The iPhone 18 Pro series is now officially on sale in the UK, marking Apple’s latest flagship launch. However, the new models come with a higher price tag than last year’s iPhone 17 Pro lineup, which could make the older generation an attractive alternative for budget-conscious buyers. Meanwhile, Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z8 foldables and Galaxy S26 series are also available with discounts, alongside a couple of Xiaomi flagships that have seen price cuts. Here’s a roundup of the best deals currently on the market.
iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max: What’s New and Where to Buy
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have officially launched in the UK, bringing several notable upgrades over their predecessors. The new phones are available in fresh color options, including a striking deep purple and a subtle titanium gray. One of the most significant improvements is the upgraded main rear camera, which now features a variable aperture. This allows for better control over depth of field and improved low-light performance, a feature that photographers will appreciate.
Under the hood, the iPhone 18 Pro series is powered by the new 2nm A20 chipset, which promises faster performance and better energy efficiency. The display remains a highlight, with ProMotion technology and always-on capabilities. However, all these enhancements come at a cost: the iPhone 18 Pro starts at £1,099, while the Pro Max begins at £1,199. That’s a £100 increase compared to the launch prices of the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.
Where to Find the Best iPhone 18 Pro Deals
Major UK carriers and retailers are offering various incentives to sweeten the deal. For example, EE is providing a free pair of AirPods Pro with any iPhone 18 Pro purchase on a qualifying plan. Vodafone is offering double data on select tariffs, while O2 is giving new customers a £100 gift card. If you’re looking to buy outright, Amazon UK and John Lewis have the phones in stock, though discounts are unlikely this early. It’s worth checking for trade-in offers, as Apple and third-party services like MusicMagpie are offering competitive rates for older devices.
iPhone 17 Pro: A Smarter Buy?
With the iPhone 18 Pro series commanding a premium, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max have become even more appealing. Retailers are clearing inventory, and discounts are starting to appear. For instance, Currys is selling the iPhone 17 Pro 128GB for £899, down from its original £999. The 17 Pro Max is available for £999, a £100 saving. These phones still offer excellent performance with the A19 chipset, a superb camera system, and long battery life. Unless you absolutely need the variable aperture camera or the slightly faster A20 chip, the iPhone 17 Pro represents better value for money.
Key Differences Between iPhone 17 Pro and 18 Pro
- Chipset: A19 (3nm) vs A20 (2nm) – the latter is more efficient but real-world differences are minimal.
- Camera: The 18 Pro adds a variable aperture main sensor, but the 17 Pro’s fixed aperture still performs well.
- Design: New color options and slightly lighter titanium frame on the 18 Pro.
- Price: The 17 Pro is now £200 cheaper at launch than the 18 Pro.
If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 14 or older, either model will feel like a significant leap. But if you want the best bang for your buck, the iPhone 17 Pro is hard to beat right now.
Samsung Galaxy Z8 Foldables and Galaxy S26 Discounts
Samsung’s latest foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8, have only been on the market for a few months, but early discounts are already appearing. The Galaxy Z Fold8, with its improved hinge and larger cover display, is now £100 off at Samsung’s official store, bringing the price down to £1,599. The Galaxy Z Flip8, a more compact and stylish option, is available for £949, a £50 reduction. These deals are likely part of Samsung’s effort to boost sales ahead of the holiday season.
In addition to the foldables, the Galaxy S26 series is also seeing price cuts. The Galaxy S26 and S26+ are both £150 off at various retailers, including Argos and Amazon. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, which features a built-in S Pen and a 200MP camera, is discounted by £200, now starting at £1,049. These are some of the best prices we’ve seen for Samsung’s 2025 flagships.
Why Consider the Galaxy Z8 Foldables?
Samsung’s Z8 foldables represent the company’s most refined foldable designs yet. The Z Fold8 opens up to a 7.6-inch tablet-like display, perfect for multitasking, while the Z Flip8 offers a nostalgic flip-phone experience with a modern twist. Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy, ensuring top-tier performance. The discounts make them more accessible, especially for those who have been waiting for a price drop.
Xiaomi Flagship Deals: Xiaomi 15 Ultra and 15 Pro
Xiaomi’s flagship phones are also getting in on the action. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, known for its Leica-branded quad-camera setup and stunning 6.73-inch AMOLED display, is now available for £1,099, down from £1,299. That’s a £200 saving. The Xiaomi 15 Pro, which offers similar performance but with a slightly smaller battery, is discounted to £849 from £999. These phones are excellent alternatives for those who want premium features without the Apple or Samsung price tag.
Retailers like Xiaomi’s official UK store and Amazon are offering these deals. Additionally, some carriers are throwing in freebies like the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro or a wireless charging pad. If you’re in the market for a camera-centric smartphone, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a strong contender, especially at this reduced price.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Which Deal Is Better?
Both phones offer top-of-the-line specs, but they cater to different audiences. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has the advantage of Samsung’s ecosystem, including DeX support and the S Pen. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, on the other hand, boasts a superior camera system with a 1-inch main sensor and a 5x periscope telephoto lens. If photography is your priority, the Xiaomi is the better choice, especially with the £200 discount. If you prefer a more polished software experience and stylus support, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth the extra cost.
Other Notable Deals This Week
Beyond the major flagships, there are several other deals worth mentioning. The Google Pixel 9 Pro is now £150 off at Currys, bringing it to £849. The OnePlus 13 is available for £729, a £70 reduction. And if you’re looking for a budget option, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is down to £299, a solid price for a mid-ranger with a great display and long battery life.
Accessories are also on sale. The AirPods Pro 2 are £20 off at Amazon, and the Galaxy Watch7 is £50 off at Samsung. These deals are likely to expire soon, so it’s worth acting quickly if you’re interested.
How to Choose the Right Deal for You
With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which phone to buy. Here are a few tips:
- Consider your budget: If you want the latest and greatest, the iPhone 18 Pro or Galaxy Z Fold8 are excellent choices. But if you want value, the iPhone 17 Pro or Xiaomi 15 Pro offer fantastic performance for less.
- Think about ecosystem: If you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, sticking with an iPhone makes sense. Similarly, Samsung users will benefit from the Galaxy S26 or Z8 series.
- Check trade-in values: Many retailers offer enhanced trade-in credits, which can significantly reduce the upfront cost.
- Look for bundles: Free accessories or gift cards can add extra value to a purchase.
Ultimately, the best deal depends on your needs. The iPhone 18 Pro series is a solid upgrade, but the discounts on the iPhone 17 Pro, Galaxy Z8, Galaxy S26, and Xiaomi flagships make them compelling alternatives. Keep an eye on these offers, as they may not last long.
Final Thoughts
The UK smartphone market is buzzing with activity this week. Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro launch has set the stage, but the real savings are found in the discounts on previous-generation iPhones, Samsung’s foldables and S26 series, and Xiaomi’s flagship phones. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a multitasker, or just looking for a reliable daily driver, there’s a deal for you. Be sure to compare prices across retailers and consider trade-in options to maximize your savings. Happy shopping!
