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These are historical Black Friday 2024 offers, not live 2026 deals. The original roundup was updated on November 28, 2024, and its prices, inventory, trade-in values and carrier terms have expired or can no longer be verified. The headline “save up to $1,200” referred to a maximum qualifying trade-in promotion on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6—not an automatic discount for every buyer.
For current shopping, retailer pages now show newer product cycles and regular promotions. Best Buy’s Black Friday hub is a general shopping page, Samsung’s former Black Friday page redirects to its offers hub, and Google Store’s current offers are not Black Friday 2026 deals.
What the original “up to $1,200” claim meant
The maximum advertised saving came from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: an $800 sale reduction plus up to $400 in additional trade-in savings, for a claimed total of up to $1,200. That maximum depended on an eligible device, its storage configuration and condition, and Samsung’s inspection and trade-in terms.
It was not a universal instant discount. Depending on the offer, a saving could be an upfront price reduction, an instant trade-in credit, a later refund or store credit, or carrier bill credits spread across a payment period. Taxes may also be calculated before discounts, and activation, shipping and service charges can remain payable.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Quick comparison: the 11 historical offers
| Phone and retailer | 2024 advertised price | Advertised saving | Offer type | Key condition | Status in 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 at Amazon | $0.01 | Not a standard retail discount | Activation offer | Boost Mobile Unlimited activation required | Expired |
| Galaxy S24 Ultra, 512GB, at Samsung | $949 | $350; up to $800 with trade-in | Price reduction plus trade-in | Samsung trade-in terms applied | Expired; replaced by newer models |
| Pixel 9 at Best Buy | $549 with activation; $649 unlocked | $250 with activation | Activation or unlocked retail offer | Participating-carrier activation for the lower price | Expired; replaced by newer models |
| Galaxy A35 5G at Amazon | $299.99 | $100 | Upfront retail discount | Amazon listing and seller terms applied | Expired; price no longer verifiable |
| Galaxy S24 FE at Samsung | $474 | $175; up to $400 with trade-in | Price reduction plus trade-in | Qualifying Samsung trade-in | Expired; replaced by newer models |
| Galaxy S24 at Samsung | $699 | $100; up to $400 with trade-in | Price reduction plus trade-in | Qualifying Samsung trade-in for the maximum | Expired; replaced by newer models |
| Galaxy S24 Plus at Samsung | $799 | $200 | Upfront retail discount | Configuration and stock affected the listing | Expired; replaced by newer models |
| Galaxy Z Flip 6 at Samsung | $869 | $350; up to $650 with trade-in | Price reduction plus trade-in | Qualifying trade-in for the maximum | Expired; replaced by newer models |
| Galaxy Z Fold 6 at Samsung | $1,099 | $800; up to $1,200 with trade-in | Price reduction plus trade-in | Qualifying trade-in required for the $1,200 maximum | Expired; replaced by newer models |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL at Best Buy | $849 | $250 | Activation offer | Maximum price required AT&T or Verizon activation | Expired; replaced by newer models |
| Moto G Power at Amazon | $199 | $50 | Upfront retail discount | A lower Best Buy activation price was also mentioned | Expired; price no longer verifiable |
Deal-by-deal breakdown
iPhone 16 for $0.01 at Amazon
Status: Expired. This was a Boost Mobile activation promotion, not an unlocked iPhone 16 for one cent. The required Boost Mobile Unlimited plan, activation and any applicable fees were part of the purchase decision. The phone should therefore be compared with the total cost of the required service, not just the device price.
It made sense only for shoppers who already wanted Boost Mobile or had calculated that the service commitment worked for them. It was a poor fit for anyone seeking an unlocked phone, planning to change carriers soon, or traveling internationally and needing broad carrier flexibility.
Galaxy S24 Ultra, 512GB, for $949 at Samsung
Status: Expired; replaced by newer models. The listed price was $350 below the stated retail price, with Samsung advertising total savings of up to $800 when a qualifying trade-in was included. The 512GB configuration matters: storage differences can make two seemingly similar deals incomparable.
