Top Unlocked Phones for Every Budget in 2025
For most people, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best unlocked phone because it offers the most complete package of performance, camera versatility, and S Pen functionality. Its main limitation is the high price, which may not suit budget-conscious buyers.
Unlocked phones give you the freedom to switch carriers anytime and avoid bloatware. They also tend to hold their resale value better than carrier-locked devices.
With so many options, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. We compared the top models to help you find the perfect match for your needs and budget.
The best picks, ranked
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse with a stunning 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display, a 200MP main camera, and a built-in S Pen. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip delivers blazing-fast performance, and the 5,000mAh battery easily lasts a full day. The titanium frame adds durability, and Samsung promises seven years of software updates, making it a long-term investment.
Pros
- Industry-leading camera system
- S Pen included
- Seven years of software support
Cons
- Very expensive
- Heavy and bulky
Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Pixel 9 Pro is the camera king, featuring a 50MP main sensor with exceptional low-light performance and Google’s advanced computational photography. The 6.3-inch OLED display is sharp and bright, and the Tensor G4 chip ensures smooth daily use. It also offers the cleanest Android experience with guaranteed updates for seven years.
Pros
- Best-in-class camera
- Clean software with quick updates
- Compact and comfortable to hold
Cons
- Average battery life
- No telephoto lens (only 5x optical)
iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, an A17 Pro chip, and a versatile triple-camera system with 5x optical zoom. The titanium frame makes it lighter and more durable. iOS 17 offers seamless integration with other Apple devices, and the battery life is solid.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Top-tier video recording
- Long-term software support
Cons
- Very expensive
- Lightning port (no USB-C)
OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 offers near-flagship performance with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a 6.82-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz, and a 50MP Hasselblad-tuned camera. Its 5,400mAh battery charges in just 26 minutes with 100W wired charging. It’s a great choice for those who want top-tier specs without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Blazing-fast charging
- Smooth 120Hz display
- More affordable than rivals
Cons
- Camera not as consistent as Google or Samsung
- Software updates only 3 years
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
The Galaxy A54 5G offers a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, a 50MP main camera with OIS, and a 5,000mAh battery. It’s powered by an Exynos 1380 chip that handles daily tasks well. With IP67 water resistance and Samsung’s commitment to four years of updates, it’s a reliable choice for the price.
Pros
- Bright AMOLED display
- Water and dust resistance
- Long software support
Cons
- Performance lags in gaming
- Plastic build
Motorola Edge+ (2023)
The Motorola Edge+ features a massive 6.7-inch pOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for streaming and gaming. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and has a 50MP main camera. The 5,100mAh battery supports 68W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. The near-stock Android experience is a bonus.
Pros
- Buttery-smooth 165Hz display
- Fast wired and wireless charging
- Clean software
Cons
- No official water resistance rating
- Only 3 years of updates
Google Pixel 7a
The Pixel 7a brings Google’s excellent camera software to a more affordable price. It has a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide, and the Tensor G2 chip handles everyday tasks smoothly. The 6.1-inch OLED display is compact, and the 4,385mAh battery lasts a day. It also includes wireless charging, a rarity at this price.
Pros
- Excellent camera for the price
- Wireless charging support
- Compact design
Cons
- Slow wired charging
- Average battery life
How to pick the right one
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Display | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz | Power users who want the ultimate Android experience | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Google Pixel 9 Pro | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz | Photography enthusiasts who want a pure Android experience | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | iPhone 15 Pro Max | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR, 120Hz | Apple loyalists who want the best iOS experience | 9.1 | Check price |
| 4 | OnePlus 12 | 6.82-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz | Users who want flagship speed at a lower price | 9.0 | Check price |
| 5 | Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz | Budget shoppers who want a balanced mid-range phone | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Motorola Edge+ (2023) | 6.7-inch pOLED, 165Hz | Multimedia lovers who want a huge display and fast charging | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Google Pixel 7a | 6.1-inch OLED, 90Hz | Budget buyers who want a great camera | 8.2 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
What does ‘unlocked’ mean?
An unlocked phone is not tied to a specific carrier. It comes with no carrier software and can be used with any compatible network by inserting a SIM card.
Will an unlocked phone work on any carrier?
Most unlocked phones work on all major carriers in the US, but you should verify network compatibility. Some phones may not support certain 5G bands or CDMA networks like Verizon’s legacy network.
Can I get 5G on an unlocked phone?
Yes, many unlocked phones support 5G. However, the specific 5G bands supported vary by model. Check the phone’s specs to ensure it supports the bands used by your carrier.
Do unlocked phones get software updates?
Yes, but the frequency and duration depend on the manufacturer. Samsung and Google promise up to seven years of updates, while others may offer fewer.
Are unlocked phones more expensive than carrier-locked?
Unlocked phones can have a higher upfront cost, but they allow you to choose cheaper prepaid plans, which can save money over time. Carrier-locked phones often come with subsidies but require a contract.
Can I switch carriers with an unlocked phone?
Absolutely. Simply insert a new SIM card from your new carrier, and the phone should work if it is compatible with that carrier’s network.
Do unlocked phones come with a warranty?
Most unlocked phones come with a manufacturer warranty. Some also include a warranty from the retailer. Be sure to check the warranty terms before purchasing.
What is the best budget unlocked phone?
The Google Pixel 7a is a top budget choice due to its excellent camera and clean software. The Samsung Galaxy A54 is also great if you prefer a larger display and expandable storage.
How long do unlocked phones last?
With proper care, a good unlocked phone can last 3-5 years. Software support and battery degradation are the main factors that affect longevity.
Can I use an unlocked phone internationally?
Yes, unlocked phones are ideal for international travel. You can use a local SIM card to avoid roaming charges, as long as the phone supports the local network bands.
The bottom line
If you want the absolute best performance and camera, get the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. If you are an Apple fan, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is your best bet. For the best value, consider the OnePlus 12. Budget buyers should choose the Google Pixel 7a or Galaxy A54.
