Let’s face it. Not many people, if any, are going to be considering gifting a flagship smartphone to someone else. It just seems too unrealistic these days. After all, smartphones have now become so expensive they are more often referred to as an investment than a purchase. Smartphone case makers in particular often use this type of language when marketing a new case for any of the latest flagship smartphones – protect your investment with xxxx case. So while it is not only understandable that many are unlikely to be considering buying a new high-end smartphone for someone else, it is also logical. Even more so when taking into consideration there are plenty of solid budget phones now available which would make an excellent gift for someone else.
That does not mean, however, that you can’t buy a new flagship smartphone for yourself. In fact, for those thinking of upgrading now really might be the best time to do so. Thanks to the number of Holiday season deals that are now ongoing, there are some mega deals to be had on some of the best in class smartphones. Not to mention, with the rise of budget phones, the competition for prices at the high-end level right now is being further driven down. So while you could wait until 2018 rolls around before considering whether or not to buy a newer model (basically waiting to see if the current models drop any further when the new ones arrive) – why bother? With the deals now live, the savings are already here to be had. Buying now and taking advantage of the current savings means you are upgrading while these models are still the current models.
So, what should you upgrade to? Well, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus immediately spring to mind. While these have technically been superseded by the Galaxy Note 8, that is a different line. The twin Galaxy S8 phones are still the current Galaxy S models and right now can be picked up along with some great savings compared to the price they first became available for. If however, you do have your heart set on the newer and dual rear camera-touting Galaxy Note 8 then there are options to maximize savings now as well. For example, why not consider picking up the international model. While the Galaxy Note 8 retails now for over $900, you can currently save $100 by opting for the international model which will work just fine in the US. Alternatively, you can save even more right now by buying a certified refurbished US version of the Galaxy Note 8. Not only is this the same US version sold at the full price but the refurbished model does come with a minimum 90-day warranty and is expected to look and work like new. With a significant discount available this is a great way to own a very new and premium phone without paying the full and premium cost – although these are more limited in quantity so taking advantage of this particular price drop will be a matter of first-come, first-served.
Not a Samsung fan? Not a problem. Verizon is running a pretty good deal at the moment on the latest Google smartphones, the Google Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL. Both of which can be purchased with $300 off. Adding to that, the same promotion can also be combined with a Google Home at 50-percent off. So that is a Pixel 2 or a Pixel 2 XL for $300 less and with 50% off a Google Home – which coincidentally makes an ideal gift. So here you could not only net yourself a reduced cost Pixel 2 or 2 XL but also bag a stocking filler for someone. Alternatively, if you prefer the look of LG’s latest phones, then there are deals on offer here too. The LG G6 which is the phone small enough to be used with one hand yet boasting a bezel-less display has seen a recent price drop of $150. This is already an affordable flagship smartphone so while $150 off the price might not sound like much for a high priced item, it does bring the final cost down to almost half of what you would pay for the likes of the Galaxy Note 8. For a 2017 major LG flagship smartphone, this is a great price. Want the even newer and more premium LG G6+? This one is seeing a price drop too but only of $50. But here is the kicker, if you don’t mind a version which Amazon sells with lockscreen offers and ads, then you can really save big. As Amazon is currently selling the LG G6+ with lockscreen offers and ads for only $499. That is almost half the cost of the non-ad version also sold by Amazon. Same seller, same product, just much cheaper for allowing offers and ads to be displayed on the lockscreen – not a bad deal.
There are of course other options like the OnePlus 5T and the Razor Phone which are worth considering. After all, these are flagship smartphones and while comparable to the rest of the pack are priced to be more affordable in general. Which is why you probably don’t need to consider them right now as they are not the subject of any notable discounts during the Holiday season. So while these are great options to consider buying, if you are looking to upgrade in the immediate future and also maximize the savings, then the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S8, the Note 8, the two Pixel 2 phones, and the latest from LG, are likely to be the best options to go for. Whether you are looking to take advantage of the new edge-to-edge screens (which offer a maximized viewing experience without adding size to the phone overall), looking for a more powerful smartphone (to better handle more intense gaming / multi-tasking), or just looking to generally upgrade your smartphone game – there are some seriously good deals to be had in the run-up to the Holidays. So while you are out there last-minute shipping for gifts for everyone else, take a moment to consider getting a new smartphone for yourself and make it a Happy Holidays for everyone – including you.