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Best Buy’s 2026 Black Friday in July sale has ended. The U.S. event ran primarily from July 20 through July 26, 2026, although some coverage displayed July 21–26. Its strongest evidence as a Prime Day alternative was not that every price beat Amazon, but that Best Buy offered substantial, straightforward discounts on unlocked premium Android phones without requiring a carrier switch or trade-in.
The standout historical prices were the unlocked Google Pixel 10 Pro 128GB at $699, the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) 512GB at $699.99, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB at $849.99. Treat all three as expired sale prices unless Best Buy shows the same offer again.
What Best Buy’s Black Friday in July sale was
Best Buy’s “Black Friday in July” was a weeklong U.S. promotional event covering phones, tablets, wearables, TVs, laptops, appliances, and accessories. Best Buy’s indexed event information described the 2026 sale as running from Monday, July 20, through Sunday, July 26; some third-party coverage listed July 21–26. The event was over by August 18, 2026. Best Buy’s Black Friday page now points shoppers toward its broader Black Friday messaging, including the November 27, 2026 event, rather than serving as a live archive of July prices.
Calling the event an “anti-Prime Day” is reasonable editorial shorthand. Best Buy’s July sale has historically competed with Amazon’s summer shopping event, while Amazon moved Prime Day to June in 2026 and Best Buy retained its July timing. The Krazy Coupon Lady explains that event history and positioning.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
That label does not prove Best Buy beat Amazon on every product. A genuine head-to-head comparison would require the same phone, storage tier, condition, seller, and offer terms on both retailers. The more defensible conclusion is narrower: Best Buy offered a credible Prime Day alternative, particularly for shoppers seeking unlocked premium Android phones without Prime membership.
The three Android phone deals that made the case
The ranking below favors net price, unlocked status, lack of mandatory trade-in, configuration, product generation, and buyer fit—not just the size of the advertised markdown.
| Phone | Historical July price | Reported regular price | Reported savings | Best for | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 10 Pro, 128GB unlocked | $699 | $999 | $300 | Pixel software and camera-focused buyers | Verify current availability and generation |
| Motorola Razr Ultra (2025), 512GB unlocked | $699.99 | $1,299.99 | $600 | Foldable shoppers wanting maximum storage | Older generation and foldable trade-offs |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, 256GB unlocked | $849.99 | $1,299.99 | $450 | Premium Samsung buyers | Superseded by newer Galaxy hardware |
All prices are historical prices reported during the July 20–26, 2026 sale. They are not live offers.
Best overall: Google Pixel 10 Pro, 128GB unlocked — $699
The Pixel 10 Pro was reported at $699, down from $999—a direct $300 reduction, or approximately 30%. It was the clearest all-round example of Best Buy’s strategy: a premium, unlocked Android phone at a transparent device-only price.
Rank #2
- 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.
The Pixel was more broadly appealing than a discounted specialist device. It suited shoppers who wanted Google’s software experience and ecosystem, while its unlocked status made it easier to compare with Amazon offers and use with a compatible carrier. However, do not treat it as the best Pixel deal of the year without broader historical price tracking, and do not assume the July configuration or color remains available.
Check Best Buy’s Pixel 10 Pro listing only after confirming the current price, storage, condition, and return terms. The July price was reported by Android Central’s sale roundup.
Best deep discount: Motorola Razr Ultra (2025), 512GB unlocked — $699.99
The unlocked 512GB Razr Ultra was reported at $699.99, down from $1,299.99. Its $600 reduction was the largest straight-dollar discount among these highlighted Android phones, and the unusually large storage tier strengthened the value.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →This was the deal for shoppers who specifically wanted a foldable phone: compact when closed, distinctive in design, and equipped with a large amount of storage. It was not automatically the best phone for everyone. The model launched as a 2025 device, so buyers needed to weigh its remaining software support against newer foldables, as well as battery life, camera hardware, hinge durability, repairability, and warranty coverage.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
View the captured Best Buy Razr Ultra listing, but treat the $699.99 figure as historical unless the product page confirms it again.
Best Samsung value: Galaxy S25 Ultra, 256GB unlocked — $849.99
Best Buy’s reported $849.99 price for the unlocked 256GB Galaxy S25 Ultra represented a $450 reduction from $1,299.99, or approximately 35%. It gave Samsung shoppers premium hardware, a large display, flagship cameras, and the S Pen-oriented Galaxy experience for considerably less than the phone’s reported regular price.
The qualification is important: the S25 Ultra was no longer Samsung’s newest flagship when this article was written. Compare its sale price with newer Galaxy models, current Samsung promotions, trade-in values, and the remaining software-support period. Also compare storage tiers directly; a 256GB Galaxy is not an apples-to-apples alternative to a 512GB foldable.
