How iPhone Deals Really Work on Black Friday

Apple rarely cuts its own iPhone prices. Instead, Black Friday iPhone deals come in three forms:

1. Renewed phones on Amazon. These are used or returned iPhones that a seller inspected, cleaned and resold, often with a battery check. This is where most of the percentage discounts are.
2. Carrier deals. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Boost Mobile offer big discounts when you sign up for a plan, but the discount arrives as monthly bill credits.
3. Apple gift cards. Last year, Apple’s own sale gave a $75 gift card with an iPhone 16 and $50 with an iPhone 16e, rather than a lower price.

For this list, we focused on the first type, because it’s the only one where you own the phone outright on day one. We didn’t test these phones hands-on for this guide. Instead, we compared Apple’s official specs, current prices and last year’s deals.

Early Black Friday note: Black Friday 2026 officially starts on November 27, and most retailers haven’t released their full deals yet. The discounts in this guide are the percentages we expect, based on last year’s Black Friday prices and this October’s Prime Day sale. We’ll update each pick with the live deal and a direct link as soon as retailers announce them, so bookmark this page and check back closer to the sale.

Apple’s iPhone Lineup and Prices in 2026

Apple’s current price list includes a $30 discount when you activate with AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon. Without it, the iPhone 17 is $929 and the iPhone 16 is $829.

Key Specs at a Glance

Video playback figures are Apple’s ratings, so real-world battery life depends on how you use the phone.

Renewed vs Renewed Premium: Read the Label

Most iPhone listings on Amazon carry one of two labels, and the difference is bigger than it sounds.

Battery health is the share of the battery’s original capacity left. At 80%, a phone that used to last a full day may run out by evening. That’s why we’d pay a little more for Renewed Premium on any iPhone you plan to keep for three years or longer.

The 8 Best iPhone Black Friday Deals

Under $800 at Apple’s Price

1. iPhone 17e: Cheapest Current iPhone

Deal: 20% off Apple’s $699 price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

iPhone 17e

 

4.3/5

Overview

• 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED delivers vibrant visuals
• A19 chip powers smooth performance and Apple Intelligence
• 48MP Fusion camera captures detailed photos with 2x zoom

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The iPhone 17e is Apple’s entry model, and it now starts at 256GB, so you won’t run out of space quickly. The listing here is an unlocked renewed unit, which means it works with any carrier.

Key specs: A19 chip with 8GB of RAM, a 6.1-inch OLED screen at 60Hz and up to 1,200 nits, and one 48MP rear camera with a 2x crop mode. Apple also rates it at up to 26 hours of video, while fast charging hits 50% in about 30 minutes. In addition, it uses Apple’s own C1X modem and supports MagSafe at up to 15W.

How it performs day to day: the A19 is the same chip family as the iPhone 17, so apps, games and Apple Intelligence run smoothly. However, the 60Hz screen makes scrolling look less fluid than on 120Hz models. And with a single rear camera, you lose ultra-wide shots for group photos and landscapes.

Best for: first-time iPhone buyers and anyone upgrading from an iPhone 12 or older. Skip if: you want an ultra-wide camera or a smoother screen.

2. iPhone 16: Best Value Renewed Pick

Deal: 30% off Apple’s $799 price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

iPhone 16

 

4/5

Overview

• 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display delivers vibrant visuals
• A18 chip supports Apple Intelligence and demanding applications
• 48MP Fusion camera offers 2x optical-quality zoom

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The iPhone 16 is two years old, yet Apple still sells it new. That’s why a Renewed Premium unit at a deep cut is good value.

Key specs: A18 chip, a 6.1-inch 60Hz screen, a 48MP main camera plus a 12MP ultra-wide, and the Camera Control button on the side. It also supports Apple Intelligence, Apple’s set of AI features, which needs an iPhone 16 or later, or a 15 Pro. Apple rates it at up to 22 hours of video.

How it performs day to day: unlike the 17e, you get an ultra-wide camera, which helps in tight rooms and group shots. However, the battery is the weakest on this list, so heavy users may need a midday top-up. This listing also has 128GB, which can fill up fast once you add Apple Intelligence and a few years of photos.

Best for: budget buyers who still want Apple’s AI tools. Skip if: you shoot a lot of video or need more than 128GB.

The Sweet Spot

3. iPhone 17: Best Overall

Deal: 20% off Apple’s $899 price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

iPhone 17

 

4.2/5

Overview

• 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display supports 120Hz ProMotion
• A19 chip delivers powerful performance and efficient multitasking
• 48MP Dual Fusion cameras capture detailed photos and videos

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The iPhone 17 is the iPhone we’d buy for most people. Apple raised its price by $100 this year, so a renewed unit is more attractive than usual.

Key specs: A19 chip with 8GB of RAM, a 6.3-inch ProMotion screen that refreshes at up to 120Hz and reaches 3,000 nits outdoors, and two 48MP rear cameras (main and ultra-wide). Meanwhile, the front camera is an 18MP Center Stage sensor, and video playback is rated at up to 30 hours.

How it performs day to day: the 120Hz screen is the upgrade you’ll notice first, because scrolling and animations look smoother than on the 17e or 16. The 48MP ultra-wide also captures sharper wide shots and close-ups than older 12MP sensors. Plus, 30 hours of video is eight more than the iPhone 16, so most people get through a full day easily.

What this means for you: a 20% cut on a renewed iPhone 17 takes it below what the same phone cost new when it launched at $799 in 2025. In other words, you’d get this year’s standard iPhone for less than last year’s launch price.

4. iPhone Air: Biggest Discount on a Thin Phone

Deal: 30% off Apple’s $1,099 price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

iPhone Air

 

4.4/5

Overview

• 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display supports 120Hz ProMotion
• A19 Pro chip delivers powerful flagship performance
• 48MP Fusion camera captures detailed photos with 2x zoom

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest iPhone, so it’s the model most likely to see a deep cut on the renewed market.

Key specs: just 5.64mm thick and 165g, with a titanium frame and a 6.5-inch 120Hz screen. It also runs the A19 Pro chip, the same family as the 17 Pro. However, it has one 48MP rear camera with a 2x crop, and Apple rates it at up to 27 hours of video. Wireless charging reaches 20W.

How it performs day to day: the Air feels noticeably lighter in a pocket, and the Pro-class chip handles games well. Still, battery is the main trade-off. The rumored iPhone Air 2‘s bigger battery would only catch up to the iPhone 17, which tells you where the current model stands.

Best for: people who want the lightest iPhone and charge often. Skip if: you’re a heavy user who needs all-day battery.

Pro Picks

5. iPhone 17 Pro: Best Discontinued Deal

Deal: 25% off its $1,099 launch price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

iPhone 17 Pro

 

4.2/5

Overview

• 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display supports 120Hz ProMotion
• A19 Pro chip delivers powerful graphics and processing
• 48MP triple Fusion cameras provide versatile photography capabilities

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The iPhone 17 Pro is gone from Apple’s store, so renewed units are now the main way to buy one.

Key specs: A19 Pro chip, a 6.3-inch always-on ProMotion screen, and three 48MP rear cameras. The telephoto offers 4x optical zoom (100mm), plus an 8x optical-quality crop. It also has an aluminum unibody with a vapor chamber, which spreads heat so the chip can keep its speed longer.

How it performs day to day: the telephoto lens is the reason to buy a Pro. Because it zooms optically, portraits, concerts, and kids’ sports look sharper than the digital zoom on standard models. The vapor chamber also means long gaming sessions or 4K video recording slow down less.

Our view: if the iPhone 18 Pro’s camera upgrade doesn’t matter to you, a Renewed Premium 17 Pro at 25% off is the best Pro value this year.

6. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Best Big-Screen Value

Deal: 25% off its $1,199 launch price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

iPhone 17 Pro Max

 

4.2/5

Overview

• 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display supports 120Hz ProMotion
• A19 Pro chip powers demanding applications and gaming
• 48MP triple Fusion cameras deliver versatile zoom capabilities

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The iPhone 17 Pro Max adds a larger screen and battery to the 17 Pro’s cameras.

Key specs: a 6.9-inch screen, a 5,088mAh battery, and up to 39 hours of video on eSIM models. Like the 17 Pro, it has three 48MP cameras with 4x telephoto zoom. In addition, it charges to 50% in about 20 minutes with a 40W adapter.

How it performs day to day: the big screen makes video, maps, and split-screen reading easier, while the battery comfortably lasts a full day of heavy use. The newer 18 Pro Max is rated at 45 hours, or about 15% more. Even so, most people won’t notice that gap on a normal day.

Best for: video watchers and gamers who want a big screen without paying for a 2026 flagship.

7. iPhone 18 Pro: Newest Pro Model

Deal: 5% off Apple’s $1,199 price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

iPhone 18 Pro

 

5/5

Overview

• 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display supports 120Hz ProMotion
• A20 Pro chip delivers powerful next-generation performance
• 48MP triple Fusion cameras feature variable aperture technology

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The iPhone 18 Pro is Apple’s newest Pro, with a variable aperture camera and A20 Pro chip.

Key specs: the A20 Pro is built on a 2nm process, and Apple says its graphics are up to 40% faster than the A19 Pro’s. It also doubles AI processing, while a larger vapor chamber allows up to 40% better sustained performance. On the back, the main camera’s aperture, the opening that lets light in, adjusts from f/1.48 to f/4. The Dynamic Island is also smaller, and Apple rates the battery at up to 36 hours of video.

How it performs day to day: the variable aperture gives you real control over background blur, so close-ups can look more natural and group shots stay sharp. The extra AI power should also make on-device features like the new Siri respond faster.

What to expect on price: new iPhones almost never drop much in their first holiday season. This listing is also an unlocked phone from a third-party seller, so check the seller’s rating and return policy first.

8. iPhone 18 Pro Max: Best Battery

Deal: 5% off Apple’s $1,299 price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

iPhone 18 Pro Max

 

5/5

Overview

• 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display supports 120Hz ProMotion
• A20 Pro chip delivers powerful flagship performance
• 48MP triple Fusion cameras offer up to 8x optical-quality zoom

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The iPhone 18 Pro Max has the longest-rated battery of any iPhone, at up to 45 hours of video playback.

Key specs: the same A20 Pro chip and variable aperture camera as the 18 Pro, plus a 6.9-inch screen. Spec listings put its battery at 5,391mAh, while wired charging reaches 50% in about 15 minutes with a 60W adapter. MagSafe and Qi2 charging also run at up to 25W.

