeps going, and going, and going. Users can get the handset for free from Best Buy after signing a two-year contract with Verizon.
Samsung Galaxy Reverb (Virgin Movile)
Not every deal requires a long-term contract. The prepaid Samsung Galaxy Reverb has an impressive battery life, Android 4.0, and has been on sale since the beginning of this week from Virgin Mobile's website. Its price, which will hold through Cyber Monday, went from $199.99 to $99.
Samsung Galaxy Nexus (Sprint)
Now that this year's Nexus is out from LG, it's no surprise that last year's model, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, is seeing heavy discounts. Sprint is offering the handset for free, after users sign a contract and send in a $50 mail-in rebate online and through its stores through Sunday, November 25.
HTC One X (AT&T)
AT&T's HTC One X earned our Editors' Choice for a reason. Armed with a 4.7-inch screen, Android 4.0 ICS, and a powerful camera, this top-notch phone performs excellently, and will be sold for $49.88 from Walmart or free from RadioShack, along with an AT&T carrier agreement.
ZTE Warp Sequent (Boost Mobile)
On sale at $149.99 from RadioShack, the ZTE Warp Sequent is a Boost device that is the best ZTE handset we've ever seen. Its predecessor, the ZTE Warp, will also be getting the Black Friday treatment at Best Buy, which will sell it for $64.99.
LG Optimus Elite (Virgin Mobile)
Though we reviewed the Sprint version of the Elite, its contract-free, Virgin counterpart will go for $49.99 at Best Buy come the end of this week. For a midrange phone, its 5-megapixel camera and extra software features were impressive.
Kyocera Hydro (Boost Mobile)
Perfect for stormy holiday weather, the Hydro is another contract-free handset from Boost. It's waterproof, runs Android 4.0 ICS, and will go for just $39.80 from Walmart.
Samsung Galaxy S II (Sprint, T-Mobile)
Sure, the GS3 was Samsung's flagship this year, but that doesn't mean its previous Galaxy wasn't great, too. Despite its age, the Galaxy S II still has a dual-core 1.5GHz CPU, NFC capabilities, and a lovely 4.52-inch Super AMOLED Plus display. It will also be heavily marked down: Walmart is selling it for $79.88 with a two-year contract from T-Mobile, and RadioShack is offering it for free with a carrier agreement from Sprint.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?