This week’s tech deals are all about big launches and even bigger savings. Google has officially unveiled its Pixel 11 series, and pre-orders are already open. At the same time, Samsung is shaking things up with significant price cuts on its Galaxy Z8 foldables and the entire Galaxy S26 lineup. Whether you’re after the latest camera tech or a more flexible display, there’s a deal waiting for you. Let’s break down what’s on offer and what you need to know before you hit that buy button.
Google Pixel 11 Series: Pre-order Perks and Pricing
The Pixel 11 family has landed, and it’s a bigger lineup than ever. Google is now offering a vanilla model, two Pro versions (standard and XL), and a new foldable. The headline here is the pre-order phase, which brings with it some attractive incentives. But there’s a twist in the memory department that might affect your choice.
Storage and RAM: The New Reality
If you’ve been following smartphone trends, you know that RAM prices have skyrocketed. This has directly impacted the Pixel 11 series. On the bright side, Google has made 256GB of storage the baseline for all 11-series models. That’s a welcome upgrade from the previous generation’s 128GB starting point. You won’t have to worry about running out of space for photos, videos, and apps right out of the box.
However, the RAM situation is a bit more complicated. The Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL now start with 12GB of RAM. For context, the entire Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL lineup came with 16GB. If you want that extra memory on the new models, you’ll need to step up to the 512GB or 1TB storage tiers. The vanilla Pixel 11 is capped at 12GB, with no option to upgrade. The foldable, on the other hand, always comes with 16GB, but we’ll get to that in a moment.
Which Pixel 11 Should You Pre-order?
For most users, 12GB of RAM is still plenty for daily tasks and even heavy gaming. The real question is whether you plan to keep the phone for several years. If you’re a power user who runs multiple demanding apps simultaneously, the 16GB option might be worth the extra cost. But if you’re upgrading from an older phone, the base models with 256GB storage are a solid value.
Pre-order deals typically include trade-in bonuses, free Pixel Buds, or store credit. Keep an eye on Google’s official store and major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. These offers can stack, so it’s worth comparing before you commit.
Galaxy Z8 Foldables: Big Price Drops
Samsung’s Galaxy Z8 series is now a few months old, and the prices are finally starting to drop. This is great news if you’ve been waiting for a foldable but didn’t want to pay the premium. Both the Galaxy Z8 and Z8 Flip are seeing significant discounts, making them more accessible than ever.
Galaxy Z8: The Book-style Foldable
The Galaxy Z8 is Samsung’s flagship book-style foldable, and it’s a beast. With a large 7.6-inch inner display and a 6.3-inch cover screen, it’s a productivity powerhouse. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset ensures smooth performance, and the camera system is top-notch. This week, you can find the Z8 for up to $300 off at various retailers. That brings the price down to around $1,500, which is a steal for a device this capable.
If you’re trading in an older phone, the discount can be even steeper. Samsung’s own website often offers enhanced trade-in values, sometimes reaching $600 or more for recent flagships. That could bring the effective price below $1,000.
Galaxy Z8 Flip: Compact and Colorful
The Z8 Flip is the clamshell option, and it’s perfect for those who want a compact phone that still folds in half. It features a 3.4-inch cover display that’s actually useful for quick notifications and widgets, plus a 6.7-inch main screen. The price drop here is even more aggressive, with discounts of up to $250. You can often find it for under $900, which is a fantastic deal for a foldable.
Both Z8 models are IP48 water-resistant, which is a rarity in the foldable world. If you’ve been hesitant about durability, these phones have you covered. The price drops make now the perfect time to jump in.
Galaxy S26 Models: Prices Slashed
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is also getting some love this week. The flagship trio—S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra—are all seeing price reductions. This is a bit unusual since these phones are relatively new, but it seems Samsung is clearing inventory ahead of the holiday season.
Galaxy S26 and S26+: Solid All-rounders
The standard Galaxy S26 is a compact flagship with a 6.2-inch display, perfect for one-handed use. It’s powered by the Exynos 2400 (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in some regions) and features a versatile triple camera setup. This week, you can get it for $100 off, bringing the price down to around $700. The S26+ offers a larger 6.7-inch screen and a bigger battery, and it’s seeing a similar discount, landing at about $850.
These are excellent phones for the price, especially if you prefer a more traditional slab design. The cameras are among the best in the business, and the software experience is smooth and reliable.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Ultimate Powerhouse
The S26 Ultra is the cream of the crop, featuring a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 200MP main camera, and the S Pen built-in. It’s a productivity and photography monster. The price drop here is the most substantial, with discounts of up to $200. That puts the Ultra at around $1,100, which is a significant saving.
If you’re a professional photographer or a heavy multitasker, the Ultra is worth every penny. The 5x periscope zoom lens is incredible, and the battery life easily lasts a full day. With this price cut, it’s a no-brainer for anyone in the market for a premium Android phone.
How to Get the Best Deals
Now that you know what’s on sale, here are some tips to maximize your savings.
Check Trade-in Values
Both Google and Samsung offer generous trade-in programs. You can often get hundreds of dollars off your new phone by sending in your old one. Even older devices can fetch a decent amount, so don’t assume your phone is worthless. Check the trade-in value on the manufacturer’s website before you look elsewhere.
Look for Carrier Promotions
Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile often have exclusive deals that can be even better than what you’ll find at retail. Sometimes they offer BOGO (buy one, get one) deals or significant discounts on new lines. If you’re willing to switch carriers or add a line, you could save a bundle.
Consider Refurbished Options
If you’re on a tight budget, consider certified refurbished models. Both Google and Samsung sell refurbished phones directly, and they come with a warranty. These are often indistinguishable from new devices but cost significantly less. Just make sure you buy from a reputable source.
Which Phone Should You Buy?
It all depends on your needs and budget.
For the Camera Enthusiast
The Pixel 11 Pro XL is the clear winner here. Google’s computational photography is unmatched, and the new sensor is a big upgrade. Even the vanilla Pixel 11 takes stunning photos, but the Pro models offer more versatility with the telephoto lens.
For the Productivity Buff
The Galaxy Z8 is your best bet. The large inner display is perfect for multitasking, and the S Pen support (on the Z8 Ultra, if you get that model) is a game-changer. The price drop makes it even more attractive.
For the Value Seeker
The Galaxy S26 is the best value right now. It’s a flagship phone at a mid-range price, especially with the $100 discount. You get a great camera, a beautiful display, and years of software updates.
Final Thoughts
This week is a fantastic time to upgrade your phone. The Pixel 11 series is fresh and exciting, but if you’re willing to go with last year’s (or even this year’s) Samsung models, you can save a lot of money. The Galaxy Z8 foldables are finally at a price point where they make sense for many people, and the S26 lineup is a solid choice for traditionalists.
Remember to compare prices across multiple retailers and take advantage of trade-in offers. With a little bit of research, you can walk away with a top-tier phone without breaking the bank. Happy shopping!