How it performs day to day: 45 hours of video means a heavy user can usually end the day with charge left, and light users may get two days. The faster wired charging also helps on travel days, since 15 minutes covers most of an evening. Like the 18 Pro, this is a new unlocked listing, so the seller matters as much as the price.

The Real Cost of a “Free” iPhone

Carrier deals often promise a free or nearly free iPhone. Here’s how they work. The carrier charges you the full phone price, then cancels it out with a monthly bill credit, usually over 24 or 36 months. So if you leave early, the credits stop, and you owe what’s left.

Here’s a simple example using a $1,199 phone spread over 36 months:

In other words, a “free” iPhone is only free if you’d stay on that plan for three years anyway. Last Black Friday, for example, AT&T offered the iPhone Air for under $88 in total, about 91% off its then-$999 price. However, it required a 36-month unlimited plan.

Carrier deals are great if you already like that carrier and its plan. On the other hand, if you want to switch freely, a renewed phone you own outright is the cleaner deal.

FAQs

What iOS update should a new iPhone get first?

Update to the latest version before you move your data. The current release also adds Siri memory and more than 160 security fixes in iOS 27.2.

Is Siri AI available on iPhones bought in Europe?

Not yet. Apple’s new Siri isn’t available in the EU, even on supported iPhones. These three timelines for Siri AI in the EU explain when that could change.

Do YouTubers think the iPhone Duo is worth it?

Opinions are split. One popular reviewer told viewers to skip it, while others raised durability concerns.

Which phone has the best camera in 2026?

It depends on whether you value zoom, video, or low light. 

Are other phones worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Some are, but rising memory costs pushed many prices up first. 

The post iPhone Black Friday Deals 2026: 8 Picks, and What a “Free” iPhone Really Costs appeared first on Memeburn.

OnePlus Turbo 6Vs vs Turbo 6V: Only the Colors, the Configurations and the Price Changed

Best Choice

OnePlus 13

 

4.2/5

Overview

• 6.82 inches, LTPO 4.1 AMOLED, 1440 x 3168 pixels
• Android 15, Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite
• 256GB ROM Storage, 12GB RAM

Check Price

See latest price on Amazon

The Turbo 6Vs that appeared on OnePlus’s China store on November 1 runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, a midrange chip, on a 6.78-inch 144Hz AMOLED screen, a type of display whose pixels make their own light, at 2772 x 1272, and its 9,000mAh battery supports 80W wired charging and 27W reverse wired charging for topping up another device, all inside an 8.5mm body, which matches the Turbo 6V spec for spec. OnePlus lists IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings for the 6Vs, which together cover dust, submersion and high-pressure hot water jets, and the 9,000mAh cell is large for a mainstream phone, although the rugged models in our ranking of the biggest phone batteries of 2026 go past 20,000mAh.

The only new things are two colors, an orange called Orange Heart and Nova White, and a narrower lineup, since the 6Vs comes in a single 12GB/256GB version where the 6V launched in three, so anyone who wanted the 8GB model or 512GB of storage gets no new option here.

The Turbo 6Vs Costs More Than a Turbo 6 With a Faster Chip

Best Choice

OnePlus 12

 

4.6/5

Overview

• With an ultra-flagship CPU and up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM
• 5400mAh, 80W SUPERVOOC, and 50W AIRVOOC
• One Plus 12 Smart Phone with any carrier

Check Price

OnePlus launched the Turbo 6V on January 8 at CNY 2,100 for 12GB/256GB, or CNY 1,900 with its early-bird discount, which puts the 6Vs CNY 1,599 above the 6V’s list price and almost 95% above what early buyers paid. The gap is wider still in today’s market, because SMZDM, a Chinese deal platform, lists the 12GB/256GB Turbo 6V at CNY 1,876 after China’s national phone subsidy, so the 6Vs asks about 97% more for the same configuration, although the 6Vs may qualify for subsidies too.

The more telling comparison is with OnePlus’s own faster model, since the top Turbo 6, which has the higher-end Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, a 165Hz screen and 16GB/512GB, launched at CNY 3,100 in January. That means the 6Vs costs CNY 599 more than OnePlus charged at launch for a phone with a faster chip, a faster screen and twice the storage, and a 76% markup on the same hardware sits close to the Reno16 F’s 87.5% price jump in the Philippines, which our earlier coverage traced mainly to memory costs at Oppo, OnePlus’s sister brand.

The Turbo 6Vs Looks Like a Repricing, and the Turbo 6V Is the Better Buy While It Lasts

Best Overall

OnePlus 15

 

5/5

Overview

• 6.78 inches, LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors,1272 x 2772 pixels
• 512GB Storage, 16GB RAM
• Android 16, OxygenOS 16, Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)

View deal

See latest price on Amazon

Memeburn’s reading of the listing is that the Turbo 6Vs is a way to sell the Turbo 6V at a 2026 price rather than a new phone, and two explanations fit the facts. SMZDM suggests the 6Vs is aimed at physical stores, where a higher list price leaves room for retailer margins, while our reading leans toward memory, because RAM and storage have climbed sharply this year, as our coverage of the global RAM shortage explains, and a new name lets newly built units carry a price that reflects those costs without visibly raising the price of the 6V already on shelves. OnePlus hasn’t confirmed either reason, so both remain readings rather than facts.

The two readings predict different things, which makes them easy to check over the next few weeks. If memory is the cause, we’d expect the Turbo 6V’s remaining configurations to sell out or climb toward the 6Vs’s price before the end of 2026, while if the 6Vs is an offline model, both phones will stay on sale side by side at very different prices. Either way, our advice to a buyer in China is to take a 12GB/256GB Turbo 6V at around CNY 1,900 while stock lasts, since it’s the same hardware for about half the price, and that changes only if OnePlus confirms a hardware difference its listing doesn’t show, or if you specifically want the orange.

FAQs

What’s the difference between the OnePlus Turbo 6Vs and the Turbo 6V?

The OnePlus Turbo 6Vs and Turbo 6V share the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chip, a 6.78-inch 144Hz AMOLED screen, a 9,000mAh battery with 80W charging and an 8.5mm body. The Turbo 6Vs adds two new colors, Orange Heart and Nova White, and comes only in 12GB/256GB, while the Turbo 6V launched in three configurations.

How much does the OnePlus Turbo 6Vs cost?

The OnePlus Turbo 6Vs costs CNY 3,699, about $554, for its only configuration with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, as listed on OnePlus’s China store on November 1, 2026. The Turbo 6V launched at CNY 2,100 for the same configuration in January 2026.

Will the OnePlus Turbo 6Vs launch outside China?

OnePlus has listed the Turbo 6Vs only on its China store and hasn’t announced plans to sell it in other markets. The Turbo 6 series launched in China in January 2026 without a confirmed global release.

The post OnePlus Turbo 6Vs 2026: Same Phone as Turbo 6V, 76% Pricier appeared first on Memeburn.

An Apple Watch only works with an iPhone. It handles notifications, workouts, sleep tracking and Apple Pay, as well as safety features like fall detection. The lineup is also simpler this year, since Apple sells just three models in the US after it discontinued the Series 11 and Ultra 3.

How We Picked These Deals

We compared Apple’s official specs, Amazon’s October Prime Day prices and last year’s Black Friday cuts on the same price tiers. We also checked which features each model actually gets, because a deal only matters if the watch fits how you’ll use it. Finally, every pick below links to an Amazon US listing, so you can track the price as the sale gets closer.

Early Black Friday note: Black Friday 2026 officially starts on November 27, and most retailers haven’t released their full deals yet. The discounts in this guide are the percentages we expect, based on last year’s Black Friday prices and this October’s Prime Day sale. We’ll update each pick with the live deal and a direct link as soon as retailers announce them, so bookmark this page and check back closer to the sale.

The Prices Apple Watch Deals Need to Beat

We lined up three numbers for each model: the list price, October’s Prime Day discount on Amazon and last year’s Black Friday cut on the equivalent watch. The last column then shows what we expect this November.

Black Friday 2025 figures are for the Series 11 and Ultra 3 at the same price tiers.

Two patterns stand out. First, the SE 3 hit the same 20% at three sales in a row, so that’s its normal deal price rather than a special one. Second, the Ultra barely moves in its first months. Last year’s Ultra 3 managed 13% off on Black Friday, two months after launch, and the Ultra 4 now sits in the same spot.

Battery and Charging Compared

Battery life is the biggest day-to-day difference between the three watches, so it’s worth comparing before you pick a deal.

In other words, the fast-charging gap matters as much as the battery gap. A short top-up while you shower gives the Series 12 half a day of use, while the Ultra 4 gets most of a day.

Which Health Features Each Model Gets

Apple added a new Health Sensing System to the Series 12 and Ultra 4 this year, so not every feature reaches the SE 3.

The RAM figure comes from references in Apple’s developer software, because Apple doesn’t publish it. Even so, doubling it from 2GB on earlier models should help apps and the new Siri load faster.

The 4 Best Apple Watch Deals for Black Friday

1. Apple Watch SE 3: Best for Most First-Time Buyers

Deal: 20% off the $249 list price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Apple Watch SE 3

 

4.7/5

Overview

• Always-On Retina OLED display reaches 1,000 nits
• S10 chip delivers smooth everyday smartwatch performance
• Sleep tracking includes sleep scores and apnea notifications

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The Apple Watch SE 3 is the watch we’d hand to someone buying their first smartwatch.

Key specs

• Sizes and price: 40mm (249)and44mm(279)
• Chip: S10, the same chip family the Series 11 used
• Screen: always-on display, so the time stays visible without lifting your wrist
• Health: sleep score and wrist temperature, plus sleep apnea notifications over 30 days
• Battery: 18 hours, while 15 minutes of charging adds up to 8 hours
• Build: glass Apple says is four times more resistant to cracks, and cellular models support 5G

How it performs day to day

The S10 chip keeps scrolling, Apple Pay and workout tracking quick, so the SE 3 doesn’t feel like a budget watch in daily use. It also covers the safety basics, like fall detection and emergency calls.

The battery, however, shapes your routine. At 18 hours, overnight sleep tracking means charging during the day, ideally while you shower or eat breakfast. Fortunately, a 15-minute top-up adds up to 8 hours, so you rarely get caught out.

40mm or 44mm?

