10 Best Unlocked Phones 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a solid choice for an unlocked Android smartphone, particularly for those seeking a balance between essential features and affordability. Its 6.7-inch AMOLED display offers clear, vibrant visuals, making it ideal for various uses, from reading emails to watching videos. With a resolution of 1880 x 2340, the screen quality is commendable for its price range. The triple-lens camera setup captures diverse shots, from wide group photos to detailed close-ups, ensuring versatility in photography.

The phone's battery life is bolstered by Super Fast Charging, allowing you to recharge quickly and get back to your day without much delay. Furthermore, the phone boasts 128GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1.5TB, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps. It operates on Android 14 with One UI, ensuring a user-friendly experience and promising six years of updates for longevity and security. The 2.4 GHz processor and 4GB of RAM may not be the most powerful but should suffice for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking.

In terms of durability, the improved IP54 rating offers some protection against dust and water splashes, adding peace of mind for daily use. The inclusion of Samsung Wallet adds convenience for contactless payments. However, users looking for top-tier performance or extensive multitasking might find the RAM and processor somewhat limiting. Additionally, while the design is durable, it may not be the most premium-looking compared to higher-end models. This phone is well-suited for individuals who want a reliable, feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank, and its unlocked status makes it flexible for use with various carriers.

The SAMSUNG Galaxy S24 FE AI Phone is a versatile unlocked Android smartphone geared towards users who want a high-performance device. Its operating system, One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, is user-friendly and packed with features. The phone boasts a bright and large 6.7-inch display with a high resolution of 2340 x 1080 and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for viewing content and gaming. Additionally, the peak brightness of 1,900 nits ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.

Camera quality is impressive with a 50MP main sensor that excels in both well-lit and low-light conditions, aided by AI enhancements like Night Portrait and Photo Assist for better post-processing. Battery life is robust, thanks to its ability to manage apps intelligently to prolong usage time. The phone also includes 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, providing ample space and smooth multitasking capabilities. Connectivity is future-proof with 5G support, and the build quality is solid with a sleek design in graphite.

However, some potential drawbacks include the storage capacity, which may be limiting for those who need more space for apps and media. The 6.7-inch screen size might be too large for users preferring more compact phones. Lastly, while the AI features are impressive, they may not be utilized fully by all users. This phone is ideal for someone looking for a blend of performance, camera quality, and a vibrant display in an unlocked phone.

The Google Pixel 9 is an unlocked Android smartphone that offers flexibility in choosing carriers. It features a 6.3-inch Actua display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2340, providing a smooth and vibrant viewing experience. The phone is equipped with a powerful 50 MP main camera and a 48 MP ultrawide camera, both of which utilize Google AI to enhance photo quality, making it a strong choice for photography enthusiasts.

The 24-hour battery life and 4700mAh battery capacity ensure that the phone can last a full day on a single charge, which is great for heavy users. It also boasts a generous 256 GB of storage and 12 GB of RAM, paired with a capable processor, ensuring smooth performance for most tasks and ample space for apps and media. Connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and compatibility with all major carriers, add to its versatility.

The build quality and design in the Obsidian color offer a sleek and modern look, though it is slightly heavier at 6.7 ounces. For those seeking a high-quality camera experience, reliable battery life, and the flexibility of an unlocked phone, the Google Pixel 9 is a solid option to consider.