Pre-orders for the new iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max started this Saturday. Premium Apple models rarely get discounts and never this early, so we’ll just list their prices here for the sake of comparison with flagship Androids that might lure you away from the siren call of a new iPhone.
So, here are the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. They feature Apple’s first 2nm chip, the A20 Pro, which runs at close to 5GHz (it peaks at 4.93GHz) and posted massive Geekbench scores. Additionally, the new models promise longer battery life, especially the Pro Max. And they have a variable aperture for the main camera, a first for an iPhone, which should improve low-light performance and depth-of-field control.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,099 for the 256GB model, while the Pro Max starts at $1,199 for the same storage. As expected, there are no carrier discounts or trade-in promotions beyond the usual installment plans. If you’re in the market for an iPhone, you’ll pay full price—but that’s the Apple way.
Meanwhile, the Android world is far more generous. The Galaxy S26 series, launched earlier this year, is now seeing its first significant price cuts. The Pixel 11 series, also recent, is following suit. And even the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Samsung’s latest foldable, is getting some attention from retailers. Let’s dive into the best deals of the week.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: Full Price, No Surprises
Apple’s latest flagships are now available for pre-order, with shipping starting next Friday. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max bring a host of upgrades, but as always, don’t expect any discounts. Here’s the full pricing breakdown:
- iPhone 18 Pro: 256GB – $1,099; 512GB – $1,299; 1TB – $1,499
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: 256GB – $1,199; 512GB – $1,399; 1TB – $1,599; 2TB – $1,899
Carriers are offering their usual installment plans, but there are no extra incentives. If you want the latest iPhone, you’ll pay the full price. The only potential savings come from trading in an older device, but even then, the values are modest compared to Android trade-in deals.
Why the iPhone 18 Pro Might Not Be for Everyone
While the A20 Pro chip is a marvel of engineering, the iPhone 18 Pro’s design is largely unchanged from last year. The variable aperture is a nice addition, but it’s not a game-changer for most users. And with Android flagships offering similar or better specs for less, it’s worth considering your options before committing to Apple’s ecosystem.
Galaxy S26 Series: First Price Cuts Arrive
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series launched just a few months ago, but retailers are already slashing prices. The Galaxy S26 and S26+ are seeing discounts of up to $200, while the S26 Ultra is getting up to $150 off. These are unlocked models, so you can use them with any carrier.
Here are the best deals we’ve found:
- Galaxy S26 (128GB): $699 (was $899) at Amazon and Best Buy
- Galaxy S26+ (256GB): $899 (was $1,099) at Samsung.com and Amazon
- Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB): $1,099 (was $1,249) at Best Buy and Samsung.com
These prices are for unlocked devices, and some retailers are throwing in freebies like Galaxy Buds or a wireless charger. If you’re looking for a flagship Android experience with top-tier cameras and a stunning display, the Galaxy S26 series is a solid choice—especially at these prices.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: Still the King of Android?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra remains one of the best Android phones you can buy. It features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 200MP main camera, and a 5,000mAh battery. The S Pen is still included, and the phone supports 45W fast charging. With the price drop, it’s more compelling than ever.
Pixel 11 Series: Google’s Flagships Get Cheaper
Google’s Pixel 11 series, launched in June, is also seeing price reductions. The Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro are now available at discounts of up to $150, while the Pixel 11 Pro XL is getting up to $100 off. These are unlocked models, and some retailers are offering additional trade-in credits.
Check out these deals:
- Pixel 11 (128GB): $599 (was $699) at Google Store and Amazon
- Pixel 11 Pro (128GB): $799 (was $899) at Best Buy and Google Store
- Pixel 11 Pro XL (256GB): $999 (was $1,099) at Amazon and Google Store
The Pixel 11 series is known for its exceptional camera software, clean Android experience, and timely updates. If you value photography and Google’s AI features, these deals are worth considering.
Pixel 11 Pro: A Photographer’s Dream
The Pixel 11 Pro features a 50MP main camera, a 48MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. Google’s computational photography is second to none, and the new Tensor G5 chip enables even faster image processing. At $799, it’s a steal for anyone who prioritizes camera quality.
Galaxy Z Fold 8: Foldable Deals Emerge
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, the latest iteration of its flagship foldable, is also getting some love from retailers. While the discounts aren’t as steep as those on the S26 series, you can still save up to $150 on the Fold 8.
Here’s what we found:
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB): $1,649 (was $1,799) at Samsung.com and Amazon
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 (512GB): $1,799 (was $1,919) at Best Buy
The Z Fold 8 features a 7.6-inch inner display, a 6.2-inch cover screen, and a 50MP main camera. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy, and it supports the S Pen. If you’re in the market for a foldable, this is a good time to buy.
More Deals: Accessories and Older Flagships
Beyond the latest flagships, there are plenty of deals on accessories and older models. Here are some highlights:
- Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: $199 (was $249) at Amazon and Samsung.com
- Pixel Watch 3: $299 (was $349) at Google Store and Best Buy
- iPhone 17 Pro (refurbished): $899 (was $999) at Apple Refurbished Store
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: $899 (was $1,199) at Amazon and Best Buy
These deals offer excellent value, especially if you don’t need the absolute latest hardware. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, for example, is still a powerhouse and now costs significantly less than the S26 Ultra.
Final Thoughts: Which Flagship Should You Buy?
With the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max now available for pre-order, and Android flagships seeing price cuts, it’s a great time to be in the market for a new phone. If you’re loyal to Apple, the iPhone 18 Pro offers the best performance and battery life yet—but you’ll pay a premium. If you’re open to Android, the Galaxy S26 series and Pixel 11 series offer incredible value, especially with these discounts.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. For raw performance and ecosystem integration, the iPhone 18 Pro is hard to beat. For camera quality and AI features, the Pixel 11 Pro is a strong contender. And for a do-it-all flagship with a stylus, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the way to go. Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong with any of these devices—especially at these prices.
