As the Black Friday shopping extravaganza approaches, gear up for a season of incredible deals, spanning smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, and audio devices. While Amazon Prime Day offered a taste of discounts, Black Friday remains the pinnacle of savings. This guide provides an overview of early deals and insights into what to anticipate from major retailers.
Black Friday Evolution: More Than a Day
Gone are the days when Black Friday was a single-day affair. The shopping spree now extends from October into December, with Cyber Monday evolving into a week-long event. While the prime doorbusters are reserved for November 24-27, early Black Friday deals are set to kick off shortly.
Smartphone Deals: Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, and More
For those eyeing the latest Google Pixel devices, including the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Black Friday promises significant discounts. Patience is key, as waiting for Black Friday often ensures a better deal than paying the Launch Day premium. Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy phones, particularly the S23 series, have seen frequent discounts of $100-$250. Expect enticing deals on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5, with potential discounts on the Galaxy A-series.
Motorola’s Razr+ and OnePlus’ mystery box promotions add to the smartphone bonanza. The anticipated OnePlus 11, following the success of the OnePlus Open, may take center stage.
Tablet Expectations: Samsung, Lenovo, Google, and Amazon
As the Galaxy Tab S9 series makes its debut, Black Friday is poised to deliver diverse sales on Samsung tablets. Deals on the Galaxy Tab S8 series have consistently ranged from $100-$300 off. The upcoming Galaxy Tab A9 might make its Black Friday debut, while the Tab A8 is expected to continue its trend of $100 off or more.
Lenovo’s tablet lineup, including the P12 Pro, may see discounts, but Samsung’s offerings could outshine them. The Google Pixel Tablet and OnePlus Pad might enter the scene, with potential price drops making them attractive options. Amazon’s Fire tablet series is a sure bet for discounts, with the Fire 11 Max likely to see a 15-30% cut.
Chromebook Insights: Lenovo, Acer, and More
Chromebooks present an interesting dynamic around Black Friday. While Prime Day often sees discounts for new models, November tends to clear out discontinued models. Lenovo’s Flex 3i (Gen 8), Flex 5i, and Duet series are noteworthy, as are Acer’s Spin series, including the Spin 311, Spin 714, and Spin 513. Best Buy is a reliable source for Chromebook deals, though Amazon occasionally surprises with hidden gems.
Audio Device Deals: Samsung, Google, Jabra, Sennheiser, Bose
Smart wireless earbuds consistently receive impressive deals, and this year is no exception. The Pixel Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have already seen discounts, with more expected during Black Friday. Jabra, Sennheiser, and Bose may offer modest discounts, with Bose potentially showcasing new premium headphones.
Black Friday Timeline: Key Dates and Tips
Black Friday itself lands on November 24, followed by Cyber Monday on November 27. Retailers like Walmart and Target initiated “Holiday Kickoff Sales” in October, setting the stage for early deals. Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon are set to roll out their Black Friday deals starting November 8, 17, and 17, respectively. The peak of deals will span until the weekend of December 1-3.
In navigating Black Friday, the key is to strike a balance between waiting for potential better deals and avoiding sold-out products. As the holiday shopping season unfolds, stay vigilant for the best discounts on tech essentials.
Prepare for a month-long shopping spree, making informed decisions to secure the devices you’ve been eyeing. Whether you’re upgrading your smartphone, tablet, Chromebook, or audio devices, Black Friday is the season to make your tech dreams come true.