The 44mm costs $30 more and gives you a larger screen, which helps with text and workout stats. However, the 40mm is lighter and more comfortable overnight, so it’s the better pick for smaller wrists or sleep tracking. Both sizes share the same chip, sensors and battery rating.

Best for: first-time owners and kids using Family Setup. Skip if: you want the Readiness score or the faster heart readings.

2. Apple Watch Series 12 (42mm): Best Overall

Deal: 15% off the $399 list price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Apple Watch Series 12 42nm

 

4.7/5

Overview

• Always-On Retina OLED reaches 2,000 nits peak brightness
• S11 chip powers smooth performance and Apple Intelligence
• ECG, blood oxygen, temperature, and sleep tracking included

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The Apple Watch Series 12 in 42mm is the best balance of price and features, and Apple kept its starting price at $399.

Key specs

• Chip: S11, built with parts derived from the iPhone’s A20 Pro, plus a reported 4GB of RAM
• Heart tracking: readings every 5 seconds in the background, which Apple calls 60 times more often than before
• HRV: heart rate variability, the tiny changes between beats that hint at stress and recovery, as often as every 5 minutes
• Readiness: a daily score from 0 to 10 based on your activity, vitals and sleep
• Battery: 24 hours, or 38 hours in Low Power Mode; outdoor workouts now last 10 hours, 25% longer
• Charging: 15 minutes adds up to 12 hours
• Glass: Ceramic Shield 2 on aluminum models, which reports describe as 60% tougher than last year’s glass

How it performs day to day

The faster heart readings matter most when you train or track recovery. Because the watch samples so often, the Readiness score can tell you each morning whether to push hard or take it easy. For notifications and step counts, by contrast, the SE 3 does almost the same job.

The S11 is the first real chip upgrade in three generations, so apps and Siri should feel quicker than on a Series 9, 10 or 11. Meanwhile, the new Audio Intelligence features, like Live Rewind, which replays the last 15 seconds of a conversation as text, arrive in an English beta later in 2026.

What a 15% cut would mean

At 15% off, the Series 12 would beat both its Prime Day price and last year’s Black Friday cut on the Series 11. That would make it the cheapest way to get Apple’s new heart sensor this year, because the Ultra 4 rarely drops much. If it only matches Prime Day’s 12.5%, however, there’s no rush, since that price has already come around once.

Best for: iPhone owners who exercise several times a week. Skip if: you mainly want notifications and Apple Pay.

3. Apple Watch Series 12 (46mm): Best Big-Screen Series

Deal: 15% off the $449 list price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Apple Watch Series 12 46mm

 

4.7/5

Overview

• Always-On Retina OLED reaches 2,000 nits peak brightness
• S11 chip delivers powerful performance and intelligent features
• Advanced sensors monitor heart health, sleep, and recovery

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The Apple Watch Series 12 in 46mm gives you a bigger screen for typing replies and reading maps. It’s also where Apple quietly raised prices. The 46mm aluminum model costs $20 more than the Series 11 equivalent did, while the 42mm stayed put.

What the bigger size changes

• Screen: more room for text, so messages, maps and workout stats need less scrolling
• Same internals: the S11 chip, health sensors and 24-hour battery rating match the 42mm
• Finishes: aluminum in four colors, while titanium and ceramic cost more

How it performs day to day

Size is personal. On a larger wrist, the 46mm feels natural and makes the keyboard easier to use. On a smaller wrist, however, it can catch on sleeves and feel bulky in bed, which matters if you track sleep.

On price, that $20 is nearly 5% of last year’s cost, so the first few points of any discount only undo the increase. If the 46mm just matches its Prime Day cut of about 11%, you’d save closer to 7% compared with what a 46mm Series 11 cost at full price.

Best for: larger wrists and anyone who reads a lot on the watch. Skip if: you sleep with it on and prefer a lighter feel.

4. Apple Watch Ultra 4: Best for Battery and Outdoors

Deal: 10% off the $799 list price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Apple Watch Ultra 4

 

4.8/5

Overview

• 49mm titanium case with bright 3,000-nit Retina display
• Dual-frequency GPS improves accuracy across outdoor activities
• 50-hour battery life with 100-meter water resistance

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is the Apple Watch for hikers, divers and anyone who hates charging.

Key specs

• Battery: 50 hours, or 84 hours in Low Power Mode, up from 42 and 72 on the Ultra 3
• Workouts: Extended Workout tracks GPS and heart rate for up to 25 hours, while Max Extended Workout reaches 45 hours with GPS readings every second
• Charging: 15 minutes adds up to 18 hours
• Satellite: Emergency SOS, Find My and texting via satellite, free for two years after activation
• Screen and case: 3,000-nit display on a 49mm titanium case, in natural or black
• Health: the same 5-second heart readings and Readiness score as the Series 12

How it performs day to day

Fifty hours means you can track two nights of sleep between charges. On a trail, the 45-hour Max Extended Workout mode covers most ultramarathons and multi-day hikes. Also, the satellite features matter if you hike or drive where phones lose signal, because you can still text for help.

Otherwise, you’re paying mostly for battery and toughness. The case design hasn’t changed since 2022, so Ultra 2 and Ultra 3 owners won’t notice a new look.

For runners, the choice usually comes down to race length. A Series 12 handles a marathon easily, since outdoor workouts now last 10 hours. By contrast, the Ultra 4 makes sense once your events or hikes run past half a day.

Best for: outdoor athletes and anyone who wants to charge twice a week. Skip if: you have a small wrist, since it only comes in 49mm.

What the Extra $150 and $350 Buy You

Here’s the price ladder at list price, before any discount:

In our analysis, the first step is easier to justify than the second. That’s because the Series 12 adds new health tools you’ll see every day. By contrast, the Ultra 4 mostly adds endurance and safety features, which are worth it only if your weekends take you off the grid.

Which Apple Watch Should You Buy?

• You want the basics for less: the SE 3, especially if it hits 20% off again.
• You train several times a week: the Series 12, because the Readiness score and 5-second heart readings turn your data into daily advice.
• You hate charging or hike off-grid: the Ultra 4, since it lasts about twice as long as the Series 12 and adds satellite help.
• You’re buying for a child or older parent: the SE 3 with cellular, so they can call for help without a phone nearby.

Should You Upgrade Your Old Apple Watch?

• Series 6 or older: yes, since any current model is a big jump in speed, screen and health features. The SE 3 is also enough for most people.
• Apple Watch SE (2nd gen): the SE 3 adds the always-on display and sleep apnea notifications, while the Series 12 adds far more.
• Series 9, 10 or 11: we’d skip this year unless the 5-second heart readings or Readiness score matter to your training.
• Ultra 2 or Ultra 3: the Ultra 4’s extra battery is welcome, but it’s not urgent.

What About the Series 11 and Ultra 3?

Both are discontinued. In October, US shoppers mostly found used units, and in our view, a discontinued watch is worth it only at a steep discount. So if you see one on Black Friday, check three things: whether it’s new or renewed (inspected and resold), the return window and the battery health shown on the listing.

Before You Check Out

• GPS or Cellular: cellular models let you call and stream without your iPhone, but your carrier will usually charge a monthly fee.
• Band size: most listings come in S/M or M/L. Measure your wrist first, because a loose band also hurts heart-rate accuracy.
• Pair it with the right iPhone: the Apple Watch needs an iPhone, so if you’re shopping for both, our Black Friday phone deals guide covers which iPhone offers are worth it.

FAQs

Does the Apple Watch work with the iPhone Duo?

It should, since Apple’s first foldable runs the same iOS as other iPhones.

What’s new in iOS 27.2 for iPhone owners?

The update adds Siri memory and new Messages suggestions, as well as more than 160 security fixes. 

How do I reset AirPods before gifting them with a watch?

Resetting clears the pairing, so the next owner can connect fresh.

Are smartwatch burns from overnight wear common?

They’re rare, but an old battery or a tight band can cause problems. Six overnight checks for the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro also apply to any watch you sleep in.

Is the iPhone 18 Pro worth buying alongside a new Apple Watch?

Only if your current iPhone is a few years old. The iPhone 18 Pro’s variable aperture camera and A20 Pro chip are the main upgrades.

The post Apple Watch Black Friday Deals 2026: The Prices to Beat on Series 12, Ultra 4 and SE 3 appeared first on Memeburn.

SpaceX Is Shopping for Boost’s Network Access, Not Its Customers

According to The Washington Post, Elon Musk met EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen in October, and the talks cover two options: SpaceX buys Boost outright, or it signs a separate deal to use the network access Boost already has. That second option tells you where the value sits, because Boost doesn’t run towers. It operates its own 5G core, the software brain of a mobile network, but since November 2025 its customers have ridden mainly on AT&T’s radio network, with a separate agreement with T-Mobile in the background.

SpaceX needs exactly that kind of ground coverage. Starlink Mobile, its direct-to-cell service, lets a satellite talk straight to an ordinary phone, which works under open sky but poorly indoors. On October 8, SpaceX agreed to buy up to 14MHz of paired 800MHz spectrum from Grain Management, a low band that travels through walls, in a deal the Wall Street Journal valued at about $8 billion. Spectrum isn’t the same as towers, though, and president Gwynne Shotwell said on the third-quarter call that SpaceX plans to launch its second-generation Starlink Mobile satellites in 2027 and switch on the expanded service in early 2028, according to Mobile World Live.

The fastest way to fill ground gaps before then is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) deal, where a brand rents capacity on someone else’s network. All three big carriers have said no. Verizon CEO Dan Schulman said there are “no back doors to any of our MVNO agreements,” according to Light Reading, and T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan told analysts on his company’s third-quarter call that he sees no room for an MVNO with SpaceX. Boost is the one company that already holds wholesale contracts with two of those carriers.

That’s also where the plan runs into trouble, since the Post reported that Boost’s agreements may not transfer to a new owner without AT&T and T-Mobile signing off. LightShed Partners analysts Walter Piecyk and Joe Galone argued that SpaceX can’t simply buy Boost and inherit its MVNO contracts, according to Fierce Network, and they don’t expect SpaceX to build its wireless strategy around Boost at all. Our reading is that the 7.4 million customers are the cheap part of any deal, while AT&T’s consent is the expensive part, and nobody has said what AT&T wants for it.

