Best Unlocked Phones in [year] – If you want to purchase the latest unlocked cell phones in 2025, then you have come to the right place. If getting the freedom of getting locked in the carrier contracts is what you want, or if you are angry when limited upgrade options frustrate you, or if all you want is the opportunity to choose your network, then the unlocked phone is the best way to go.
On the other hand, carrier-locked devices are those gadgets tied to a specific operator instead of a full unlocked smartphone which provides you the whole control of the mobile experience. You can change the carrier anytime when you find the best deal, travel abroad without ever getting concerned about roaming fees and even take advantage of cheaper prepaid plans that the traditional contracts do not offer.
However, the decision about the right unlocked phone is not only about the freedom; it is the way of finding a device that fits your daily routine, requirements, and finances. Some people choose a phone with top performance and best features, while others try to find the most budget-friendly phone that is still reliable. Moreover, there are also those who like to experience the latest technologies such as foldable screens and cameras that are powered by AI, and in turn, are elevating the technology level of modern smartphones.
No matter who you are, there is a perfect unlocked phone for you in 2025. As part of our guide, we have carefully selected the top-rated unlocked smartphones of the year and are now breaking them down so you will have a better understanding of their feature set, most significant pros, and use cases. Whether you need a powerhouse flagship, a budget-friendly alternative, or something in between, you’ll find the right option here.
We are about to explore the best unlocked smartphones of 2025 that will provide you with the freedom, performance, and value you are worthy of.
Top Picks for the Best Unlocked Phones in 2025
Apple iPhone 16 (Unlocked, 128GB, Black)
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-quali…
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfec…
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
A fantastic selection for those who would want an iPhone 16 really works. This confident gizmo has undergone a professional inspection to check that it is not just functioning but reliable which it really is. Displaying an amazing performance, a good OLED screen, as well as the battery life being quite long, it is a fast download smartphone that can stream 5G video.
Key Features
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 2556 x 1179 pixels
- Processor: Apple A18 Bionic
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 48MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide)
- Battery Life: 3561mAh, lasting up to a full day on a single charge
- Connectivity: 5G, unlocked for all carriers
Why Choose the Apple iPhone 16 (Renewed)?
- Professionally inspected and tested for quality assurance
- No visible cosmetic imperfections when held at arm’s length
- Battery capacity exceeds 80% relative to a new device
- Fully functional with compatible accessories
- Eligible for a refund or replacement within 90 days if not satisfied
This renewed version avails of all Apple premium features at a reduced price. This is an outstanding offer for those who need perfect quality at an affordable price.
Best Android Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB, Unlocked, Titanium Black)
- MULTIPLE TASKS WITH ONE ASK: Streamline your day with an assistant that gets you. Ask it to Google search for a pet-frie…
- START THE DAY SMARTER: Stay one step ahead with a phone that gives you the info you need before you even know you need i…
- REDUCE THE NOISE. REVEAL THE MAGIC: AI Camera with Audio Eraser lets you capture vibrant videos in low light and minimiz…
The fabled and groundbreaking Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra,that was initially announced to be released in market in the year 2025, is now expected to be one of the most potent android Phones combining improved AI, upgraded camera and the already known long-lasting battery power. All this is achievable with the 6.9-inch AMOLED display and Snapdragon processor.
Key Features
- Display: 6.9-inch AMOLED, 3040 x 1440 resolution
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Camera: 200MP (main) + 50MP (ultrawide) + 50MP (telephoto), 100x digital zoom
- Front Camera: AI-enhanced portrait mode
- Battery Life: 5000mAh, optimized for all-day use
- Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, NFC
Why Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
- Not bogged down with multitasking users who can allow AI the responsibility for the searches, messaging, and turning notifications off while answering the telephone request(s)
- Advanced camera system with Audio Eraser to minimize background noise in videos
- Smart Switch makes transferring data from old devices quick and secure
- Premium AMOLED display with high refresh rates for smooth scrolling and gaming
- Long-lasting 5000mAh battery supports fast charging and extended use
It is with such flairs of AI thereof, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will always remain the top flagship phone for 2025 concerning matters of its incredible features, indispensable camera, and state-of-the-art performance.
