Products & Offers
25th October 2024

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are approaching fast! Last year, UK shoppers spent a record £9.42 billion over the Black Friday weekend. This year is set to be just as massive. But with so many deals flying at you, how do you know what is a good deal?

Let’s break it down with a look at the biggest tech, gadgets, and smart devices expected to go on sale this year—and how to get the best deal for your hard-earned £’s.

Smartphones: Google Pixel, Apple iPhone, and more

If you’ve been eyeing a Google Pixel phone, this Black Friday could be your moment. Google recently launched the Pixel 9, which means we’re likely to see steep discounts on earlier generations. The Pixel 8 and 8a will likely drop in price, but if you’re on a budget, keep an eye out for the Pixel 7 and 6. Deals on these models could push prices down to levels that are hard to resist

Apple doesn’t do deep discounts. However, mobile retailers often offer previous generations of iPhone at a discount. Given the recent launch of the iPhone 16, expect the 15 and 14 to be on offer.

Rumours of an October event for the iPads and Mac’s have been swirling online, which means you will see discounts on earlier iPad and Mac models. Apple might not slash prices heavily, but look to retailers like Currys, Argos, and Amazon for deals on existing stock.

Laptops and MacBooks: Where to save

With the M4 processor launching, we can expect some price cuts on M3 and M2 MacBooks. Retailers like John Lewis will offer small reductions; however, the real savings will come from resellers and websites like Amazon. If you’re in the market for a laptop upgrade, especially for work or creative projects, this could be the perfect time to buy.

TVs: OLED takes centre stage

The TV market is always a major player during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and this year is likely to be no different. Expect brands like Samsung and LG to drop prices on OLED TVs. OLED technology has matured, meaning deeper discounts and wider availability. If last year’s deals are anything to go by, you could save hundreds of pounds on premium models.

But keep an eye out for surprise deals from Amazon, too. Last year, the retailer offered its 4K Fire TV that was originally priced at over £400, for just £149. There’s a good chance we’ll see something similar again this year, especially if you’re a Prime subscriber!

Smart Devices: Alexa, Ring, and more

Smart home devices are a Black Friday staple, and Amazon is the leader of the pack. Ring doorbells, Amazon Alexa devices, and smart plugs are sure to be discounted. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home security or dip your toe into smart home automation, this is the time to grab these gadgets.

Amazon also loves to bundle devices, so don’t be surprised if you see deals pairing Alexa with Fire TVs, Echo speakers, or Ring cameras. Keep your eyes peeled for package deals, as they can offer massive value for anyone building out a smart home ecosystem.

How to Get the Best Deals

It’s easy to get overwhelmed during the sale season, but with a few smart strategies, you can snag the best bargains:

Start early: Deals are no longer just limited to Black Friday itself. Many retailers start offering discounts days, or even weeks, in advance. Amazon’s “Black Friday Week” often features rotating daily deals, so make sure to check in regularly.

Price comparisons: Use tools like PriceSpy or CamelCamelCamel. These sites track price history and ensure you’re getting a genuine deal. Retailers can sometimes inflate prices before the sale, only to drop them back to “normal” levels for Black Friday.

Sign up for newsletters: Get ahead of the game by signing up for email alerts from retailers like John Lewis, Argos, and Amazon. Early access to deals is often given to subscribers.

Don’t forget mobile providers: Some of the best deals on iPhones and Samsung smartphones will come from mobile networks. Be sure to compare contract offers, not just the upfront price of the phone.

The Bottom Line

This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, UK shoppers are in for some fantastic deals in tech and gadgets. Whether you’re picking up a discounted smartphone, upgrading to an OLED TV, or filling your home with smart devices, one thing is essential: fast, reliable broadband.

High-tech purchases—4K streaming, smart home automation, online gaming—rely on a strong internet connection. And that’s where we come in. Grain offers Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) packages with speeds of up to 1Gb, ensuring your tech works at its full potential without any frustrating slowdowns. Plus, we’ll be running our own Black Friday deals, so keep an eye out for great offers on ultra-fast broadband to power your new devices.

Don’t let slow internet hold you back — get fibre-fast with Grain and make the most of your Black Friday buys!