The best times to buy 2017's most popular smartphones at a discount

Retailers and carriers offer their steepest price cuts of the year, often ranging from $200 to $400 off flagship devices.

Expect deals that include gift cards, BOGO (buy one, get one) offers, or free accessories like VR headsets or earbuds. 2. Buying by Brand: Understanding Release Cycles

Late November is universally considered the best time to snag a deal.

Prices for older models typically "plummet like a rock" as soon as their successors are announced.

The best time to buy a phone in 2017 depends on whether you want the newest flagship or a bargain on the previous year's tech. Major release cycles and annual sales like Black Friday create predictable windows where prices drop significantly.