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ARTICLE ADReviewing smartphones for a living might not sound as charming as being an astronaut or Michelin star chef, but doing so gives me one unexpectedly useful advantage: finding phone deals that are actually worth it. Whether a trade-in promotion from a carrier or a discount on an unlocked phone, I've seen the best and worst during each major commerce event.
Also: The best Amazon Spring Sale phone deals
If you're eyeing a new phone right now, Amazon's Big Spring Sale event is worth checking out. Over the past few days, I've seen hundreds of offers on Apple, Samsung, Motorola, Google, and other handsets, and I can count on my fingers how many of them are actually a good deal. I've highlighted them below and will continue to do so throughout the event, so stay tuned for updates.
Also: The best Amazon Spring Sale deals live now
My favorite Amazon Spring Sale phone deals
I tested all three Galaxy S25 models earlier this year, but the one in my pocket right now isn't the flagship Ultra. That's because, for $300 less, the S25 Plus gives you 80% of the Ultra experience, from the large AMOLED screen to the Galaxy AI features to the OneUI 7 software. It also receives up to seven years of software and security updates, keeping the Samsung phone relevant for the long term.
Also: I've tested every Samsung Galaxy S25 model - and my favorite isn't the Ultra
Right now, Amazon has discounted the Plus model by $130, making it a fantastic option for folks who want a flagship experience without paying a flagship price. You'll also get 256GB of internal storage (double that of most phones) and several color options to choose from.
Last year's Motorola Razr Plus was one of the best flip phones you could buy. It helped that the model undercut its closest competitor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, by $100. But the two reasons I prefer it over Samsung are the more capable external display, which lets you open virtually any app and service on the 4-inch screen, and the textured back cover, which provides some much-needed grip.
Also: I tested Motorola's latest Razr Plus and it made the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip feel outdated
With this Amazon Spring Sale deal, you'll get an extra $300 off the Razr Plus, making the foldable much more accessible. Considering that's the same discount that was offered during Black Friday, this is a deal that's worth considering.
The Google Pixel 9 is the phone I recommend to most people, whether you're an Android enthusiast or an iPhone user looking to venture out. It's not the flashiest handset from Google, but the combination of a sizeable display (6.3 inches), a dual camera setup that crops in just enough for distant photos, and a reliable software experience make it a great-value device at its discounted price.
Also: Target is selling the Google Pixel 9 at $250 off right now - and I've yet to find a better deal
You may notice that this deal is by Target and not Amazon. That's because Target is offering a more competitive discount on the Pixel 9 -- $250 off compared to Amazon's $170 off -- though it only applies to the Obsidian and Porcelain finishes. If you're going to slap a case on the phone anyway, then saving the extra $80 is a no-brainer.
If you're looking for a phone that's more manageable in size, consider the Galaxy S25, which features a compact 6.2-inch AMOLED display that gets plenty bright. Of all the phones I tested this past year, the smaller Galaxy model has always been at the top when it comes to comfortability and ergonomics, even after putting a case on it.
This Amazon discount knocks $100 off the Samsung phone, bringing it down to $699. For the money, you're getting 128GB of storage, enough RAM to power through most tasks (including the AI features), and more.
For a more affordable option that's just as versatile, the Moto G Stylus 5G is the way to go. At less than $300, it comes with a large 6.7-inch display, 30W wired charging, a built-in stylus, and more. My favorite feature of the phone is its textured backing, which gives you much more grip than the standard glass layering.
When is Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025?
The e-commerce giant's latest sales event will run from Tuesday, March 25, to Monday, March 31. However, several deals will go live before and after that time frame.
Are deals really better during Amazon sales?
While there are no guarantees that the prices you see are the lowest ever, Amazon -- and the various retailers and sellers it works with -- tends to keep promotions as competitive as possible. That's why you can expect discounts that match all-time-lows -- or at least somewhere near them.
How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?
While it's always helpful when products are discounted significantly (we usually cover ones that are at least 20% off), ZDNET experts also prioritize promotions on products we've personally tested and can vouch for. Since the products you purchase are considerable investments, we ensure that our recommendations are grounded by thorough research, testing, and value.
We also source reviews from actual customers, whether through Best Buy and Amazon testimonials (with hands-on images) or online forums like Reddit.
What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?
ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:
Best Spring Sale dealsBest laptop dealsBest TV dealsBest phone dealsBest Apple dealsBest robot vacuum dealsBest gaming, PC, and Nintendo dealsBest smartwatch and fitness wearable dealsBest headphone dealsYou can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:
Best deals under $25Best deals under $50And the best deals from other retailers this week:
Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.