The sweet spot for value is a phone that is exactly two generations old. For example, when the iPhone 16 drops, the iPhone 14 hits its peak price-to-performance ratio. You still get modern software support and great cameras without the "new release" tax.
You already plan on staying with that carrier for 36 months. You are on an unlimited plan anyway.
Great for student discounts and gift card bundles. cheapest way to buy a phone
Buying a new phone doesn't have to mean dropping $1,000 upfront. If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest path to an upgrade, here is the hierarchy of savings:
The single biggest savings come from the secondhand market. Instead of risky private sellers, use reputable sites like Back Market , Swappa , or Amazon Renewed . You can often find last year’s flagship for 40-50% off retail, usually with a 1-year warranty included. The sweet spot for value is a phone
Carriers like Verizon or AT&T often offer "free" phones with a trade-in. This is only the "cheapest" way if:
Always check the trade-in value of your current phone on third-party sites before handing it to a carrier. Sometimes a direct sale on Swappa gives you more cash than a carrier credit. You already plan on staying with that carrier for 36 months
If you must buy brand new, wait for these three windows: Black Friday: The best time for unlocked Android devices.