Technologies

While Everyone Waits for the iPhone 17, You Can Grab a Nearly New Galaxy S24 Plus or Ultra Starting at $400

These 2024 models pack top-tier specs without the sticker shock, but hurry, stock is limited and the deal ends Sept. 22.

If you’ve been holding out for a phone upgrade, now’s the moment — and you don’t have to drop iPhone-level cash to get it. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series is on sale at Woot with prices kicking off at $400. But there’s a catch.

These Galaxy S24 phones come in «like-new» condition, which means they’ve been gently used. According to Woot, they’ve been sourced from Samsung’s 15-day return program and thoroughly inspected to ensure quality. They won’t come in the original retail box, but you’ll still get a USB-C cable and SIM-ejector tool. The sale only runs through next Monday, Sept. 22, or until stock runs dry. Given that these are 2024 flagships, they might sell out quick, so get your order in soon if you’re interested.

The sale has already sold out of the base S24, but you can grab the S24 Plus from $400 and S24 Ultra from $550, with more options for higher storage. Whether you’re after big-screen daily use or Samsung’s powerhouse Ultra with its advanced cameras, this is a rare chance to pick up a premium device without the premium price tag.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

Spec-wise, the S24 Plus features a high-refresh-rate 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. The S24 Ultra takes things further with a 6.8-inch display, titanium frame, improved cooling and a camera setup led by a 200-megapixel main sensor plus telephoto and ultrawide lenses. Battery capacity is at nearly 5,000 mAh on the S24 Plus and Ultra, too, and these models support both wired and wireless charging.

If these aren’t to your taste, take a look at our picks for the best Android smartphones for 2025. You’re sure to find something there. And for other discounted options, peruse our roundup of all the best phone deals happening now.

MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus 512GB Unlocked AI Phone (Silver Shadow):

$920 (save $280)
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Awesome Black):

$350 (save $50)
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked AI Phone (Gray):

$525 (save $125)
Moto G Stylus 5G 256GB Unlocked Phone(2024 Model, Caramel Latte):

$300 (save $100)
Apple iPhone 14 128GB Unlocked Phone (Refurbished, Midnight):

$334 (save $295)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

Because phones are expensive, having an option that’s nearly brand new but costs hundreds less makes a real difference. Opting for an older model is a great way to save some cash on an upgrade. You’re still getting much of what people chase when they buy top-tier devices without paying the full price.

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Technologies

iPhone 17 Preorders Spike and Overall Phone Sales Aren’t Slowing Down Despite Tariffs

Global smartphone shipments saw a notable increase in the third quarter of 2025. Plus, preorders for Apple’s new iPhone 17 beat out the iPhone 16.

Despite tariffs and market uncertainty, global smartphone shipments increased 2.6% in the third quarter of 2025, compared to the same time last year, according to the International Data Corporation. Additionally, preorders for the iPhone 17, which launched last month, outpaced last year’s iPhone 16.

These increased sales include premium phones like the latest iPhones and Samsung foldables, suggesting yet again that pricier phones still sell in periods of economic strain. It’s a remarkable achievement, says IDC senior research director Nabila Popal, citing shrewd financing options as the reason people keep buying these high-end phones, which cost anywhere from $800 to nearly $2,000.

«[Phone makers] have mastered the art of innovation not only in hardware and software to entice upgrades but also in removing purchase friction. They have flawlessly combined cutting-edge devices with innovative financing models and aggressive trade-in programs that make the upgrading decision a ‘no-brainer’ for consumers,» Popal said in an IDC press release.

Apple sold 58.6 million iPhones this quarter, an increase of 2.9% over the same period in 2024, with more preorders for the iPhone 17 series than its predecessor. But Samsung wasn’t far behind, with its Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 selling better than all of the company’s prior foldables. The company still reigns atop the phone market with 61.4 million phones sold, representing 19% of the market in the third quarter of this year — an increase of 6.3% from the same period last year. Meanwhile, Apple lands slightly behind Samsung with 18.2% market share this quarter.

The other phone makers trailing Apple and Samsung are, in order: Xiaomi, with 13.5% of the market; Transsion, with 9%; and Vivo with 8.9%. The remaining companies in the phones industry, from Chinese stalwarts like Oppo and Honor to Motorola and Google, make up the remaining 31.4% of the market for the quarter. All told, 322.7 million phones were sold, up from 314.6 million in the third quarter of 2024, according to IDC.

IDC’s findings for the third quarter continue the small but steady growth of phone sales over the year, including a modest 1% increase in the preceding three months — which includes the April deadline when President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs. In the second quarter, IDC cited midrange devices like Samsung’s Galaxy A36 and other phones that started incorporating AI. But even persistent tariffs haven’t slowed down people’s appetites for pricier phones in the third quarter.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Tuesday, Oct. 14

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Oct. 14.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s Mini Crossword has an odd vertical shape, with an extra Across clue, and only four Down clues. The clues are not terribly difficult, but one or two could be tricky. Read on if you need the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.