If you're thinking about upgrading your phone before the holidays, you don't need to wait for Black Friday. Shopping a little earlier gives you time to compare current offers and find a phone that fits how you actually use it.
The newest or most expensive smartphone isn't always the best choice. Someone who mainly calls family, checks email and takes the occasional photo has different needs from someone who works from their phone, travels frequently or wants the latest AI and foldable technology. T-Mobile currently has deals across Samsung's Galaxy lineup for each of these types of users.
We'll break down which Samsung phones are worth considering based on the features you need and what to know about the T-Mobile deals.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you just need a reliable phone for everyday tasks
Galaxy A57 5G Phone at T-Mobile
If you mainly use your phone to call and text family, check email, browse the internet and occasionally pull up directions, you probably don't need to pay for Samsung's most advanced features. Instead, focus on the basics: good battery life, an easy-to-read display, enough storage and a camera that can handle everyday photos and video calls.
The Samsung Galaxy A57 5G fits that type of user. Its 6.7-inch display gives you plenty of screen space for reading emails, browsing the web or making video calls, while the 5,000mAh battery is built to comfortably handle everyday use without constantly reaching for a charger. You also get 5G connectivity and a 50MP main camera for everyday photos, without stepping up to the price of Samsung's flagship phones.
At full price, the Galaxy A57 5G costs $599.99, but T-Mobile is currently offering the 256GB model for $0 per month for 36 months with a qualifying promotion. The discount is provided through monthly bill credits, and qualifying service is required. If you cancel wireless service before the phone is paid off, the remaining device balance becomes due.
If advanced cameras, high-end performance and the latest AI features aren't priorities, choosing a solid midrange phone such as the Galaxy A57 could leave you with everything you need without paying for features you won't use.
If your phone needs to keep up with work and travel
For those who need a work and personal device, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ offers a good middle ground. Its 6.7-inch display gives you plenty of room for reading emails, viewing documents or joining video calls, while the 4,900mAh battery is designed to get heavy users through much of the day.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the step-up option for those who want a little more from their phone. It has a larger 6.9-inch display and a 5,000mAh battery, making it better suited to long stretches of work, navigation, streaming and other demanding tasks. Its upgraded camera system and additional premium features may also appeal to frequent travelers or anyone who regularly works from their phone.
New customers can currently get the Galaxy S26+ for $0 with a new line on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan, with no trade-in required. The discount is provided through up to 36 monthly bill credits.
If you want the Galaxy S26 Ultra, T-Mobile is offering up to $1,100 off when you add a new line on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan, also with no trade-in required. The discount is provided through up to 36 monthly bill credits. Both offers require qualifying service and credit. Taxes and a $35 device connection charge may also apply, and you'll need to keep the promotional line active to receive all of the bill credits.
If you tend to keep your devices for several years and expect to take advantage of those extras, paying more for the Ultra could make sense. But if you mainly want a dependable premium phone for work, travel and everyday use, the S26+ will give you most of what you need for less.
If you want the latest phone technology
If you like having the newest technology and want your next phone to feel noticeably different from the one you're replacing, Samsung's latest foldables are worth a look. The Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra and Z Flip8 offer flexible displays, AI capabilities and designs you won't get from a traditional smartphone. The bigger question is how you'll actually use the foldable screen.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra are geared toward people who want their phone to double as a productivity and entertainment device. Open either phone and you have a larger display for running multiple apps, working on documents, editing photos or streaming video. If you travel frequently, that extra screen space could also mean reaching for a tablet or laptop less often.
There are some important differences between the two devices. The Galaxy Z Fold8 has a 7.6-inch inner display and a shorter, wider design, making it the more compact choice.
The Z Fold8 Ultra expands to an 8-inch inner display and has a taller design that's closer to the shape of a traditional smartphone when folded. The Ultra also steps up the camera system, including a 200MP main camera and 50MP ultrawide camera.
If portability matters more, the Galaxy Z Fold8 may give you the foldable experience without going quite as big. If you expect to use the expanded screen frequently for work, entertainment or photography, the Fold8 Ultra may be worth the upgrade.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 takes a different approach. It folds down into a compact device that's easier to slip into a pocket or small bag, while its cover screen lets you check information and use certain features without opening the phone. It's a better fit if you're intrigued by foldable technology and want something portable but don't necessarily need the expansive screen and productivity features of the Fold models.
Before upgrading, consider whether you'll regularly use the foldable display, multitasking and AI features enough to justify spending more than you would on a traditional Galaxy phone.
T-Mobile promotions can bring down that cost, but be sure to compare qualifying plan requirements and bill-credit terms along with the advertised discount.
Before you upgrade, look beyond the phone deal
A big discount can make upgrading tempting, but don't judge a phone deal by the advertised savings alone. Many T-Mobile promotions require a new line or qualifying plan, and discounts are typically spread across monthly bill credits. Before buying, check whether you need a trade-in, which plans qualify and how long you'll need to maintain service to receive the full discount.
It's also worth looking at what you'll pay upfront, including taxes and device connection charges. If you cancel service early, you could also be responsible for the remaining balance on the phone. A $1,000 discount may not save you much if you have to move to a more expensive wireless plan to get it.
Ultimately, the best upgrade isn't necessarily the phone with the biggest discount. Look for a device that has the battery life, display, camera and other features you'll actually use, paired with a wireless plan that fits your budget. In some cases, keeping your current phone and lower-cost plan could still be the better deal.
Related Content
-
It Took This Retired Arkansas COO 25 Years to Reach $1 Million"It is hard to deny yourself and family something you want when the money is there to have it, to convince them that the sacrifice is worth it in the long run."
-
Key Differences in Financial Independence vs RetirementPeople use "financial independence" and "retirement" as if they're the same milestone. But treating them the same is where a lot of financial plans go sideways.
-
The Great Junk Transfer: Why Heirs Want Meaning, Not More StuffLoved ones want your memories, not your attic clutter. A new study reveals why less is officially more when passing down belongings.
-
My First $1 Million: Retired COO, 75, Northwest Arkansas
"It is hard to deny yourself and family something you want when the money is there to have it, to convince them that the sacrifice is worth it in the long run."
-
Where to Put Inherited Money: What to Do After You Receive a Lump SumReceiving an inheritance can change your financial picture overnight. Before you spend or invest it, here's how to decide where the money should go.
-
Your Beneficiaries Might Be Outdated. Here's How to CheckOutdated beneficiary designations can disrupt your estate plan. Learn which accounts to review, when to update beneficiaries and why it matters.
-
Got Your Dream Job Abroad? What to Know About Your Paycheck Before You Make the MoveIf you're going to work for a U.S. company abroad, establish your employment structure and payroll plan before you move to avoid tax and cash-flow headaches.
-
Why the Navy Federal Flagship Premier Visa Signature® Credit Card Might Be Your New Favorite Travel CardIf you're looking for a new travel credit card with a simple rewards structure, Navy Federal's new card could be the right fit. Discover its perks and trade-offs.
-
3 Reasons Kiplinger Readers Voted Schwab the Best Internet BankCharles Schwab has won the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards for internet banks three years in a row. Here's why.
-
How Real Families Are Handling The Great Wealth TransferKiplinger is exploring the Trillion Dollar Talk. Join us to see what we've found and how we can help you.
-
From Spare Change to a Lasting Legacy: Does Your Charitable Giving Need an Overhaul?Creating an intentional charitable giving plan allows you to align your contributions with your core values while making the most of your tax benefits.
