Ugh, honestly I am so relieved to see others stressing about this too because it is just a total nightmare! I love Samsung products but the way they play games with the pricing during Black Friday is seriously so frustrating. It makes me so nervous to even think about clicking that buy button!

• The trade-in values are so unpredictable it's basically gambling.
• I hate how retailers like Best Buy sometimes have better protection plans than buying direct.
• I'm always scared of getting a unit from a bad batch during the holiday rush! Not 100% sure but someone told me that the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL usually has much more straightforward promos without all the trade-in hoops. I'm not totally sure if that's true tho. It just feels so much more reliable than the chaos we deal with every year. I really want that S25 Ultra but man, the anxiety of getting a bad deal is real!

Hey! I've been chasing Samsung Black Friday deals for years, and unfortunately, Samsung's direct deals aren't always the best, at least in my experience. I had issues with their trade-in process one year, and the discounts weren't as good as expected another time. Best Buy's open box deals are where I've seen the deepest discounts. Also, pre-ordering around Black Friday? Not usually worth it, IMO. Waiting for the actual day or even the following Monday has worked better for me. Good luck!

Hey! While I agree that Samsung's direct deals can be a bit hit or miss, especially with trade-ins, I'd suggest keeping an eye on alternative routes too, specifically carrier deals.

I've found that Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile (in the US, at least) often have REALLY aggressive Black Friday promos, especially if you're willing to add a new line or trade in *any* phone, even an old beater. Sometimes those deals can actually make the S25 Ultra effectively "free" over a 36-month billing cycle, or close to it. It's worth crunching the numbers! Also, remember to factor in any potential cancellation fees if you decide to switch carriers later. Good luck!

Hey! Something else to consider re: Black Friday S25 Ultra – be *super* careful about scams. Lots of fake sites pop up offering 'amazing' deals that are just phishing attempts. Always double-check the URL and retailer reputation before buying!

Hey! So, while everyone's focusing on direct deals and carrier offers, I think there's another angle worth considering for Black Friday 2025: refurbished or open-box options. Hear me out!

You're upgrading from an S22 Ultra, which is still a fantastic phone. The S25 Ultra will definitely be an upgrade, but do you *need* the absolute latest and greatest at full price? Places like Best Buy Outlet, Amazon Warehouse, or even Samsung's own certified refurbished program often have excellent deals on slightly older models or open-box items.

Think about it: an 'open box' S25 Ultra might only be missing the original packaging and could save you a significant chunk of change compared to a brand-new one on Black Friday. Plus, they usually come with some kind of warranty anyway. It's definitely worth checking those avenues *in addition* to the standard deals, IMO. Good luck!