2025 Samsung Flagship Buying Guide: Score Big During Best Buy’s Labor Day Sale and Pick the Right Model

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The second half of the year is always a golden season for smartphone deals, and Best Buy’s 2025 Labor Day sale is especially impressive. Samsung’s latest flagship phones—Galaxy Z Fold 7, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge—are seeing record-low prices.

For those looking to upgrade, this is a rare chance to snag a deal, but with multiple flagship models targeting different user needs, how do you pick the right one? This guide breaks down the sale, features, pricing, and ideal user types so you don’t end up paying for features you don’t need.

1. Understanding the Sale: Activation vs. Trade-In – Which Saves You More?

Before choosing a model, it’s important to understand the Best Buy sale rules. The price difference between purchase options can be hundreds of dollars, and knowing which to pick can save you big.

Activation Discounts: The Core Deal

The main promotion is carrier activation discounts—most models require activating a carrier plan at purchase to get the lowest price.

Example prices:

  • Galaxy Z Fold 7: Original $1999 → $1599 with activation (-$400); unlocked prepaid version $1699

  • Galaxy S25 Ultra: Original $1299 → $949 with activation (-$350); prepaid $1049

  • Galaxy S25 Edge: Original $1099 → $849 with activation (-$250); prepaid $949

Recommendation:

  • If you can switch carriers or are planning to, go for the activation option—$100 cheaper than unlocked versions is almost “free money.”

  • If you need an unlocked phone, the prepaid version is still $300-$400 off launch price—historically low.

Trade-In Discounts: A Nice Bonus

Best Buy also offers trade-in credits, ranging from $100-$500 depending on the device. For example, trading in an iPhone 14 can bring the Galaxy S25 Ultra down to $649.

Note:

  • Best Buy’s trade-in values are generally lower than carrier trade-ins.

  • If you prefer one-time payment and instant pickup, Best Buy’s in-store process is simpler.

  • Carrier deals with financing or cashback may still be cheaper overall for long-term users.

2. Flagship Breakdown: Which Model Fits You Best?

This sale covers Samsung’s four 2024 flagship phones: Galaxy Z Fold 7 (foldable), S25 Ultra (all-rounder), S25 Edge (slim & stylish), and S25 (budget flagship). Prices and features vary widely—buying blindly can lead to regrets.

Galaxy Z Fold 7: The Foldable Enthusiast’s Top Pick

Sale Price: $1599 (after activation)

Key Features

  • 8-inch main + 6.2-inch cover screen: Mini tablet experience for multitasking

  • 200MP main + periscope telephoto: Low noise in low light, 10x optical zoom

  • IPX8 waterproof + titanium frame: Strong, lightweight, and water-resistant

Ideal Users

  • Professionals & students: Phone + tablet in one

  • Tech enthusiasts: Want the foldable experience

  • Photography fans: Best-in-class mobile photography

Caveats

  • Battery life: Heavy use lasts 6–7 hours

  • Repair costs: Main screen repair ~$600; consider screen protection plan

Galaxy S25 Ultra: The All-Rounder Flagship

Sale Price: $949 (after activation)

Key Features

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen4 + 16GB RAM: Smooth gaming & multitasking

  • 6.8-inch 2K LTPO display: 1-120Hz adaptive refresh

  • 5500mAh battery + 45W fast charge

  • Built-in S Pen: Note-taking & sketching with 2ms latency

Ideal Users

  • Most average users

  • Those who need S Pen functionality

  • Style-conscious users

Caveats

  • Heavier than other models: 221g, may tire hand over long periods

Galaxy S25 Edge: The Slim & Stylish Option

Sale Price: $849 (after activation)

Key Features

  • 7.2mm thin, 185g lightweight: Easy one-hand use

  • Curved display + gradient back: Eye-catching design

  • Good performance: Smooth for daily use

Ideal Users

  • Small-handed users or women

  • Light smartphone users

  • Style-first buyers

Caveats

  • No built-in S Pen

  • Slower charging: 30W, full charge ~1h 20min

Galaxy S25: Budget-Friendly Base Model

Sale Price: $619 (after activation)

Key Features

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen4 standard + 8GB RAM

  • 6.5-inch 1080P display + 5000mAh battery

Ideal Users

  • Students or budget-conscious buyers

  • Secondary device users

  • Phones for seniors

Caveats

  • Weaker camera: 50MP main, no telephoto lens

3. Quick Comparison Table

Model Price (After Activation) Weight Key Advantages Weaknesses Best For
Galaxy Z Fold 7 $1599 237g Foldable, multitasking, 200MP camera Battery life, repair cost Professionals, tech enthusiasts, photographers
Galaxy S25 Ultra $949 221g All-rounder, S Pen, ceramic back Heavy Average users, S Pen users, style-conscious
Galaxy S25 Edge $849 185g Slim, stylish, curved screen No S Pen, slower charging Small hands, light users, style-first
Galaxy S25 $619 195g Affordable, long battery, full basics Camera & performance Students, budget buyers, secondary device, seniors

4. Buying Tips: How to Save Even More

  1. Try in-store first: Test the feel of Fold 7 and Edge before buying

  2. Check sale timing: Ends September 15; popular colors may sell out

  3. Screen protection plans: Strongly recommended for Fold 7, optional for others

  4. Compare carrier deals: Existing customers may get extra perks or financing

Conclusion

Best Buy’s Labor Day sale offers historically low prices, but the key to buying is matching the phone to your needs, not chasing the cheapest option.

  • Professionals don’t need S25 just to save money

  • Slim-phone lovers don’t need to overspend on S25 Ultra

Match your usage and budget to the right model, and you’ll end up with a phone that feels right and doesn’t waste money.

Tip: Try the phones in-store before buying—feel, display, and weight matter more than specs on paper. Deals last 10 days, so take your time to make the right choice.

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