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10 Best Samsung Unlocked Cell Phones 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Samsung Galaxy S25+ Cell Phone, 256GB Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Night Mode Camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Fast Processor, ProScaler Display, 4900mAh Battery, 2025, US 1 Yr Warranty, Navy

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,362
Display Size and Quality
Battery Life
Processor and RAM

Most important from
2625 reviews

Display Size and Quality
The large display is crystal clear and brilliant, making movies and games look stunning on a handheld device.
Battery Life
Charging is impressively quick, and the battery lasts long enough to support extended use without frequent recharging.
Processor and RAM
Performance is smooth and fast with no lag, perfect for gaming and multitasking.

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is a strong choice if you're looking for an unlocked smartphone that offers a premium experience. It has a large 6.7-inch ProScaler display with high resolution (3200 x 1440), delivering sharp and vibrant visuals that are great for browsing and media. The battery is robust at 4900mAh, promising up to 24 hours of talk time, so you can expect it to last a full day of typical use without frequent charging. Its camera system is enhanced with AI features like Night Mode and Audio Eraser, making it easier to capture clear photos and videos even in low light and to reduce background noise in recordings.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 12GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and fast performance, ideal for running apps, gaming, or editing photos without lag. Storage is generous at 256GB, providing ample room for apps, photos, and videos. Running the latest Android 15 with Samsung's One UI 7 means you get a modern, user-friendly interface with ongoing updates to keep your phone secure and up to date. Being fully unlocked, it works across all US carriers, offering flexibility if you want to switch networks or use local SIM cards while traveling.

The phone does not include a traditional headphone jack, which means you’ll need wireless earbuds or USB-C headphones. Also, while the battery life is solid, heavy users or gamers might need to recharge before the day ends. This phone suits users wanting a high-performance, versatile unlocked Android device with excellent display and camera capabilities, backed by a reputable brand.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,362
Display Size and Quality
Battery Life
Processor and RAM

Most important from
2625 reviews

Display Size and Quality
The large display is crystal clear and brilliant, making movies and games look stunning on a handheld device.
Battery Life
Charging is impressively quick, and the battery lasts long enough to support extended use without frequent recharging.
Processor and RAM
Performance is smooth and fast with no lag, perfect for gaming and multitasking.
#2

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, 5G Connectivity, US Version, 2025, Light Gray

Rating
9.8
Battery Life
Operating System and Updates
Network Compatibility

Most important from
1861 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life easily lasts a full day depending on usage, and fast app installs keep the experience smooth with minimal lag.
Operating System and Updates
The phone offers great value with long-term updates and surprisingly loud volume for its price range.
Network Compatibility
Setup and data transfer are straightforward, and the dual SIM and memory card slot add convenient flexibility.
Display Size and Quality
The AMOLED screen delivers vibrant visuals nearly matching higher-end models, making media consumption enjoyable.
Camera Quality
Camera quality is solid for everyday photos, capturing clear shots though not rivaling premium phones.
Other
Speaker quality is decent but understandably less powerful compared to flagship devices costing several times more.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a solid choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly unlocked smartphone with good basic features. It offers a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a sharp resolution, which means you’ll get bright, crisp images whether you’re browsing or watching videos. The 5000mAh battery is impressive and supports super fast charging, so it should easily last a full day on a single charge and quickly recharge when needed. Its triple-lens camera system is versatile enough for everyday photos, capturing both wide group shots and detailed close-ups with decent clarity.

Under the hood, the phone runs on a 2.4 GHz processor paired with 4GB RAM, which is fine for typical tasks like social media, streaming, and light multitasking, though it might be a bit slow with heavy apps or games. Storage is ample at 128GB and can be expanded by up to 1.5TB, giving you plenty of room for photos, apps, and files. Running the latest Android 14 with Samsung's One UI, it promises a user-friendly experience plus six years of security and OS updates, which is great for keeping your phone secure and up to date longer than many competitors.

The phone also supports 5G connectivity and works unlocked with all US carriers, so you have flexibility in choosing your network. On the downside, the 4GB RAM may limit performance for power users, and while the IP54 rating enhances durability against dust and splashes, it’s not fully waterproof. Audio is through USB-C without a traditional headphone jack, which might require an adapter if you use wired headphones. The Galaxy A16 5G suits users who want a large, vibrant screen, long battery life, reliable cameras, and future-proof software support, all at an affordable price.

Rating
9.8
Battery Life
Operating System and Updates
Network Compatibility

Most important from
1861 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life easily lasts a full day depending on usage, and fast app installs keep the experience smooth with minimal lag.
Operating System and Updates
The phone offers great value with long-term updates and surprisingly loud volume for its price range.
Network Compatibility
Setup and data transfer are straightforward, and the dual SIM and memory card slot add convenient flexibility.
Display Size and Quality
The AMOLED screen delivers vibrant visuals nearly matching higher-end models, making media consumption enjoyable.
Camera Quality
Camera quality is solid for everyday photos, capturing clear shots though not rivaling premium phones.
Other
Speaker quality is decent but understandably less powerful compared to flagship devices costing several times more.
#3

Samsung Galaxy S25 Cell Phone, 256GB Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Night Mode Camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Fast Processor, ProScaler Display, 4000mAh Battery, 2025, US 1 Yr Warranty, Silver Shadow

