Smartphones & Accessories

The Best Unlocked Cell Phones

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Unlocking your cell phone offers unparalleled freedom, allowing you to choose the carrier and plan that best suits your needs. With a vast array of options available, selecting the right unlocked smartphone can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the key features to consider, ensuring you find a device that aligns with your budget and lifestyle.

No. 1
Moto G 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Sage Green
  • Immersive 120Hz display* and Dolby Atmos: Watch movies and play games on a fast, fluid 6.6" display backed by multidimensional stereo sound.
  • 50MP Quad Pixel camera system**: Capture sharper photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity—and explore up close using the Macro Vision lens.
  • Superfast 5G performance***: Unleash your entertainment at 5G speed with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 octa-core processor.
  • Massive battery and speedy charging: Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, then fuel up fast with TurboPower.****
  • Premium design within reach: Stand out with a stunning look and comfortable feel, including a vegan leather back cover that’s soft to the touch and fingerprint resistant.
  • Tons of built-in ultrafast storage: Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB with a microSD card*****
  • A minimum device refresh rate of 60Hz and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz; actual refresh rate may be less and will vary based on app/content limitations and requirements, device mode settings, and other factors.
  • The 50MP sensor combines 4 pixels into 1, for an effective photo resolution of 12.5MP.
  • 5G service available with 5G plan. 5G network coverage required; available only in select areas; device not compatible with all 5G networks. Contact your service provider for details. Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or...
  • Charger may be sold separately. Maximum 18W TurboPower charging speed on device. In-box charger varies by market. Check with your carrier or retailer for availability. *****Supports up to 1T microSD card, microSD cards sold separately. Content with DRM...
No. 2
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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.
SaleNo. 3
Motorola Moto G Play LTE | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 50MP Camera | Sapphire Blue
  • Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
  • Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
  • 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
  • 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
  • Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
  • Sleek and stylish design. Thoughtfully crafted from premium materials, featuring a streamlined look, durable matte finish, and splash protection******.
  • Auto mode has a minimum device refresh rate of 60Hz and a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz; actual refresh rate may be less and will vary based on app/content limitations and requirements, device mode settings, and other factors. **May be used with Hi-Res...
  • The 50MP sensor combines 4 pixels into 1, for an effective photo resolution of 12.5MP.
  • Available user storage and internal memory is less due to operating system, software and other functions which utilize part of this capacity. Available capacity may change with software updates.
  • Battery life claims are approximate and based on optimal network conditions. Actual battery performance will vary and depends on many factors including signal strength, network and device settings, temperature, battery condition, and usage patterns...
No. 4
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.
  • 6 OS AND 6 YEARS OF AWESOME SECURITY UPDATES: Get more value from a phone that’s designed to go the distance inside and out. Galaxy A17 5G brings you 6 OS and 6 years of security updates, keeping your phone protected, efficient and up to date for...
  • AI SIMPLIFIED: Discover more about the things you see using Circle to Search with Google on Galaxy A17 5G.⁶ Find a pair of shoes you like online? Simply circle them on your phone to find out the brand and where they’re available. Now that is awesome...
  • AI HELPS WITH THAT: Organizing the next family gathering? With one voice command, AI will search for group game ideas, put them in your calendar and text those you love with all the details – all without having to switch between apps.⁷
  • THE WALLET THAT'S MADE FOR YOUR GALAXY: Say goodbye to bulky wallets and hello to Samsung Wallet on your Galaxy A17 5G. Easily access compatible payment cards and memberships from the convenience of your phone. Plus, enjoy the ease of Tap to Pay.⁸
  • TAKE AWESOME ENTERTAINMENT ANYWHERE: Your Galaxy A17 5G comes with Samsung TV Plus – all the entertainment you want at zero cost. Choose from 350+ live TV channels and thousands of movies and shows on demand, all for free.
SaleNo. 5
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.
  • 6 OS AND 6 YEARS OF AWESOME SECURITY UPDATES: Get more value from a phone that’s designed to go the distance inside and out. Galaxy A17 5G brings you 6 OS and 6 years of security updates, keeping your phone protected, efficient and up to date for...
  • AI SIMPLIFIED: Discover more about the things you see using Circle to Search with Google on Galaxy A17 5G.⁶ Find a pair of shoes you like online? Simply circle them on your phone to find out the brand and where they’re available. Now that is awesome...
  • AI HELPS WITH THAT: Organizing the next family gathering? With one voice command, AI will search for group game ideas, put them in your calendar and text those you love with all the details – all without having to switch between apps.⁷
  • THE WALLET THAT'S MADE FOR YOUR GALAXY: Say goodbye to bulky wallets and hello to Samsung Wallet on your Galaxy A17 5G. Easily access compatible payment cards and memberships from the convenience of your phone. Plus, enjoy the ease of Tap to Pay.⁸
