Best Phones On Sale Right Now: Awarded Picks Currently Discounted
Smartphones go on and off sale constantly. We track which MKBHD-awarded picks are currently discounted at major retailers and update this list as deals change. Here are the picks worth watching now.
Updated · 5 picks · Rankings reflect MKBHD Smartphone Awards outcomes.
How we picked
Phones with active discounts at Amazon, Best Buy, or carrier websites at time of update. MKBHD Smartphone Awards placement is the editorial anchor.
- #1
Biggest current discount — 2024 Phone of the Year
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung · 2024 · From $1299
Won Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards. With the S25 Ultra now out, the S24 Ultra is permanently $300+ off launch — currently $899–$999 at Samsung.com and Amazon. Same camera and S Pen as the S25 Ultra.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2024 Phone of the Year
- Permanent $300+ discount
- Same camera as S25 Ultra
- #2
Won Best Small Phone at MKBHD's 2024 awards. Now $599–$699 — $100–$200 off launch. Apple Intelligence supported. Best discounted current-gen iPhone.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone
- Now $599–$699
- Apple Intelligence supported
- #3
Won Best Camera at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards. Now $899–$999 — $100–$200 off launch. Same fundamental camera pipeline as iPhone 17 Pro.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2024 Best Camera
- Now $899–$999
- Same camera as iPhone 17 Pro
- #4
Runner-up Best Camera at MKBHD's 2023 awards. Now $500–$700 used or refurbished — exceptional value for a phone that ranks among the best cameras of 2023–2024.
Pros
- Runner-up Best Camera 2023
- Now $500–$700 used
- Magic Editor and Best Take included
- #5
Won Best Small Phone at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. Currently running $100–$200 off launch at Samsung.com — bringing the price to $799–$899.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2025 Best Small Phone
- Currently $100–$200 off
- Most pocketable flagship
Frequently Asked Questions
What phone is on sale right now in 2026?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (MKBHD's 2024 Phone of the Year) is permanently $300+ off launch. iPhone 16 is $100–$200 off. Both are excellent current discounted picks.
Is now a good time to buy a phone?
Yes if you find a 20%+ discount on an awarded phone. If you don't see a current sale you like, the next major discount window is Prime Day (July) or Black Friday (November).
Where do I find the best current phone discounts?
Samsung.com (Galaxy lineup), Apple's certified refurbished store (older iPhones), Amazon (Pixel and OnePlus), and carrier websites for trade-in deals.
About this list
We index every phone that won or placed in MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025) and surface the strongest matches for this category. Award badges link to the full award history. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.