Best time to upgrade your phone on Black Friday: ultimate guide, deals, and expert advice

Are you thinking about renewing your Android mobileIf you think the best time is to wait for Christmas, you should know that the Black Friday It is the period of the year in which the best discounts for changing your smartphoneWhether you're looking for a high-end model or a good, affordable phone, this guide shows you why this event is the best opportunity to save, how to choose, what to consider, and which phones and brands are best to buy during this key date.

Why is Black Friday the best time to upgrade your phone?

Black Friday, celebrated every year at the end of November, means the biggest wave of tech deals and smartphone discounts throughout the year. It's a tradition imported from the United States, but it's already a benchmark in Spain and throughout Europe for those looking to find real bargains, especially in technology and mobile phones.

During the week (or even weeks) of Black Friday, the main stores, both physical and online (Amazon, MediaMarkt, PcComponentes, El Corte Inglés, AliExpress or the Google Store), launch special discounts on mobile phones of all ranges, accessories and wearables, which can reach up to a 60% In some cases, brands are taking advantage of the opportunity to sell off stock from previous seasons and, increasingly, to launch aggressive promotions on newly introduced models.

Previously, you had to wait for summer or winter sales to find low prices. Today, Black Friday has displaced those seasons, and competition between stores drives down prices even before and after the main holiday.

When do sales start and end? Buying strategies

Although Black Friday has an official day, The offers are brought forward and extended. Large stores and manufacturers start the "Pre-Black Friday" and "Cyber Week" promotions days or even weeks before the appointed Friday, and many extend the best prices until the Cyber Monday (the following Monday) or beyond, until the beginning of December.

This means you can hunt for discounts on phones and accessories not only on Central Friday, but for a much longer period. However, there's an important caveat: The most popular bargains and models can sell out in hours. due to limited stock. Therefore:

AnticipateIf you're sure which phone or range you're looking for, monitor prices days in advance to take advantage of flash sales.
Compare: Use price comparison sites and check each store's terms and conditions (shipping, warranty, and return options).
Act quickly: The best discounts and units usually fly off the day the deals launch.

Plus, stores often reserve their biggest discounts for Black Friday itself. Many retailers offer "flash sales" or "crazy hours" with truly aggressive, fleeting discounts.

Key dates for buying mobile phones: Black Friday and other events

Black Friday is the main time for mobile discounts, but it's not the only one. If for any reason you miss out on a deal or can't find the model you're looking for, there are other times of the year when smartphone prices drop significantly:

Cyber MondayThe Monday after Black Friday. Sites like Amazon and major retailers extend or launch new deals that match or exceed some of the Friday sales.
AliExpress 11.11Chinese Singles' Day, November 11, is the Asian Black Friday. AliExpress and other Chinese platforms offer very aggressive discounts on mobile phones, especially on brands like Xiaomi, realme, and OPPO.
Amazon Prime Day: Usually in July and sometimes in October. Only for Prime subscribers, but with intense discounts on phones of all brands.
days without VAT: One-off events at stores such as MediaMarkt or El Corte Inglés, with discounts equivalent to VAT (21%).
Amazon Spring SaleFrom March to April, a lesser-known but interesting window to find discounts, especially on models launched at the beginning of the year.
Post-Christmas sales and the January rush: It's common to see significant discounts on mid-range and high-end mobile phones after the Christmas campaign.

Each event has its characteristics, but Black Friday has the greatest variety and the biggest discounts..

Which phones are best to buy on Black Friday? Recommended ranges, brands, and models

The key to making the right choice when switching phones on Black Friday is analyzing the market and your real needs. During this period, you'll find discounts on models from all ranges and brands, both on newly released phones and last-year models whose prices may have "hit rock bottom." We've highlighted the most interesting options based on budget and user profile:

High-end mobile phones on sale

Google Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9: Direct offers from the official Google store and platforms like Amazon. They stand out for their "pure Android" experience, excellent camera, and built-in artificial intelligence. They also guarantee 7 years of updates.
Samsung Galaxy S24/S24 UltraSamsung's high-end devices typically receive the biggest discounts of the year on Black Friday. They're highly recommended for their displays, cameras, integration into the Samsung ecosystem, and extended update times.
iPhone 15 and 16 ProAlthough Apple doesn't feature heavily in sales, Black Friday is the time to find rock-bottom prices at partner stores (Amazon, MediaMarkt, Worten), especially on previous-generation models.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 13T: Mobile phones with great value, Leica cameras and very powerful hardware for less than the price of a high-end phone from other brands.
OnePlus 12, 12 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite: Highly discounted and recommended for their fluidity, fast loading, and user experience close to “clean” Android.

Recommended mid-range mobiles

Samsung Galaxy A34, A54, A23 5G, A25 and A35: Famous for their durability, upgrades, and balance between performance and price.
realme 12 Pro and realme 12+ 5G: With a large battery, AMOLED screens and very reliable cameras, they are among the best sellers on offer.
Poco X6 Pro, X5 5G, C65, C75: Xiaomi brands with very reasonable prices for everything they offer, especially on Black Friday.
Oppo Reno 12, Reno 12F and A80 5G: Recommended for their design and optimal Android integration.
Honor Magic6 Lite, Motorola Moto G24 and Moto E14: Great options for mid-range budgets or second devices.

