60 Best Black Friday Phone Deals (2022): Phones, Cases, Tablets, Smartwatches, and More

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for bargain hunters seeking discounts on gadgets. Black Friday is here again, bringing you the chance to click or tap your way to a great deal on some of our favorite phones, tablets, and smartwatches. It can be a slog to sift through the available deals and sort genuine bargains from duds, so we have done the hard work for you.

Updated November 25: We’ve added the MagSafe Duo and Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids. We also updated pricing and availability.

We test products year-round and handpicked these deals. Products that are sold out or no longer discounted as of publishing will be crossed out. We’ll update this guide throughout the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend.

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.


Jump to a Topic: Phones, Tablets, Smartwatches, Accessories


Phone Deals

Check out our Best Cheap Phones and the Best iPhones guides for more recommendations and context.

Google Pixel 6A

Photograph: Google

The Pixel 6A (8/10, WIRED recommends) was already a bargain before Google knocked another $150 off the price. We have seen it dip this low before, but it’s still a great deal. It boasts Google’s Tensor chip and all the software smarts that make the regular Pixel 6 and 6 Pro such smooth operators. The main compromise is the older camera sensors, but you can still snap some stunning shots with this phone. You also miss out on wireless charging, and there’s no charger in the box, but this is a terrific phone for the money. 

The Pixel 7 Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of our top picks and has everything you want in a smartphone. There is an enormous AMOLED screen with a high refresh rate, Google’s new Tensor G2 chip powering on-device smarts like audio message transcriptions, and a superb camera system that can do it all. The 7 Pro also boasts solid battery life, wireless charging, and Face Unlock. 

You can enjoy almost everything that makes the 7 Pro so compelling in a smaller package with the regular Pixel 7 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). The screen and battery are smaller, and you miss out on the very latest camera improvements (mainly the telephoto lens for zooming in), though most folks won’t notice the difference, as it still snaps great pics. We thought it was very competitive at the full asking price, so it’s an absolute steal with this discount.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4

Photograph: Samsung

Samsung’s fourth-gen folding phones still have a futuristic feel you won’t find elsewhere, but the technology is more refined now, and these models are far more durable than their predecessors. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) opens to feel like a small tablet and is packed with software trickery to make the most of the extra screen real estate. Even with the discount, this is a pricey phone, but it will turn heads. You can potentially bag an even better deal if you have a phone to trade in. 

Much more pocket-friendly than the Fold4, the Flip4 has a snazzy style all its own. Unfolded, it feels like a regular smartphone, but folded in half it slips easily into pockets and bags. It has plenty of processing power and a bright, sharp screen. Samsung has also made its folding portfolio more durable with this latest generation. 

First among flagships, the Samsung Galaxy S22 range (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is superb. The S22 Plus is the middle option that may prove just right. It has a vibrant 6.6-inch screen in a classy design, strong speakers, and a versatile camera system. It’s also blazingly fast and has enough stamina to get you through the busiest days.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Photograph: Samsung

This is our favorite high-end Android phone. It’s a productivity powerhouse that takes the place of the old Note series, and it comes with Samsung’s S Pen stylus. It’s as fast as phones get, with a gorgeous display and a long-lasting battery that charges up fast. This phone also has one of the most versatile camera systems currently available.

We like the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (8/10, WIRED recommends) because it offers a lovely, big OLED screen with a high refresh rate, decent camera, dependable battery life, solid performance, and extras—like 5G support and NFC for contactless payments—that don’t always make it into budget phones. The camera isn’t especially good, and there’s no wireless charging or even a charging brick in the box. While this is a tempting discount, it has been going for around this price for a while now.  

Arriving when it did, just before the S22 range, we always thought the S21 FE (7/10, WIRED Recommends) was not worth paying full price for. This is the first time we’ve seen it drop this low, and it’s still a smooth smartphone with a 120 Hz AMOLED display, a triple-lens camera, and plenty of battery life.

OnePlus 10 Pro

Photograph: OnePlus

This year’s flagship phone from the self-proclaimed “flagship killer” was the OnePlus 10 Pro (7/10, WIRED Recommends). It’s an accomplished smartphone that excels at the basics with a big, bright screen; solid battery life; fast-charging capability; and the highly customizable OxygenOS on top of Android 12. The cameras fall short of our favorites, and there’s no speedy millimeter-wave 5G service, but this is a good alternative if you aren’t going for a Google or Samsung.

You will find this phone as the pick for “best under $200” in our Best Cheap Phones guide, after it was swiftly discounted from the $300 MSRP, so this deal isn’t as good as it first appears. But the Moto G Stylus (6/10, WIRED Review) is one the cheapest phones with such a big screen, and it boasts decent battery life and a wee stylus for doodling. It does not have 5G, NFC, or a particularly good camera, but you have to make sacrifices at this price point. 

