Android phones are leading the early Black Friday deals, with the Google Pixel 11 from $699 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at $950 — savings of $200 and $450 on the newest flagships.
The Google Pixel 11 is from $699, down from $899, a $200 saving, according to 9to5Toys on November 8. The Pixel 11 Pro is from $799, down from $1,099, a $300 saving, and the Pixel 11 Fold is $1,649, down from $1,899. All Pixel Watch 5 models are $100 off.
Samsung’s flagship is cheaper still in percentage terms. The Galaxy S26 Ultra with 256GB is $950, down from $1,400, a $450 saving, and the 512GB model is $1,150, down from $1,600. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 with 256GB is $1,600, down from $1,900. The S26 Ultra is also one of Best Buy’s doorbusters, which end tonight, Sunday, November 8, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
Why Android is discounting early
The early discounts reflect a crowded market. Google’s Pixel 11 and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra are both current flagships, and retailers are cutting prices weeks before Black Friday itself to pull shoppers in early. Apple’s deals, by contrast, are mostly built on trade-ins — the iPhone 18 Pro is up to $1,200 off, but only with an eligible trade-in and a qualified activation.
For shoppers, the straight price cuts on Android phones are easier to judge: $699 for a Pixel 11 is $200 off the list price, with no trade-in and no activation required, and $950 for a Galaxy S26 Ultra is $450 off. The Pixel Watch 5 at $100 off is also a straightforward saving.
What to check before buying
Shoppers should check the storage size before buying: the prices above are for specific configurations — the S26 Ultra at $950 is the 256GB model, and the 512GB model is $1,150 — and the price can change with the colour and the carrier. Unlocked models are usually the best value for shoppers who already have a plan, while carrier models may require a new line or a trade-in.
With Black Friday itself on November 27 and Cyber Monday on November 30, the best advice is to shortlist now and buy in the wave that covers the phone you want. The Pixel 11 at $699 and the Galaxy S26 Ultra at $950 are the Android deals to watch — and both are live now, not held back for the Black Friday weekend. Best Buy says new deals will drop every Friday after its doorbusters end tonight, so shoppers who miss this weekend still have chances before the main sale starts on November 19.