This was one of the strongest unlocked-style offers in the roundup for buyers who wanted a premium camera system, display and processor without a carrier activation. The $800 figure still depended on the old phone meeting Samsung’s eligibility and condition requirements.
Pixel 9 for $549 at Best Buy
Status: Expired; replaced by newer models. Best Buy listed the Pixel 9 at $549 with activation and $649 in an unlocked version. The lower price required selecting an eligible carrier and completing activation, so it should not be presented as the normal unlocked price.
Rank #2
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
The unlocked listing was the cleaner choice for shoppers who switch carriers or need an unlocked device. Even then, “unlocked” does not guarantee every carrier feature: confirm bands, eSIM support, VoLTE requirements and carrier certification for the exact model.
Galaxy A35 5G for $299.99 at Amazon
Status: Expired; price no longer verifiable. This was a $100 reduction from the listed $399.99 price. The A35 5G was positioned as a lower-cost Android phone with an AMOLED display, expandable storage and a triple-camera system.
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Galaxy S24 FE for $474 at Samsung
Status: Expired; replaced by newer models. Samsung listed the S24 FE at $474, a stated $175 reduction, with up to $400 in additional trade-in savings. The maximum therefore applied only to a narrow set of eligible trade-ins, not every older or damaged phone.
Galaxy S24 for $699 at Samsung
Status: Expired; replaced by newer models. The S24 was listed at $699, or $100 off, with up to $400 in trade-in savings. It was the compact flagship-style choice in Samsung’s group and offered a simpler purchase than a carrier bill-credit deal when bought through the manufacturer without activation.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Galaxy S24 Plus for $799 at Samsung
Status: Expired; replaced by newer models. Samsung listed the S24 Plus at $799, described as $200 off. The original coverage used the Galaxy S24 Ultra review as supporting context; that review should not be treated as a hands-on evaluation of the Plus model. Buyers should judge the Plus separately for size, battery, cameras and price.
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Galaxy Z Flip 6 for $869 at Samsung
Status: Expired; replaced by newer models. The Flip 6 was listed at $869, down from $1,219, with $350 in savings without a trade-in and up to $650 with one.
This was the more approachable foldable option, but the discount did not remove foldable-specific risks: repairs and screen replacement can be more expensive than on conventional phones. A protective case and a protection plan may materially affect the ownership cost.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 for $1,099 at Samsung
Status: Expired; replaced by newer models. The Fold 6 fell from $1,899 to $1,099, an $800 reduction, while a qualifying trade-in could raise the advertised total saving to $1,200. This was the deal behind the roundup’s headline.
The Fold made sense for buyers who genuinely wanted a phone that opens into a tablet-style screen and accepted higher repair exposure. It was a poor fit for rough-use buyers, children or anyone choosing primarily on lowest long-term ownership cost.
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Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Pixel 9 Pro XL for $849 at Best Buy
Status: Expired; replaced by newer models. Best Buy listed the Pixel 9 Pro XL at $849, down from $1,099. The maximum advertised price required activation on AT&T or Verizon. Google Store and Google Fi alternatives were also mentioned, but their pricing, trade-in terms and incentives were separate offers.
Do not compare the $849 activation price directly with an unlocked price without including the carrier requirement and any financing or credit schedule.
Moto G Power for $199
Status: Expired; price no longer verifiable. Amazon listed the Moto G Power at $199, down from $279. The roundup also mentioned a lower Best Buy price with activation.
This was the straightforward low-cost upgrade in the list. It was appropriate for basic calling, messaging, streaming and backup use, but buyers should not expect flagship-level cameras, processing power or display quality.
Unlocked versus activation pricing
The list contained several different kinds of offers:
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
- Mostly retail-style or unlocked: Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, S24, S24 Plus, S24 FE, Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6; the unlocked Pixel 9 listing; the Galaxy A35 5G at Amazon; and the Amazon Moto G Power listing.
