Patrick Farmer
Patrick (he/him) is the eCommerce Editor of Android Central. After working in independent bookstores for the better part of a decade and using freelance writing as a side hustle, Patrick switched to writing full time in 2020. Patrick’s writing has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, The Hill, BestReviews, OddityMall, and many other publications across the web. He joined Android Central as the Deals and Commerce Writer in 2022 and now runs the site’s eCommerce efforts and coverage of major sale events. Although he’s written about everything from exercise equipment to turntables, Patrick’s work nowadays is primarily concerned with saving people money on tech. He’s particularly passionate about eliminating buyer’s remorse and taking subjects that can be confusing for shoppers — such as switching wireless carriers or buying a new smart TV — and breaking them down into simple, easy-to-understand terms. Whether you’re a veteran tech-head or a novice, Patrick offers honest, no-nonsense shopping advice with years of hands-on experience to back it up. When he isn’t hunting down the best discounts or digging through the fine print of a carrier deal, Patrick enjoys trekking around the Rocky Mountains, camping out at a brewery, or spending time with his beloved polydactyl cat.
Latest articles by Patrick Farmer
Back-to-school phone sales 2024 — epic deals on Samsung, Pixel, and more
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Student savings Whether you're shopping for a kid or heading back to campus for fall semester, these are the best student-friendly phone deals for Android users.
Best places to buy a refurbished phone 2024
By Samuel Contreras, Patrick Farmer last updated
New to you! By going the refurbished route, you can not only get some of the best Android phones at much lower prices, but also help in reducing electronic waste.
Best Alexa devices 2024
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Alexa everywhere Looking for the ultimate guide to Amazon Alexa devices? We've compiled a list of all of our favorites so you can find the smart gadget that fits your home.
This new Mint Mobile deal gives you FOUR FREE lines when you buy one — no, that's not a typo!
By Patrick Farmer published
Time to switch If you're an AT&T or Verizon customer, sign up for a three-month data plan at Mint Mobile and you'll get four identical lines for free!
Best Android phones 2024
By Nicholas Sutrich, Patrick Farmer last updated
Cream of the crop There are so many great Android phones to buy that it can be tough to know which one to get. These are the best of the best at each price point.
This Verizon Fios deal has some unusual perks — save big on appliances, NFL Sunday Tickets, and more
By Patrick Farmer published
Preferred Partner Verizon Fios will now give you a free NFL Sunday Ticket or $400 off Samsung appliances when you sign up for the 1 Gig or 2 Gig home internet plan.
Best unlocked phones 2024
By Patrick Farmer last updated
No restrictions! If you need a new phone but don't want the hassle of credit checks and payment plans, start here with the best unlocked Android phones.
Mint Mobile: How to know if there is coverage in your area
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Getting coverage The fast-growing T-Mobile network covers more people than ever, and Mint Mobile is a cost-effective way to enjoy its excellent service. But do you have coverage in your area?
Yes, you can really get a FREE Google Pixel 9 from Best Buy (and it's easier than you think)
By Patrick Farmer published
Epic trade-in offers Best Buy is leading the charge with trade-in deals on the Google Pixel 9. Dig up those old phones and see how much you can save.
All the best back-to-school deals for Android users — see discounts on tablets, TVs, smartphones, and more
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Campus-ready The summer break will be over before you know it, so make sure you're ready with one of the best back-to-school tech deals.
The best Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold preorder deals — release date, what to expect, and more
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Fold 4 ever The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold was finally revealed this morning in all of its expensive glory, but there are a few ways to save before the release date.
The best Google Pixel Watch 3 preorder deals — how to buy and what to expect
By Patrick Farmer last updated
It's here! Google just unveiled the Pixel Watch 3, a versatile wearable that's sure to rank among the best Android smartwatches of the year. Here's how to buy.
The best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 deals of September 2024: free wireless, trade-in discounts, and more
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Don't flip out The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 finally hit store shelves last month, but you might be surprised at the number of deals that are still available.
Here's how to get 50% off your phone bill for an ENTIRE YEAR when you buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 from Mint Mobile
By Patrick Farmer published
Back to school in style Mint Mobile is now including the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 in its list of bundle deals, just in time for back-to-school season!
The best Samsung Galaxy S24 deals and prices on the web: September 2024
By Patrick Farmer last updated
S24 deals The S24 series officially hit store shelves on January 31st, and we've gathered all the best deals.
Whoa! My favorite small phone is now $0.00 at Verizon — but there's a catch
By Patrick Farmer published
Free flagship, anyone? Add a line with an eligible data plan and Verizon might hook you up with Samsung's latest flagship for free.
Forget the Pixel 9, the phone I use every day just crashed to a record low price
By Patrick Farmer published
8a, all the way We're about to get a first look at the Pixel 9 series, but if you just want a great phone today, Best Buy has just dropped a huge deal on the Google Pixel 8a while nobody was looking.
The best Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro deals of September 2024
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Pixel party The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are here, and there are quite a few ways for you to save cash on these innovative flagships.
LAST CALL: Mint Mobile will give you $440 off the Google Pixel 8 Pro AND six months of free wireless — but the deal could expire next week
By Patrick Farmer published
That's no typo Bundle the purchase of the Pixel 8 Pro with any six-month plan at Mint Mobile, and you'll get a historic discount plus six months of free wireless to boot.
Samsung announces epic back-to-school sale — Z Fold 6 deals, instant trade-in savings, and more
By Patrick Farmer published
Back in session Samsung has just dropped a back-to-school sale with loads of deals on everything from foldable phones to laptops. Here are a few of my favorite offers.
Best cheap data plans of 2024
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Affordable data! Here are some of the best cheap data plans you can get, from both prepaid and mainstream carriers. Apart from data, these plans include a lot more.
The best Android phone for students now comes with 6 months of FREE wireless at Mint Mobile
By Patrick Farmer published
Back to school Bundle the purchase of the Google Pixel 8a with any six-month data plan at Mint Mobile and you'll score a $100 discount plus six additional months of service for free.
The best Visible phone plans, deals, and more: September 2024
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Visible savings Using Verizon's massive 5G and LTE network, Visible is a great carrier for someone who needs a lot of data for less cash. Here's everything you need to know.
Best MVNO deals of September 2024: Is it time to switch?
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Cheap wireless Using an MVNO can already save you money on your phone bill, but these deals make your cheap wireless even cheaper.
There's another new streaming deal, but this time the bundle includes Hulu, Disney Plus, AND Max
By Patrick Farmer published
Take that, Netflix Here we go again: streaming giants Disney Plus, Hulu, and Max are working together to bring you another bundle offer, but this time it's actually a pretty good deal.
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