The Best AT&T Phone Deals for January 2021

If you’re already a loyal customer or you’re looking to switch carriers, AT&T almost always has some of the best smartphone deals and sign-up promotions — especially on the latest (which is to say expensive) flagships like the iPhone 12. The entire catalog can take awhile to sort through, though, so to spare you some time, we’ve scooped up all the best AT&T phone deals available this month and put them right here in one place. If it’s time for a fresh phone and/or a new service plan, then read on and get ready to save big:

Today’s Best AT&T Phone Deals

Google Pixel 4a 5G (AT&T) — $300, was $525
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G 128GB — $350, was $500
Google Pixel 5 (AT&T) + Free Google Chromecast 4K Streaming Device — $450, was $725
Apple iPhone 12 Mini (AT&T) — Up to $700 back with trade-in
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (AT&T) — Up to $700 back with trade-in
Apple iPhone 12 (AT&T) — For $3.33 per month with trade-in
Galaxy Note 20 5G 128GB — Up to $700 back in bill credits

How to choose a new phone

Shopping for a new smartphone can be exciting (especially if it’s been awhile since you’ve enjoyed the feeling of a new phone in your hands), but given the number of devices and brands on the market in 2020, it can quickly turn into a headache. If you’re trying to choose a new mobile handset but find yourself suffering from decision paralysis, it’s necessary to narrow things down a bit. The first step is deciding how much you are willing to spend.

Smartphones run the gamut in terms of pricing, from super-cheap no-frills devices to cutting-edge handsets with super-high-resolution displays, advanced camera modules, and 5G network connectivity. If you’re on a really tight budget, these AT&T phone deals can even get you a free device with certain unlimited plans if you’re willing to opt for something older like the 2016 iPhone SE. On the other hand, the latest flagships will set you back closer to $1,000 — if you can’t score a discount, that is.

Next, determine which software ecosystem you want. If you’ve already got your heart set on iOS, that narrows things down as of course there is only one company making iPhones — Apple. If you prefer Android, however, you’ve got quite a few more options: LG, Google, and Samsung are the biggest makers that spring to mind (although we’d be remiss if we failed to mention the numerous “flagship alternative” brands like Motorola, OnePlus, and TCL, to name just a few). Android and iOS are so similar in 2020 that this choice will likely come down to which one most people in your social circle use, as well as what other devices, such as iPads, that you own.

Using the same OS as your friends and family means that you can enjoy app commonality (for instance, iPhone users get to take advantage of all the features of iMessage and FaceTime). If your social network is evenly split between iOS and Android users, then just pick whichever you personally prefer; if you truly have no preference here, just spring for the best phone you can get that meets your budget. Chances are that it will be an Android device as these are generally a better value overall. That said, AT&T phone deals and newer devices like the 2020 iPhone SE also offer a lot of value for iOS fans who are on a budget.

We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and we choose what we cover carefully and independently. The prices, details, and availability of the products and deals in this post may be subject to change at anytime. Be sure to check that they are still in effect before making a purchase.

Digital Trends may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.

Today’s Best AT&T Phone Deals

How to choose a new phone

Editors' Recommendations