- Carrier or activation dependent: the $0.01 iPhone 16 with Boost Mobile, the $549 Pixel 9 at Best Buy, the $849 Pixel 9 Pro XL with AT&T or Verizon, and Best Buy’s lower Moto G Power activation price.
Even an unlocked phone advertised as compatible with many carriers is not guaranteed to support every network feature. Check the exact SKU’s LTE and 5G bands, eSIM capability, VoLTE requirements, roaming support and carrier certification.
How to calculate the real cost
Before accepting a carrier promotion, write down:
- the required monthly plan and whether it is limited to new lines, switchers or existing customers;
- the device payment and the number of months of promotional credits;
- activation fees, taxes and other service charges;
- whether credits stop if you cancel, switch plans or pay off the device early;
- whether the device remains locked until payments or credits are complete; and
- any upgrade restrictions or requirements to maintain the line.
The dossier does not establish the exact Boost Mobile monthly price or minimum service period for the historical iPhone offer, so a precise two-year total cannot be calculated reliably here. That missing number is precisely why a $0.01 device cannot be compared fairly with an unlocked phone using the device price alone.
How to evaluate a trade-in offer
- Identify the exact old-phone model, storage capacity and region.
- Describe its condition honestly, including screen damage, battery problems, activation locks and missing components.
- Check whether the quoted value is an instant credit, later credit, refund or store credit.
- Photograph the phone and its condition before shipping.
- Back up your data, sign out of accounts, disable device-finding features and erase the phone.
- Confirm the inspection window and what happens if the retailer rejects or downgrades the device.
- Compare the offer with a private sale or another manufacturer’s buyback.
- Do not assume an “up to” amount applies to your device.
Google’s current offer terms, for example, state that trade-in values vary by model, condition, year and configuration and may change after inspection. The same principle applies broadly: the estimate shown at checkout is not always the final credit.
Which historical deal suited each buyer?
- Best overall flagship value: the Galaxy S24 Ultra, if a comparable discount could be verified and the buyer wanted Samsung’s premium hardware.
- Best foldable: the Galaxy Z Fold 6 for someone who valued the large inner display; the Flip 6 was the smaller, less expensive alternative.
- Best compact Android value: the Pixel 9, especially at the unlocked rather than activation-dependent price.
- Best budget Android option: the Galaxy A35 5G.
- Best basic low-cost upgrade: the Moto G Power.
- Best iPhone offer: the iPhone 16 only for a shopper who had already evaluated Boost Mobile’s required plan.
The roundup did not contain a conventional, no-strings-attached premium iPhone discount, so it cannot support a “best premium iPhone deal” recommendation.
What is available to check now?
For 2026 shopping, use current pages rather than the 2024 figures. Apple’s iPhone store now lists the iPhone 17 family, iPhone Air, iPhone 17e and iPhone 16, with carrier credits and trade-in savings. Google Store showed a Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL promotion dated August 12–27, 2026, including eligible trade-in credit and a Pixel Watch 5 incentive. Those are current promotional signals, not Black Friday prices.
For carrier comparisons, review the live catalogs from T-Mobile and Verizon. T-Mobile’s page displayed a switcher offer promising to pay off a phone up to $800, while Verizon’s catalog includes trade-in, unlocked and certified pre-owned pathways. Verify the complete terms for your account, ZIP code, carrier and selected SKU.
Quick Recap
Buying checklist
- Confirm the price, seller, condition and storage capacity on the exact product page.
- Separate unlocked prices from activation prices.
- Separate upfront discounts from trade-in credits and monthly bill credits.
- Calculate service, activation, tax and financing costs.
- Check the cancellation and early-payoff rules.
- Confirm return deadlines and what happens after a rejected trade-in.
- Do not mix new, open-box, refurbished and carrier-locked inventory in one comparison.
- Check software-support expectations for an older model.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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