The tech market in the US is standing on shaky ground as potential tariffs loom over key electronics manufacturing regions. Prices might go up soon – but for now, we’re seeing fresh discounts on some of the newest gadgets. If you’re shopping for a new phone or tablet, this might just be the right moment to pounce.
Galaxy
Samsung’s Galaxy A36 quietly launched a couple of weeks ago, and up until last week, it stuck to its original $400 price tag. Now? You can grab it for $340. That $60 drop makes it one of the most attractive mid-range options around, especially considering what’s packed under the hood.
You’re looking at a solid 6.7-inch 1080p+ display, backed by a hefty 5,000mAh battery that now supports 45W fast charging. It’s not glass and metal luxury — the frame is plastic — but the Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides and an IP67 rating make it a sturdy daily driver.
What sets the A36 apart, though, is its software. Samsung promises 6 full OS updates, and it ships with the brand-new One UI 7 already installed. That means you’ll get years of feature upgrades and security patches — something rare in this price range. Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, it doesn’t support microSD cards, but comes with decent storage. The cameras? A sharp 50MP main with optical image stabilization, plus an 8MP ultra-wide and a 12MP selfie cam that shoots 4K from both ends.
CMF
Not to be left behind, the CMF Phone 1 has also seen a small discount. It’s not as flashy or well-known, but this 8GB/256GB version has one big advantage over Samsung: a microSD card slot.
Under the hood, it runs the Dimensity 7300 — comparable to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 in real-world performance. The screen is a 6.67-inch 120Hz OLED panel, so it’s smooth and vibrant, although you’ll want to be careful since it lacks toughened glass protection.
Battery life is solid thanks to a 5,000mAh cell with 33W charging. However, the software situation isn’t as impressive. It ships with Android 14 and will only get 2 OS updates. That’s half the longevity of the Galaxy A36, and something to think about if you keep phones for years.
Tablets
Samsung’s just-dropped Galaxy Tab S10 FE series is another strong contender if you’re tablet shopping. Both models are powered by the new Exynos 1580 chip — the same one that’s coming in the Galaxy A56 soon — and offer great all-around performance.
The regular Tab S10 FE features a 10.9-inch 1440p+ screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, and a big 8,000mAh battery that charges at 45W. Despite the large screen, it’s thinner and lighter than last year’s S9 FE, which is great for portability.
Step up to the Tab S10 FE+ and you’ll get an even larger 13.1-inch display with a sharper 1800p+ resolution. The battery stays at 10,090mAh. You won’t find an ultra-wide camera here anymore, but it does have an improved 13MP main shooter. Bonus: both tablets include an S Pen and allow for microSD expansion.
iPads
Apple recently dropped its new iPad Air models for 2025, and they’ve got the powerful M3 chip — the same one found in Macs. The 11-inch iPad Air costs just $50 more than the Tab S10 FE, and while its 60Hz screen is a little slower, the multitasking features (like Stage Manager with external displays) give it an edge for productivity.
The 13-inch iPad Air is a competitor to the Tab S10 FE+, but at a noticeably higher price. It shares the M3 chip, giving it outstanding speed and AI capabilities, though iPadOS is still more restrictive than Samsung’s more laptop-like DeX mode — even if DeX is limited by the tablet’s slower USB 2.0 port.
Apple also updated the entry-level iPad, now with the A16 chip. It’s a step up from the A14 in the 2022 model, but still doesn’t get full Apple Intelligence features due to hardware limitations.
Specs
Here’s a quick comparison of the key devices:
| Device | Display | Chipset | Battery | OS Updates | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A36 | 6.7″, 1080p+ | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | 5,000mAh | 6 updates | $340 |
| CMF Phone 1 | 6.67″, 120Hz OLED | Dimensity 7300 | 5,000mAh | 2 updates | ~$290 |
| Tab S10 FE | 10.9″, 1440p+ | Exynos 1580 | 8,000mAh | 4 updates | $449 |
| Tab S10 FE+ | 13.1″, 1800p+ | Exynos 1580 | 10,090mAh | 4 updates | $599 |
| iPad Air 11 (2025) | 11″, 60Hz | Apple M3 | ~8,500mAh | 5+ updates | $499 |
| iPad Air 13 (2025) | 13″, 60Hz | Apple M3 | ~10,000mAh | 5+ updates | $699 |
If you’re in the market, now’s a smart time to shop — especially with potential tariffs on the horizon. Between Samsung’s long support window, Apple’s powerful new chip, and some tempting discounts, there’s something for everyone. Just don’t wait too long — prices may not stay this friendly for much longer.
FAQs
Is the Galaxy A36 worth buying now?
Yes, with its $340 price and 6 OS updates, it’s a great deal.
Does the CMF Phone 1 support microSD?
Yes, the CMF Phone 1 has a microSD card slot for extra storage.
Which tablet has the biggest screen?
The Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ has a 13.1-inch display, the largest here.
How many updates will iPad Air 2025 get?
Apple typically supports iPads for at least 5 years.
Do Samsung tablets come with an S Pen?
Yes, both Tab S10 FE models include an S Pen in the box.
