What are everyone's plans for getting their new phone if you plan to purchase an S25?

I've got an S22 Ultra. It no longer makes phone calls. Cannot connect to the mobile network and my carrier says they have no idea how to fix it. I've been living with it for a month since I knew the S25 was coming and it works on wifi for texting. I've never purchased direct from Samsung but I hear they are usually the best deal vs carriers. What's been your experience? Any other retailer suggestions to look into for deals? I'm not the best at this stuff.