If you’re in the market for a new phone, the next few days leading up to Labor Day may be the best time to upgrade. Before Black Friday and the holiday season, Labor Day is one of the few times retailers and carriers slash prices on their latest handsets. This year’s list includes Samsung, Google, and even Apple.
Also: Best Labor Day 2024 deals: Shop at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and more
Below, I’ve rounded up the best Labor Day deals you can take advantage of right now, most of which will save you hundreds of dollars on phones that ZDNET tests and recommends.
Our most popular phone deals for Labor Day 2024
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for $1,099 (Save $200): The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best phone we’ve tested so far, offering the best specs in all major categories including display, performance, battery life, and camera. It also has a built-in S Pen for precise inputs.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro for $1,099 (Save $200): The latest Pixel flagship features an improved design and a reliable camera system supported by continuous software improvements.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold for $1,799 (Save $300): Although Google’s new foldable phone isn’t out yet, its latest changes should make for a more promising experience in 2024.
- Motorola Razr+ 2024 for $899 (Save $100): Motorola’s clamshell phone, launched this summer, features notable improvements in display, camera and software features.
- OnePlus Open for $1,299 (Save $400): The OnePlus Open is arguably the best foldable phone on the market, even months after launch, with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and 67W fast charging that beats any rival from Samsung or Google.
- OnePlus 12 for $649 (Save $150): The OnePlus 12 gives you the best value for money of any flagship phone this year, with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and the fastest charging on the market.
- Motorola Razr 2023 for $399 (Save $300): The cheapest foldable phone on the market just got cheaper: The Motorola Razr 2023 has hit an all-time low of $399.
Samsung Labor Day Deals
Labor Day iPhone deals
Google Pixel Labor Day Deals
OnePlus Labor Day deals
- OnePlus 12R for $499 (Save $100): One of the fastest-charging phones on the market is also pretty affordable. The OnePlus 12R with 256GB storage costs even less than usual with $100 off.
- OnePlus Open for $1,299 (Save $400): The OnePlus Open is arguably the best foldable phone on the market, even months after launch, with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and 67W fast charging that beats any rival from Samsung or Google.
- OnePlus 12 for $799 (Save $100): The OnePlus 12 gives you the best value for money of any flagship phone this year, with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and the fastest charging on the market.
- OnePlus 10 Pro for $377 (save $172): If you want a phone that charges faster than any other in its price range, check out the OnePlus 10 Pro. Thanks to its 65W charging support, the phone can charge from 0% to 65% within 20 minutes of charging.
- OnePlus Nord N30 5G for $229 (Save $70): The brand’s budget option gives you the essentials, like 50W charging, a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, and 128GB storage, at an affordable price.
Motorola Labor Day Deals
- Motorola Razr+ 2024 for $899 (Save $100): Motorola’s clamshell phone, launched just a month ago, features notable improvements in display, camera and software features.
- Motorola Razr+ 2023 for $599 (Save $400): Another competitor among foldable phones, the higher-end Razr+ is even more stripped down and is arguably a better folding phone than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip thanks to a more customizable and functional outer screen.
- Motorola Moto G 5G 2024 for $169 (Save $30): Motorola’s G 5G range doesn’t have the flashiest features, but it does have a large battery and an efficient processor, making it a fantastic choice for kids, students, seniors, or as a secondary device.
- Motorola Moto G Play 2023 for $97 (Save $73): Another budget option for less than retail price, the Moto G Play features a reliable 5,000mAh battery that, coupled with its efficient processor, offers up to three days of battery life
More phone offers for Labor Day 2024
- Current price: $1,099
- Original price: $1,299
Although the Galaxy S24 Ultra launched back in January, Samsung packed so many features and flagship specs into the device that it remains relevant season after season. In fact, it still ranks as the best phone we’ve tested so far this year, beating the latest phones from Google, OnePlus and Motorola. This deal is for the 256GB model with a 200MP main camera and built-in S Pen.
- Current price: $449
- Original price: $549
It is easy to forget the Motorola Edge 2024 when it So many phones on the market this year, but it’s one of the more affordable handsets you can buy. For the discounted price of $449, you get 256GB of storage (double what you get on some expensive phones), a 6.6-inch 144Hz AMOLED display, a dual-camera system, and more.
- Current price: $1,299
- Original price: $1,699
The OnePlus Open is one of the best foldable phones we’ve tested, offering a dual-screen experience that’s satisfyingly lightweight and easy to handle. The aspect ratio makes the transition from phone to tablet seamless, and OnePlus’ 67W fast-charging technology can charge the phone much faster than rival handsets.
- Current price: $499
- Original price: $599
The OnePlus 12R is one of ZDNET’s surprise picks for the best budget phone of the year. It’s reasonably priced and offers a flagship processor, a 120Hz display, and fast charging that gives you enough power for a whole day in minutes. It’s currently 20% off, making it even more affordable.
- Current price: $369
- Original price: $528
If you’re looking for an iPhone that still supports a physical SIM card, whether for travel or easier contact transfer, consider the older iPhone 13 model. It still supports 3-4 years of software updates, and the software experience is largely the same as newer iPhones.
FAQ
When is Labor Day 2024?
This year, Labor Day is celebrated on Monday, September 2nd.
Are phones really cheaper on Labor Day?
Yes, phones are often cheaper on Labor Day, matching the discount you’d get on a Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal. This is partly because Labor Day occurs in September, months after most manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, Google, and Motorola released new devices in the first half of the year. Given the time that has passed since then, you’ll often see the newer phones significantly cheaper at this time.
How did we choose these Labor Day deals?
ZDNET selects Labor Day deals based on the percentage discount compared to the original price ($5 off a $20 item is just as good as $250 off a $1,000 item), how much the discount compares to price history, and whether our experts have tested and recommended the product.
We also look at deals from a broader perspective, taking into account better alternatives, unique use cases, inventory levels, and existing customer reviews on sites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit. The best deals will save you a ton of money while getting a truly worthwhile product.