Boost Was Built to Be America’s Fourth Carrier, and Never Got Its Network

Boost only exists as a separate carrier because of a 2019 Justice Department settlement, which made T-Mobile and Sprint sell their prepaid brands to Dish for $1.4 billion so the market would keep a fourth national competitor. Dish took over about 9.3 million customers in July 2020 and spent years building its own 5G network, before EchoStar, Dish’s parent, sold its key spectrum to AT&T for $23 billion and to SpaceX for $17 billion in 2025 and moved Boost’s traffic onto AT&T. EchoStar reported 7.38 million wireless customers at the end of June, so we worked out that the base is about 21% smaller than the one Dish bought.

One user on X noted the irony: a carrier that antitrust officials created to keep four networks alive could now land in the hands of a launch company. EchoStar also has a reason to listen, since it took part of its spectrum payment in SpaceX stock and gains if Starlink Mobile works, while Boost on its own has struggled to grow.

The customers themselves sound less keen. In a Reddit thread on r/musked, one user who said they had been with Boost since it absorbed Virgin Mobile wrote that they’d look for another low-cost carrier if the deal happens, and another simply asked why, after years on the same plan. That forum leans against Musk, so it isn’t a fair sample, but prepaid customers can switch carriers in an afternoon, which makes Boost’s subscriber count a soft asset rather than the prize.

Boost Would Give SpaceX a Phone Store, Not a Reason to Build a Phone

Memeburn’s view of the phone question is that a Boost deal makes a SpaceX-branded phone less likely, not more. Musk wrote in February that “we are not developing a phone,” and he called a July Wall Street Journal report about a SpaceX handset prototype “utterly false.” His stated plan is to get existing phone makers to add the new frequencies, and in October he replied “Yes” on X to a post saying phones coming in 2027 and 2028 will carry chipsets that support Starlink Mobile’s spectrum. Shotwell said Starlink Mobile already passed 22 million monthly users on phones SpaceX never designed.

The money points the same way. SpaceX’s third-quarter results show the Connectivity segment, which is mostly Starlink, earned $2.4 billion of the company’s $2.8 billion operating income, roughly 85% by our math, while the AI segment absorbed $16.4 billion of $19.6 billion in capital spending. A handset business with thin margins and unsold inventory would compete for the same Starlink cash that’s already funding that AI build, in a smartphone market where Apple and Samsung set the terms. Boost, by contrast, already sells phones, including iPhones, with device financing for qualified customers, according to EchoStar’s filings, so owning it would hand SpaceX a sales channel for other companies’ hardware.

Our call is that no SpaceX-branded phone reaches US buyers before Starlink Mobile’s expanded service switches on in early 2028. We’d change that view if Apple’s and Samsung’s 2027 flagships ship without support for SpaceX’s satellite bands, or if an FCC equipment filing appears under SpaceX’s name, because owning the phone would then become the fallback rather than a distraction.

The next real signal is whether AT&T says anything about Boost’s contract, followed by FCC approval of the 800MHz deal, which SpaceX expects to close in the first half of 2027, according to its third-quarter results. If you’re a Boost customer, nothing changes until a deal is signed and approved, and whether your service keeps running on the same AT&T network afterward depends on the very consent AT&T hasn’t given yet.

FAQs

Is SpaceX buying Boost Mobile?

SpaceX has held talks with EchoStar about buying Boost Mobile or using its network, according to a November 2 report from The Washington Post. Neither company has announced a deal, and AT&T and T-Mobile, whose networks Boost leases, might have to approve any transfer of its contracts.

How many customers does Boost Mobile have?

EchoStar reported 7.38 million wireless customers at the end of June 2026, mostly under the Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile brands. That’s down from about 9.3 million when Dish bought Boost in July 2020.

Is SpaceX making a Starlink phone?

Musk wrote in February 2026 that SpaceX is not developing a phone and called a July report about a prototype “utterly false.” SpaceX’s stated plan is for existing phone makers to add chipsets that support its spectrum in phones launching in 2027 and 2028.

When will Starlink Mobile work like a regular carrier?

SpaceX plans to launch its second-generation Starlink Mobile satellites in 2027 and switch on an expanded service in early 2028. Its 800MHz spectrum purchase from Grain Management is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to FCC approval.

The post SpaceX Reportedly Wants to Buy Boost Mobile: A Starlink Play or a Phone Play? appeared first on Memeburn.

A smartwatch is a wrist computer that pairs with your phone, so it can show notifications and track workouts, sleep, and heart rate. Below are eight watches sold on Amazon in the US, picked on official specs, battery ratings, and last year’s pricing. We also applied one rule most deal lists skip: the watch has to work with your phone.

Check Your Phone Before You Check the Price

A great discount on the wrong watch is money wasted, since several brands lock their watches to one phone platform.

In short, if you carry an iPhone, your real choices are Apple, Garmin, and Amazfit. On the other hand, if you use a Samsung phone, a Galaxy Watch is the natural match.

Last Year’s Model Is Where the Big Cuts Hide

Retailers rarely cut a brand-new watch deeply in its first holiday season. By contrast, the model it replaced usually gets the bigger markdown, because stores want it gone. Here’s how this year’s pairs line up at list price:

• Garmin Fenix 8 vs Fenix 9: the Fenix 8 lists at $999.99, while the Fenix 9 starts at $1,000 and adds a twice-as-bright display and 64GB of storage.
• Pixel Watch 4 vs Pixel Watch 5 (45mm Wi-Fi): the older watch costs $399.99 versus $429, while the newer one adds 3GB of RAM, offline Gemini and a 465mAh battery.
• Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) vs Ultra 2: the 2025 model lists at $649.99 versus $699.99, while the Ultra 2 adds an 800mAh battery and a 5,000-nit screen.

Since each pair costs about the same at list price, a 30% cut makes the older watch roughly a third cheaper. So unless you need the newer feature, it’s usually the smarter buy.

Early Black Friday note: Black Friday 2026 officially starts on November 27, and most retailers haven’t released their full deals yet. The discounts in this guide are the percentages we expect, based on last year’s Black Friday prices and this October’s Prime Day sale. We’ll update each pick with the live deal and a direct link as soon as retailers announce them, so bookmark this page and check back closer to the sale.

Battery Life Compared

Battery life is the spec you’ll feel every single day, so here’s what each brand rates its watch at.

*In Battery Saver mode. These are each brand’s own claims, and in real life, GPS workouts, LTE, and bright screens all cut them down.

The 8 Best Smartwatch Black Friday Deals

The percentages below are what we expect based on last year’s sale and October’s Prime Day pricing. We’ll then update each one when the deals go live.

1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Best for Samsung Phones

Deal: 25% off list ($379.99 for 40mm, $409.99 for 44mm)

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

 

4.4/5

Overview

• Super AMOLED display reaches 3,000 nits peak brightness
• BioActive sensor monitors heart rate and body composition
• 390mAh or 445mAh battery supports extended daily usage

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is the easiest pick for Galaxy phone owners. Samsung priced it at $379.99 and up, which is $30 more than the Galaxy Watch 8 cost at launch. That’s partly why we don’t expect a cut as deep as the Watch 8’s roughly 29% last November.

Key specs

• Sizes: 40mm (31.5g) and 44mm (34g), and both are just 8.6mm thick
• Screen: Super AMOLED under sapphire crystal, so it reaches up to 3,000 nits
• Chip: Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite, along with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage
• Battery: up to 30 hours with always-on display, while turning it off stretches that to 40 hours
• Charging (44mm): 45% in 30 minutes, then full in about 90 minutes
• Toughness: 5ATM and IP68, and it also meets MIL-STD-810H
• Health: sleep apnea alerts, Vitals, body composition, a skin carotenoid reading, and cuff-calibrated blood pressure

How it performs day to day

The 3,000-nit screen stays readable in direct sun, so outdoor glances are easy. However, battery is the trade-off. With the always-on display on, you’ll charge every day. Still, a 30-minute top-up during your morning routine gets the 44mm to about 45%, which covers a full day.

Body composition works by sending a tiny, harmless current through your body to estimate fat and muscle. As a result, it’s useful for tracking trends over weeks rather than for a single exact number. Meanwhile, the new Wear Elite chip hasn’t shown a clear real-world speed gain over the Watch 8, so don’t upgrade from last year’s model for speed alone.

Pass if: you use an iPhone, because Galaxy watches don’t support it.

2. Google Pixel Watch 5: Best for Pixel Phones

Deal: 15% off the $399 list price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Google Pixel Watch 5

 

4.6/5

Overview

• AMOLED display delivers vibrant visuals with 3,000-nit brightness
• Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 powers smooth performance
• Battery lasts up to 40 hours with AOD

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The Google Pixel Watch 5 is Google’s newest watch, and it can run Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, even without a phone connection. As the Pixel Watch 5 spec leak suggested before launch, the chip family barely changed, so this upgrade is mostly about AI and health.

Key specs

• Price: $399 (41mm) and $429 (45mm) for Wi-Fi, while LTE adds $100
• Chip: accelerated Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, which Google says is 12% faster than before, plus 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage
• Battery: 465mAh on the 45mm, so it’s rated up to 40 hours with always-on display
• Charging: it supports a 30W charger, but that’s sold separately
• Google’s claims: GPS twice as accurate in dense cities, and sleep tracking 15% more accurate

How it performs day to day

A 12% speed bump is too small to notice when you open apps. Instead, the gains show up in specific situations. For example, if you run between tall buildings, the improved GPS should draw a cleaner route map. Offline Gemini also lets you set reminders mid-run while your phone stays home.

Blood pressure and insulin resistance trends are coming in a software update, although Google says neither is cleared by the FDA. Similarly, Breathing Emergency Detection, which can call for help if you stop responding, launches in Europe first.

Pass if: you want the lowest price on a Pixel Watch, since the next pick does most of the same things for less.

3. Google Pixel Watch 4: Best Value for Android

Deal: 30% off the $399.99 list price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Google Pixel Watch 4

 

4.2/5

Overview

• Actua 360 AMOLED display reaches 3,000 nits
• Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 powers responsive performance
• Battery lasts up to 40 hours with AOD

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The Google Pixel Watch 4 is our value pick for Android owners. Last year, the Pixel Watch 3 fell about 33% once its successor arrived, and the Pixel Watch 4 is now in the same position.

