Best smartphones to buy Memorial Day 2026 — every year I look forward to this weekend specifically for phone deals. Carriers and retailers go big on discounts, trade-in values are at their peak, and brands that launched new flagships earlier in the year are finally cutting prices on older models to move stock.
I went through the full lineup — Apple, Google, Samsung, OnePlus, and Motorola — and picked the 9 best smartphones to buy Memorial Day 2026 that actually make sense right now. Some are the latest flagships. Some are last year’s models that are now incredible value. All of them are worth your attention this weekend.
📱 Memorial Day Tip: Check carrier deals alongside Amazon pricing — trade-in offers and line activation discounts can bring these prices down significantly further | T&C Apply
Best Smartphones to Buy Memorial Day 2026 – My 9 Top Picks
1. Apple iPhone 17 – Best New iPhone to Buy This Memorial Day
6.3″ 120Hz OLED with A19 chip and eSIM only design
Renewed unlocked Apple iPhone 17 with 6.3‑inch LTPO Super Retina XDR 120Hz display, A19 chip, 256GB storage and eSIM‑only design for flexible carrier switching in the US.
The iPhone 17 launched in September 2025 and this Memorial Day is honestly the best time to buy it. A19 chip, ProMotion 120Hz display finally on the base model — something iPhone users have wanted for years — 48MP dual rear cameras, Camera Control button, Action Button, and iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence fully baked in. 256GB base storage is also a welcome upgrade from the 128GB the iPhone 16 started at.
The 120Hz ProMotion alone is a reason to pick the iPhone 17 over the iPhone 16 if you are deciding between the two. Scrolling, animations, gaming — everything feels noticeably smoother. Memorial Day carrier deals and trade-in offers make the $799 entry price even more manageable.
One of the best smartphones to buy Memorial Day 2026 for anyone who wants the latest base iPhone experience.
Best for: iPhone upgraders, buyers who want ProMotion 120Hz without going Pro, anyone moving from iPhone 13 or older.
2. Apple iPhone Air – Thinnest iPhone Ever at Memorial Day Prices
Thin 6.5″ OLED design with A19 Pro and eSIM
Renewed Apple iPhone Air in Light Gold for AT&T with 6.5‑inch 120Hz Super Retina XDR OLED display, A19 Pro chip, 256GB storage and eSIM support in a slim, lightweight chassis.
The iPhone Air is a brand new category from Apple — the thinnest iPhone ever made, positioned between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. A19 chip, large AMOLED display, and an ultra-slim design that makes every other phone feel chunky in comparison. Battery life is surprisingly strong despite the slim build — Apple called it the longest-lasting iPhone battery ever at launch.
For buyers who want something genuinely premium-feeling without the full Pro Max price — the iPhone Air is the most interesting new Apple product of 2026. Memorial Day trade-in deals can bring it closer to $700–$750 depending on your carrier.
Best for: Design-conscious buyers, people who want a premium feel without Pro weight and bulk, anyone who wants something genuinely new from Apple.
3. Apple iPhone 17e – Best Affordable iPhone at Memorial Day 2026
6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED, eSIM and long‑term updates
SIM‑free Apple iPhone 17e in Black with 6.1‑inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 256GB storage and eSIM, offering the iPhone 17 family experience in a lighter, more affordable package.
The newest addition to the iPhone 17 family — launched March 2026. A19 chip, C1X cellular modem that is 2x faster than the previous generation, MagSafe wireless charging, 256GB base storage at the same $599 price as the old 128GB model. Available in Black, White, and a new Soft Pink finish.
The iPhone 17e is the most affordable way into the iPhone 17 family right now. At $599 with double the base storage compared to the iPhone 16e — this is genuinely one of the best value iPhones Apple has made. Memorial Day deals can push this even lower. Best smartphones to buy Memorial Day 2026 pick for budget Apple buyers without any doubt.
Best for: First-time iPhone buyers, budget Apple fans, anyone who wants A19 performance at the most accessible price in the iPhone 17 lineup.
4. Apple iPhone 16 – Best Standard iPhone to Buy This Memorial Day
6.1″ Super Retina XDR, A18 chip and dual‑camera system
Renewed Apple iPhone 16 in Pink with 6.1‑inch Super Retina XDR display, A18 chip, 5G connectivity and 128GB storage, locked to AT&T for users who want Apple’s latest design at a lower price.
The iPhone 16 is Apple’s current base model — A18 chip, upgraded camera system with better low-light performance, Action Button which was previously Pro-only, and the new Camera Control button. This is the most capable standard iPhone Apple has made and Memorial Day is one of the best times to grab it with trade-in deals that can shave hundreds off the price.
The A18 chip is fast — faster than most Android flagships in single-core performance — and iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence features is making the experience smarter than ever. If you are on an iPhone 12 or older, the jump to iPhone 16 will feel dramatic.
One of the best smartphones to buy Memorial Day 2026 for anyone in the Apple ecosystem who wants the current generation without going Pro.
Best for: iPhone upgraders, Apple ecosystem users, anyone who wants the latest iPhone at the most accessible price point.
5. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max – The Best iPhone Ever Made, Period
6.9″ LTPO 120Hz ProMotion with A18 Pro and tetraprism zoom
Renewed Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max in Desert Titanium with 6.9‑inch LTPO Super Retina XDR ProMotion display, A18 Pro chip, 256GB storage and advanced triple‑camera system with tetraprism telephoto.
I do not say “best iPhone ever made” lightly — but the 16 Pro Max earns it. Titanium design that feels different from anything else in your hand, A18 Pro chip which is the fastest mobile processor Apple has built, 5x optical zoom that produces genuinely impressive telephoto shots, ProMotion 120Hz display, and the longest battery life of any iPhone.
Memorial Day brings the best trade-in values of the year from most carriers. If you have been holding off — this is genuinely the weekend to make the move. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the strongest pick in any best smartphones to buy Memorial Day 2026 list.
Best for: Power users, photographers, videographers, anyone who wants the absolute best iPhone regardless of price.
6. Apple iPhone 15 – Best Value iPhone Deal This Memorial Day
6.1″ OLED with A16 Bionic and 48MP main camera
Renewed unlocked Apple iPhone 15 in Black with 6.1‑inch Super Retina XDR display, A16 Bionic chip, 128GB storage and 48MP dual‑camera system with Dolby Vision video.
Now that the iPhone 16 is out, the iPhone 15 has dropped to the best prices it has ever seen — and this is exactly where Memorial Day gets interesting for value hunters. The iPhone 15 still has a Dynamic Island, 48MP camera, USB-C charging, and A16 Bionic chip. It is not a slow or outdated phone by any measure — it is just last year’s model.
If the iPhone 16 price is a stretch — the iPhone 15 at Memorial Day 2026 pricing is one of the smartest buys on this list. You are getting nearly the full iPhone experience at a significantly reduced cost.
Best for: Budget Apple buyers, first-time iPhone users, Android switchers, anyone who wants iPhone quality without flagship pricing.
7. Google Pixel 9 Pro – Best Android Camera Phone This Memorial Day
Tensor G4, Gemini AI and 6.3″ Super Actua display
Unlocked Google Pixel 9 Pro in Porcelain with 6.3‑inch Super Actua OLED, Google Tensor G4 chip, triple rear camera system, Gemini‑powered on‑device AI features and all‑day battery life.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is where Android photography peaks in 2026. The camera system — triple rear cameras with Google’s computational photography — produces shots that consistently impress, especially in low light and portrait mode. Google’s AI features are deep and genuinely useful — Magic Eraser, Best Take, Photo Unblur, and the new Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio features from Google AI.
Seven years of guaranteed OS and security updates means the Pixel 9 Pro will stay relevant for a very long time. At Memorial Day pricing the Pixel 9 Pro is one of the best smartphones to buy Memorial Day 2026 for Android buyers who prioritise camera and AI.
Best for: Photography enthusiasts, AI feature lovers, buyers who want the best Google experience and long software support.
8. Google Pixel 8a – Best Budget Pixel at Memorial Day Prices
6.1″ 120Hz OLED with Tensor G3 and 64MP camera
Renewed Google Pixel 8a 5G in Obsidian with 6.1‑inch OLED display, Tensor G3 processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage and dual rear camera system with 64MP main sensor and Google’s AI‑first features.
Here is the thing about the Pixel 8a — it has all the AI features of the flagship Pixel. Magic Eraser, Best Take, Call Screen, Live Translate, the full Google AI stack. You are not getting a stripped-down version. You get Google’s software intelligence in a mid-range body at a mid-range price.
The camera is excellent for the price. The Tensor G3 chip is fast enough for everything daily. And Memorial Day deals on the Pixel 8a are hitting some of the lowest prices this phone has ever seen. For buyers who want Google smarts without Google Pro pricing — the Pixel 8a is one of the sharpest best smartphones to buy Memorial Day 2026 picks.
Best for: Budget Android buyers, AI feature seekers, people who want Pixel experience under $500.
9. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE – Best Samsung Fan Edition Deal
6.7″ AMOLED with Exynos 2400e and triple‑camera setup
Renewed unlocked Samsung Galaxy S24 FE with 6.7‑inch AMOLED display, Exynos 2400e chipset, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage and triple rear camera system with 50MP main sensor, plus Galaxy AI features and long OS support.
Fan Edition — Samsung’s way of bringing flagship S24 features to a lower price point. The S24 FE has the same Galaxy AI features as the S24 series, a large AMOLED display, solid camera system, and the reliable Samsung One UI experience. It does not have every spec of the base S24 — but the features most people actually use daily are all there.
At Memorial Day 2026 pricing the S24 FE sits in a very attractive spot for Samsung buyers who want something current without paying flagship prices. One of the most practical best smartphones to buy Memorial Day 2026 recommendations for Samsung loyalists.
Best for: Samsung fans on a budget, Galaxy AI feature seekers, buyers upgrading from older Samsung models.
10. Samsung Galaxy A56 5G – Best Mid-Range Android Phone This Memorial Day
6.7″ 120Hz AMOLED, Exynos 1580 and 25W charging
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G 2025 model with 6.7‑inch 120Hz AMOLED display, Exynos 1580 chipset, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage and 5000mAh battery, bundled with 25W charger and dual‑SIM support for global 5G networks.
