Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+ price: how to get the best deal

Eli Blumenthal | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Samsung's answer to the iPhone X: Galaxy S9 The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ have a new camera with Super Slow-mo video, low light capability and AR Emoji for a more personalized way to express yourself.

Samsung's new Galaxy S9 and S9+ are official, and now we have the pricing.

More: Samsung Galaxy S9 promises better camera, super slow-mo, and an answer for animojis

While they aren't $1,000 like the iPhone X, the price of either the S9 or S9+ — featuring a radically improved camera, speedier Snapdragon 845 processor and stereo speakers — is not cheap.

All of the main U.S. wireless carriers are offering the phone for pre-order on March 2 before selling them on March 16. But each carrier's pricing is different.

Here's a pricing breakdown and some suggestions on how to save.

AT&T

AT&T is offering the Galaxy S9 for $26.34 per month when purchased on its 30-month installment payment plan. The S9+ will run $30.50 per month over the same the 30-month period.

The 24-month installment plan will run you $32.92 per month for the S9, or $38.13 for the S9+. The full retail price of the phones when purchased from AT&T is $789.99 for the S9 and $914.99 for the S9+.

AT&T customers will be able to save up to $350 off the cost of the S9 if they trade in their current phone (the exact value will vary based on the device and the condition it's in). You can also save an additional $150 if you switch from another carrier.

Verizon

Verizon will sell the Galaxy S9 for $33.33 per month when purchased on its 24-month payment plan. The Galaxy S9+ is $38.74 per month for 24 months. The retail price for those looking to pay the full price upfront will be $799.99 for the S9 and $929.99 for the S9+.

This is slightly pricier than what AT&T's charging, though like AT&T Verizon is offering up to $350 off when you trade in your current device.

If you're switching to Verizon from a different carrier you'll be able to save an additional $150.

T-Mobile

At launch, the Galaxy S9 will run $30 per month for 24 months on T-Mobile's installment plan. The larger Galaxy S9+ will run the same $30 per month for 24 months but will require you to pay $120 upfront.

This breaks down to $720 for the Galaxy S9 or $840 for the S9+, both sizeable discounts compared to what AT&T and Verizon charge. Those looking to save even more can do so by trading in their current phone for up to an additional $360 off (again, the exact value will vary based on which device it is and the condition it is in).

Sprint

Sprint's pricing for Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be very similar to Verizon and AT&T's. The Galaxy S9 will cost $792, or $33 per month for 24 months on Sprint's installment plan. The Galaxy S9+ will cost $912, or $38 per month for 24 months.

Like with AT&T and Verizon, Sprint customers will be able to save up to $350 off the cost of the S9 if they trade in their current phone. You can also save an extra $150 if you switch from another carrier.

Beyond the carriers

The wireless carriers won't be the only ones offering deals on the new S9 phones. Best Buy will be offering up to $350 off the price of the Galaxy S9 if you buy it from them and trade in your current phone. The retail giant is also throwing in an extra $100 off for those who pre-order the device on March 2 on an AT&T, Verizon or Sprint plan.

This adds up to a nice $450 discount for those who want to upgrade to Samsung's latest as soon as possible.

Samsung will also be offering its own trade-in deals of up to $350 off the purchase of a new S9 with a trade-in of an older device. The S9 will be $30 per month for 24 months if bought on a payment plan from Samsung or $719.99 if you want to pay the full price upfront. The larger Galaxy S9+ is available for either $35 per month for 24 months or $839.99.

When purchased from Samsung both devices will arrive unlocked, allowing you to use them on any carrier and internationally. Couple that with the cheaper price and trade-in and the Samsung store may be the best place to buy the new Galaxies.

Follow Eli Blumenthal on Twitter @eliblumenthal