Key specs

• Screen: domed AMOLED with a 1Hz to 60Hz refresh rate, so it saves power when nothing moves
• Chip: Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 with a low-power co-processor, plus 2GB of RAM
• Battery (45mm): 455mAh, which gives up to 40 hours with always-on display or 72 hours in Battery Saver
• Charging: about 50% in 15 minutes on the included dock
• Sensors: ECG, blood oxygen and skin temperature, as well as a skin conductance sensor for stress
• Extras: dual-frequency GPS, 5ATM and IP68, while LTE models add Satellite SOS

How it performs day to day

The fast charging is the quiet hero here. Because 15 minutes on the dock gets you to half, you can track sleep every night and still never run out. Compared with the Pixel Watch 5, you give up 1GB of RAM and offline Gemini. For notifications, sleep tracking, and workouts, though, that’s an easy trade at 30% off.

The dual-frequency GPS listens to two satellite signals at once, so it stays accurate near buildings and trees.

Pass if: you want the blood pressure features coming to newer Pixel watches.

4. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Best Battery on Android

Deal: 25% off the $699.99 list price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

 

4.4/5

Overview

• 1.52-inch Super AMOLED display reaches 5,000 nits
• 800mAh battery supports extended outdoor tracking sessions
• 10ATM+, IP69K, MIL-STD-810H durability for rugged adventures

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is built for hikers and runners who are tired of nightly charging.

Key specs

• Size and weight: 47mm only, 10mm thick and 61.5g
• Screen: 1.52-inch Super AMOLED under sapphire, so it peaks at 5,000 nits
• Battery: 800mAh, about 35% bigger than before, which gives up to 60 hours with always-on display
• Charging: 40% in 30 minutes, then full in about 90 minutes
• Storage and data: 64GB, and LTE comes built in
• Toughness: titanium case with 10ATM, IP69K, MIL-STD-810H and EN13319 ratings

How it performs day to day

Sixty hours means you can track two nights of sleep between charges, even when the screen stays on. The 5,000-nit display also matters on snow, sand or water, where glare washes out dimmer screens. In addition, IP69K means it survives high-pressure water jets.

The catch is weight. At 61.5g, it’s nearly twice as heavy as the 44mm Watch 9, so some people find it bulky in bed. Since last year’s Ultra fell 31% to 33% on Black Friday, we’d treat anything under 20% as an average deal.

Pass if: you have small wrists, since it only comes in 47mm.

5. Garmin Venu 4: Best for iPhone and Android Users

Deal: 20% off the $549.99 list price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Garmin Venu 4

 

4.5/5

Overview

• AMOLED display delivers bright, vibrant everyday visuals
• Built-in LED flashlight improves visibility during nighttime activities
• Battery lasts up to 12 days in smartwatch mode

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The Garmin Venu 4 works with both iPhone and Android, so it’s the safest gift if you don’t know the recipient’s phone.

Key specs

• Screen: 1.4-inch AMOLED on the 45mm case, while the 41mm gets a 1.2-inch panel
• Battery (45mm): up to 12 days, or 4 days when the screen stays on
• GPS: up to 20 hours, or 17 hours using multi-band mode
• Weight and build: 56g with the band, 12mm thick and 5ATM
• Health: Elevate heart rate sensor and blood oxygen, as well as an ECG app
• Extras: an LED flashlight with a strobe mode, but no LTE

How it performs day to day

Twelve days of battery changes how you use a watch. As a result, you can wear it to bed every night and still charge it only twice a month. Even with the screen always on, four days beats every Wear OS watch on this list.

Garmin’s strength is training data. Its app turns your sleep, stress, and workouts into clear recovery advice, and core features don’t need a subscription. However, third-party apps are limited compared with Apple’s or Google’s. Last year, as a brand-new watch, the Venu 4 saw just 9% off, so a 20% cut would be its best price yet.

Pass if: you want to make calls or stream music when your phone isn’t nearby.

6. Garmin Fenix 8: Best Clearance Deal

Deal: 30% off the $999.99 list price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Garmin Fenix 8

 

4.6/5

Overview

• AMOLED display delivers sharp visuals across multiple sizes
• Multi-band GPS provides accurate outdoor navigation
• Built-in maps support navigation across challenging terrains

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The Garmin Fenix 8 is the deal we’d watch most closely. Garmin announced the Fenix 9, starting at $1,000, on August 25, so the Fenix 8 is now last year’s flagship.

Key specs

• Battery (47mm AMOLED): up to 16 days, or 7 days when the screen stays on
• GPS: up to 47 hours of GPS-only tracking
• Weight: 73g in titanium, while stainless steel weighs 80g
• Extras: a flashlight with red and strobe modes, plus a built-in speaker and microphone
• Water: dive-rated to 40 meters

How it performs day to day

Forty-seven hours of GPS covers an ultramarathon or a long weekend hike without a charger. Also, the speaker and microphone let you take calls and use voice commands from your wrist while your phone stays in a pocket. The red flashlight mode is handy at night, too, because it doesn’t ruin your night vision.

Compared with the Fenix 9, you miss the brighter display and extra storage for maps. Last Black Friday, the Fenix 8 fell 25% while it was still Garmin’s newest. That’s why a 30% cut now would put most of the Fenix 9’s toughness on your wrist for much less.

Pass if: you only need step counts and notifications, because it’s overkill for that.

7. Apple Watch SE 3: Best for iPhone on a Budget

Deal: 20% off the $249 list price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Apple Watch SE 3

 

4.7/5

Overview

• Always-On Retina OLED display reaches 1,000 nits
• S10 chip delivers smooth everyday smartwatch performance
• Sleep tracking includes sleep scores and apnea notifications

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The Apple Watch SE 3 is the cheapest way into Apple’s watch lineup. It hit 20% off on Amazon during October’s Prime Day, matching last year’s Black Friday deal, so 20% is the level to beat.

Key specs

• Sizes: 40mm (249)and44mm(279)
• Chip: S10, along with an always-on display
• Battery: 18 hours, although 15 minutes of charging adds up to 8 hours
• Health: sleep score and wrist temperature, as well as sleep apnea notifications
• Build: glass Apple says is four times more resistant to cracks, while cellular models add 5G

How it performs day to day

The S10 chip keeps apps and Apple Pay quick. In addition, the always-on display means you can see the time without raising your wrist. Battery, however, is the weak spot. At 18 hours, sleep tracking only works when you charge during the day. Fortunately, a 15-minute top-up while you shower adds up to 8 hours.

Pass if: you want two days of battery, since the SE 3 still needs a daily charge.

8. Amazfit Active 2: Best Under $100

Deal: 20% off the $99.99 list price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Amazfit Active 2

 

5/5

Overview

• 1.32-inch AMOLED display delivers 466 × 466 resolution
• BioTracker 6.0 monitors heart rate and blood oxygen
• 160+ workout modes support diverse fitness activities

CHECK PRICE

See latest price on Amazon

The Amazfit Active 2 is the cheapest watch here, yet it doesn’t feel stripped down.

Key specs

• Screen: 1.32-inch AMOLED, so it reaches up to 2,000 nits
• Battery: up to 10 days, 19 days in battery saver, or 21 hours of GPS
• GPS: five satellite systems, plus offline maps with turn directions
• Extras: a speaker and microphone for Bluetooth calls, as well as 5ATM, at about 29.5g

How it performs day to day

Ten days of battery and 21 hours of GPS cover a week of daily runs with room to spare. On the downside, the standard version has no NFC chip, so you can’t tap to pay, because that feature is only on the Premium model. Its Zepp app is also simpler than Apple’s, Google’s, or Samsung’s.

Pass if: you want contactless payments or a large app store.

What Last Black Friday Tells Us

Last November’s Amazon cuts, from 20% on the SE 3 to 33% on the outgoing Pixel Watch 3, set the bar. So if a watch here matches or beats its benchmark above, we’d buy. Otherwise, it’s worth waiting until Cyber Monday on November 30.

Three Mistakes to Avoid This Black Friday

• Buying LTE you won’t use. An LTE watch can make calls without your phone, but carriers usually charge a monthly fee for it. So the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth version is enough for most people.
• Picking the wrong size. Bigger cases hold bigger batteries, but they can feel bulky in bed. That’s why the smaller size is often more comfortable overnight.
• Ignoring the phone rule. The table at the top is the quickest way to avoid a return, so check it before you buy.

FAQs

Which Black Friday phone deals pair well with a new smartwatch?

Phones are a different story this year, because higher memory costs pushed many prices up first.

Are Samsung phones cheaper on Black Friday 2026?

Not always. Many Galaxy models now cost more than they did a few weeks ago, so some “deals” only undo a price increase. 

Can a smartwatch overheat while you sleep?

It’s rare, but an aging battery can get warm overnight. A recent case of a Galaxy Watch 5 Pro overheating shows six checks worth doing on any watch you wear to bed.

Do I need a special charger for a smartwatch?

Most watches ship with their own magnetic or puck charger, but some leave out the wall adapter.

Are smart glasses a better gift than a smartwatch?

They do different jobs. Glasses handle photos, music, and calls, while a watch handles health tracking. 

The post Smartwatch Black Friday Deals 2026: 8 Watches Worth Buying, Sorted by the Phone in Your Pocket appeared first on Memeburn.

That worry has a name, the AI bubble. A bubble is when prices rise far above what the underlying businesses can justify, then fall hard once buyers lose faith. Here’s where the money went, what scared investors and why the bubble debate matters even if you don’t own a single tech stock.

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The Week in Numbers

Market value, also called market capitalization, is a company’s share price multiplied by its number of shares. When it “evaporates,” no cash leaves a bank. Instead, shareholders’ holdings are suddenly worth less on paper.

For scale, the biggest one-day loss for any US-listed company is still Nvidia’s roughly $593 billion drop on January 27, 2025. Alphabet’s slide now ranks just behind it, and it isn’t a one-off. US stocks had lost $200 billion or more in a single session 18 times this year through October 28, compared with 13 times in all of 2025.

Why Investors Got Scared: Three Cracks

1. AI is eating the cash

Alphabet spent $51.4 billion on capital expenditures in the third quarter. Capex is money spent on long-lasting assets, which here mostly means data centers and AI chips. That’s more than double a year earlier. As a result, Alphabet’s free cash flow, the cash left after running the business and paying for those investments, swung to negative $9.1 billion.

Amazon looks similar. Its free cash flow over the past 12 months is negative $42.4 billion, and it expects to spend about $220 billion this year. CEO Andy Jassy said the company plans to spend “meaningfully more in 2027.”

