In 2016, the global sales of smartphones exceeded a billion units, largely due to intense competition in the market, which has led to falling prices. However, the reductions in cost may not be occurring as rapidly as anticipated, nor are they necessarily affecting the models we consider superior.

Why is that? It's because major telecommunications corporations can demand as much as $900 for a high-end smartphone if you choose not to commit to a two-year agreement. Additionally, consumers are either purchasing these expensive phones outright, or they are entering into agreements where they incur monthly charges exceeding $100.

However, every purchaser of cell phones must take note of an ongoing change that is happening.

A New Era

In recent years, a notable trend has emerged in the smartphone industry. The difference between top-tier and lower-end phones has significantly narrowed, illustrating that budget phones are gradually approaching the performance levels of their high-end counterparts. Meanwhile, the annual enhancements to the more luxurious models have become somewhat uninspiring.

Why does this occur? It stems from manufacturers' ambition to deliver captivating advancements. Advancements that truly make a difference. Annually, manufacturers strive to ensure their latest phones feature fresh and thrilling attributes, yet they consistently fail to hit the target. Nonetheless, they continue to hike prices to fulfill their sales targets and boost excitement.

How You Can Cash In On This

Currently, there's no need to exhaust a vast sum for a state-of-the-art smartphone. While you might not slash hundreds off the price of an iPhone 7s, you can certainly cut the cost of an Android phone by half, which reviews suggest is either superior to or equal in quality to that same iPhone.

Interestingly, were you aware that last year, the typical market price for mobile phones fell below $300? Further, the IDC forecasts an ongoing decrease in prices. This trend makes the option of purchasing a smartphone outright, freeing buyers from the constraints of a two-year contract, a feasible choice for all individuals.

The Best Phones With the Best Deals

When seeking bargains on a new smartphone, three models stand out for their high ratings. Thus, if you are in the market for a versatile new phone, ensure you consider these cost-effective choices:

Samsung Galaxy S8 // At a time when expectations for surpassing the Galaxy S7 were low, Samsung surprised everyone by releasing what is now acclaimed as the most aesthetically pleasing smartphone available. It features the most sophisticated smartphone processor available, exceptional battery life, and is regarded as the finest Android device on the market. Samsung continues to push boundaries with the S8. Priced starting at $750, the phone's curved infinity screen and superior performance are considered well worth the investment. Additionally, diligent shoppers can discover excellent bargains on this powerful smartphone with some research.

Google Pixel // The Google Pixel stands out as a highly talked-about smartphone choice. Attempting to match the pace of global tech giants, whether in the realm of smartphones or autonomous vehicles, Google introduces us to the Pixel. It offers the advantages of an Android device without any of the issues that plagued the Galaxy S7, appealing to those still hesitant about that model.

OnePlus 3T // Investing $300 less compared to other smartphones implies some compromises, yet this model marks a significant improvement over the OnePlus 3, launched just six months prior. The most notable change lies in the enhancement of the selfie camera, which escalates from 8 megapixels to 16, mirroring many cameras from 2017 with its capability to capture superior images in dim lighting. The OnePlus 3T is available at a pre-discount price of $439.