Rating
9.7
Display Size and Quality
Battery Life
Camera Quality

Most important from
2625 reviews

Display Size and Quality
The display is beautiful, and the performance is blazingly fast, with super smooth scrolling and quick app loading.
Battery Life
The phone's high-capacity battery allows for extended usage, with rapid charging capabilities that are even faster with a 45W charger.
Camera Quality
The camera is excellent, providing clear and professional-looking photos and videos.
Storage Capacity
Generous storage and lots of customizability make this phone a standout.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a powerful, unlocked smartphone with a variety of impressive features. It boasts a 6.2-inch ProScaler display that delivers sharp and vibrant visuals, making it great for watching videos and playing games. The battery life is substantial with a 4000mAh capacity, ensuring you can go through the day without frequent charging, and it supports fast and wireless charging for added convenience. The camera quality stands out, particularly with its AI features such as Audio Eraser and advanced portrait modes, which help in capturing clear and professional-looking photos and videos even in low light conditions.

Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 is equipped with a powerful Snapdragon processor and 12GB of RAM, providing excellent performance for multitasking and running demanding applications smoothly. The storage capacity is generous at 256GB, allowing plenty of space for apps, photos, and other media. The phone operates on One UI 7 with Android 15, offering a user-friendly interface and the latest software updates. As an unlocked device, it is compatible with all carriers, making it flexible for use with different network providers.

However, its compact size (5.79 x 2.78 x 0.28 inches) and lightweight (5.71 ounces) might not appeal to users who prefer larger screens. Moreover, while it includes a USB-C cable and supports various connectivity technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC, it lacks a traditional audio jack, which might be a drawback for those who use wired headphones. The phone's build quality and additional features such as water resistance and built-in GPS make it a solid choice for anyone seeking a high-performance, versatile smartphone.

Rating
9.7
Display Size and Quality
Battery Life
Camera Quality

Most important from
2625 reviews

Display Size and Quality
The display is beautiful, and the performance is blazingly fast, with super smooth scrolling and quick app loading.
Battery Life
The phone's high-capacity battery allows for extended usage, with rapid charging capabilities that are even faster with a 45W charger.
Camera Quality
The camera is excellent, providing clear and professional-looking photos and videos.
Storage Capacity
Generous storage and lots of customizability make this phone a standout.

Buying Guide for the Best Samsung Unlocked Cell Phones

When choosing a Samsung unlocked cell phone, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Unlocked phones offer the flexibility to choose your carrier and often come without the bloatware that carrier-locked phones have. Here are the key specs you should pay attention to and how to navigate them.
Display Size and QualityThe display size and quality are crucial as they affect your viewing experience. Larger screens (6 inches and above) are great for media consumption and multitasking, while smaller screens (under 6 inches) are more compact and easier to handle. The quality of the display, measured in resolution (HD, Full HD, Quad HD) and technology (LCD, AMOLED), determines how sharp and vibrant the screen looks. If you watch a lot of videos or play games, a larger, higher-resolution AMOLED display might be best. For basic use, a smaller, HD display could suffice.
Battery LifeBattery life is a key factor, especially if you're frequently on the go. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Phones with 4000mAh or more typically offer longer battery life, which is ideal for heavy users who rely on their phone throughout the day. Moderate users might find 3000-4000mAh sufficient, while light users can manage with less. Consider your daily usage patterns to determine the right battery capacity for you.
Camera QualityCamera quality is important if you enjoy taking photos and videos. Look at the megapixel (MP) count, but also consider other factors like aperture size, image stabilization, and additional features like night mode or wide-angle lenses. Higher MP counts (12MP and above) generally offer better detail, but software optimization and additional camera features can significantly enhance photo quality. If photography is a priority, opt for a phone with advanced camera features. For casual snapshots, a basic camera setup will do.
Processor and RAMThe processor and RAM determine the phone's performance. The processor (measured in GHz) and the number of cores (quad-core, octa-core) affect how quickly and smoothly the phone runs. RAM (measured in GB) helps with multitasking. High-end processors and 6GB or more of RAM are ideal for gaming, heavy apps, and multitasking. For everyday tasks like browsing and social media, a mid-range processor and 4GB of RAM should be sufficient.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity is important for storing apps, photos, videos, and other data. Phones typically come with 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, or more of internal storage. If you store a lot of media or large apps, opt for 128GB or more. For moderate use, 64GB might be enough, while light users can manage with 32GB. Some phones also offer expandable storage via microSD cards, which can be a flexible option.
Operating System and UpdatesThe operating system (OS) and its updates are crucial for security and new features. Samsung phones run on Android, often with Samsung's One UI skin. Ensure the phone you choose is running a recent version of Android and check Samsung's update policy for future updates. Newer OS versions offer better security, features, and app compatibility. If you want the latest features and security patches, choose a phone with a recent OS version and a good update track record.
Network CompatibilitySince you're looking at unlocked phones, ensure the phone is compatible with your carrier's network bands. Check the phone's specifications for supported bands and compare them with your carrier's network. This ensures you get the best possible coverage and speeds. If you travel internationally, look for a phone with broad band support for global compatibility.

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