2. AI may be hurting the businesses that pay for it

Google Search revenue grew 12% to $63.35 billion, below the roughly 15% analysts wanted and down from 19% in the first quarter. “The bears will argue this is the first quarter that AI is starting to seriously hurt their search business,” Pivotal Research CEO Jeffrey Wlodarczak said. In other words, AI answers may keep people on Google while showing them fewer of the ads that fund the spending.

3. The money is getting harder to raise

Outside Big Tech, the warning signs are in borrowing. Bond yields for CoreWeave, which rents out AI computing power, have climbed to levels usually seen on risky “junk” debt. That echoes the problem in SpaceX’s $40 billion AI chip loan, where smaller cloud firms struggled to borrow at all. Meanwhile, OpenAI reportedly raised about $10 billion less than it wanted at a $1.25 trillion valuation.

The Case That It Isn’t a Bubble

The bubble story has strong counterpoints, and they’re worth weighing just as carefully.

• Demand is real. Google Cloud revenue rose 103% to $30.71 billion, Microsoft’s Azure grew 48%, and Amazon Web Services grew 39%. Bubbles usually burst when customers stop showing up, which isn’t happening yet.
• Microsoft held up. Its stock slipped only about 1.6% on Oct. 29, because Azure beat expectations and it spent less than analysts feared.
• Valuations aren’t extreme everywhere. In late September, Nvidia traded at under 17 times its expected profit for the next 12 months, about half its 2025 level, based on Bloomberg data.
• Usage keeps climbing. Alphabet’s Gemini app passed 1 billion users, and CEO Sundar Pichai said Google’s query growth is the highest in five years.

This looks less like a bubble bursting and more like investors demanding proof. For much of 2025, the market rewarded companies just for spending on AI. Now it wants to see that spending turn into cash.

Capex vs Market Value: Our Math

The gap between what companies spend and what the market wipes off in a day shows how much is driven by mood rather than money.

Put simply, the market erased in two days about three times what the four biggest spenders invested in AI over three months. That doesn’t mean the spending is wasted. It means stock prices had priced in a lot of future success, and small disappointments now cause big swings.

Intel shows the same effect. Its holiday-quarter forecast of $15 billion to $16 billion missed estimates of about $17 billion, a gap of roughly $1.5 billion at the midpoint. Yet the stock lost around $130 billion. Intel’s AI problem is that AI chip demand is lifting its data center unit while higher memory costs hurt PC sales.

What to Watch Next

Nvidia’s and AMD’s earnings reports are still to come, and they’ll test whether chip demand is holding up. Meanwhile, signs that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates in December add pressure, because higher rates make borrowing for data centers more expensive. If cloud growth stays strong and cash flow improves in 2027, this October may look like a scare rather than a burst.

Stock figures are as of the October 29–30, 2026, closes, and the bitcoin price is as of 10:18 a.m. UTC on November 1, 2026. This article is for information only and is not financial advice.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a correction and a crash?

A correction usually means an index has fallen at least 10% from its recent high. A crash is a faster, deeper drop, often over days. The Nasdaq 100’s 6.7% drop in October alone stays short of that line, though stocks like Alphabet fell much further from their highs.

Are companies paying more for AI tools now?

Many are, and the bills can be hard to track. For example, Anthropic now shows companies what their Claude bill buys, which helps finance teams judge whether AI spending pays off.

Could stocks one day trade around the clock like crypto?

It’s being tested. Big market firms are moving parts of trading onto blockchains, and Wall Street’s plumbing just went on-chain with $30 trillion in holdings.

How do beginners buy bitcoin safely?

Start with a regulated exchange, buy a small amount, and move long-term holdings to a wallet you control.

What’s the difference between spot and futures trading?

Spot trading means buying the asset itself. Futures are contracts that bet on its future price, often with borrowed money.

The post AI Bubble Wiped Out Hundreds of Billions in Two Days appeared first on Memeburn.

Apple Intelligence is Apple’s set of AI tools, including Writing Tools, notification summaries, Genmoji, and the new Siri. Much of it runs on your iPhone rather than in the cloud. That’s good for privacy, but it means the AI model, the large file the features depend on, has to live in your storage.

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How Much Space Apple Intelligence Storage Takes on iOS 27

Apple’s own Apple Intelligence requirements page lists two limits. It needs up to 14GB on the iPhone Duo, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro models or later, which run a larger on-device model. Every other supported iPhone needs up to 8GB.

User reports go further. People say the AI files take about 15GB, with some seeing around 16GB and others as little as 9GB. The space is also used in the EU, where Apple’s new Siri AI isn’t available.

A share of your phone’s total storage:

So the pain falls mostly on older 128GB phones. One user report on an iPhone 16 with 128GB put iOS and Apple Intelligence at about 30% of the phone’s storage, before counting the space iOS keeps free for future updates.

Why Turning Apple Intelligence Off Doesn’t Help

The obvious fix is to switch Apple Intelligence off in Settings. Users say it doesn’t work, and the files stay put. In our analysis, that’s likely by design. iOS has historically kept downloaded AI files on the phone in case you switch the features back on, and it clears them only when it decides it needs the space.

Some people suggest changing your Apple Account’s country to one without Apple Intelligence. We’d avoid that. Switching regions can force you to cancel subscriptions or spend your remaining Apple balance first, which is a lot of hassle for a storage fix.

Why the Siri Language Trick Works

The workaround, first shared by Reddit users in an r/ios thread, uses one of Apple’s own rules. Apple Intelligence works only when your device language and Siri language are set to the same supported language. If they don’t match, Apple says the features become unavailable.

Users found that setting Siri to a different English variant, such as South African, Canadian, Irish, or New Zealand English, while the iPhone stays on US or UK English, breaks that match. iOS then treats Apple Intelligence as unavailable and removes most of its files. According to the reports, Apple Intelligence then shrinks to about 100MB.

Testers who tried South African English say the space came back after a restart. That’s encouraging, but it’s still a user-found workaround, not an official Apple setting. So Apple could change how it behaves in a future update.

How to Reclaim the Space: 5 Steps

1. Check your current number. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and note how much is used.
2. Open Siri’s language setting. Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Language.
3. Pick a different English variant. Choose English (South Africa), English (Canada), English (Ireland), or English (New Zealand). Leave your iPhone’s main language as it is.
4. Restart your iPhone. Hold the side button and a volume button, then slide to power off and turn it back on.
5. Check storage again. Give it a few minutes, then reopen iPhone Storage and compare.

What You Give Up

This isn’t a free lunch. While the languages don’t match, you lose:

• Writing Tools, which rewrite or proofread your text
• Notification summaries, which condense long message threads
• Image tools, including Genmoji, Image Playground, and Clean Up in Photos
• The new Siri AI, including its memory of past conversations
• Pro-only extras on iPhone 17 Pro and newer, such as customizable Siri voices and more accurate dictation, which rely on the larger model

Siri’s voice and accent options also change with the new language, so expect it to sound different.

Who Should Try It, and Who Shouldn’t

• 128GB iPhone owners near full: good candidates. Freeing 12% of your storage is like getting a free upgrade.
• People who never use the AI features: low risk, since you won’t miss anything.
• EU users without Siri AI: worth considering, as you’re paying the storage cost for fewer features.
• Heavy Siri or Writing Tools users: skip it, and free space elsewhere instead.
• 256GB or larger owners with room to spare: there’s no need. The AI files cost you 6% or less.

How to Undo It

Go back to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Language and choose the same English variant as your iPhone’s main language. Apple Intelligence will download its files again, so connect to Wi-Fi and make sure you have enough free space. It may take a while before the features return.

Does This Affect iPads, Macs and Apple Watch Too?

Yes, the storage cost isn’t limited to your phone. On the same requirements page, Apple lists up to 14GB for iPads with an M4 chip or later and Macs with an M3 chip or later, as long as they have at least 12GB of memory. Other supported iPads and Macs need up to 8GB, and an Apple Watch needs up to 1.5GB.

So if you own an iPhone, an iPad and a Mac, Apple Intelligence could take 30GB or more across your devices. However, the Siri language workaround has so far been reported on iPhones only. We wouldn’t assume it behaves the same way on a Mac until more people test it there.

Other Ways to Free 15GB Without Losing AI

• Offload unused apps in iPhone Storage, which removes the app but keeps its data.
• Turn on Optimize iPhone Storage for Photos if you use iCloud Photos, which keeps smaller copies on the phone.
• Clear large Messages attachments, which iPhone Storage lists by size.
• Empty Recently Deleted in Photos, since deleted photos stay for 30 days.

If you have a 128GB iPhone and rarely use Apple’s AI, the Siri language switch is a quick, reversible way to win back real space. Everyone else should start with photos and apps, and wait to see whether Apple adds a proper off switch in a later update.

FAQs

What changed in iOS 27.2?

iOS 27.2 added Siri memory, new sources for Siri and more than 160 security fixes.

Does the iPhone Duo need more space for Apple Intelligence?

Yes. Apple lists it with the models that need up to 14GB. It starts at 256GB, so the share is smaller. Here’s everything about Apple’s $1,999 iPhone Duo.

Which iPhone should I buy if I keep running out of storage?

Look for 256GB or more. The iPhone 17, 17e, and the iPhone 18 Pro models all start at 256GB, which leaves room for Apple’s larger AI files.

Will Black Friday bring cheaper iPhones with more storage?

Usually not on new models, but renewed phones and older iPhones often drop. 

Does buying iCloud storage fix the problem?

Not directly. iCloud+ stores photos and backups online, but the Apple Intelligence files must stay on your iPhone. iCloud can still free space by keeping smaller photo copies on the phone.

The post How to Reclaim 15GB of Storage After the iOS 27 Update, and What You Give Up appeared first on Memeburn.

The BYDFi App at a Glance

BYDFi is a crypto exchange that launched in 2020 and says it serves more than 1,000,000 users in 190+ countries and regions. Its mobile trading app is available on iPhone and Android, with an APK download for Android phones as well.

Ratings near 4.6 on the App Store listing and on Google Play are solid for a crypto exchange. However, they also include users chasing welcome rewards, so they tell you more about general satisfaction than about ease of use.

The Three Lanes a New Trader Will See

The app packs a lot into one account: spot trading, Convert, futures, TradFi, Copy Trading, trading bots and an earn feature. The easiest way to make sense of it is to think in three lanes, from low effort to high risk.

A new trader can stay in the first two lanes for weeks and never miss anything important. The problem is that the third lane is only a tap away, and the app’s marketing leans on it.