Best AI-Powered Smartphone: Google Pixel 9 (Unlocked, 128GB, Peony)
- Google Pixel 9 with Gemini gets the best of Google AI first, so you can take amazing photos, make edits like magic, and …
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[1]; it works with Goog…
- The award-winning Pixel Camera includes a 50 MP main sensor for incredible image and video quality, and a new 48 MP ultr…
The Google Pixel 9 is a smartphone with an AI system which impresses people with its camera performance. It is also a gadget for intelligent software functions, including a smoothly actua display. Through Google Gemini AI, the Pixel 9 becomes your assistant, so it can do things easily and it makes your photos look great. Your phone will also have real-time assistant for a problem-free experience due to the AI program.
Key Features
- Display: 6.3-inch Actua OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google AI-powered chipset
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: 50MP (main) + 48MP (ultrawide) with Macro Focus
- Front Camera: AI-enhanced with Best Take and Add Me features
- Battery Life: 4700mAh, lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge
- Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC
Why Choose the Google Pixel 9?
- Google Gemini AI technology combines phone photography, video making, and a smart assistant to make search, messaging, and similar tasks more user-friendly
- Pixel 6t comes with a 100MP camera and a telephoto lens to be used via the phone or a Magic Editor software
- Energy consumed during scrolling, gaming, and future apps that will harness the power of high refresh rate displays
- Get it unlocked and use it on the most famous telephone operators including Google Fi, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile
- Pro AI tools working together for your effortless capturing, editing, and organizing of information, which is amazing
Today in the world of Android, the AI-enabled above-average Google Pixel 9 which comes with a professional-grade camera and an all-day battery is definitely one of the best and new to getters in the market for Android in 2025.
Best Budget AI Smartphone: Google Pixel 8a (Unlocked, 128GB, Obsidian)
- Meet Google Pixel 8a, the Google AI phone; with the incredible Pixel Camera and top-rated security features to help prot…
- Unlocked Android 5G smartphone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works w…
- The Pixel Camera gives you amazing photo and video quality; Google AI helps you create perfect group shots with Best Tak…
Low-budget and a Google AI smartphone, the Google Pixel 8a is one of the best. The smartphone is equipped with Google’s advanced camera technology and all-day battery life which makes it is a favorite among the people who are buying a budget-friendly AI-powered smartphone. The device has easy Android integration, a promise of a clear OLED screen, and one of the best AI features for smarter communication and organization.
Key Features
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 1080 x 2400 resolution
- Processor: Google A-Series
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Camera: AI-enhanced Pixel Camera with Photo Unblur and Best Take
- Battery Life: 4492mAh, lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge
- Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C
Why Choose the Google Pixel 8a?
- Google AI the pressure, email summaries, and call blocking
- Camera brings AI to the better group shots and corrections
- It is a super cool OLED display with a fast scroll and bright shades
- Affordable pricing but full support for major carriers including Google Fi, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile
- At Pixel 8a product passes as a mid-range device, good in performance, and yet at a very affordable price.
The Google Pixel 8a is a compact, AI-driven smartphone that delivers excellent camera performance, long battery life, and Google’s latest software innovations at an affordable price.
Best Mid-Range Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G (Unlocked, 128GB, Navy)
- CIRCLE IT, SEARCH IT, FIND IT. JUST LIKE THAT: What’s your favorite influencer wearing? Where’d they go on vacation? Wha…
- OUR BRIGHTEST GALAXY A SERIES SCREEN YET: Thanks to Vision Booster, the screen seamlessly adjusts to your surroundings s…
- STUNNING SHOTS. VIVID VIDEO: Advanced triple-lens camera of turns every moment into a masterpiece; With high-res photos …
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is an affordable mid-range smartphone powered by AMOLED high refresh screens and delivering excellent camera performance based on first-class optical image stabilization. Also, the galaxy A35 comes with a high-capacity storage available for the user. However, the device ensures smooth performance with 5G and the One UI 6.0 for Android 14, this is developed by Samsung, providing the user with the control of daily tasks, entertainment, and gaming accordingly.
Key Features
- Display: 6.6-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: 2.4GHz + 2.0GHz Octa-core
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB (max expandable up to 1TB)
- Camera: 50MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro), optical image stabilization
- Front Camera: AI-enhanced selfie camera
- Battery Life: 5000mAh, all-day battery with fast charging
- Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, NFC
Why Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G?
