Six Labor Day Smartphone Deals That Are Worth the Money

It is no secret that technology has become increasingly expensive. Rising costs across the industry have pushed companies to hike prices on nearly every product, and smartphones are no exception. If you are shopping for a new device, you are likely feeling the financial strain. While you can certainly explore carrier promotions and various payment plans, these Labor Day discounts are worth your attention. Although this holiday is not typically known for major smartphone sales, retailers like Best Buy and Amazon are offering some solid deals. Below are six of the best options I have found.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is Samsung’s flagship foldable smartphone, but it comes with a steep price tag. Retailing at $2,099.99, the phablet is priced similarly to a high-end laptop. Currently, you can save $300 on Amazon. While $1,799.99 is still a significant investment, price-tracking data from Keepa indicates this is the lowest price for the Z Fold 8 Ultra in three months. For that cost, you receive a 6.5-inch cover screen—larger than many standard smartphone displays—that unfolds to reveal an 8-inch inner screen. The device features three rear cameras: a 200MP wide lens, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens, along with a 10MP selfie camera. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

On the flip side, there is the Galaxy Z Flip 8. Amazon has discounted Samsung’s flippable flagship by $150 for Labor Day, marking a 13% reduction from its $1,199.99 MSRP. This model features a 4.1-inch fully functional cover screen that opens to a 6.7-inch main display. It includes two rear cameras, consisting of a 50MP wide and 12MP ultrawide lens, plus a 10MP selfie camera. It runs on the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB of RAM found in the Z Fold 8 Ultra. This discount applies to the 256GB model.

If you are in the market for a standard Samsung smartphone, consider this deal on the Galaxy S26. Best Buy is currently offering the device for $774.99, a $125 discount from its $899.99 retail price. This phone features a 6.3-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB of RAM, ensuring performance parity with the company’s foldable models. The camera setup includes three rear lenses (50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto) and a 12MP selfie camera.

For those seeking the best of Samsung’s traditional smartphone lineup, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a strong contender. Best Buy is knocking $250 off the price for Labor Day, dropping the cost from $1,299.99 to $1,049.99. Samsung’s “pro” model boasts a 6.9-inch 1440p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a quad-camera system featuring a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultrawide lens. It also includes a 12MP selfie camera and comes with the S Pen for users who prefer a stylus.

Apple is expected to announce a new series of iPhones soon, so it may not be the ideal time to invest in a new device from the brand. However, if you need an iPhone immediately or have been interested in the iPhone Air, this is a compelling offer: Best Buy has reduced the price of the 256GB iPhone Air by $150, bringing it down from $999.99 to $849.99. As the name suggests, this is Apple’s thinnest and lightest iPhone, measuring 5.6mm thick with a 6.5-inch 1260p display. It features a single 48MP rear camera sensor and an 18MP selfie camera. The Air is powered by the A19 Pro chip; while Apple will likely announce the A20 Pro next week, the A19 Pro should remain supported for years and is required for several upcoming Apple AI features.

I generally advise against purchasing a five-year-old iPhone, but this is an exception. Best Buy currently has refurbished iPhone 13 mini units on sale for $224, which is $151 below the typical list price of $375. If you miss the era of compact smartphones, this is a great find. The 13 mini was Apple’s final “small” iPhone, and it is unlikely the company will produce a similar device again. This model features a 5.4-inch 1080p display, 128GB of storage, two rear cameras (12MP wide and 12MP ultrawide), and a 12MP selfie camera. Apple continues to support the A15 Bionic chip, and it will likely remain viable for at least a few more years. While this is not the right choice if you want the latest Apple hardware or access to Apple Intelligence, it is the best option for those who prioritize a compact form factor.

When do Labor Day sales start?

Labor Day sales are currently ongoing and will continue through Monday, Sept. 7.

Are Labor Day sales worth it?

It depends. While Black Friday and Prime Day often feature more significant discounts, Labor Day can still offer competitive pricing that rivals or occasionally beats those other holidays. We utilize price-tracking tools to determine whether a deal provides genuine value.

What other stores have Labor Day sales?

Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowe’s, Wayfair, and Target are all hosting Labor Day sales.