Back-to-school phone sales 2024 — epic deals on Samsung, Pixel, and more

The blue Google Pixel 8a on a tea tray with blue hydrangeas above it
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Back-to-school season is here, and I've done the work of gathering some of the best phone deals for students so you don't have to head back to class empty-handed. From innovative foldable phones to midrange classics, my top picks can be found below. 

I'm talking about offers that hook you up with a free $200 gift card when you preorder the new Google Pixel 9 Pro, or this offer that carves a straight $100 off the unlocked Motorola Razr Plus (2024). There are plenty of other deals for every student and every budget under the sun, so keep reading to find the device that's right for you. 

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Phone deals

Motorola Razr Plus (2023) 256GB:$999.99$599.99 at Amazon

Motorola Razr Plus (2023) 256GB: $999.99 $599.99 at Amazon

If you don't mind using last year's flip phone, check out this deal that carves a whopping 40% off the Razr Plus (2023). This capable foldable boasts two vibrant AMOLED displays, a Snapdragon chipset, and the nice-feeling vegan leather finish that Motorola has been using so much lately. 

Google Pixel 9 128GB:$799$399, plus six months free with any six-month plan at Mint Mobile

Google Pixel 9 128GB: $799 $399, plus six months free with any six-month plan at Mint Mobile

Buy the new Google Pixel 9 from Mint Mobile and the T-Mobile-owned carrier will hook you up with a $400 discount AND six months of free wireless when you sign up for any six-month data plan. That's like getting 50% off your phone bill for a year!

Moto G Stylus 5G (2024):$294.99$2.99/month with new line at AT&T

Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): $294.99 $2.99/month with new line at AT&T

With its 6.7-inch 120Hz display, Snapdragon chipset, and built-in stylus, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is performing at a much higher level than its price tag may indicate. If you want to save even more, add an eligible line to your AT&T service and you'll get the phone for a mere $2.99/month. That's cheaper than the price of a caramel latte (which just so happens to be the name of this model's color variety). 

Google Pixel 9 Pro: $999.99, plus free $200 gift card at Amazon

Google Pixel 9 Pro: $999.99, plus free $200 gift card at Amazon

Preorder the new Google Pixel 9 Pro ahead of its September 4th release date and Amazon will give you a free $200 gift card, no strings attached. That amount of cash could get you quite a few school supplies! 

Motorola Razr Plus (2024):$999.99$899.99 at Best Buy

Motorola Razr Plus (2024): $999.99 $899.99 at Best Buy

The Razr Plus (2024) is easily one of the best foldable phones to drop this year, with two vibrant displays, a capable Snapdragon chipset, and a durable clamshell hinge that's truly a pleasure to use. Best Buy is currently dropping a straight $100 off the flip phone when you buy unlocked, or you can save $200 when you activate today. The retailer will also hook you up with a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. 

OnePlus Nord N30 5G:$299.99$249.99 at Amazon

OnePlus Nord N30 5G: $299.99 $249.99 at Amazon

When it comes to phones under $300, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G is pretty tough to beat. This student-friendly device features a long-lasting 5,050mAh battery with a 120Hz display and expandable storage. It even has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might be worth the price of entry alone. Grab the N30 unlocked from Amazon and you'll get a nice $50 off your purchase, making the cheap phone even cheaper. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6:$1,899.99$30/month with eligible trade-in and new line at Verizon

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: $1,899.99 $30/month with eligible trade-in and new line at Verizon

The new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is powerful, feature-packed, and innovative, but it's also very, very expensive.  Fortunately, Verizon is willing to lessen the financial blow by offering up to $819.99 off when you send in any old or broken phone and add a line with the Unlimited Ultimate plan. 

Patrick Farmer
eCommerce Editor

After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child.