Apple iPhone 13

Photograph: Apple

Discounts from Apple are rare, but the company is offering $50 Apple gift cards with certain purchases for this year’s Black Friday weekend. We don’t recommend the iPhone 12, but the iPhone SE (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the most powerful small phones around and as cheap as iPhones get. And the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini (8/10, WIRED Recommends) may be last year’s models, but they are still solid smartphones.

The small but mighty Asus Zenfone 9 (7/10, WIRED Review) boasts great battery life and a silky smooth 120-Hz AMOLED screen. It also boasts loud stereo speakers and even has a headphone jack. There’s no Verizon support or wireless charging, but this is our favorite small Android phone right now.


Jump to a Topic: Phones, Tablets, Smartwatches, Accessories


Tablet Deals

You can find more options in our guides to the Best Tablets, Best iPads, and Best Amazon Fire Tablets.

Apple iPad 10.2

Photograph: Apple

We think this is the best tablet for most people right now. The Apple iPad (2021) (8/10, WIRED Recommends) runs smoothly, has a lovely 10.2-inch True Tone display, and even sports a headphone jack. The front-facing camera has been upgraded to a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor, which makes for far better video calls and selfies. If 64 GB isn’t enough storage (and it probably isn’t) go for the 256 GB model for $420 (also $60 off).

If portability is important to you, then Apple’s smallest slate is calling your name. The Apple iPad Mini (2021) (8/10, WIRED Recommends) proves powerful things can come in small packages. The 8.3-inch display is easy to manage one-handed, and Apple has integrated Touch ID into the side button. You also get the powerful A15 processor and support for the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, and this iPad has a USB-C port for charging.

The fifth generation iPad Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) boasts a fantastic Mini LED display and plenty of power for most folks. Unless you really need the M2 chip and Apple Pencil hover feature in the sixth-generation iPad Pro, we recommend saving your money and opting for this model. It also has a camera that follows your face for better video calls, and offers 5G and Thunderbolt support.

Amazon Fire HD 10

Photograph: Amazon

Our pick for the best tablet under $200, the Fire HD 10 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is also our favorite Amazon slate. Don’t expect fireworks, but if you want to kick back and watch a movie or browse the web on something bigger than your phone, this tablet delivers. 

If you want everything the regular Fire HD 10 has with wireless charging support and an extra 1 GB of RAM, look at the Fire HD 10 Plus. It’s relatively thin and light, boasts up to 12 hours of battery life, and works well for movies and online shopping.

Already a great value at its regular price, the Fire HD 8 is well worth snapping up when discounted. This year’s version (2022) got a processor upgrade but is otherwise very similar to the previous model. If you don’t care about speed, the Fire HD 8 (2020) is on sale at $45 ($45 off). And if you prefer something more powerful, you might also consider the Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) for $65 ($55 off).

Galaxy Tab S7 FE

Photograph: Samsung

We like this large-screen Android tablet. The FE stands for Fan Edition, and it boasts a spacious 12.4-inch LCD screen with great speakers, which makes it a good pick for watching movies. Samsung has also included its S Pen stylus, and this tablet supports DeX mode, which is a desktop-style experience for when you’re feeling productive. We recommend opting for the 128-GB model, which also bumps the RAM up to 6 GB but costs $420 ($180 off).

You may be wondering what sets the Kids version (for children aged three to seven years) apart from the regular HD 8, and the answer is that they’re the same device. The difference is that this one comes with a grippy, durable case and a two-year worry-free damage plan, because as you’ve long suspected, kids are tough on everything. It also includes a free year of Amazon’s Kids+ service, which provides access to kid-friendly books, movies, games, and apps, all with parental controls. It’s $3 per month after the first year.


Jump to a Topic: Phones, Tablets, Smartwatches, Accessories


Smartwatch Deals

Check out our  Best Smartwatches and Best Fitness Trackers guides for more options.

Apple Watch Series 8

Photograph: Apple

The obvious smartwatch pick for iPhone owners is the excellent Apple Watch Series 8 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). With Apple’s distinctive rectangular face, slick app support, and reliable fitness and sleep tracking, this is a smartwatch that’s very easy to get along with. The new temperature sensor beefs up its credentials as a health tracker, and battery life is better than in last year’s models.

The chunky, tough Apple Watch Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is for outdoors-types and rugged adventurers. It’s bigger than the regular Apple Watch, which means longer battery life, and it packs features like dual-band precision GPS tracking alongside everything that makes the Series 8 so compelling.

Apple Watch Series 7

Photograph: Apple

Because the Series 8 was a relatively minor upgrade, you can enjoy close to the same experience and save a bit of cash by opting for the Series 7 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It features a large always-on display and reliable health, fitness, and sleep tracking. The only features you miss out on with the Series 7 compared to the Series 8 are the crash detection and skin temperature sensor.

