The 30+ best Labor Day 2024 phone deals

If you're in the market for a new phone, the next few days leading up to Labor Day may be the best time to upgrade. Ahead of Black Friday and the holiday season, Labor Day is one of the few occasions when retailers and carriers will slash prices across their latest handsets. This year's list includes Samsung, Google, and even Apple.

Also: The best Labor Day 2024 deals: Shop Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and more

Below, I've rounded up the very best Labor Day deals that you can already take advantage of, most of which will save you hundreds of dollars on phones ZDNET has tested and recommends.

Our favorite phone deals for Labor Day 2024

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for $1,099 (save $200): The best phone we've tested so far, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the best specs across key categories, including display, performance, battery life, and camera. It also has a built-in S-Pen for precision inputs.Google Pixel 9 Pro for $1,099 (save $200): The latest flagship Pixel features an improved design and a reliable camera system that's backed by consistent software improvements.Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold for $1,799 (save $300): While the new foldable phone from Google hasn't hit the market yet, its latest changes should yield a more promising experience in 2024.Motorola Razr+ 2024 for $899 (save $100): Launched this summer, Motorola's flip phone contender comes with notable refinements to its outer display, camera, and software features.  OnePlus Open for $1,299 (save $400): Arguably the best foldable phone on the market, even after months since launch, the OnePlus Open comes with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and 67W fast charging that bests any Samsung or Google competitor.OnePlus 12 for $649 (save $150): Spec-for-spec, the OnePlus 12 gives you some of the best value of all flagship phones this year, with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and the fastest charging on the market. Motorola Razr 2023 for $399 (save $300): The most affordable foldable phone on the market right now just got cheaper, with the 2023 Motorola Razr hitting an all-time low of $399.

Labor Day Samsung deals

Kerry Wan/ZDNETSamsung Galaxy S24+ for $799 (save $200): The mid-sized Galaxy S24 model gives you similar AI features as the Ultra but for hundreds of dollars less.Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for $1,099 (save $200): The best phone we've tested so far, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the best specs across key categories.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 for $1,099 (save $220): The latest flip phone from Samsung features an improved camera system, a more durable design, and some quirky outer-screen features. Amazon is currently offering a free storage upgrade, plus a $100 gift card.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 for $1,899 (save $420): The company's flagship foldable has a sturdier yet lighter and thinner design, an improved ultra-wide camera, and a host of Galaxy AI features meant to improve your productivity and creativity.

Labor Day iPhone deals

Kerry Wan/ZDNETApple iPhone 15 Pro Max for $200 (save $1,199): The flagship iPhone can be had for as low as $5.56 per month when you trade in an eligible device and join AT&T's Unlimited data plan.Apple iPhone 15 series for $0.01 (save $1,199): Every iPhone 15 model is on sale for one cent when you sign up for a Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan and agree to 36-month financing. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max for $722 (save $197): While it's no longer the newest model, the large-sized iPhone is still a formidable device, with extensive software support and great cameras.Apple iPhone 13 for $370 (save $159): While newer iPhones have all the flashy hardware features, the iPhone 13 is the last remaining model that Apple sells with a SIM card slot. If you frequently travel and occasionally swap SIM cards, this deal on a renewed model has your name on it.

Labor Day Google Pixel deals

Kerry Wan/ZDNETGoogle Pixel 9 Pro for $1,099 (save $200): The latest flagship Pixel features an improved design and a reliable camera system that's backed by consistent software improvements.Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold for $1,799 (save $300): While the new foldable phone from Google hasn't hit the market yet, its latest changes should yield a more promising experience in 2024.Google Pixel 9 for $799 (save $100): Google's vanilla Pixel phone features a similar camera system as its more expensive siblings, with a 6.3-inch display that's comfortable to use.Google Pixel 8 for $549 (save $150): A sleeper pick for best Android phone last year, the Pixel 8 has a fantastic camera system, seven years of OS updates, and the latest Google AI features.Google Pixel 8a for $449 (save $50): One of the best budget phones available, the Pixel 8a flew under many people's radar this year when it was released a week before Google I/O. However, it's a formidable mid-range Android with all the flagship essentials.

Labor Day OnePlus deals

Kerry Wan/ZDNETOnePlus 12R for $499 (save $100): One of the fastest-charging phones on the market is also fairly affordable. The OnePlus 12R with 256GB storage costs even less than usual, at $100 off.OnePlus Open for $1,299 (save $400): Arguably the best foldable phone on the market, even after months since launch, the OnePlus Open comes with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and 67W fast charging that bests any Samsung or Google competitor.OnePlus 12 for $799 (save $100): Spec-for-spec, the OnePlus 12 gives you some of the best value of all flagship phones this year, with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and the fastest charging on the market.OnePlus 10 Pro for $377 (save $172): For a phone that charges faster than anything else in its price range, check out the OnePlus 10 Pro. Thanks to its 65W charging support, the phone can go from 0% to 65% within 20 minutes of charging.OnePlus Nord N30 5G for $229 (save $70): The brand's budget option gives you the essentials, like 50W charging, a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, and 128GB of storage, for an affordable price.

Labor Day Motorola deals

Kerry Wan/ZDNETMotorola Razr+ 2024 for $899 (save $100): Launched just a month ago, Motorola's flip phone contender comes with notable refinements to its outer display, camera, and software features.  Motorola Razr+ 2023 for $599 (save $400): Another foldable phone contender, the higher-end Razr+ model is discounted even more heavily and is arguably a better flip phone than Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip thanks to a more customizable and functional outer screen.Motorola Moto G 5G 2024 for $169 (save $30): Motorola's G 5G line doesn't have the flashiest features, but it has a large battery and efficient processor that makes it a fantastic pick-up for kids, students, elders, or a secondary device.Motorola Moto G Play 2023 for $97 (save $73): Another budget option for less than retail, the Moto G Play has a reliable 5,000mAh battery that, when paired with its efficient processor, can deliver up to three days of endurance

More Labor Day 2024 phone deals

FAQs

When is Labor Day 2024? 

This year, Labor Day will be observed on Monday, September 2.

Are phones really cheaper on Labor Day? 

Yes, phones are often cheaper on Labor Day, matching the level of discount you'd find in a Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal. This is partly because Labor Day happens in September, months after most manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, Google, and Motorola have launched new devices in the first half of the year. With the amount of time that has passed, you'll often see the more recent phones discounted by a good amount at this time.

How did we choose these Labor Day deals?

ZDNET chooses Labor Day deals based on the percentage of discount compared to the original price ($5 off a $20 item is just as good as $250 off a $1,000 item), how significant the discount is compared to pricing history, and whether our experts have tested and recommended the product.

We also look at deals from a wider scope, considering better alternatives, unique use cases, stock, and existing customer reviews on websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit. The best deals will save you a decent amount of money while giving you a truly worthwhile product.