The simple lane

Convert is the shortest path for a first purchase. You pick two tokens, enter an amount, and confirm a quoted rate. BYDFi charges no separate fee because the cost sits inside the quote, and there’s no slippage, meaning the price you see is the price you get. The Help Center lists a minimum of 1 USDT and a maximum of 20,000 USDT per conversion.

Spot DCA, short for dollar-cost averaging, buys a set amount of crypto on a schedule, daily, weekly or monthly. As a result, you don’t have to time the market or open the app every day. Plans can hold up to 10 tokens, and BYDFi charges no bot fee, although the normal trading fee applies to each purchase.

The hands-on lane

Spot trading means buying the actual coin. The app supports Limit, Market, and OCO orders, while version 4.1.0 added Trailing Stop orders for spot. A limit order buys only at your chosen price, so it’s the safer choice for beginners than a market order in a fast-moving market.

The advanced lane

Perpetual futures let you bet on a price going up or down without owning the coin, usually with borrowed money called leverage. If the price moves against you far enough, the exchange closes your position, which is called liquidation, and you lose your margin. TradFi uses the same futures format to track US stocks, gold, silver, and crude oil with USDT.

What Makes the App Easier for Beginners

Several features lower the learning curve, at least on paper.

• Passkey sign-in. You log in with Face ID, Touch ID, or your phone’s fingerprint reader instead of typing a password each time.
• Chart Trading. On futures, you set your entry, take-profit, and stop-loss by dragging lines on the chart. That makes your exit plan visible before you trade.
• Trader Match. Copy Trading asks four questions about the assets you like, the market direction you expect, your risk style and how often you want to trade. It then scores traders against your answers.
• Low minimums. Copy Trading starts at 30 USDT, and BYDFi’s app listing frames it as picking an “aggressive, balanced or conservative” style.
• 24/7 live support. BYDFi says its chat team is available around the clock in multiple languages.
• Practice and planning tools. A separate Demo Trading site lets you practice futures with test funds. BYDFi also offers free calculators, including a liquidation price calculator.

Chart Trading and the liquidation calculator matter most. That’s because most beginner losses in futures come from trading without a stop-loss or without knowing where liquidation sits.

Fees a New Trader Will Actually See

A maker order adds a new price to the order book, while a taker order fills an existing one right away. Here’s what that means in dollars, by our math:

• $100 spot trade: buying and then selling costs about $0.20 in base fees, or 0.2% of your money.
• $100 futures trade at 10x leverage: your position is worth $1,000, so opening and closing it as a taker costs about $1.20. That’s 1.2% of your $100 margin, before any funding payments.

In other words, leverage multiplies your fees along with your gains and losses. That’s one more reason to start in the spot lane.

Safety Settings to Switch On First

Before you deposit, set up these four protections in the app:

1. Passkey or biometric sign-in, so a stolen password alone can’t open your account.
2. Two-factor authentication with Google Authenticator, which adds a one-time code to every login and withdrawal.
3. An anti-phishing code, a personal phrase that appears in genuine BYDFi emails, so fake emails stand out.
4. The withdrawal whitelist, which only allows withdrawals to addresses you approve. With the security restriction on, a new address must also wait 24 hours.

On the platform side, BYDFi says it keeps user assets in offline cold wallets with multi-signature approval, publishes Proof of Reserves above 100% and runs an 800 BTC Protection Fund. It also holds Money Services Business (MSB) registrations in several countries. These are BYDFi’s own statements, so treat them as part of your research rather than a guarantee. If you plan to hold crypto for years, moving it to your own wallet is still the safest option.

Is the BYDFi App Easy to Navigate for New Traders?

For the basics, yes. Buying crypto, converting tokens, setting up a DCA plan, and turning on security features all take short, clear paths, while passkeys and 24/7 chat lower the friction further. Chart Trading and Trader Match are also genuinely beginner-friendly ideas, because they make risk settings visible instead of hiding them in menus.

However, the same app puts high-leverage futures, TradFi, and bonus-driven futures trading right next to those simple tools. So the interface is easy to move around, but it doesn’t stop a new trader from wandering into the riskiest lane.

The BYDFi app suits beginners who set their own boundaries, starting with Convert, spot, and DCA, and practicing futures in Demo Trading first. If you want an app that hides leverage entirely, a simpler, spot-only exchange may suit you better while you learn.

FAQs

What’s the difference between spot and futures trading?

Spot trading means buying the coin itself, so you can’t lose more than you put in. Futures are contracts on the price, often with borrowed money.

How does leverage work in crypto?

Leverage lets you open a bigger position than your deposit. For example, 10x turns $100 into a $1,000 position, but a 10% move against you can wipe out your margin.

Should I keep my crypto on an exchange app?

For active trading, many people keep a small balance on the exchange. For long-term savings, though, a wallet you control is safer.

Are crypto trading signals worth following?

Signals are buy or sell alerts from other traders or bots, and their quality varies widely. Before you copy anyone, read how crypto trading signals work and what to check first.

How can I track whether my trades are actually working?

A trading journal records each trade, your reason for taking it, and the result, so you can spot patterns in your mistakes.

The post BYDFi App Review: Is the Mobile Interface Easy to Navigate for New Traders? appeared first on Memeburn.

Black Friday Tablet Deals 2026: The Prices to Beat

We checked five matched configurations on Amazon.com on October 31, 2026, and compared each with the same model’s current price at Apple or Samsung. Every Amazon offer below is sold and shipped by Amazon.com, and none of the listings carried a Black Friday or limited-time deal badge, so treat these as early prices rather than confirmed Black Friday deals. Launch prices come from Apple’s and Samsung’s own announcements, while last year’s prices come from the early Black Friday sales Tom’s Guide tracked in mid-November 2025.

The column that matters most is the last one, because the iPad A16 sold for $324 in the early sales last November, which means today’s $399 is still $75 higher even after Amazon’s discount. According to TechRadar, Apple raised iPad and MacBook prices in mid-2026 as RAM and component costs climbed, lifting the 11-inch iPad Air M4 from $599 to $749. Samsung’s tablets moved the same way, although Samsung hasn’t given a reason: the Galaxy Tab S10 FE launched in the US at $499.99 in April 2025, according to SamMobile, and now lists at $549.99, while the Tab S10 Lite rose from the $349 Samsung confirmed to 9to5Google to $399.99. The same pattern of discounts measured against freshly raised prices shows up in our Black Friday laptop deals guide.

Black Friday Tablets 2026 Deals & Sales

Apple iPad A16 at $399 Beats Apple’s Price but Not Last Year’s

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)

 

4.7/5

Overview

• Apple M5 chip delivers extraordinary performance
• iPadOS 26 with Liquid Glass design
• iPad Pro features a landscape 12MP Center Stage camera

Check Price

See latest price on Amazon

The 11-inch iPad with the A16 chip, 128GB of storage and Wi-Fi is $399 at Amazon in Pink, which is $50 less than Apple’s $449 and the cheapest way into a current iPad we found. Because the same model listed at $349 before Apple’s price increase and sold for $324 last November, Amazon’s discount only brings it back to $50 above where it started, so we’d treat $349 as the line at which waiting stops making sense. Amazon’s listing also bundles up to three free months of Apple Arcade, Fitness+ and News+, which is a pleasant extra but not a cash saving.

iPad Air M4 Has Held at $649 on Amazon Since Summer

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)

 

4.7/5

Overview

• Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1 gives you fast wireless connections
• M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and incredible performance
• Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil

Check Price

See latest price on Amazon

The 11-inch iPad Air with the M4 chip, 128GB and Wi-Fi costs $649 at Amazon in Blue against Apple’s $749, a $100 (13.35%) gap that looks generous until you notice Amazon was already charging $649 in mid-August, when TechRadar called it the Air’s biggest discount since Apple’s increase. A price that has held for about ten weeks isn’t really an early Black Friday deal so much as the Air M4’s normal Amazon price, and it still sits $50 above the $599 Apple charged when the tablet launched in March 2026. Amazon also shows $599 for shoppers approved for an Amazon Visa card, so that figure only counts if you were going to open the card anyway.

iPad Pro M5 Carries the Biggest Discount on the Biggest Price Increase

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Apple iPad 11-inch

 

4.7/5

Overview

• The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever
• The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance
• Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files

Check Price

See latest price on Amazon

Amazon sells the 11-inch iPad Pro with the M5 chip and 256GB in Silver for $1,099.99, which is $99.01 below Apple’s $1,199 and the largest cash discount among the iPads we checked. The 11-inch iPad Pro M5 listed at $999 before Apple’s increase, though, and Tom’s Guide tracked it at $937 during last year’s early sales, so today’s price is about $163 higher than what shoppers paid a year ago for the same chip and storage. The $1,049.99 Amazon Visa price depends on card approval like the Air’s, and you’ll still need to buy the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard separately if you want the full laptop-replacement setup.

Galaxy Tab S10 Lite Is the Only Tablet Here Below Its Launch Price

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite

 

4.6/5

Overview

• All of your fun content pops on the 10.9" screen
• Galaxy Tab S10 Lite boasts an Exynos 1380 processor that lets you stream
• The power of AI is just a tap away with the AI Hot Key

Check Price

See latest price on Amazon

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 Lite with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and Wi-Fi costs $329.99 at Amazon in Gray, which is $70 under Samsung’s $399.99 and about $19 below the $349 it launched at in September 2025. That makes it the only tablet in this roundup where Amazon’s price beats the original launch price, and since Samsung includes the S Pen in the box, you can take handwritten notes without buying a stylus. It’s a mid-range tablet with a 10.9-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) and Samsung’s Exynos 1380 chip, so it suits notes, streaming and schoolwork better than demanding games or heavy multitasking.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Has No Discount Yet

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE

 

4.7/5

Overview

• Make the grades using Math Solver
• Tidy up your handwritten notes with Handwriting Assist
• Get big Galaxy power for fast-paced gaming

Check Price

See latest price on Amazon

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE with 128GB and Wi-Fi costs $549.99 at both Amazon and Samsung, and Amazon’s listing shows no reference-price reduction at all, so there’s no store advantage and no early saving to chase. Because Samsung launched the Tab S10 FE at $499.99, today’s price is $50 above where it started, and the $220 gap to the Tab S10 Lite at Amazon is a lot to pay for a step up within Samsung’s mid-range. We’d leave the Tab S10 FE alone until it returns to at least its $499.99 launch price.