  • TAKE AWESOME ENTERTAINMENT ANYWHERE: Your Galaxy A17 5G comes with Samsung TV Plus – all the entertainment you want at zero cost. Choose from 350+ live TV channels and thousands of movies and shows on demand, all for free.
No. 6
Moto G - 2025 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Forest Gray
  • Unlocked: Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and other major carriers.
  • Super-bright 6.7" display + Bass Boost: Take your entertainment to the next level with a fast-refreshing 120Hz display* and stereo sound with more powerful bass****.
  • 50MP** Quad Pixel camera system: Capture sharper photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity—and share beautiful selfies with a 16MP front camera.
  • Superfast 5G performance*****: Unleash your entertainment at 5G speed with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM with RAM Boost.******
  • Long-lasting battery + TurboPower charging***: Work and play all day with a 5000mAh battery, then get hours of power in just minutes.
  • Stylish yet durable design: Enjoy the premium look and feel of vegan leather in a water-repellent design******* with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
  • Tons of built-in ultrafast storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB with a microSD card.
  • A minimum device refresh rate of 60Hz and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz; actual refresh rate may be less and will vary based on app/content limitations and requirements, device mode settings, and other factors. **The 50MP sensor combines 4 pixels into...
  • Based on a median mixed usage profile, actual battery life will vary. Battery must be substantially depleted; charging rate slows as charging progresses. Based on the median user tested across a mixed use profile (includes usage and standby time) under...
  • 5G network coverage required. ******RAM Boost extended RAM requires use of phone’s internal storage as virtual memory, decreasing storage capacity; available user storage is less while in use; feature on by default unless turned off. 4GB physical RAM...
No. 7
BLU G35 | 2025 | Unlocked | 6.5” HD+ Infinity Display | Dual 8MP Camera + LED Flash 5MP Selfie Camera...
  • GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not...
  • Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
  • Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
  • Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
  • Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
  • Box Content: G35, Rugged Case, Charger, Quick Guide, Sticker, and Type C Cable
No. 8
Moto G Power 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/128GB | 50MP Camera | Midnight Blue
  • 6.7" FHD+ 120Hz display* and Dolby Atmos**. Upgrade your entertainment with an incredibly sharp, fluid display backed by multidimensional stereo sound.
  • 50MP camera system with OIS. Capture sharper low-light photos with an unshakable camera system featuring Optical Image Stabilization.*****
  • Unbelievable battery life and fast recharging. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, then fuel up with 30W TurboPower charging.***
  • Superfast 5G performance. Make the most of 5G speed with the MediaTek Dimensity 7020, an octa-core processor with frequencies up to 2.2GHz.******
  • Tons of built-in ultrafast storage. Enjoy plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB with a microSD card.
  • Premium design within reach. Stand out with a stunning look and comfortable feel, featuring a soft, fingerprint-resistant back cover made from vegan leather.
  • A minimum device refresh rate of 60Hz and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz; actual refresh rate may be less and will vary based on app/content limitations and requirements, device mode settings, and other factors. **Manufactured under license from Dolby...
  • Standard charger and wireless charger may be sold separately. Maximum 30W TurboPower charging speed on device. In-box charger varies by market. Check with your carrier or retailer for availability.
  • Available user storage is less due to many factors, including operating system, software and functions utilizing part of this capacity; may change with software updates. Supports up to 1T microSD card, microSD cards sold separately. Content with DRM...
  • The 50MP sensor combines 4 pixels into 1, for an effective photo resolution of 12.5MP. ****** 5G service available with 5G plan. 5G network coverage required; available only in select areas; device not compatible with all 5G networks. Contact your service...
No. 9
SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G Dual SIM (128GB, 2025) 6.7" 90Hz AMOLED, Splash Resistant, 8Core, 50MP Camera (Factory...
  • 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, but is necessary record the IMEI). It will NOT...
  • 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...
  • 4G LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
  • Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
  • 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 | The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger.
No. 10
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G Dual SIM (128GB, 2025) 6.7" 90Hz AMOLED, Splash Resistant, 8Core, 50MP Camera (Factory...
  • 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 Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T...
  • Vivid 6.7” Super AMOLED Display – Enjoy a stunning Full HD+ screen with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and 800 nits brightness for crystal-clear viewing, even in sunlight. 25W Charger Included!
  • Powerful Performance – The Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, 4GB RAM, and 128GB storage (expandable via microSDXC - uses shared SIM slot) ensure smooth multitasking and fast speeds.
  • Capture Every Moment in Detail – The 50MP triple-camera system (wide, ultrawide, macro) and 13MP front camera deliver high-quality photos and videos with HDR, panorama, and LED flash.
  • All-Day Battery & Fast Charging – A massive 5000mAh battery keeps you powered, and 25W fast charging gets you back to 100% in no time.The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger.

