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TELUS back-to-school sale included Galaxy and Pixel deals—but the lowest prices required Premium Financing

TELUS’s 2025 back-to-school promotion advertised low monthly payments on Galaxy and Pixel phones, but the prices required qualifying plans, Premium Financing and Bring-It-Back.
From TheFinanceBase Team5 min to read
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The TELUS back-to-school promotion reported on July 25, 2025, discounted monthly financing on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy S25, Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. The advertised device payments were not standalone phone prices: they required Premium Financing, eligible TELUS plans and Bring-It-Back. TELUS’s current 2026 pages now show newer Pixel 10 and Galaxy S26 offers, so the figures below are historical rather than confirmed live pricing.

MobileSyrup reported the promotion on July 25, 2025.

What the 2025 TELUS sale advertised

Device Upfront Advertised device payment Required conditions
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 $0 $43.13/month Premium Financing and Bring-It-Back
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 $0 $10.71/month Premium Financing and Bring-It-Back
Samsung Galaxy S25 $0 $11.67/month Premium Financing and Bring-It-Back
Google Pixel 9 $0 $2.29/month Premium Financing and Bring-It-Back
Google Pixel 9 Pro $0 $10.96/month Premium Financing and Bring-It-Back

These were advertised device payments over a reported two-year term, not the customer’s complete TELUS bill. The qualifying service plan, taxes, add-ons and any promotional credits were separate.

Was the Galaxy Watch 8 free?

Qualifying purchases of a Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7 or Galaxy S25-series phone included a Galaxy Watch 8 under a two-year financing agreement in the reported promotion. The watch offer also appeared in launch-period promotion coverage for the Fold 7 and Flip 7, so it was not necessarily exclusive to the back-to-school event. Confirm the watch terms, eligible models and inventory before ordering.

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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB, Black
  • PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
  • TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
  • NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
  • MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
  • HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone

Why the monthly prices looked so low

Premium Financing

Premium Financing was TELUS’s financing structure for customers on qualifying plans, particularly the newer Complete plans. A quote should be separated into the monthly service-plan charge, the device-financing charge, promotional credits, the deferred Bring-It-Back amount, taxes and fees. The headline device number represents only one of those components.

Complete plans

The contemporaneous report described Complete plans as offering features including a five-year price lock, reduced roaming prices and other plan perks. If you would not otherwise buy a Complete plan, include its extra service cost when comparing this offer with a cheaper plan and a phone bought separately.

Bring-It-Back

Bring-It-Back reduces the regular monthly device payment by deferring part of the phone’s cost. At the end of the term, you can return the phone in TELUS’s required condition or pay the deferred amount to keep it. It is not a free-phone program or an unconditional lease.

Rank #2
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue
  • YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
  • LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
  • MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
  • NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
  • BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.

What you could owe at the end

Return the phone

You generally avoid the deferred balance only if the device passes TELUS’s inspection requirements. Damage, missing components, loss or a failed inspection can turn the apparent discount into an amount you must pay.

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Keep the phone

Keeping it means paying the Bring-It-Back balance. The exact balance was not stated in the reported article, so it cannot be calculated from the advertised monthly payments alone.

Leave early or change plans

Early cancellation, a plan change or a lost promotional credit can leave remaining financing obligations payable. Ask TELUS for the payoff amount and the effect on every credit before changing the line.

Rank #3
Sale
Samsung Galaxy S26, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 256GB, Black
  • TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
  • MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
  • FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
  • IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
  • FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment

The $70 connection-fee waiver

The report said TELUS was waiving its $70 connection fee for specified consumer mobility accounts, online mobility orders, eligible connected-device orders such as tablets or smartwatches, and bring-your-own-device plans. It did not establish that every student, business customer, retail purchase or existing TELUS customer qualified. Eligibility depended on the offer and ordering channel.

Calculate the real 24-month cost

Use this worksheet for any carrier quote:

Total 24-month cost = 24 × monthly service plan + 24 × monthly device payment + upfront fees + taxes + add-ons + Bring-It-Back amount if you keep the phone − confirmed trade-in value − confirmed promotional credits.

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Return scenario

Add the plan and device payments for 24 months, plus fees and taxes, assuming the phone passes inspection and is returned.

Rank #4
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black
  • YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
  • LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
  • MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
  • NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
  • BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.

Keep scenario

Use the same calculation and add the final Bring-It-Back balance. Do not insert an estimated balance; obtain the figure in the written offer or checkout summary.

Compare the alternative

Price a lower-cost plan with an outright or independently financed phone. A smaller device payment can still produce a higher total if the required TELUS plan costs more than you need.

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Which phone fit which buyer?

Galaxy Z Fold 7

Consider it if you want a large foldable display for multitasking, can manage the highest listed device payment and will protect the phone well enough to return it. It is a poor fit if your priority is the lowest total cost or you are likely to keep the device.

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Best Value
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
  • Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
  • Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
  • Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.

Galaxy Z Flip 7

The Flip 7 suits buyers who value a compact foldable design and portability. Verify the final Bring-It-Back obligation and the Complete-plan price before treating $10.71 per month as a bargain.

Galaxy S25

The S25 is the conventional Samsung flagship choice, without a foldable form factor. It may carry less ownership and damage risk than the Fold 7, and the Watch 8 bundle adds value only if you actually want a smartwatch.

Pixel 9

The Pixel 9 had the lowest listed device payment, but $2.29 per month did not establish the lowest overall cost. Compare the required plan with an outright purchase or a lower-cost carrier option.

Pixel 9 Pro

Choose the Pro only if its higher-end camera hardware and other features justify the additional payment over the standard Pixel 9.

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How the offer looks in 2026

TELUS’s current phone marketplace now lists newer products such as the Google Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 family, with current financing, trade-in and Bring-It-Back options. Its deals and bundles page advertises a Pixel 10 at $0 per month under stated conditions and up to $345 in trade-in credit for eligible Galaxy S26 Ultra activations or renewals. Those are current 2026 promotions, not proof that the 2025 back-to-school prices remain available; promotions can change without notice.

Checks before you sign up

  • Confirm the exact Complete or other qualifying plan and its 24-month service cost.
  • Get the device price, deferred Bring-It-Back balance, taxes and credits in writing.
  • Ask how an early cancellation or plan change affects financing and credits.
  • Verify trade-in value after inspection rather than relying on an estimate.
  • Confirm Galaxy Watch eligibility, financing terms and stock.
  • Check province, account type, credit approval and online-versus-retail restrictions.
  • Compare the complete 24-month total with TELUS, Koodo, Freedom Mobile and other carriers in your coverage area; competitor promotions and coverage vary.

The Bottom Line

The 2025 TELUS sale was most compelling for someone already willing to pay for the qualifying plan, keep the line for the full two years and return a carefully maintained Bring-It-Back phone. For everyone else, compare the complete 24-month bill—including the plan and final ownership cost—not just the advertised device payment.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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