As Apple’s most affordable smartwatch, the second-generation Apple Watch SE is only getting a minor discount. It’s a tad less durable than the Series 8, and doesn’t have blood oxygen monitoring, the ECG app, or the new skin temperature capabilities, but it is still a very good smartwatch. Be careful not to buy the first-generation Apple Watch SE, which is being offered at steeper discounts.

Samsung Galaxy Watch5

Photograph: Samsung

As our current favorite smartwatch for Android phone owners, the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is an elegant, comfortable, and durable timepiece that offers accurate sleep and fitness tracking. The cheapest model has a 40-mm case; if you want the 44-mm case it will cost you an extra $30. And if you want LTE connectivity, that’s another $30. The Galaxy Watch5 Pro for $400 ($50 off) has slightly better battery life, is a little tougher, and boasts GPX support for sharing GPS data.

Last year’s Samsung Galaxy Watch4 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is also discounted for Black Friday, and it’s still worthy of a place on your wrist. There’s a bright, round OLED screen, smooth performance, and accurate fitness tracking. It’s also a very comfortable smartwatch, with plenty of app support, but battery life is a weakness, especially with the smaller cases.

The Classic version of the Galaxy Watch4 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) has the same bright OLED display, fitness tracking features, and zippy performance, but it adds a classy stainless steel case, giving it a more traditional look and feel. 

Google Pixel Watch

Photograph: Google

The long-awaited Google Pixel Watch (6/10, WIRED Review) is good-looking, comfortable to wear, and benefits from Fitbit fitness tracking. Naturally, there is tight integration with Google apps, but the screen is a bit small, the battery life is limited, and it lacks a few features we see on competing watches.


Jump to a Topic: Phones, Tablets, Smartwatches, Accessories


Accessory Deals

Find more recommendations in our guides to the Best Wireless Chargers, Best Portable Chargers, and Best MagSafe Accessories.

Part of Anker’s excellent MagGo range, this compact cylinder-shaped charger has a phone platform that flips up, allowing you to snap your phone in place. There’s room to charge your AirPods too. In the box, you’ll also get a cable and adapter. It has dipped to this price before, but we still think this is a good deal.

Anker 633 MagGo

Photograph: Anker

If you want a portable charger capable of conquering your iPhone battery anxiety, look no further. The Anker MagGo range wins best MagSafe portable charger. This battery packs 10,000 mAh of juice, sticks to the back of your iPhone, and even sports a fold-out leg to double up as a stand.

If you need a charging adapter for your iPhone 14, we recommend the Nano Pro from Anker. It is tiny and can charge at up to 20 watts, which is enough for your iPhone.

Our favorite car phone mount is comfortable to use one-handed and keeps your phone safely cradled and easy to glance at when you hit the road. It sticks securely to the dash and is fully adjustable. The CD-slot and vent models are also reduced for Black Friday.

Photograph: iOttie

Anyone with a MagSafe iPhone (the iPhone 12 and later) will like this minimal mount. It sticks securely into your air vent, holds your iPhone in place magnetically, and wirelessly charges it via the included car charger. 

The MagSafe Duo is a great choice if you have two devices you’d like to charge at once, such as an iPhone and an Apple Watch. It folds in half, which makes traveling with it easy. While it’s expensive at full price, this deal makes it worth buying.

Nimble Apollo

Photograph: Nimble

This is our favorite eco-friendly wireless charger. It’s a simple charging pad made from recycled silicone and can charge phones at up to 15 watts (it can charge AirPods, too). Nimble is also throwing in a 20-watt Wally wall charger.

It’s a shame that the 3-in-1 stand isn’t on sale, as that’s our favorite 3-in-1 charging station for Apple fans. Still, this 2-in-1 stand is good if you only have an iPhone and AirPods to charge. It looks stylish, holds your MagSafe iPhone securely in portrait or landscape orientation, and charges at up to 15 watts.

If you don’t have USB ports in your car, then this dual charger from Belkin will come in very handy. It slots into your car socket and provides one USB-C port that supports PPS PD for fast-charging Samsung phones at up to 25 watts. There’s also a USB-A port that goes up to 12 watts for a second device.

This is our favorite 3-in-1 charging stand for older iPhones that don’t have MagSafe. The upright magnetic puck for the Apple Watch means your watch can take advantage of Nightstand mode (basically, a digital clock), and the center stand lets you place your iPhone vertically or horizontally. There is also an indented spot for AirPods cases, so they won’t slide off easily. 

Nimble Champ

Photograph: Nimble

Compact, but packing 10,000 mAh of power and capable of fast charging, this is our favorite portable charger. It supports Power Delivery and Quick Charge 4, has one USB-C and one USB-A port, and is relatively quick to recharge.

As the eco-friendly option in our best USB-C cables, this handy cable is made from certified recycled plastic and aluminum. It also has a cool knitted fabric design and can deliver up to 60 watts.

