Samsung vs Amazon: which retailer has the best unlocked Galaxy S26 preorder deal right now? | Tech Radar

Overview

Samsung vs Amazon: which retailer has the best unlocked Galaxy S26 preorder deal right now?

Samsung has the bigger saving, but don't ignore Amazon either

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For example, both Samsung and Amazon have great options for unlocked devices right now. The former is currently offering an impressive trade-in rebate of up to

Which to go for? Well, if you're looking to trade, then the choice here is obvious. Samsung is by far the strongest option for a cheaper unlocked device this week. If you do have a device that can reach the highest value in a trade, then you can potentially get a Galaxy S26 Ultra for just $400 — a very impressive price for such a high-end flagship.

Where things get a little more complicated is if you're not looking to trade. You get a gift card (or store credit, in the case of Samsung) with both deals, but Amazon's free storage upgrade is a very, very strong bonus. Even if you don't tend to run out of storage on your device, phones with higher capacities are simply worth more, which is particularly handy when it comes to trading in further down the line.

Because of that, I'd definitely recommend at least considering Amazon. It looks like the higher capacity devices are starting to sell out, however, so definitely don't tarry if you're interested.

Samsung Galaxy S26: get up to

Samsung Galaxy S26 series: free storage upgrade, plus gift card of up to

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: free with a new unlimited line, plus free tablet at T-Mobile T-Mobile's strongest opening offer has to be the carrier's deal on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Impressively, you don't even need to trade-in to be eligible for here, although you do need a line on the higher-end Experience Beyond or Go 5G Next plans. If you're looking for a cheaper line, then you can instead get the standard Galaxy S26 on the Experience More or Go 5G Plus plans without having to trade. And, as a side note, you can also bundle in a Galaxy Tab A11+ for free if you take out an additional tablet cellular line.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus: free with a new unlimited line at Verizon My favorite deal at Verizon today is on the Galaxy S26 Plus — a device that's currently available for free if you pair it up with either the high-end Ultimate or mid-tier Plus plan. More interested in the Welcome Unlimited plan? Then you can simply get the device for just $10/mo, which is a great price. Alternatively, you can instead trade in an old device to get the Galaxy S26 Ultra alongside an Ultimate unlimited plan.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: free with a trade-in and unlimited line, plus cheap accessories at AT&T AT&T's best opening deal is on the Galaxy S26 Ultra in my opinion, as you can get this high-end device for free with a trade-in and unlimited line. All the devices require trades for discounts today, so why not go all-out and pick up the best of the best? Sweetening the deal further today is the option to bundle in a tablet and smartwatch for just $0.99 per month each if you're willing to pay a little extra for accessory cellular lines.

Alex is Tech Radar's retail editor, specializing in buying advice and general tips on how to save our readers as much cash as possible. He's covered major retail events in some capacity for over seven years now; both in editorial and other ecommerce adjacent roles on Tech Radar, T3, Games Radar, and other Future PLC sites. Alex's expertise touches on most areas, but he has a particular love for phones, laptops, and cameras, being an avid photographer.

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Key Takeaways

• Samsung vs Amazon: which retailer has the best unlocked Galaxy S26 preorder deal right now

• Samsung has the bigger saving, but don't ignore Amazon either

• When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission

• For example, both Samsung and Amazon have great options for unlocked devices right now