Google Pixel 10 Series Leads Pre-Black Friday Smartphone Deals in 2025
As the holiday shopping season of 2025 unfolded, Google’s Pixel 10 series emerged as a frontrunner in delivering substantial value to consumers ahead of Black Friday. A recent analysis by Counterpoint Research highlights how Google’s strategic early discounts positioned the Pixel 10 lineup favorably against competitors like Apple and Samsung.
Early Discounts Propel Pixel 10 Ahead
In early November, Google initiated significant price reductions across its Pixel 10 series. These proactive discounts propelled the brand to a leading position on Counterpoint’s Weekly Promotions Index, which evaluates the strength of consumer promotions for flagship and foldable smartphones in the U.S. postpaid market. This index, ranging from 0 to 100, assesses promotional effectiveness from a consumer perspective.
Verizon’s Impactful Promotions
A key contributor to Google’s promotional success was Verizon’s aggressive offers. Notably, Verizon provided a no trade-in required deal on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, offering a substantial $1,260 discount on select plans. Additionally, Verizon’s promotion of a free Pixel 10 Pro XL further enhanced the appeal of Google’s flagship devices.
Comparative Performance with Apple and Samsung
Despite Google’s strong pre-Black Friday performance, Apple surpassed it during the Black Friday period. T-Mobile and Verizon’s significant deals on the iPhone 17, including T-Mobile’s offer of four free devices for customers switching carriers, edged out Google’s promotions. Samsung, on the other hand, lagged behind both Google and Apple in the postpaid market. While Samsung’s promotions were competitive, they often required trade-ins or higher-tier plans, making them less accessible compared to Google’s more straightforward discounts.
Prepaid Market Dynamics
In the prepaid sector, Samsung performed better, tying with Motorola due to discounts on their respective A-series and G-series devices. Apple also made a notable appearance in this segment, with Total Wireless offering deals on the iPhone 16e and older models like the iPhone 14. However, none of these prepaid promotions matched the value offered in the postpaid market.
Conclusion
Google’s early and substantial discounts on the Pixel 10 series set a high bar for pre-Black Friday smartphone deals in 2025. While Apple eventually took the lead during Black Friday, Google’s strategic promotions, bolstered by carrier partnerships, underscored its commitment to providing value to consumers in a competitive market.