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View the captured Best Buy Galaxy S25 Ultra listing. The historical price was reported by Android Central.
Rank #4
- 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.
Android-adjacent deals worth noting
Google Pixel Watch 4, 45mm LTE — $399.99
The 45mm LTE Pixel Watch 4 was reported at $399.99, down from $499.99. It was a useful secondary deal for Pixel owners and Android users building a Wear OS setup, but it should not be confused with a phone bargain.
LTE models can add activation and recurring cellular-service costs. Check phone compatibility, carrier support, cellular features, health-function availability, and whether you actually need LTE before buying. The coverage also positioned it as a prior-generation model relative to the expected Pixel Watch 5 launch window, so compare newer hardware and support expectations.
Best Buy’s indexed cell-phone and accessory sale page also showed Samsung Galaxy phones, Motorola devices, chargers, wireless accessories, prepaid phones, and service listings. That demonstrates the event’s breadth, but the page’s product mix and crawl timing are not proof that every item was part of the July event or remains at the displayed price.
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Which deal was right for which shopper?
- Choose the Pixel 10 Pro if you want an unlocked premium phone centered on Google’s software ecosystem and prefer a conventional design.
- Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you value Samsung’s display, camera system, S Pen features, and broader Galaxy ecosystem, and the newer generation does not justify its premium.
- Choose the Razr Ultra if the foldable form factor and 512GB storage matter more than having the newest generation or the simplest long-term repair path.
- Choose none of them if you need the newest hardware, the longest possible remaining support period, a conventional phone only, or a current carrier promotion that produces a lower verified total cost.
How to evaluate a Best Buy Android deal
- Start with the actual net price. A direct reduction is easier to value than a future gift card, bill credit, or “up to” discount.
- Confirm the phone is unlocked. Unlocked device-only pricing is the fairest comparison with a Prime Day offer and avoids assuming a carrier switch.
- Read every condition. Trade-in model and condition, new-line activation, financing, membership, and gift-card eligibility can materially change the offer.
- Match the configuration. Check storage, connectivity, RAM, color, and— for watches—LTE versus Wi-Fi.
- Account for age and support. A discounted flagship can be good value, but compare update longevity, battery health, repairability, water resistance, performance, and warranty coverage with newer midrange or flagship alternatives.
- Check carrier compatibility. “Unlocked” does not mean universally compatible. Verify 5G bands, VoLTE, eSIM, carrier certification, Wi-Fi calling, prepaid support, and international roaming with your carrier’s compatibility tool.
- Check delivery, pickup, and returns. Inventory can disappear before a sale ends, and return conditions may differ for activated phones, opened products, or carrier-linked purchases.
The fine print behind big savings claims
“Up to” is not the normal discount
A headline such as “up to $1,200 off” may combine a qualifying trade-in, carrier activation, financing, membership, and other requirements. It is a maximum promotional value, not a guaranteed reduction for every buyer. Keep such offers separate from the three unlocked, direct-price examples above.
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Gift cards are store credit, not cash
A Best Buy gift card can be valuable if you already plan to buy accessories or another device. It is not equivalent to lowering the phone’s purchase price. Check when it is issued, whether it can be used toward the same transaction, whether restrictions apply, and whether you would use the credit.
Financing does not replace the total price
Suggested 24-month payments can make an expensive phone appear inexpensive. Compare the full cash price, interest or promotional-financing terms, taxes, fees, and any required account conditions before deciding.
Older flagships are not automatically better
The S25 Ultra and Razr Ultra were compelling because they brought premium hardware down sharply. But a newer midrange phone may offer a longer support horizon, fresher battery, or simpler repair experience. Compare the features you will actually use rather than choosing based on the largest percentage markdown.
Why the anti-Prime Day claim needs limits
Best Buy did not need to beat Amazon on every product to make the event meaningful. Its advantage for this audience was the combination of unlocked inventory, large direct discounts, store pickup, and a physical retail presence without requiring Amazon Prime.
But there is no evidence here to claim that Best Buy offered the lowest price everywhere or won a complete Prime Day comparison. Amazon prices can vary by seller, storage configuration, membership status, and time of day. The accurate claim is that Best Buy created a credible alternative, with the Pixel 10 Pro, Razr Ultra, and Galaxy S25 Ultra providing the strongest Android evidence.
Because the event ended July 26, 2026, do not present these figures as live deals. Best Buy says prices and offers can change, and its current sales pages may show newer or unrelated listings. Recheck the retailer page before relying on any historical price.
Quick Recap
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.