Cheap entry-level phones with a good experience

Redmi Note 11S, Note 12S, Note 13: Very popular thanks to their Great value for the price, long-lasting battery and AMOLED display.
Motorola Moto G23, G24: Perfect for those looking for the essentials without sacrificing a great Android experience.
Cubot A10, Oukitel C53, C51: Affordable alternatives with a large screen, generous battery life, and updated Android.
ATEVENSE 15Mini: For those who need an ultra-compact mobile phone.

Important tip: check that the model you buy has minimum 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage If you want it to last and the manufacturer to offer update support and a warranty in Spain.

What should a good phone have in 2024? Key features to consider

To make sure you choose correctly, review these features:

Camera: Most users are looking for good photo quality. Starting from 50 MP and triple sensor In the mid- and high-end ranges, the results are already surprising. Models like the Pixel 9, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and Samsung S24 Ultra all have top-notch cameras.
Screen: If you can, bet on OLED and high refresh rate (120 Hz)You'll enjoy better color, pure blacks, and greater fluidity.
Battery: Today, a battery of 5000 mAh It's almost standard. If you want maximum battery life, look for models with up to 6000 mAh and fast charging (minimum 33 W and up to 67 W).
System and updates: Samsung, Google, and Apple are leaders in update support. Look for a phone that guarantees at least 3-4 years of security patches and updates.
Memory and storage: Essential 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage so as not to fall short on apps and files.
Design and sizeIf you're looking for compact or small phones, the offering is limited, but there are models like the Pixel 6a, Galaxy S23, or iPhone 15 "mini."

Of course, also consider aspects such as water and dust resistance (IP68), wireless charging, dual SIM, and extras according to your needs.

Is it worth buying refurbished or older generation cars?

Yes, as long as they come from reputable retailers. You can save even more by purchasing refurbished or certified reconditioned models, especially at stores like Amazon, Fnac, PcComponentes, or the Apple Store itself. It's ideal for those looking for a high-end phone at a mid-range price.

Which stores have the best mobile deals on Black Friday?

These are the go-to stores for smartphone discounts:

Amazon: They usually have the biggest discounts and variety. Early access for Prime members and "flash sales."
MediaMarkt: Very strong promotions such as “VAT-free Day” and Black Friday, starting days before.
PcComponents: Technology specialist offering discounts of up to 60% during Black Friday, fast shipping, and customer service in Spain.
AliExpress: Focused on Chinese brand smartphones and deals on 11.11 and Black Friday.
Google Store and Apple Store: Benefits like free shipping and returns, price matching, and official support.
El Corte Inglés, Worten and Fnac: Recommended for their physical presence and the ability to combine online purchasing and in-store pickup.

Each store has its pros and cons. Be sure to check the warranty conditions, shipping, and free returns.

Tips for making the right mobile purchase on Black Friday and avoiding scams

Plan your purchase: define your budget and needs Before you start searching, filter models by camera, battery, size, etc.
Track prices: There are apps and extensions like Keepa, Idealo, or CamelCamelCamel that notify you when the price of the phone you're interested in drops.
Check that your phone is compatible in Spain. (frequency bands, language, Google services if you buy from Chinese stores).
Always buy from trusted stores with verified reviews, secure payment, and Spanish legal guarantee.
Beware of fraudulent websitesBe suspicious if the price is "too good to be true." Check that the website has https, legal information, customer service, and payment methods like PayPal or credit card.
Check out other buyers' opinions and ratings about the model and the store before deciding.
Keep receipts and invoices for any returns or claims.

Especially important: read the fine print regarding returns, delivery times, and exchange policies. During Black Friday, delivery times may be longer due to high sales volume.

Black Friday and other deals on wearables, tablets, and accessories

Black Friday isn't just for mobile phones. smartwatches (like the Zeblaze Blitz 3G, which went from costing over €110 to less than €60), tablets (Chuwi Hi10 Plus, Teclast TBook 16 Pro, Pixel Tablet…) and accessories (Bluetooth headphones, chargers, stands, cases) also reach their annual minimum prices.

It's a great time to refresh your entire tech ecosystem or get ahead on your Christmas gifts.

Frequently asked questions about the best time to upgrade your phone on Black Friday

Should I wait until Black Friday to buy a cell phone? Yes, unless you find a special offer beforehand, Black Friday brings the biggest discounts and variety. Newer and top models usually reach rock-bottom prices only during this event.
Are the best deals only on Friday? No, promotions start earlier and run later, but the main deals are usually posted on Fridays and can sell out within hours.
Should you buy the newest model or a discounted older one? It depends on your budget and needs. Previous-generation models are usually discounted and offer excellent value.
Can phones purchased on Black Friday be returned? Yes, according to Spanish regulations and the policies of many stores, you have the right to a return, although the deadlines may vary.
What do I do if my phone price drops after I buy it? Some stores match prices during the sale period (Google Store, MediaMarkt) or allow cancellation and repurchase; please inquire beforehand in each case.
Do the phones on sale have a warranty? Of course, all new smartphones sold by authorized retailers in Spain come with a minimum three-year warranty.

Listings, resources, and helpful links to help you find the best Black Friday deals

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