The official MagSafe charger from Apple snaps onto your iPhone 12 or later magnetically and charges it at 15 watts. It comes with an integrated USB-C cable, which is sadly only 1 meter long (3.3 feet). You will need to provide your own 20-watt wall charger.

Sonix MagSafe Case

Photograph: Sonix

Most iPhone cases are dull, but not the Sonix range. With a choice of wonderfully colorful designs, these are not a case of style over substance. They protect your iPhone while leaving ports well exposed, the buttons are satisfying to press, and they offer good screen protection with raised edges.

We like OtterBox cases, and the Symmetry range is a little slimmer than the Defender series, but it doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of protection. There are raised edges, buttons feel satisfying to push, and you can access all your iPhone’s features.

With some of the toughest and most reliable phone cases around, the OtterBox brand is one of our favorites. You can score a 25 percent discount on everything for Black Friday, from cases to screens protectors to wireless chargers. But, because the standard prices on OtterBox gear tend to be high, we recommend cross-checking on Amazon and elsewhere before you buy.

Case-Mate Blox

Photograph: Case-Mate

You will stand out from the crowd with one of these brightly colored, rectangular cases for your iPhone. The buttons are great, the cutouts are all accurate, and there’s MagSafe support. 

While Apple’s official cases do a fine job of protecting your iPhone, they are expensive. If you’ve been eyeing one, now’s the time to snag a discount. You can also bag the leather case for $45 ($15 off), and you’ll find similar discounts on Apple cases for other models. 

These iPhone cases from Totallee don’t offer the most protection, but they’re some of the thinnest out there. So, while it won’t protect your phone from damage if you drop it, it’ll at least keep your phone safe from everyday scuffs. And it won’t add much bulk to your phone either. It’s available for a variety of iPhone models.

Logitech Combo Touch

Photograph: Logitech

Our pick for the best iPad keyboard case is the Combo Touch from Logitech features a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand. It’s finished in a lovely fabric, it’s detachable via Apple’s Smart Connector, and it is slim.

Just slap these keyboard covers on and you’re good to go. There’s no pairing or charging needed because they use Apple’s Smart Connector. They’re some of the slimmest keyboard covers you’ll find, and virtually silent, but you might miss the springy feedback you get from better keyboards.

This handy Bluetooth tracker is ideal for slipping on a key ring or a bag to ensure you don’t lose it. You can check the location in the app, it’s water resistant, and it has a 250-foot range.

You can track bags, TV remotes, or keys using your iPhone or iPad and one of Apple’s AirTags. Although easy to pair and use, AirTags are on the pricey side, even with the discount. 

Proatl Jelly Band

Photograph: Amazon

One of our favorite Apple Watch accessories, this band completely changes the look of your Apple Watch, comes in a wide choice of colors, and is very comfortable to wear. It’s even cheaper than usual, and there are discounts on different colors and sizes.

This travel adapter is the first thing I pack when traveling, and it appears in our best travel adapters guide. It enables you to plug into a wall outlet in more than 200 countries and sports four USB-C ports alongside a single USB-A port to help you to fast charge all your gadgets at once.

One of our favorite mobile controllers for Android gamers, this GameSir slots into the USB-C port on your phone and stretches to hold it snugly.  With a Nintendo Switch aesthetic and button layout, it is tailor-made for twin-stick shooters, and there’s also a D-pad and shoulder triggers.

Backbone One

Photograph: Backbone

If you spend a lot of time playing mobile games on your iPhone, the Backbone One (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is an excellent accessory. Simply plug the Lightning connector into the phone, stretch the controller over it, and you’re all set. It also comes with support for Xbox Remote Play, Steam Link, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PS Remote Play, Google Stadia, and GeForce Now.

This cable tops our best USB-C cables because it can do everything. It is an Intel-certified Thunderbolt 4 cable that charges at up to 100 watts, can transfer data at up to 40 Gbps, and serve video to an 8K display (or two 4K displays). It’s the only USB-C cable you’ll ever need.

Here’s another USB-C cable we recommend. Anker’s cable can carry 100 watts, meaning it can be used to power the beefiest MacBook Pro, and it can transmit data at up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). It’s also USB-IF certified.

Syncwire Clear Cable Clips

Photograph: Syncwire

These stick-on cord holders are ideal for organizing your charging cables and they ensure that the end of the cable is always within reach. 

Whether you want extra storage space for your photos, music, or games, this speedy MicroSD card from Samsung delivers. We’ve seen it this low before, but this is still a good price for a high-capacity card. 


Jump to a Topic: Phones, Tablets, Smartwatches, Accessories


Black Friday Retailer Sales

Want to browse the sales yourself? Here are a few top retailers participating in Black Friday deals.

Source

Author: showrunner