- AMOLED display with Vision Booster technology and a guarantee of excellent outdoor visibility
- A three-lens camera system that also comes with Nightography mode thanks to the improved low-light photography
- Up to 1TB of expandable storage which can accommodate large media files
- The smoothness of the UI due to Samsung’s One UI 6.0 on Android 14
- Product flexibility and strength through 5000mAh solid battery backup
Galaxy A35 5G is a perfect mid-range smartphone that features the functions of a flagship without the high price and it is within the reach of budget-conscious buyers who seek to possess an Android handset in 2024.
Best Budget 5G Smartphone: Moto G 2025 (Unlocked, 128GB, 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* …
- 50MP** Quad Pixel camera system: Capture sharper photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity—and share beautiful s…
The Moto G 2025 is an excellent budget-friendly 5G smartphone with a powerful system, a large display, and an amazing 50MP camera at a low price. With Android 15, a longer life of the battery, which is facilitated by the expandable storage, this gadget is aimed at customers on a day-by-day basis who require dependable service at the cost of not spending too much.
Key Features
- Display: 6.7-inch HD+ LCD, 1604 × 720 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
- RAM: 4GB (with RAM Boost)
- Storage: 128GB (expandable up to 1TB via microSD)
- Camera: 50MP (main) + 12MP (rear), AI-enhanced photography
- Front Camera: 16MP selfie camera
- Battery Life: 5000mAh with TurboPower charging
- Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, NFC
Why Choose the Moto G 2025?
- Budget-friendly 5G smartphone with a large display and smooth refresh rate
- AI-enhanced 50MP camera for better low-light and portrait shots
- Expandable storage up to 1TB, perfect for photos, movies, and apps
- Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with fast charging support
- Durable water-repellent design with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection
The Moto G 2025 is the best choice for those who want an assortment of features, reliable, and affordable, Android 5G phone with a large battery that will last the whole day at lightning speed.
How to Choose the Best Unlocked Phone for Your Needs
In order to select the most suitable unlocked phone, one has to take into account the budget, features, and personal taste. Unlocked smartphones allow you to select any carrier, providing you with the flexibility and cost savings as well.
The first is budget consideration. Low-cost phones ($100–$300) are for simple tasks, mid-range ($300–$700) ones come with enhanced cameras and performance. High-end phones ($700+) are equipped with such premium functionalities as AI processing and long-term software updates.
Choosing an operating system is one of the decisive moments. Thus, Android smartphones (Samsung, Google, Motorola) allow more personalization and are embedded with AIs, which, in turn, gives a better user experience, while iPhones are notable for their smoother performance and get longer software support.
The display size and the quality of the pixels also play a role in the user interface. Smartphones with compact screens (5.5”–6.1”) are easy to hold, while the big ones with a large screen (6.8”+) are best to use for lucky games and entertaining social media activities. The ultimate visual experience is created by OLED and AMOLED displays with Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rates.
The speed and storage device are important and depending on the usage. RAM of 4GB is just enough for stagnant, non-demanding usage, but multitasking in some cases may be impossible. The required amounts of storage are 128GB and 256GB+. That is, 128GB is the minimum, but, 128GB+ is the demanded one for lots of photos and apps.
Image quality may vary from camera to camera. Casual camera users ought to choose from 12MP–5,0MP, whereas 48MP+ with Optical Zoom could be the best fit for the advanced photography. Special settings such as Night Mode and Magic Editor are some AI features which can upgrade the picture quality of the camera.
Battery handling is a decisive point as well. The more mAh the battery has (over 4000mAh), the more it lasts. Also, fast charging with a power of 25W+ is usually a significant breakthrough, and a wireless option is just nice to have.
Proven by the 5G support, dual SIM, Wi-Fi 6E, and NFC, connectivity is a performance booster. The major carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile should be able to work with unlocked phones with no problem.
Security is the most important part of software updates. Apple is known for providing 5+ years of updates and Google and Samsung for 3-5 years. Motorola’s policies are subject to change.
Search for great offers at trade-in offers or certified refurbished models in Amazon, Best Buy, and a store that sells the device. Look for trade-in offers or certified refurbished models for discounts.
People should realize best unlocked phone suits to personal situation such as need, desire, and, of course, money. Evaluate the power, camera, battery, and developer service to benefit from the best possible product.