Last update on 2026-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Unlocked Cell Phones

Key Features to Consider

Choosing an unlocked phone means you have the flexibility to select your own carrier. When making your decision, prioritize these features:
  • Performance: Look for processors and RAM that match your usage. For heavy gaming or multitasking, aim for higher-end chipsets and at least 6GB of RAM. Everyday tasks are well-handled by mid-range processors and 4GB of RAM.
  • Display: Screen size and resolution are crucial for your viewing experience. Consider AMOLED displays for vibrant colors and deep blacks, or LCDs for good brightness and color accuracy. Higher resolutions (FHD+ or QHD+) offer sharper images.
  • Camera: Megapixel count is only one factor. Look at aperture size (lower f-number is better for low light), sensor size, and features like optical image stabilization (OIS) for clearer shots. Read reviews to see real-world performance.
  • Battery Life: A larger mAh rating generally means longer battery life, but software optimization also plays a significant role. Consider phones with fast charging capabilities to quickly top up your battery.
  • Storage: Internal storage is important for apps, photos, and videos. Many unlocked phones offer expandable storage via microSD cards, which can be a cost-effective way to increase capacity.

Operating System and Software Updates

Unlocked phones typically run on Android or iOS. Android offers more customization, while iOS is known for its user-friendly interface and ecosystem integration. Check the manufacturer's track record for software updates, as timely updates are crucial for security and new features. Some brands are more consistent than others in providing long-term support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'unlocked' mean for a cell phone?
An unlocked phone is not tied to a specific carrier contract. This means you can use it with any compatible cellular network provider by simply inserting their SIM card.
Are unlocked phones compatible with all carriers?
Generally, yes, but compatibility depends on network bands. Ensure the unlocked phone supports the GSM or CDMA bands used by your desired carrier for optimal service.
Can I use an unlocked phone internationally?
Yes, unlocked phones are ideal for international travel. You can purchase a local SIM card in your destination country to avoid expensive roaming charges.
Do unlocked phones come with a warranty?
Warranty coverage varies by manufacturer and retailer. It's important to check the specific warranty terms provided with the unlocked phone before purchasing.
How do I check if a phone is truly unlocked?
The easiest way is to try inserting a SIM card from a different carrier. If the phone recognizes the SIM and allows you to make calls or use data, it is likely unlocked.
Should I buy a flagship or mid-range unlocked phone?
The choice depends on your budget and needs. Flagship models offer top-tier performance and features, while mid-range devices provide excellent value for everyday use.