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.
If you must buy brand new, wait for these three windows: Black Friday: The best time for unlocked Android devices. cheapest way to buy a phone
Carriers like Verizon or AT&T often offer "free" phones with a trade-in. This is only the "cheapest" way if: The sweet spot for value is a phone
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. If you must buy brand new, wait for
Don't overlook the budget lines. The Google Pixel "A" series and the iPhone SE use the same high-end processors as their expensive siblings but save money on screen tech and materials. You get the speed and camera quality for roughly half the price.