Top Black Friday phones to look out for in 2025
The biggest discount day of the year is almost here. Black Friday 2025 falls on Friday 28th November, and it's the perfect opportunity to make big savings on the latest handsets.
Between the new iPhone series and the latest Google Pixel handsets, these are the phones to look out for on Black Friday. Check out our Black Friday hub for the latest deals as they happen.
Apple iPhone 17 range
• iPhone 17
• iPhone Air
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple’s 2025 iPhone line-up really impressed us with some meaningful updates, both small and large. The biggest improvements that stood out to us include improved camera arrays across the board (48MP telephoto rather than 12MP), powerful photography features like Dual Capture, and the inclusion of Ceramic Shield 2 on every handset in the range to enhance screen protection.
The iPhone 17 series also marked the debut of the iPhone Air; Apple’s successor to the Plus model. This phone was pitched as an ultra-thin and lightweight iPhone option, which we can corroborate with our own handling of the device. You can hardly tell you’re carrying the iPhone Air around, and its remarkably thin design means it can fit in any pocket with ease. If you’re looking for a handset to take on your travels, the iPhone Air is a must-have.
Google Pixel 10 range
• Pixel 10
• Pixel 10 Pro
• Pixel 10 Pro XL
• Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Where AI is concerned, Google’s Pixel phones are some of the most advanced on the market. The Pixel 10 series continued this trend with aplomb, led by new features and improvements to the Pixel’s AI suite. These software updates were also supported by hardware upgrades, such as the 5x zoom telephoto camera.
Magic Cue is one of those features that comes along and really demonstrates the potential of AI on smartphones. Let’s say you’re on the phone to discuss a flight with an airline; Magic Cue will find any relevant information – such as the flight number – and show it on-screen while you’re on the call. It’s transformative when you first use Magic Cue, bringing together different information from across your accounts when you need it.
There’s more to the Pixel 10 series than just Magic Cue, though. The Camera Coach feature is brilliant for adjusting your photos with AI-assisted tips; ideal if you’re unsure where to start when editing. Gemini was also given an upgrade with Gemini Live, which enables you to ask the AI about your screen’s contents when viewing through the Camera app.
Samsung Galaxy S25 range
• Galaxy S25
• Galaxy S25+
• Galaxy S25 FE
• Galaxy S25 Edge
• Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S25 line-up is comparable in some ways to the iPhone 17 range, being comprised of 3 familiar variations and a new ultra-thin option. Improvements made to performance and Galaxy AI lead the way, effectively supercharging the already-excellent S24 series.
The shift from an Exynos 2400 CPU to a Snapdragon 8 Elite can be keenly felt across all areas of the S25 series. Everything from games and videos to swapping between apps feels much smoother, especially on the base Galaxy S25 which benefits from 12GB RAM rather than 8GB.
This uplift in performance generation-to-generation impacts the S25’s AI capabilities, too. We particularly like the Now Brief feature and its ability to intelligently highlight information that’s relevant to you. Thanks to the performance of these phones, it runs like a dream.
iPhone 16 range
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
Small but powerful additions helped shape the iPhone 16 range into another exciting series from Apple. One of our favourite additions was the Camera Control button, which lets you launch the camera and access modes and features with the press of a button, for more efficient photography.
The 16 Pro and Pro Max models offer further benefits. The A18 Bionic CPU is a 10-core powerhouse of a processor, allowing you to run image enhancing software or swap between apps with ease. Remarkable performance - alongside still-excellent display technology - elevates the iPhone 16 to even greater heights.
Google Pixel 9 range
• Pixel 9a
• Pixel 9a
• Pixel 9 Pro
• Pixel 9 Pro XL
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro contain many of the standout features from previous superb Pixel phones. Changes to the processor, however, gave the Pixel 9 a significant boost and make it a highly recommended option to this day.
Powering the Pixel 9 is the Google Tensor G4 CPU, bringing with it faster loading times and less slowdown when swapping between apps. The advanced processor also opened up additions to the camera capabilities of the Pixel 9.
Features such as Night Sight create vibrant results after dark, as well as the Magic Eraser which can remove unwanted people in the background of your photos. There’s also the Best Take feature, which combines multiple shots and AI to ensure everyone is looking at the camera. It impressed us at launch and is still one of the most exciting features released by Google in a long time.
Samsung Galaxy S24 range
• Galaxy S24
• Galaxy S24 FE
• Galaxy S24 Plus
• Galaxy S24 Ultra
The biggest difference between the S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra is in the display size. If you are seeking a smaller phone, the S24 has a 6.12” screen, the S24 Plus sits in the middle of the pack at 6.7”, whilst the S24 Ultra is a massive 6.8” with a stunning QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display.
Bundled with the S24 Ultra is the multi-functional S Pen. This handy accessory enables you to write messages, make notes, and even take hands-free photos. For those seeking the very best combination of performance and functionality, the S24 Ultra should be near the top of the list.
The Galaxy S24 series in its entirety remains a fantastic option. Going straight for the latest S25 range won’t be for everyone; sometimes the previous generation has everything you need.
Conclusion
Black Friday can be a hectic flurry of deals and excitement. Take a look at our guide for everything you need to know about Black Friday 2025.