The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max officially went on sale this week in Germany and 64 other countries during the first wave of availability. If you had your heart set on the iPhone 18 Duo, you’ll need to wait over a month more before you can get your hands on one. As for the new Pro models, here’s a quick reminder of their pricing: the smaller iPhone 18 Pro starts at €1,450, while the larger iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at €1,600. As is tradition, Apple stopped selling the old Pros when the new ones were unveiled—only non-Pro models last more than a year on Apple.com. But that doesn’t stop third-party retailers from selling older Pros, and that’s where things get interesting for bargain hunters.
iPhone 18 Pro Arrives, But Older Flagships Get Cheaper
With the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max now available, the spotlight is firmly on Apple’s latest premium handsets. However, for many buyers, the real value lies in the previous generation. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are still excellent devices, and with the arrival of the new models, their prices have started to drop across various retailers. Similarly, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series, which launched earlier this year, is seeing aggressive discounts as competition heats up. This week’s deals roundup focuses on these cheaper alternatives that offer near-flagship experiences without the flagship price tag.
Why the iPhone 17 Pro Still Makes Sense
The iPhone 17 Pro was a significant upgrade when it launched, featuring a refined design, improved cameras, and the powerful A17 Pro chip. While the iPhone 18 Pro brings incremental improvements, the 17 Pro remains a top-tier smartphone. Retailers are now offering the iPhone 17 Pro at prices that are hundreds of euros below the new model. For instance, you can find the 128GB version for around €1,050, which is a €400 saving compared to the iPhone 18 Pro’s starting price. The 17 Pro Max is similarly discounted, with some deals bringing it under €1,200. These are unlocked, brand-new units from reputable sellers, not refurbished ones.
If you’re coming from an older iPhone, such as the iPhone 14 or 15, the 17 Pro will feel like a massive leap forward. The 120Hz ProMotion display, always-on technology, and the versatile triple-camera system are all still impressive. Plus, you’ll get years of software updates. The only real downside is that you won’t have the absolute latest chip or the minor camera tweaks of the 18 Pro. But for most people, that difference is negligible, especially when you consider the savings.
Galaxy S26 Deals: Samsung’s Flagship at a Discount
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series, which includes the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, has been on the market for several months now. As is typical with Android flagships, prices have been falling steadily. This week, we’ve spotted some particularly compelling offers. The Galaxy S26 with 256GB of storage can be had for as low as €750, down from its launch price of €900. The S26+ is available for around €950, while the S26 Ultra, with its built-in S Pen and 200MP camera, is now going for €1,150—a full €200 off its original price.
These discounts make the Galaxy S26 series a fantastic alternative to the iPhone 18 Pro, especially for those who prefer Android. The S26 Ultra, in particular, offers a larger display, more RAM, and a more versatile camera system than the iPhone 18 Pro Max, all while costing less. If you’re not tied to Apple’s ecosystem, the S26 Ultra is arguably the better value proposition right now.
Where to Find the Best Deals
Finding the best deals requires a bit of legwork, but we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Major retailers like Amazon, MediaMarkt, and Saturn are all offering discounts on the iPhone 17 Pro and Galaxy S26 models. Online marketplaces like eBay and Kleinanzeigen also have listings from authorized resellers. It’s important to check the seller’s reputation and warranty terms before making a purchase. Some deals may be carrier-specific, requiring a contract, so read the fine print carefully.
iPhone 17 Pro Deals Breakdown
- iPhone 17 Pro 128GB: €1,049 (was €1,199) at Amazon Germany
- iPhone 17 Pro 256GB: €1,149 (was €1,299) at MediaMarkt
- iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB: €1,249 (was €1,399) at Saturn
- iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB: €1,399 (was €1,549) at Otto
These prices are for unlocked, SIM-free devices. Some retailers may offer additional discounts if you trade in an older phone or sign up for a newsletter. Keep an eye out for flash sales, as these deals tend to disappear quickly.
Galaxy S26 Deals Breakdown
- Galaxy S26 256GB: €749 (was €899) at Samsung.com with trade-in
- Galaxy S26+ 256GB: €949 (was €1,099) at Amazon Germany
- Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB: €1,149 (was €1,349) at MediaMarkt
- Galaxy S26 Ultra 512GB: €1,299 (was €1,499) at Saturn
Samsung is also offering bonus items like Galaxy Buds or a wireless charger with some purchases. These bundles can add significant value, so factor them into your decision.
Should You Buy the iPhone 18 Pro or Wait?
If you absolutely must have the latest and greatest, the iPhone 18 Pro is a solid choice. It brings a new camera sensor, a slightly faster A18 Pro chip, and a new color option. However, the improvements over the iPhone 17 Pro are marginal. Unless you’re upgrading from an iPhone 13 or older, you likely won’t notice a huge difference in day-to-day use. The iPhone 18 Pro is also more expensive, starting at €1,450, which is a steep price for a phone that looks almost identical to its predecessor.
For most people, the iPhone 17 Pro represents the sweet spot. It’s still a powerful, premium device that will receive updates for years. And with the current discounts, it’s a much better value. If you’re due for an upgrade, now is a great time to snag one.
What About the iPhone 18 Duo?
The standard iPhone 18 and 18 Plus are not yet available—they’re expected to launch in October. If you’re interested in those models, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. Based on past patterns, they’ll likely start at €950 and €1,100 respectively. Once they hit the market, we may see further price drops on the iPhone 17 series, so if you’re not in a hurry, waiting could save you even more.
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro: Which Deal Is Better?
This is a tough question, as both phones cater to different audiences. The iPhone 17 Pro excels in performance, video recording, and ecosystem integration. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a more customizable experience, a larger screen, and the S Pen. If you’re already invested in one ecosystem, it makes sense to stick with it. But if you’re open to switching, consider the following:
- Camera: The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200MP main sensor and a 10x optical zoom, while the iPhone 17 Pro has a 48MP main sensor and 3x optical zoom. For stills, Samsung has the edge; for video, Apple wins.
- Battery: The S26 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery with 45W charging, while the iPhone 17 Pro has a 3,200mAh battery with 27W charging. Samsung lasts longer and charges faster.
- Software: iOS is more streamlined and gets updates immediately. One UI is more feature-rich but can be overwhelming.
- Price: The S26 Ultra is currently cheaper than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, making it the better value for those who want the most features per euro.
Ultimately, the best deal depends on your personal preferences. If you value simplicity and long-term support, go with the iPhone 17 Pro. If you want the most versatile hardware, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the way to go.
Other Notable Deals This Week
Beyond the headline acts, there are a few other deals worth mentioning. The Google Pixel 9 Pro is seeing discounts as well, with the 128GB model now available for €799. The OnePlus 13 is also on sale for €699. These are excellent alternatives if you’re looking for something different. Additionally, accessories like the AirPods Pro 2 are discounted to €199, and the Galaxy Watch 7 is down to €249.
For those in the market for a new tablet, the iPad Air M2 is available for €599, and the Galaxy Tab S10 is going for €649. These deals are available at various retailers and are subject to availability.
Final Thoughts
The arrival of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max has shaken up the smartphone market, but it’s also created opportunities for savvy shoppers. The iPhone 17 Pro and Galaxy S26 series are now more affordable than ever, offering flagship experiences at mid-range prices. Whether you’re an Apple loyalist or an Android enthusiast, there’s a deal out there for you. Just remember to act fast—these offers won’t last forever.
As always, we recommend comparing prices across multiple retailers before making a purchase. Check for additional perks like extended warranties or bundle deals. And if you can wait a few more weeks, you might see even deeper discounts as the holiday season approaches. Happy shopping!