New iPad mini A20 Pro or the Older A17 Pro Model?

Apple’s new iPad mini with the A20 Pro chip and an 8.5-inch OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display starts at $699 for Wi-Fi, with preorders from October 28 and availability on November 6, according to Apple. A tablet that only reaches stores three weeks before Black Friday is unlikely to get a deep cut in time, so the realistic choice this year is between paying $699 for the new model and buying the older A17 Pro version, which Amazon’s own comparison panel showed at $545 during our check, a $154 difference. We didn’t verify that $545 offer as a main listing, and it’s a previous-generation tablet with an 8.3-inch LCD, so check the chip name before you buy. If you’re weighing a mini against a foldable phone instead, our look at whether the iPhone Duo can replace an iPad mini runs the screen-size math.

An iPad Deal Only Counts Once It Crosses Launch Price

Memeburn’s reading of these prices is that this year’s Black Friday benchmark for an iPad isn’t Apple’s list price but the price each model launched at, which is $349 for the iPad A16, $599 for the iPad Air M4 and $999 for the 11-inch iPad Pro M5. Since Amazon already sells all three $50 to $101 below Apple’s current prices, a Black Friday cut that stops above launch price only undoes part of Apple’s mid-2026 increase, and because the Air M4 has sat at $649 since summer, its first genuinely new price would need to start with a 5.

Our advice, if you need a tablet before the holidays and aren’t tied to iPadOS, is that the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite at $329.99 is the one buy-now price in this list, because it’s the only tablet already under its launch price and it comes with a stylus. That changes if Amazon pushes the iPad A16 to $349 or lower, since at that point you’d be paying launch price for a much faster chip and Apple’s app library, which is a better deal than any Samsung tablet here.

When Black Friday Tablet Deals Start and How to Check Them

Black Friday falls on November 27, 2026, with Cyber Monday on November 30, and as our Black Friday phone deals guide found, retailers began cutting prices as early as Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days on October 6 and 7. Before you buy any of these tablets, check that the listing is sold and shipped by Amazon.com rather than a third-party seller, that the chip and storage match the model you want, since Amazon often places older iPad generations next to new ones, and whether the price shown depends on Prime membership or an Amazon Visa approval. Amazon’s Fire tablets aren’t on this page yet because we couldn’t confirm a new-condition listing during our check, and they’ll join it once we can.

FAQs

When do Black Friday tablet deals start in 2026?

Black Friday falls on November 27, 2026, and Cyber Monday on November 30, but Amazon already lists discounts on iPads and Galaxy Tab tablets. None of the five tablets Memeburn checked on October 31 carried a Black Friday badge, so current prices are early discounts rather than official Black Friday deals.

Is $399 a good price for the iPad A16?

$399 is $50 below Apple’s current $449 price for the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad A16, but it’s $50 above the $349 the tablet listed at before Apple’s 2026 price increase and $75 above the $324 early Black Friday price tracked in November 2025.

Why are iPads more expensive in 2026?

Apple raised iPad and MacBook prices in mid-2026, and TechRadar attributes the increase to rising RAM and component costs. The 11-inch iPad Air M4, for example, went from a $599 launch price to $749.

Which tablet is cheapest compared with its launch price?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite with 128GB is $329.99 at Amazon as of October 31, 2026, about $19 below its $349 launch price, and it includes an S Pen in the box. Every iPad Memeburn checked still costs more on Amazon than it did at launch.

The post Black Friday Tablet Deals 2026: Most iPad Discounts Still Sit Above Launch Price appeared first on Memeburn.

First, a quick definition. A shipment is a phone sent from the maker to a store, carrier, or distributor, not a phone sold to a person. It’s the standard way analysts measure the market, and it reacts quickly when stores stop restocking, which is exactly what happened this quarter.

Q3 2026 Smartphone Shipments by Brand

Here are Omdia’s numbers next to the same quarter last year. The “phones lost” column is our own calculation.

*OPPO includes realme and OnePlus. Figures marked “~” are implied by Omdia’s percentage changes, so they’re estimates.

65 Million Missing Phones: Who Lost Them

The headline number hides a lopsided story. Add up the losses and Xiaomi, OPPO and vivo account for about 37 million of the 65 million missing phones, or roughly 57%. The long tail of smaller brands, grouped as “Others,” lost another 26 million. Samsung lost under 3 million. Apple lost none.

OPPO had the worst quarter of any top-five brand, with shipments down 39%. Xiaomi fell 29%, including a 20% drop in China and 28% in India, according to Omdia. All three Chinese brands raised prices in their core markets because their parts got more expensive, and that’s the key to understanding the whole quarter.

These brands sell a large share of their phones in the budget and mid-range tiers, often in price-sensitive countries. When a $200 phone suddenly costs $250, many buyers simply walk away. In our view, that’s why the decline looks so uneven: the cheaper your typical phone, the harder the quarter hit you.

The regional picture backs that up. Africa fell 39%, the steepest drop of any region. Asia-Pacific (excluding Greater China), the Middle East and Latin America each fell more than 20%. Omdia principal analyst Sanyam Chaurasia said emerging markets face “the greatest pressure from rising prices,” with buyers delaying upgrades, buying refurbished phones or even switching back to feature phones.

Why Samsung and Apple Barely Flinched

Samsung and Apple went from 36.6% of all shipments a year ago to 44.9% now, by our math. They didn’t sell many more phones. Everyone else just sold far fewer.

Apple held steady for three reasons, according to Omdia. iPhone 17 demand stayed solid in China and North America. Stores also stocked up ahead of expected price increases, and Apple did raise the iPhone 17 from $799 to $899 on September 9. Finally, Apple launched the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable, the iPhone Duo, in September, while moving the base iPhone 18 to 2027.

Samsung, meanwhile, leaned on the Galaxy A series at the lower end, and the Galaxy Z8 foldables launched in August at the top. The gap between the two leaders is now just 1.3 million phones.

North America also helped both companies. It’s a premium-heavy market where carriers spread the cost over monthly payments and trade-in deals soften price hikes. That shields buyers from sticker shock in a way a cash purchase in Lagos or Jakarta can’t.

Three Trackers, One Story

Omdia isn’t the only firm counting phones. IDC and Counterpoint Research published their own Q3 2026 estimates earlier in October, and they line up closely:

The only real disagreement is Apple. Omdia has it flat, while IDC’s preliminary data shows a 4% decline. The OPPO gap likely comes from how each firm groups OPPO’s sister brands. Still, when three firms using different methods land within two percentage points of each other, you can trust the direction.

The Memory Crunch Behind the Drop

Every phone needs two kinds of memory. RAM (DRAM) is short-term working memory that keeps apps running, while storage (NAND flash) holds your photos and files. Both come from a small group of chipmakers, and AI data centers are now buying huge amounts of the same memory for their servers.

IDC estimates memory costs are up about 350% from last year. IDC vice president Francisco Jeronimo said the quarter “shows the full impact and damage of the memory crisis.” There’s one small bright spot: IDC says quarter-to-quarter increases slowed to the low double digits in Q3, down from about 50% to 100% earlier.

Phone makers are responding in ways you’ll notice. Omdia says brands are trimming model lineups and changing RAM and storage options to protect profits. Samsung’s next flagship shows the trend, with the base Galaxy S27 reportedly returning to 8GB of RAM.

What Omdia’s Forecast Implies for the Holidays

Omdia practice leader Amber Liu said the firm “expects global smartphone shipments to decline by 12% in 2026.” That sounds milder than 20%, but the math says otherwise.

Omdia counted 1,245.5 million shipments in 2025. A 12% drop puts 2026 near 1,096 million. The first three quarters already add up to 825.2 million (298.5M, then 272.0M, then 254.7M), down about 9% from the same period last year. That leaves room for only about 271 million phones in Q4, roughly 20% below Q4 2025’s 339.5 million.

That’s our arithmetic, not an official Q4 forecast, and Omdia may revise earlier quarters. But it suggests the holiday quarter won’t bring a rebound. Omdia also expects the market to shrink again in 2027, just more slowly, while IDC warns a recovery may not arrive until 2028.

Should You Buy a Phone Now or Wait?

If you shop for budget Android phones, don’t count on prices falling soon. Memory is still expensive, and brands are cutting cheaper models rather than discounting them. 

If you want an iPhone, Apple’s prices are the most stable in the market. However, there’s no base iPhone 18 until 2027, so the iPhone 17 at $899 is the current entry point for a new flagship-style model.

If you’re waiting for Black Friday, keep expectations modest. Omdia expects “limited room for promotions” this holiday season. Carrier and trade-in offers will probably beat straight price cuts, so check which Black Friday phone deals are worth buying and which are worth skipping.

If your current phone still works, keeping it is the cheapest choice, and millions of buyers are already doing just that. A new battery or a refurbished model can bridge the gap until memory prices settle.

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS

Find the Best Black Friday Phone Deals

 

5/5

VIEW DEALS

Compare top discounts on iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones & more

The next checkpoint is January, when the trackers publish full-year 2026 numbers. If Q4 lands near 271 million, 2026 will officially be the year phones got too expensive for tens of millions of people.

FAQs

Are foldable phones also selling less in 2026?

Mostly, yes. Omdia says foldable shipments fell 21.6% in the first half of 2026 to 5.1 million, though it still expects more than 22 million for the full year, helped by new Samsung and Apple models.

Why does the same phone cost so much more in some countries?

Taxes, import duties, currency swings, and local memory costs all add up. Gaps can be huge: the OPPO Find X10 Pro Max costs about 80% more in Europe than in China, and the Infinix GT 50 Pro sells for twice its Indonesian price in India.

Will Apple’s cheapest iPhone get more expensive?

It already has. Apple raised the iPhone 17e from $599 to $699 on September 9. Leaks about its successor point to a similar price, and the iPhone 18e leak with an A20 chip and a $699 price call covers what may change.

What’s the best way to save money on a phone in 2026?

Look at last year’s models, certified refurbished phones and carrier trade-in offers. Many cheaper phones still come with big batteries and good screens.

Are phone makers cutting specs to hide price increases?

Some are. Fewer RAM and storage options at the same price are a quiet way to absorb memory costs.

The post Smartphone Shipments Fell 20% in Q3 2026. Who Lost 65 Million Phones and What It Means for Your Next Upgrade? appeared first on Memeburn.