Quick take: this guide walks you through the best phones and tablets to target this Black Friday, highlights standout models from Apple, Google, and Samsung, flags a couple of cautionary buys, and points toward the tablets and wearables that make practical gifts this season.
Best phones to buy during Black Friday
Smartphone design and performance pushed hard in 2025, with ultrathin handsets, sharper zoom cameras, and more capable foldables vying for attention. That said, only a handful of models truly earned top billing for shoppers hunting holiday deals. If you want something reliable and future-ready, focus on devices that combine performance, battery life, and practical new features.
On the Apple side, the iPhone 17 took a lot of features that used to be exclusive to pricier models and made them mainstream, including a smooth 120Hz display and a 48MP camera that produces crisp photos. Priced from $799, it offers strong value, and Black Friday is the moment when accessories, trade-in offers, and retailer deals can make it an even smarter buy. For shoppers who prize a clean ecosystem and steady resale value, the iPhone 17 is an easy place to start.
One more thing: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the heavy hitter if you want raw power and top-tier camera tech, with Apple’s latest chip designed for on-device AI and thermal hardware that keeps long sessions from overheating. It starts north of $1,199, but it comes with hybrid zoom, advanced photo tools, and a few premium finishes for those who demand the best. Keep an eye on carrier promotions and retailer bundles if you want to shave some dollars off that sticker price.
One more thing: The so-called iPhone Air looks tempting for its thin profile, but it comes with trade-offs—shorter battery life and fewer cameras compared with other models in the lineup. If thinness is your only priority, go for it, but most buyers will get more day-to-day value from the standard iPhone 17. Black Friday deals tend to reward performance and battery life over style alone.
Best Android phones for your wish list
Android makers delivered some very different answers to the same questions this year, so pick based on what you use most: photography, multitasking, or raw creative power. Google and Samsung both launched noteworthy devices that suit different needs and budgets. With seasonal discounts, you can often stretch a single purchase into a multi-device upgrade across family members.
The Google Pixel 10 series doubled down on AI features and on-device processing with a Tensor G5 chip tailored for local AI tasks, and the lineup brings useful software smarts like improved call spam blocking and real-time assistant features. The Pixel 10 Pro targets power users with extra RAM and a larger display, while the base Pixel 10 represents solid value at its launch price. If you want clean software, long-term updates, and AI-driven camera tricks, the Pixel 10 family deserves a spot on your list.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 shows just how far foldables have come, offering a full-size external screen for everyday carry and a tablet-sized interior display when you want to multitask. It functions as a phone, a mini tablet, and, when connected to an external display, a lightweight desktop replacement via Samsung DeX, which can justify the premium for heavy users. Yes, it is pricey around $1,999.99, but for those who replace multiple devices with one flexible machine, it can be a savvy Black Friday buy if you can find a deal.
Best tablets to buy during Black Friday
Tablets make excellent presents because they hit a sweet spot of capability, portability, and price compared with phones and laptops. This year, two clear winners cover most shoppers’ needs, whether you live in the Apple world or prefer Android. Aim for a model that balances performance, accessory support, and battery life for the best long-term value.
Apple’s latest iPad Pros are skillful showcases of power, but for most people the iPad Air remains the smarter pick thanks to its M3 chip, Apple Intelligence features, and Apple Pencil support. With a lower price point than the Pro models—$599 for the 11-inch variant and $799 for the 13-inch—it delivers great performance for everyday tasks, creative work, and media consumption without excess cost. Black Friday can drop accessory bundles and trade-in credits that make the Air an even better holiday purchase.
On the Android side, Samsung continues to lead with tablet features and ecosystem polish in its Tab S11 line, adding a refined S Pen, improved DeX multitasking, and built-in Galaxy AI tools that help with drawing and note-taking. The Tab S11 starts at a premium price, but it offers a true tablet experience for Android users who want strong performance and a stylus-ready system. If you use a tablet for work, art, or heavy media, it’s worth considering on your holiday shopping list.
The next level?
Want something even more hands-free or fitness-focused this season? A curated wearables roundup is coming soon, covering smartwatches and earbuds that pair well with the phones and tablets on this list. Holiday bundles often include discounts on accessories, so watch for combo deals if you’re buying multiple devices.
