Should You Pre-Order Your Next Phone? Read This Before You Click Buy
Pre-ordering a new smartphone can help you lock in launch-day delivery and bonus offers, but it doesn't always guarantee the best deal.
If you’re eager to get the newest phone the day it’s released, pre-ordering can help you secure the device before it sells out in stores. Manufacturers, carriers and retailers typically open online pre-orders days or weeks before a phone's official release date, allowing shoppers to reserve a device ahead of launch.
Companies including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Apple, Samsung, Best Buy and Amazon all offer phone pre-orders.
But timing matters. Popular models and configurations can sell out quickly, and some pre-order windows fill within minutes.
How the pre-order process works
When you pre-order a phone, you’ll typically choose the model, storage capacity, color and carrier before the device is officially released. Many companies, including Apple, let shoppers prepare in advance by saving their preferred configuration, payment information and carrier details ahead of the pre-order window. That can make checkout faster once pre-orders officially open.
You’ll also usually have several payment options. You can pay the full cost upfront or finance the purchase through monthly installment payments. Some carriers and retailers may also offer trade-in credits based on the model, age and condition of your current phone.
After placing a pre-order, you may notice an authorization hold on your credit card. This temporary hold confirms that funds are available and may appear as a pending charge on your account for several days. In most cases, your card won’t actually be charged until the phone ships, at which point the authorization hold is replaced by the final purchase charge.
Many pre-order phones ship on launch day, but delivery timelines can vary depending on demand. Customers who order later in the pre-order window may face shipping delays, especially for high-demand models or specific colors and storage options. Some popular devices can remain backordered for weeks after release.
The biggest advantages of pre-ordering
Pre-ordering a phone offers several major advantages:
- Get the phone early: If you place your order as soon as the pre-order window opens, you may receive a high-demand phone on or near launch day, even if the device quickly sells out in stores.
- Take advantage of launch promos: Pre-orders are often tied to limited-time offers, including boosted trade-in values, free storage upgrades, gift cards or monthly bill credits that can increase the overall value of the deal.
- Skip the store crowds: Pre-ordering can save you from waiting in long lines or visiting multiple stores only to discover the phone you want is out of stock.
- Lock in pricing: Pre-ordering secures the phone’s price at the time you place your order, which helps protect you from potential price increases after launch.
The downsides to consider before you pre-order
While there are many perks to a pre-order, it’s important to also consider the downsides:
- No reviews yet: When you pre-order a phone, you’re buying it before full reviews and long-term testing are available. That means you’ll have less information about the device’s real-world performance and potential issues.
- Deals may improve after launch: A pre-order offer might look appealing, but better discounts or promotions could become available after the phone officially launches, especially through carriers and retailers.
- Potential delivery delays: If demand exceeds supply, shipping dates can slip. Some customers may wait weeks or even months for high-demand models or configurations.
- Promo fine print: Pre-order deals often come with conditions that reduce their overall value. For example, trade-in credits may be issued as monthly bill credits over 24 or 36 months, and strict trade-in requirements may apply.
- Cancellation and restocking fees: Canceling a pre-order can become more difficult once the order moves beyond the processing stage. Depending on the retailer or carrier, you could also face restocking fees after the phone ships.
When pre-ordering makes the most sense
Pre-ordering a phone makes the most sense if you want the latest device as soon as it’s released. Pre-orders are especially popular with tech enthusiasts and early adopters, and they can improve your chances of getting a specific model, color or storage configuration that may be difficult to find in stores after launch.
A pre-order can also be worthwhile if you qualify for a strong trade-in offer during the promotional period. Locking in a higher trade-in value may help offset the cost of upgrading to a new device. And if you already plan to stay with your current carrier for the next few years, taking advantage of a pre-order promotion could make financial sense while helping you upgrade right away.
When it’s better to wait
You may want to wait to buy a new phone if you rely on independent reviews and hands-on testing to help you decide which device is right for you. Waiting until after launch gives reviewers time to evaluate real-world performance, battery life and features.
Waiting can also make financial sense. Promotions often improve after launch, especially during major shopping periods like Black Friday, back-to-school season and holiday sales.
And if you’re considering switching carriers, taking time to compare plans and incentives could help you find a better long-term deal. Many carriers offer significant discounts and enhanced trade-in promotions to attract new customers.
Timing may also matter if you’re considering upgrading to the next iPhone. According to reports from MacRumors, Apple could introduce higher-end iPhone 18 Pro models in late 2026, with standard models potentially arriving later.
But if you don’t need the latest processor or premium features, current deals on the iPhone 17 lineup may still offer strong value. Carriers like T-Mobile are already offering aggressive trade-in promotions on select plans that can significantly reduce the cost of upgrading now.
Tips to get the best pre-order deal
Put these tips to use to get the best pre-order deal:
- Set up your account early: Take advantage of any pre- pre-order period to shop for the phone, set up your account, and enter all of your payment information. Saving all these details in your account can help you place your order when the pre-order period opens, increasing the chances that you get your phone early.
- Compare offers: Compare offers on the new phone across carriers, manufacturers and retailers. Pre-order offers vary, and you might find that some offers are significantly better than others.
- Check total cost: Check the total cost of your pre-order, not just the monthly payment. Pay attention to extra fees and verify that you're actually getting a good deal before you place the order.
- Understand trade-in details: Carefully read the trade-in terms and timelines. Most contracts give you a certain number of days to mail back your old phone after receiving your new one. Be sure you can meet the conditions to get the full value for your old phone.
- Watch for catches: Some deals require you to sign up for a higher phone plan, and the plan can drive up your monthly costs. Pay attention to whether you’re receiving bill credits or upfront discounts and how that structure will affect your monthly payments.
- Consider your phone's resale value: If you’re planning to keep your current phone, rather than trade it in, consider its resale value. You may be able to sell the phone and put that money toward the purchase of your new phone.
Is pre-ordering worth it?
Phone pre-orders are great for convenience and early access, but they don't always offer the best value.
Before jumping into a pre-order, take time to compare the total cost and consider whether a pre-order is best for you. A phone is a major purchase and contracts have long-term implications, so don't rush the decision.
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