When exactly does Black Friday take place? Black Friday traditionally falls on the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving, and this year it will occur on November 28. Historically, the day has been synonymous with long lines outside brick-and-mortar stores and a surge of shoppers eager to seize post-Thanksgiving retail bargains. However, over the past decade, there has been a notable transition toward the digital realm. Online retailers now participate just as vigorously, if not more so, offering a wide array of competitive promotions. In parallel, the Monday following Black Friday—known as Cyber Monday—arrives on December 1 and is particularly renowned for deals on electronics and online-exclusive offers. Both shopping events now coexist as part of what many call Cyber Week, creating a continuous period of remarkable savings and overlapping opportunities for consumers to find exceptional bargains across various retail platforms.
Are smartphones genuinely more affordable during Black Friday? Yes, this period stands out as one of the most advantageous times of the year to purchase a new phone. Whether one is in search of the latest iPhone or other flagship models from prominent manufacturers such as Samsung, OnePlus, or Google, the discounts available on Black Friday and Cyber Monday often meet—or even surpass—the best deals offered during any other retail event throughout the year. The timing of these promotions is not coincidental; by late November, several months have usually passed since major phone makers launched their newest devices. As market excitement begins to settle, retailers and carriers reduce prices to sustain consumer interest and clear existing inventory. Consequently, shoppers gain access to substantial markdowns on relatively new smartphones, often accompanied by additional incentives.
In the case of iPhones, the lowered prices can frequently be attributed to the aggressive promotions offered by wireless carriers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. These companies compete intensely through trade-in programs and new-customer sign-up bonuses designed to offset the full retail cost of Apple’s devices. Consumers, however, must pay close attention to the conditions outlined in each promotion. Typically, such offers cover most—if not all—of the upfront price of a new iPhone, provided that buyers consent to a long-term payment installment plan that can extend anywhere from twenty-four to thirty-six months. This structure allows customers to distribute the cost of ownership over an extended period while benefiting from immediate access to the latest technology.
How are these early Black Friday deals selected? ZDNET’s team of analysts approaches the curation process with deliberate precision and objectivity. Their evaluation begins by examining the percentage reduction from the product’s original retail price. For instance, a $5 discount on a $20 item is deemed proportionally equivalent to a $250 markdown on a $1,000 purchase, as both represent an identical level of relative savings. Moreover, the team thoroughly assesses whether each promotion is genuinely significant when compared to historical pricing data, ensuring that highlighted deals reflect true value rather than superficial markdowns. To reinforce credibility, ZDNET also prioritizes items that their experts have personally tested and endorsed based on performance, quality, and overall user experience.
Beyond simple numerical analysis, the selection methodology incorporates a broader contextual review. The editorial team evaluates how each product fits within its category, considering competing alternatives, unique use cases, stock levels, and verified buyer feedback available on trusted platforms such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit communities. This comprehensive approach ensures that every recommended purchase not only provides measurable financial savings but also delivers substantial practical benefit to the consumer. In essence, the goal is not merely to highlight discounted merchandise but to guide readers toward worthwhile, high-quality investments that truly enhance their technology or lifestyle choices during the most anticipated shopping season of the year.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-early-black-friday-verizon-deals-2025-10-deals-for-new-and-existing-users/
