Buying your next unlocked phone is always a good idea, whether you’re planning an overseas trip or just don’t want to be financially bound to your carrier. These are the best unlocked phones on Amazon has to offer, ranging from high-end flagships to the cheapest phone available for those on a tight budget.
While the best unlocked phones would almost certainly work with GSM carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile, it’s best to look for phones that work with all of the big US carriers, including Verizon. As a result, you’ll be able to carry your smartphone to any carrier you want. Now that 5G networks are up and running, this is also a critical consideration.
Since various carriers use different technology to launch their networks, you’ll want to make sure the phone you buy is compatible with the high-speed network of your choosing.
Although you might be considering a premium unlocked phone like the Samsung Galaxy S21 or an iPhone 12, keep in mind that unlocked phones seldom receive the kind of massive promotional discounts that carriers often offer, particularly to new subscribers who agree to long-term equipment installment plans.
On the plus side, there are a slew of low-cost unlocked options out there that won’t break the bank while still delivering flagship-level features and experiences, such as the iPhone SE and Samsung Galaxy A51.
We’ve compiled a list of some of these devices in a variety of price ranges to help you find the right match.
What are the best unlocked phones?
According to our research, the Google Pixel 4a is the best unlocked phone. Google’s best-in-class camera technology is used in a handset that costs hundreds of dollars less than most flagships and even $50 less than Apple’s iPhone SE.
(The Google Pixel 4a 5G, which adds 5G connectivity and costs $150 more than the regular 4a, is available for $499.)Not that you should dismiss Apple’s most affordable iPhone. The iPhone SE is a great value in and of itself, at $399, particularly since it houses Apple’s still-powerful A13 processor in a small package.
Although the iPhone SE is available from any wireless carrier, Apple also sells it unlocked, allowing you to use it with any carrier.
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