Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday 27 November, with Cyber Monday following three days later. But if you are planning to upgrade your phone, you do not have to wait: several South African retailers have already started their sales, and some will run all month. Here is what we know, where to look, and how to tell a real bargain from a clever price tag.
Black Friday 2026 dates to know
- Takealot: weekly Black Friday-priced deals run from 26 October to 23 November, leading into the main sale day on 27 November, which starts at midnight.
- Makro: its main Black Friday campaign runs from 11 to 30 November.
- Samsung South Africa: deals run throughout November, with Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold7 offers on the way. Cyber Monday brings a second round of online-exclusive Samsung deals.
- Mobile networks: Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C have run Black Friday contract specials in previous years, often starting before the day itself. Check each network’s website and app in the last two weeks of November.
Where to find the best phone deals
Direct from the brand. Samsung offers free delivery nationwide and finance with 0% interest, subject to status. Buying direct can also make returns simpler.
Big online retailers. Takealot has spread its sale across a whole month, so you can watch prices weekly instead of fighting for stock on one day.
Mobile networks. Contract deals bundle a phone with data, minutes and SMS, and the same handset can offer very different value depending on the bundle.
Established stores only. Stick to retailers with a physical address and a clear return policy. If a price looks impossibly low from a store you have never heard of, walk away.
How to judge a phone deal
- Work out the total cost, not the monthly price. Multiply the monthly fee by the contract length and add any upfront payment. A phone at R499 a month over 24 months costs R11,976 in total, which may be more than the cash price plus a cheap prepaid or SIM-only plan.
- Check what is in the bundle. Look at the data allowance, minutes, SMS and whether data rolls over, not just the handset.
- Compare against the normal price. Track the price for a few weeks before Black Friday. A “50% off” sticker means little if the phone was never sold at the higher price.
- Consider last year’s flagships. Retailers often discount previous-generation phones the deepest, and they are still fast and capable.
- Make sure the phone will last. With South Africa’s networks phasing out 3G, choose a phone that supports 4G or 5G. Our guide to the 3G switch-off explains what to check.
- Know the return policy. Confirm how long you have to return or exchange the phone, and whether Black Friday purchases are treated differently.
- Set a budget first. Decide your maximum price and the features you actually need before you start browsing.
Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
Black Friday is the main event, especially for in-store and network deals. Cyber Monday is online-only and gives you a second chance if you miss out. Samsung, for example, offers online-exclusive deals on Cyber Monday.
Frequently asked questions
When is Black Friday 2026 in South Africa? Friday 27 November 2026.
Is Takealot’s sale only on Black Friday? No. Takealot has been running Black Friday-priced deals since 26 October, and its main day on 27 November starts at midnight.
Can I pay for a Black Friday phone with finance? Samsung says its finance options are available during its sale, subject to status. Other retailers and networks set their own credit terms, so check before you apply.
Should I buy a phone on contract or pay cash? It depends on the total cost. Compare the full contract price against the cash price plus a separate plan.
Last updated: 9 November 2026. Deals and prices change quickly, so always confirm the final price and terms with the seller before you buy.