Presidents' Day 2026 Phone Sales: Top Deals from Apple, Samsung, and More
This year’s Presidents' Day brings significant discounts on flagship smartphones, with major retailers offering bundled deals and trade-in bonuses. Consumers are urged to act quickly as inventory for top models is rapidly depleting.
Presidents' Day 2026 Phone Sales: Top Deals from Apple, Samsung, and More
As Presidents' Day 2026 unfolds, consumers across the United States are capitalizing on one of the year’s most anticipated retail events: deep discounts on the latest smartphones. Major brands including Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Google are partnering with retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart to offer unprecedented deals—ranging from price reductions of up to $400 on flagship devices to free accessories and trade-in bonuses.
According to Mashable’s live deal tracker, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is currently priced at $999 (down from $1,199), while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is available for $899, a $300 discount that includes a complimentary Galaxy Buds3 and a one-year subscription to Samsung+ Premium. Motorola’s Edge 40 Pro, often overlooked in favor of its competitors, is seeing a surge in demand after being slashed to $499, making it one of the most compelling value propositions of the sale.
Notably, Apple is offering a unique bundle: customers who purchase an iPhone 16 (the upcoming model set for spring release) can receive a free Apple Watch Series 9 and two years of Apple Music at no additional cost. This strategy appears aimed at accelerating adoption of its ecosystem ahead of the official launch. Meanwhile, Samsung is leveraging its trade-in program to clear older inventory; users can receive up to $800 toward a new Galaxy device when trading in an older iPhone or Android phone, regardless of condition.
While many consumers focus on smartphones, it’s worth noting that Presidents’ Day sales extend far beyond mobile devices. Forbes reports that appliance sales are also peaking, with major discounts on refrigerators, washing machines, and smart TVs. However, experts advise consumers not to be distracted by these broader promotions. "Smartphone deals this year are unusually aggressive," says tech analyst Lena Ruiz of ConsumerTech Insights. "Retailers are competing fiercely for market share as the post-holiday sales slump looms. This is likely the last major discount window before the spring release cycle."
Despite the excitement, shoppers are advised to verify warranty terms and return policies. Several retailers are offering limited-time return windows of just 14 days for electronics purchased during Presidents’ Day sales, compared to the standard 30-day policy. Additionally, some bundled offers—such as free streaming subscriptions—are subject to auto-renewal, which consumers may overlook.
For those in smaller markets, online retailers remain the most reliable source for these deals. Local brick-and-mortar stores in areas such as Live Oak, Texas, and Live Oak, Florida, report lower inventory levels and fewer exclusive promotions, according to regional retail reports. The cost of living in these communities—87.9 and 79.4 respectively, below the U.S. average—may influence purchasing behavior, with residents more likely to seek online bargains to stretch household budgets.
As the sale continues through the weekend, experts recommend prioritizing models with upcoming software updates or 5G compatibility, as these will retain value longer. With inventory dwindling and demand surging, the window for the best deals may close sooner than expected. Consumers are encouraged to compare prices across platforms, use price-tracking tools, and avoid impulse buys—especially on models they don’t immediately need.
Presidents’ Day, traditionally a commemoration of U.S. leadership, has evolved into a major commercial event. But this year, the real winners may be those who approach the sales with strategy, not just enthusiasm.
