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New Delhi: The clock’s ticking towards Independence Day and so is the start of Amazon’s annual Great Freedom Festival sale. The e-commerce giant has now officially announced that the sale will begin in India on August 1, with Amazon Prime members getting a 12-hour early window to access deals before everyone else.

This year’s edition of the sale promises offers across a wide range of products including smartphones, laptops, tablets, refrigerators, air fryers, and more. With SBI Card offers on top of existing discounts, users can expect bundled deals, exchange offers, and no-cost EMIs too.

Early access and sale timings

According to Amazon, the sale will start for Prime members from midnight on August 1, while non-Prime users will be able to join from 12 PM the same day. The official end date has not been confirmed by Amazon yet, but internal cues suggest the sale could run till August 10, covering the lead-up to India’s 79th Independence Day.

For those who don’t have a Prime subscription, Amazon is offering different pricing options: ₹299 per month, ₹599 for three months, and ₹1,499 for a year. The Amazon Prime Shopping Edition is priced at ₹399 for a year.

SBI bank offers and EMI deals

Amazon has partnered with SBI Card to offer up to 10 percent instant discount on purchases made using SBI credit cards and EMI transactions. This is expected to apply across most major product categories. Apart from this, shoppers will be able to benefit from exchange bonuses and no-cost EMI plans to ease large purchases like washing machines, smart TVs, or laptops.

The offer reads: “Amazon will provide up to 10 per cent instant discount on purchases using SBI Credit Cards and EMI transactions during the sale.”

These extra discounts are likely to be stackable with Amazon’s existing coupon deals and limited-time flash offers.

Categories to watch: Phones, appliances, electronics

Amazon has confirmed that the Great Freedom Festival 2025 sale will feature offers across smartphones, accessories, laptops, home appliances, and Amazon-branded devices. A few examples that might be on the radar include models like the iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S24, iPad Air, and OnePlus 13.

Last year’s sale included deals under names like Trending Deals, 8pm Deals, and Blockbuster Deals. A similar pattern is expected this time too, with surprise discounts expected at different hours of the day.

If the previous editions are anything to go by, products like vacuum cleaners, smartwatches, and kitchen appliances like air fryers tend to sell out fast once the deals go live. Keeping track of Amazon Pay-based offers and applying available coupons can also save some extra rupees.

Price tracking, comparisons advised

Amazon has not yet shared the full list of upcoming deals, but teasers are expected to begin in the coming days. Shoppers are being encouraged to compare prices across platforms before hitting that buy button. Independent tracking websites like PriceBaba, PriceDekho or even Google Shopping can help with a quick look at historical prices.

The company just wrapped up its annual Prime Day Sale between July 12 and 14, and now heads into its second big retail event for the season. Unlike Prime Day, this one is open to all users, with added perks for Prime members during the early access window.

Amazon’s Great Freedom Festival usually marks the beginning of the festive sale season in India. And given that Independence Day is around the corner, expect people to load up their carts starting midnight on August 1.