By Molly McLaughlin on November 20, 2012 in
Black Friday isn't a bad day to buy a smartphone whether you're in the middle of a contract or looking to go month-to-month. While discounts aren't jaw-dropping, there are some savings to be had, plus Walmart is giving out lots of gift cards. Of course, just because something's on sale doesn't mean you should buy it. Here are the highlights from the leaked Black Friday circulars.
From Best Buy starting at midnight on Friday (aka Thursday night)
Motorola Droid Razr Maxx (Verizon Wireless): free with contract
Current price: One cent and up at Amazon; $149.99 at Best Buy
Reviews say: It's a good smartphone overall, and its battery life can't be beat. Read the ConsumerSearch review of the Droid Razr Maxx.
Buy it or sleep in? See how much it will cost you on Amazon first (depending on your contract) before you hit the store on Thanksgiving night (assuming you can spare a penny.)
Samsung Galaxy S III (Sprint): $48 with contract
Current price: $99.99 and up online; $199.99 at Best Buy
Reviews say: Our review isn't up yet, but here's the headline: "With the latest tech and a gorgeous display, the GS3 climbs to the top of the Android heap." Our social media editor Jillian is also a fan.
Buy it or sleep in? Go for it.
Samsung Galaxy SII (Boost Mobile): $299.99, no contract.
Current price: $369.99 online and at Best Buy
Reviews say: It's one of Boost Mobile's best smartphones.
Buy it or sleep in? $70 savings and no contract? Do it.
From Target starting at 9 pm Thanksgiving night
Apple iPhone 4 (8 GB)/4S (16 GB) (Virgin Mobile): $499.99 plus $100 gift card, no contract
Current price: The iPhone 4 is currently $549.99 and the iPhone 4S is currently $649.99 at Virgin Mobile
Reviews say: Both iPhones are very well received. Read our reviews of the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S.
Buy it or sleep in? Pick up the iPhone 4S for a savings of $150 - and no contract to worry about.
Kyocera Rise (Virgin Mobile) $29.99, no contract
Current price: $79.99 via Virgin Mobile
Reviews say: It's a good bang for your buck (at $79.99).
Buy it or sleep in? At $29.99, it's a steal!
From Walmart starting at 10 pm on Thanksgiving evening
Kyocera Hydro (Boost Mobile): $39.88, no contract
Current price: $79.99 from Boost Mobile
Reviews say: The Kyocera Hydro is a fine prepaid phone that can survive a dunk in the water (mostly) - just keep it away from the beach and the hot tub.
Buy it or sleep in? Do it!
From Walmart starting at 5 am on Black Friday (gift card offer ends 12/1)
Samsung Galaxy SIII (AT&T): $129 with contract, plus $100 Walmart gift card
Current price: Amazon Wireless: from $99.99; $199.99 at ATT
Reviews say: It's a speedy smartphone with excellent call quality and long battery life.
Buy it or sleep in? Get up early and grab that gift card - if you can't use it the same day, consider giving it as a gift.
Droid Razr M (Verizon) - No price listed, plus $100 Walmart gift card
Current price: $99.99 at Verizon; $79.99 at Amazon Wireless
Reviews say: A good Android smartphone with a so-so camera.
Buy it or sleep in? Could be worth the $100 gift card - just be warned that the camera isn't so great. Be sure to check the final version of the flyer carefully
HTC One X (AT&T): $49.88 with contract, plus $100 Walmart gift card
Current price: One cent and up at Amazon Wireless; $99.99 from AT&T
Reviews say: From our yet-to-be published review - "'One' of the most powerful Android smartphones. Its high-resolution screen, high-end camera, and blazing fast processor give it the advantage over its competition, though its large size could be a bit too much for some."
Buy it or sleep in? Check Amazon first - the price you pay depends on your contract. $50 is still a good price, and the gift card is a bonus.
Samsung Galaxy S II (T-Mobile): $79.88 with contract, plus $100 Walmart gift card
Current price: from $149.99 at T-Mobile.
Reviews say: One of the best Android smartphones (just behind the Galaxy SIII).
Buy it or sleep in? You'll save at least $70, plus the gift card. Why not?
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