The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G is where Samsung’s mid-range hits its stride. Large AMOLED display, solid triple camera setup, 5G, IP67 water resistance, and four years of OS updates guaranteed. For a mid-range phone, Samsung is offering longer software support than most flagships from other brands.
The display on the A56 5G is bright and vivid — one of the best screens in this price tier. Camera handles everyday photography well. Performance is smooth for daily use. At Memorial Day deals pricing this is the best mid-range Android recommendation on this entire list.
Best for: Mid-range buyers, Samsung brand loyalists, people who want a reliable daily driver without flagship spend.
11. OnePlus 13 – Best Flagship Value Phone This Memorial Day
6.82″ LTPO AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Elite and Hasselblad camera
Renewed OnePlus 13 in Arctic Dawn with 6.82‑inch LTPO 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 16GB RAM, 512GB UFS 4.0 storage and triple Hasselblad‑tuned camera system.
The OnePlus 13 is the one phone on this list that most people in the US are not thinking about — and that is a mistake. Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 100W wired fast charging (full charge in about 36 minutes), 50MP triple camera system, 6000mAh battery, and a stunning AMOLED display. These are specs that match or beat phones costing significantly more.
OnePlus has improved their software significantly — OxygenOS 15 is clean and fast. And at Memorial Day 2026 pricing, the OnePlus 13 is one of the most compelling best smartphones to buy Memorial Day 2026 deals for pure value per dollar.
Best for: Flagship spec hunters, fast charging priority buyers, value-first Android buyers who do not mind stepping outside Samsung and Apple.
12. Motorola Razr+ 2024 – Best Foldable Phone Deal This Memorial Day
Foldable 6.9″ LTPO AMOLED with huge outer display
Unlocked Motorola razr+ 2024 in Midnight Blue with 6.9‑inch 165Hz LTPO foldable AMOLED main screen, large outer display, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, 12GB RAM and 256GB storage in a stylish IPX8 water‑resistant flip design.
The Razr+ is the most affordable way into the premium foldable phone category — and Memorial Day is exactly when foldable prices get genuinely interesting. Clamshell design that folds in half, large cover screen you can actually use for most tasks without opening, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, and that iconic Razr aesthetic that turns heads.
Now that the 2025 Razr models are here, the Razr+ 2024 is at its lowest price ever during Memorial Day weekend. If you have always wanted to try a foldable but found the price uncomfortable — this is the moment. Most unique pick in the best smartphones to buy Memorial Day 2026 list.
Best for: Foldable curious buyers, style-conscious users, people who want something genuinely different at a competitive price.
All Picks – Quick View
| Phone | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 16 | Standard iPhone buyers | A18 chip, Action Button, Camera Control |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Best iPhone experience | A18 Pro, 5x zoom, titanium, 120Hz |
| Apple iPhone 15 | Value iPhone deal | 48MP, USB-C, A16 Bionic, Dynamic Island |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro | Best Android camera | AI photography, 7 years updates |
| Google Pixel 8a | Budget Pixel | Full Google AI at mid-range price |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Budget Samsung flagship | Galaxy AI, AMOLED, solid cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy A55 5G | Best mid-range Android | AMOLED, IP67, 4 years updates |
| OnePlus 13 | Best flagship value | 100W charging, Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Motorola Razr+ 2024 | Best foldable deal | Clamshell foldable, cover screen |
Which Phone Should You Buy This Memorial Day?
Want the best iPhone? → iPhone 16 Pro Max. Nothing in the Apple lineup comes close.
Want iPhone value? → iPhone 15 at Memorial Day pricing. Best deal in the Apple lineup right now.
Want best Android camera? → Google Pixel 9 Pro. Consistent winner in photography.
Budget Android with AI? → Google Pixel 8a. Full Google features at half the price.
Samsung buyer? → S24 FE for features. A55 5G for mid-range reliability.
Want maximum specs per dollar? → OnePlus 13. Snapdragon 8 Elite and 100W charging at this price is hard to beat.
Want something different? → Motorola Razr+ 2024. Best foldable price this Memorial Day.
Want the newest base iPhone? → iPhone 17 at $799. ProMotion 120Hz finally on a standard iPhone.
Want thinnest iPhone? → iPhone Air. Most unique Apple design in years.
Budget iPhone buyer? → iPhone 17e at $599. A19 chip, 256GB — best value iPhone right now.
Check all current deals and carrier offers on Amazon — Memorial Day trade-in bonuses from carriers can bring prices down hundreds of dollars further. Always check your carrier’s site alongside Amazon.
Also check my posts on Best Memorial Day TV Deals 2026 if you are doing a bigger upgrade this weekend.
The best smartphones to buy Memorial Day 2026 cover every type of buyer — Apple loyalists, Android photographers, budget hunters, and foldable curious first-timers. Pick your budget, pick your brand preference, and Memorial Day 2026 has a deal waiting for you.
Prices are Memorial Day 2026 sale estimates. Carrier deals and trade-in offers vary. Verify current pricing before purchasing.
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