Best early Amazon Prime Day phone deals: Save over 20% on Samsung and Google devices

At a glance:

• Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs June 23-26, but early smartphone deals are already appearing weeks ahead
• ZDNET only recommends deals they'd personally buy, using price tracking and hands-on testing
• Expect bundles and deep discounts on flagship and midrange phones from Samsung, Google, and other brands

Prime Day timing creates early shopping opportunities

Amazon Prime Day 2026 officially kicks off on June 23 and runs through June 26, but the real action for smartphone shoppers is already beginning. Many retailers traditionally roll out their deepest discounts in the weeks leading up to the event, meaning consumers don't have to wait until the official start date to find significant savings on mobile devices.

This early rollout strategy benefits shoppers who want to secure deals before inventory sells out. The pre-event discount period typically lasts about a week before the main event, giving consumers multiple opportunities to find the smartphones they're looking for at reduced prices.

Why Prime Day stands out for smartphone purchases

Prime Day has established itself as the premier shopping event for smartphones, offering some of the year's most competitive pricing. Unlike traditional carrier promotions that often lock customers into contracts, Prime Day deals work with any carrier and frequently include additional incentives like gift cards or bundled accessories.

The event delivers price drops across every category of mobile device, from premium flagship models to budget-friendly midrange options. Shoppers can also find unique bundle deals where manufacturers pair phones with earbuds, charging accessories, or other complementary products, creating value packages that extend beyond just the device itself.

How ZDNET selects the best deals

ZDNET's deal selection process prioritizes recommendations they would personally make to friends and family. This means focusing on discounts that represent genuine value rather than superficial markdowns, and highlighting phones that rarely go on sale throughout the year.

Their evaluation combines several key factors: established price-comparison tools and historical tracking to assess deal quality, extensive in-house testing of devices covering performance and battery life, and real-world customer feedback from existing device owners. This comprehensive approach helps cut through promotional noise to identify smartphones that deliver both savings and solid user experience.

What to expect from this year's phone deals

While specific early deals aren't enumerated in this overview, Prime Day typically features strong competition among major manufacturers. Samsung and Google have emerged as consistent performers in previous years, with their latest flagship models often receiving the deepest discounts. Midrange options from brands like OnePlus and Motorola also regularly appear among the best value propositions.

Bundle packages have become increasingly common, with retailers offering phones paired with wireless earbuds, screen protectors, or extended warranties. These packages can provide additional savings of 10-20% compared to purchasing items separately, making them particularly attractive for shoppers building out their mobile ecosystem.