Timing your electronics purchases can help you save a lot of money. With so many new gadgets and models constantly coming out, it can be hard to know when is the right time to buy them. This is especially true if you have a long list of gadgets you want. In this article, we’ll look at the best times of the year to buy your devices. This way, you can get what you want and save money too.
First, let’s understand that the electronics market is huge. According to ST, personal consumer electronics include many devices like smartphones, tablets, eReaders, wearables, gaming gadgets, drones, audio-video equipment, and virtual reality devices. Each type of device has its own sale period, so there’s no single best time to buy all electronics.
With that in mind, we’ll start by discussing the best times to buy electronics in general. Then, we’ll go into the best times for specific items.
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When is the Best Time to Buy Electronics?
If you shop around, you’ll notice that most sales focus on last year’s models, not the latest ones. This is because electronics sales depend on a few factors. These include new releases, advances in the field, and retailer strategies. You’ll often find discounts on older models higher than on current ones.
However, finding deals on the latest gadgets isn’t impossible. It just takes more effort. You need to shop during the best sales periods to find these deals.
Generally, the best times to buy electronics are during Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
Now that you know the key dates, let’s see why these periods are ideal for buying electronics.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is one of the best times to find great deals on electronics. Only Amazon Prime members can access these exclusive discounts. The event features a wide range of electronics at reduced prices.
The first Amazon Prime Day was on July 15, 2015. It quickly became one of the top shopping holidays of the year. The dates change every year, so check the Amazon Prime Day website or follow their social media for updates. They announce the dates well in advance. Following their accounts also helps you know what items will be on sale.
Black Friday
Black Friday is one of the best times to buy electronics. It happens the day after Thanksgiving and offers huge discounts on many electronic devices, like smartphones, laptops, and TVs.
Black Friday starts the holiday shopping season. Retailers use this time to boost their sales. They offer great deals to attract customers. The term ‘Black Friday’ comes from using black ink to show profit and red ink for losses in financial records.
Over the years, Black Friday has grown into a big retail event. Both in-person stores and online shops join in. Millions of shoppers look for the best deals on this day. You can find discounts on most electronics.
The Apple Exception to Black Friday
Apple doesn’t offer Black Friday discounts. Instead, they provide gift cards when you buy their products at regular prices. This has been their usual response to holiday shopping. However, they might offer discounts on products in the future.
If you want a new Apple product on Black Friday, check out other stores like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Costco Wholesale. These retailers might have better deals unless you prefer getting a gift card.
Cyber Monday
If you miss Black Friday, you can still shop on Cyber Monday. It happens the first Monday after Black Friday and is known for big online discounts. Cyber Monday often surpasses Black Friday in terms of online sales.
Cyber Monday started in 2005 when stores saw they could boost sales online by offering big discounts. This event grew as more people gained internet access through cell phones and laptops.
Today, you can find deals on various items, including electronics, clothes, and more. To get the best Cyber Monday deals, follow your favorite brands on social media and sign up for their newsletters.
Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend is a great time for electronics deals. As summer starts, retailers clear out old inventory, offering big discounts on items like TVs, laptops, and smartphones.
Many people have an extra day off during this weekend. This gives them more time to shop and find good deals. So, you can save money and have more time to find what you need.
Back-to-School Season
The back-to-school sale season is perfect for buying discounted electronics. You can find great deals on laptops, Bluetooth speakers, computer accessories, monitors, tablets, calculators, and more. There are also back-to-school bundles, student discounts, and tax-free weekends in some states.
These sales aren’t just for students. Anyone can take advantage of the discounts. Most stores offer back-to-school sales without needing a student ID.
In states with tax-free weekends, you can shop without paying extra taxes. Look for laptop and computer sales during this season.
Demand for new computers is high, so manufacturers release new models in spring and summer. The last week of July to mid-August is a good time to find a deal on a new or latest model computer.
Best Times to Buy Specific Electronics
It would be nice if all electronics had the same best time to buy, but that’s not true. While many items can be bought during major sales like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, some follow their own sales trends.
Now that you know the general best times to buy electronics, let’s look at the best times to buy specific types of electronics.
Computers/Laptops
Back-to-school sales are good for computer deals, but Cyber Monday is the best time. However, there are other times to find great prices.
Here are some desktop computers and laptops you can consider buying in 2024:
Dell XPS 8960 Desktop
The Dell XPS 8960 is praised for its flagship performance, making it suitable for both work and gaming. It has an understated yet attractive design that blends well in any environment. Despite its powerful performance, the desktop operates quietly, minimizing disruptions.
One of its standout features is its solid port selection. It includes 5x USB 3.2 Type-A ports, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports, 2x USB-C ports, and an SD card reader, ensuring ample connectivity options.
