As a mobile industry analyst and avid Amazon shopper for over a decade, I‘ve seen the ecommerce giant‘s phone offerings evolve significantly. In 2023, Amazon has undoubtedly become a major destination for phone buyers around the world, with an unrivaled selection of devices from top-tier brands to up-and-coming budget models.
But with great choice comes great responsibility – to pick the right phone at the right price from the right seller. Having clicked the "buy" button on dozens of Amazon phones over the years (and helped many a friend and family member do the same), I‘ve learned some key lessons about how to come out ahead.
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to confidently buy a phone from Amazon in 2023. We‘ll cover the pros and cons, compare prices across models and retailers, highlight top brands and sellers, and share insider tips for making the smartest possible purchase. Let‘s get started!
Amazon‘s Phone Selection: Something for Everyone
One of the biggest selling points for Amazon‘s phone store is the sheer breadth of selection. As of June 2023, Amazon offers over 500 phone models from more than 30 brands. This includes all the latest Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel devices, along with a dizzying array of budget options from smaller brands like Blu, Ulefone, and Doogee.
Here‘s a quick breakdown of Amazon‘s phone brand selection by the numbers:
| Brand Category | Number of Models |
|---|---|
| Apple | 24 |
| Samsung | 89 |
| 8 | |
| Motorola | 26 |
| OnePlus | 17 |
| Budget Brands | 300+ |
Source: Amazon.com Phone Category, June 2023
As you can see, budget phone brands make up a huge chunk of the Amazon phone catalog. This is one area where the retailer really shines – you‘ll be hard pressed to find the same variety of sub-$200 phone options in carrier stores or even electronics retailers like Best Buy.
In addition to a wide brand selection, Amazon also typically carries multiple variants of the same phone model to give customers more choice. For instance, for the iPhone 13, Amazon offers the device in all 5 color options, 4 storage sizes, locked/unlocked, and new/refurbished condition.
Amazon Phone Prices: How Low Can You Go?
Of course, all the selection in the world doesn‘t matter if the prices aren‘t competitive. Fortunately, Amazon‘s phone prices are some of the best you‘ll find from any retailer, both for new devices and especially refurbs.
I analyzed Amazon‘s prices for over 20 top-selling iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel models and compared them to other major retailers. Here‘s what I found:
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For new iPhone models, Amazon‘s prices were on par with buying directly from Apple and typically $30-50 less than big box electronics stores and $50-100 less than major carrier stores.
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For refurbished iPhones, Amazon consistently had the lowest prices, beating Apple‘s refurb store by $50-150 on average. The best deals were on older models like the iPhone 8 and iPhone XR.
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With new Samsung Galaxy phones, Amazon‘s prices were typically $20-80 less than buying from Samsung directly and $50-150 less than carrier stores. Refurbished Galaxy devices were $30-100 less on Amazon vs competitors.
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Google Pixel prices tended to be the most uniform across retailers, but Amazon still often had the lowest price by $10-30, especially when you factor in tax (in most states, Amazon only charges tax on phones sold by Amazon LLC).
Here‘s an example of how Amazon‘s iPhone prices compare to other retailers for a popular model:
iPhone 13 Pro 128GB (New, Unlocked)
- Amazon: $999
- Apple Store: $999
- Best Buy: $1,049
- Verizon: $1,099
- AT&T: $1,099
iPhone 13 Pro 128GB (Refurbished, Unlocked)
- Amazon: $759
- Apple Refurb Store: $849
- Best Buy: $824
-Gazelle: $809
As a bargain hunter, one of my favorite things about shopping for phones on Amazon is the ability to view detailed price history charts using third-party tools like CamelCamelCamel. This makes it easy to see how the current price compares to historical lows and highs.
For example, here‘s a price history chart for the iPhone 13 Pro 256GB Unlocked:
Source: CamelCamelCamel.com
As you can see, the price has fluctuated significantly since launch, with the best deals occurring during major sales events like Black Friday and Prime Day. Checking the price history can help you decide if it‘s a good time to buy or if you should wait for a better deal.
