Unlock the Ultimate Smartphone Showdown: iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25: Top Deals Compared
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 Preorder Deals
The highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S25 has finally arrived, and with it comes a plethora of impressive preorder deals. But are they better than the offers on the rival Apple iPhone 16 series? As TechRadar’s deals expert, I’ve rounded up the best discounts on both devices to help you make an informed decision.
A Quick Overview of the Best Deals
Promotions on these devices are similar, with trade-in rebates dominating most retailer offers. Unless you’ve got a device to trade in, you’re unlikely to snag a significant discount. However, there are other sweeteners to consider that might just tip the scales in your favor.
Who Has the Best Carrier Deals?
Both the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 have fantastic carrier deals available right now. For instance, AT&T and Verizon are offering substantial trade-in rebates, along with affordable accessories. The only difference is that Verizon is throwing in a free device with the purchase of a phone, while AT&T’s deals require additional accessory lines.
The iPhone 16, for example, comes with a free Apple Watch SE and iPad 10.2, while the Galaxy S25 is bundled with a free Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Tab S9 FE. These devices are worth over $500 in total, so be sure to factor in the cost of additional accessory lines before claiming these offers.
AT&T’s Edge in Carrier Deals
AT&T’s offers take the lead with an incredible trade-in rebate on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This is the only deal on the market where you can get this device (valued $1,249) for free with an eligible trade-in. You’ll likely need to part with a premium device to hit that maximum rebate, but this is the best deal currently available.
AT&T is also offering an additional $200 off your bills over 36 months if you order online.
A Dark Horse in the Competition: Boost Mobile’s Infinite Access Plan
Remember when I said you generally need to trade in to get a discount on either device? Boost Mobile’s Infinite Access plan is a refreshing exception. They’re offering either the Galaxy S25 Plus or iPhone 16 Pro (both valued $1,000) alongside an unlimited plan for $65/mo. This plan is relatively basic, but it’s a cheap all-in-one option that also qualifies you for a free upgrade every year.
Who Has the Best Unlocked Deals?
The answer is clear when it comes to discounts on unlocked devices: Samsung Galaxy S25 deals offer better value. Apple’s reluctance to offer more than a basic trade-in rebate leaves behind, and Samsung’s maximum rebate of up to $900 is significantly higher. The official Samsung Store is also throwing in up to $300 in additional credit for free storage upgrades and cheap accessories. These are limited-time-only preorder bonuses, but Samsung’s deals tend to be stronger all year round.
If you’re willing to wait, you’ll also find great cell phone deals on unlocked devices at retailers like Amazon and beyond. Samsung devices are heavily stocked and popular during sales events like Black Friday, resulting in record-low prices. For example, the Galaxy S24 Ultra was regularly discounted by $200 to $300 during the second half of the year. Apple, on the other hand, rarely offers upfront discounts unless you opt for a refurbished device, leaving trading in as the only way to get a cheaper unlocked device.