However, the Dell XPS 8960 does have limitations, particularly in terms of upgrade potential. It is also on the expensive side, with prices typically starting at $650.
Microsoft Surface Laptop
Microsoft has launched its latest Surface Laptop, hailed as the top choice for 2024. Available in 14-inch and 15-inch variants, it features the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor. This laptop excels in battery life. It lasts up to 10 hours and 10 minutes.
The Surface Laptop 2024 marks a significant overhaul, despite being the seventh iteration in the series. The Snapdragon X chip powers the Surface Laptop, ensuring minimal fan noise and efficient operation. Integrated AI features like Copilot and Cocreator enhance productivity. It enables tasks like AI-generated art without relying on internet connectivity.
Cell Phones
Most cell phone makers offer deals on models before new releases. This means you can get last year’s model at a good price. But Black Friday is one of the best times to buy a new cell phone.
Here are some top phones you can consider buying in 2024:
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with its sharper 5x optical zoom, faster processor, and expansive display. This makes it a top choice for mobile photographers. It introduces Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features, including instant text and call translations and Circle to Search gesture for quick Google searches. Plus, it includes the handy embedded S Pen. It promises seven years of Android updates, ensuring long-term relevance.
iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 features Dynamic Island and a USB-C port for easier charging. It has an upgraded camera with higher resolution and better zoom capabilities. The A16 Bionic chip powers it, providing significant performance improvements. Available in two sizes, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus bring Apple’s latest technology. It includes the second-generation ultra-wideband chip for enhanced location tracking.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 represents a major advancement in Samsung’s flip phone lineup. It has a larger cover screen for easier navigation without unfolding the phone, along with solid battery life and a robust design. Despite lacking a telephoto camera and full app compatibility on the front screen, it remains a top choice for those seeking innovation in smartphone design.
Google Pixel 8A
The Google Pixel 8A offers impressive features similar to its pricier sibling, the Pixel 8. These include AI-powered tools like Circle to Search and a powerful Tensor G3 processor. While the Pixel 8A lacks a few features found in the Pixel 8, such as a slightly better camera and wireless charging capability, its affordability and performance set a new standard for $500 smartphones.
Tablets
Tablets are now used for many purposes, from education to work. Black Friday is the best time to buy a tablet. You can also find good discounts during summer back-to-school sales.
Here are some of the top tablets out there for you to buy in 2024:
iPad 10.9 (2022)
The iPad 10.9 (2022) stands out for its affordability and easy integration with other Apple devices. It features a larger display and has transitioned to USB-C connectivity, offering a range of vibrant color options, like pink and yellow.
Galaxy Tab S9 Plus
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is acclaimed for its premium build and strong performance. The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus excels with its sleek design and versatile multitasking capabilities, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Compared to the larger Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, it strikes a balance with a slightly smaller yet sharper display, making it ideal for various tasks.
OnePlus Pad
OnePlus enters the tablet market with its OnePlus Pad, designed to integrate with OnePlus and Oppo smartphones. Featuring Android 13 and a vibrant LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, it impresses with loud speakers and rapid 67W super-fast charging. While its MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor offers solid performance for entertainment, it may lag behind in heavier tasks like Adobe Lightroom. Despite this, its attractive pricing and stylish green color option make it a compelling choice in the Android tablet market.
Video Games
Video game prices usually drop by about 50% a year after release. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the best times to buy video games. Retailers often cut prices to boost sales. The best time to buy video game consoles is also during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Here are some of the standout video games of 2024:
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2 expands on its predecessor’s world with a blend of action-RPG and party-based MMO elements. Players can freely switch classes and recruit NPCs called pawns to explore a vast world that emphasizes exploration over fast travel. It features a mix of combat against various enemies and epic battles reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Windows PC.
Balatro
Balatro combines roguelite gameplay with poker mechanics and strategic depth. LocalThunk developed Balatro, offering addictive gameplay where numbers constantly increase, providing endless replayability, and making it a compelling choice in the genre. Playable on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Tekken 8
Tekken 8 is a fighting game boasting a diverse roster, intricate move sets, and intense rave-inspired music. It aims to satisfy fans with its deep fighting mechanics and distinctive characters, including the notable inclusion of bears. Available on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown blends platforming with intricate level design akin to a Metroidvania style game. Praised for its meticulous design and engaging gameplay, it stands out as one of the top games of the year. Playable across various platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Ready to save big on your next electronics purchase? Don’t miss out on the best deals! Plan your shopping around major sales events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Whether you’re looking for a new smartphone, laptop, tablet, or video game, timing your purchase can make a significant difference. Stay informed and grab the latest tech at unbeatable prices! Visit our website for more information.