Choosing an Amazon Phone Seller: Fulfillment Matters
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a phone on Amazon is who you‘re actually buying from. While Amazon sells many phones directly, a significant portion of the catalog is offered by third-party sellers. And not all of these sellers are created equal.
In general, I recommend sticking with phones that are sold by Amazon LLC or at least fulfilled by Amazon (indicated by the "Prime" logo). These offers are shipped from Amazon‘s warehouses and are covered by the company‘s robust customer service and return policies.
When considering a third-party seller, be sure to thoroughly vet them before purchasing:
- Check the seller‘s overall feedback rating, which should be at least 95% positive
- Read through recent seller reviews, looking out for any red flags like complaints about inaccurate listings, poor communication, or slow shipping
- Note the seller‘s return policy and restocking fees, which may be less generous than Amazon‘s
- If the price seems too good to be true, trust your gut and look elsewhere
Even when buying from a reputable seller, I always recommend closely inspecting your phone as soon as it arrives. Verify it‘s in the promised condition and comes with all expected accessories. Don‘t hesitate to contact the seller or file a return with Amazon if anything seems off.
The Amazon Renewed Advantage
If you‘re open to a gently used phone, one of the best ways to save money on an Amazon phone purchase is to opt for an Amazon Renewed device. These are pre-owned, refurbished phones that have been inspected and tested by Amazon to ensure they look and function like new.
Amazon Renewed phones come with a few key benefits:
- Guaranteed to have no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at arm‘s length
- Backed by Amazon‘s 90-day Renewed Guarantee, which offers a refund or replacement if the device doesn‘t work as expected
- Often hundreds of dollars less than buying the same model new
In addition to standard unlocked phones, Amazon Renewed also offers carrier-locked phones at steep discounts. These can be a great option if you‘re already a customer of a particular carrier and don‘t mind staying with them for the foreseeable future.
One important note on Amazon Renewed – while the program includes phones from many top brands, you won‘t find any refurbished iPhones. For used Apple devices, you‘ll need to look to third-party sellers or Apple‘s own refurb store.
Insider Tips for Smarter Amazon Phone Shopping
As mentioned, I‘ve bought a lot of phones from Amazon over the years. Here are a few pro tips I‘ve picked up along the way:
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Always compare prices between Amazon and the brand‘s direct website, especially during sales and product launches. The lowest price can shift from week to week.
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Take advantage of Amazon‘s trade-in program and bonus offers. Amazon sometimes offers trade-in credit plus a bonus coupon (usually 20-25% off) when you upgrade to a new device.
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If you find a phone you like from a lesser-known budget brand, search for reviews on tech sites and YouTube before buying. Specs can be deceiving and hands-on feedback is key.
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Customize your budget phone by checking compatibility with custom launchers and ROMs. Many budget devices on Amazon are primed for tinkering.
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If a price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Beware suspiciously cheap phones from random sellers, as they may be knock-offs or have undisclosed issues.
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Don‘t sleep on Amazon Warehouse deals for extra savings. These are open-box returns with minor imperfections sold directly by Amazon, usually 10-20% less than buying new.
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Invest in a case and screen protector alongside your phone purchase. Amazon offers bundled accessory deals that can save you money over buying separately.
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For the biggest possible savings, time your purchase around big sales like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Many of the most popular phones go on deep discount.
The Bottom Line
With a massive selection, competitive prices, and customer-friendly policies, Amazon has become one of the best places to buy a phone in 2023. Whether you‘re an Apple die-hard, Samsung fan, or budget brand enthusiast, you‘re sure to find plenty of compelling options and deals.
Of course, it‘s still important to do your due diligence before clicking "buy," especially when purchasing from a third-party seller. Be sure to carefully read listings, check seller feedback, and thoroughly inspect your device upon arrival.
But if you know what to look for and follow the tips outlined in this guide, buying a phone on Amazon can be a smart and rewarding experience, saving you time, money, and offering unmatched variety. Happy phone shopping!
