You know that feeling when you’re scrolling through a store’s site wondering “Hmm, are there actually any good phone specials today?” yeah… me too. I swear, sometimes it feels like everyone says they’ve got deals, but really? Either it’s the same price as always, or it’s just accessories. But stick with me, because right now there are some phones on specials that are worth at least a second look.
Let’s talk about what I found (and by found, I mean I actually looked at a few real retailer pages, not just yesterday’s flyer). These aren’t fantasy prices. They’re current smartphone specials you can actually shop, mostly from places like Game and PEPcell, both of which have been rolling out a bunch of options in different price ranges.
Budget-Friendly Phones on Specials
Maybe you’re after a simple phone, something that lasts a couple of days on a charge, takes decent pics, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. I kinda like this category myself because, let’s be honest, not all of us need the latest flagship (even though it does sound nice sometimes).
At PEPcell, there’s a decent spread of basic smartphones and feature devices that are … well, kind of surprising. You’ve got familiar names like Itel, Hisense, Mobicel and a few others priced under R1,000 (yes, seriously). There’s an Itel A06S for around R649, a decent starter smartphone if you just want something reliable without splurging.
And if you’re slightly flexible say, closer to R1,000 there are other models like the Hisense T2 Pro 64GB and Spectra J2 around that mark too. They won’t blow your socks off, but they’ll definitely get the job done, messaging, TikTok, WhatsApp… all that stuff we don’t really stop doing.

Mid-Range Smartphone Specials
Alright, if you do want something a bit more capable, you know, better camera, a bit more storage and all. Game has been listing a few interesting specials on more fully-featured smartphones. Sometimes they’re listed under “Cellphones” or “Smartphones & Feature Phones” with taglines like We Beat Any Price (which, again, sounds legit until you check multiple sites).
For example, models like the Xiaomi Redmi 15C 4G 128GB and Samsung Galaxy A17 LTE 128GB Dual Sim have shown up in Game’s current specials with price cuts that feel like actual savings (not just rounding down). They’re comfortably in that mid-range area where you get good battery life, solid performance, and cameras that won’t embarrass you at family events.
I think sometimes we forget how good mid-range phones have become. A few years back, you’d spend flagship money to get this kind of performance. Now? You’re seeing it in the specials at everyday stores.
Samsung & Popular Brands on Specials
Speaking of brands, Samsung keeps popping up with a bunch of phones that sit between “basic” and “nice upgrade.” Things like the Samsung Galaxy A07, A16, and even a couple of higher-end models like the Galaxy A35 5G can show up in specials, depending on stock and promotions.
What’s funny, and maybe you’ve noticed this, is that some of these prices don’t look wild at first glance. But when you compare them to typical retail pricing (say, checking them online earlier in the week), they’re genuinely a few hundred rand cheaper than usual. Again, not headline-grabbing discounts, but still worth paying attention to if you’re shopping for the best deal.
A Quick Word on How These Specials Work
Here’s the thing: “smartphone specials” don’t always mean crazy low price tags. Sometimes it’s just a small discount. Other times it’s that older, but still perfectly good model, going out the door for less. You have to look at the context, what’s usual, what’s new, and whether the device still fits your needs (battery life? storage? camera?). That part’s kind of fun… although admittedly also a bit overwhelming.
And I totally get it if you feel like ”Ugh, really? Another Galaxy A model?” But hey if it’s on special and it does what you need, isn’t that part of the point?
We have tons of specials for you to explore here. Happy saving.
Final Thoughts
So, yeah there are phones on specials right now. Some lean basic, others edge into that sweet spot of “good enough for most people.” I think the real trick is matching what you actually need with the deals that are out there. If you want raw power, you might have to wait for a more aggressive sale period. But if you just want a decent smartphone without spending a small fortune well, there are options worth browsing.Keep checking stores like Game and PEPcell regularly, and keep an eye on both feature lists and price tags sometimes the best deals are subtle, not sensational.
