10 Best Unlocked Cell Phones 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerful unlocked Android phone that offers top-tier performance and features ideal for users wanting a premium device without carrier restrictions. It runs the latest Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, making the interface smooth and user-friendly. The large 6.9-inch display boasts a sharp 3040 x 1440 resolution, delivering vibrant and clear visuals perfect for watching videos or browsing. The 12GB RAM combined with a fast Snapdragon processor ensures smooth multitasking and quick app response. Storage is generous at 256GB, enough for plenty of apps, photos, and videos. Battery life stands out with a 5000mAh battery, which supports fast and wireless charging, likely lasting through a full day of heavy use.

The AI-enhanced camera system excels in capturing detailed photos and videos, especially with features like Audio Eraser to reduce background noise and advanced portrait settings that keep skin tones natural and clear. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and USB-C, supporting fast data and easy accessory connections. The phone’s build in titanium black gives it a sleek, modern look, and includes water resistance for added durability.

The phone is relatively large and heavier than some may prefer, which could affect one-handed use or pocket comfort. Also, while packed with features, the price point may be high for budget-conscious buyers. This makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra well-suited for users looking for a feature-rich, high-performance unlocked phone with excellent display, camera, and battery life, but those preferring a smaller or more affordable device might want to consider alternatives.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a solid choice if you're looking for a modern unlocked smartphone that works with any carrier. It runs on the latest Android 15 with Samsung's One UI 7, making navigation smooth and user-friendly. The 6.2-inch ProScaler display offers a sharp 2340 x 1080 resolution, which means colors and details look vibrant and clear on a compact screen size that's easy to handle. Under the hood, it has a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 12GB RAM, so multitasking and running apps happens without lag. Storage is generous at 256GB, providing plenty of space for photos, apps, and videos.

Battery life is decent with a 4000mAh capacity and supports fast and wireless charging, so you won’t be tethered to a charger for too long. The phone’s AI-enhanced camera stands out, especially in low light with its Night Mode and Audio Eraser that reduces background noise in videos. Portrait shots come out natural and polished thanks to advanced skin tone adjustments. Connectivity-wise, you get all the essentials like 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS, keeping you well connected wherever you go.

The build quality feels premium yet lightweight at just under 6 ounces and it's water-resistant, adding durability. The battery size, while adequate, may not last as long as some larger phones if you’re a heavy user. The screen size might feel small if you prefer larger displays for media consumption. Also, the absence of a traditional headphone jack means you'll need USB-C or wireless headphones. If you want a powerful, versatile phone in a compact form with great camera features and up-to-date software, the Galaxy S25 fits the bill nicely.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable unlocked Android smartphone with a large, vivid display. Its 6.7-inch AMOLED screen offers sharp and bright visuals, making it great for browsing, streaming, or reading. Running the latest Android 14, it provides a smooth user experience with Samsung's One UI. The phone's 5000mAh battery supports super-fast charging, allowing quick recharge times so you can get back to using your phone without long waits.

Camera-wise, the triple-lens setup delivers clear photos for everyday moments, from group shots to close-ups, though it’s not intended for professional-grade photography. Storage starts at a generous 128GB and can be expanded significantly with a microSD card, ensuring ample space for apps, photos, or videos. Performance is decent with a 2.4 GHz processor and 4GB of RAM, suitable for standard tasks like social media, video calls, and light multitasking, but it might struggle with heavy gaming or demanding apps.

For connectivity, the Galaxy A16 offers 5G support along with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC, covering all the basics you’d expect in a modern phone. Build quality is improved with an IP54 rating, meaning it can handle some dust and splashes, making it more durable for everyday use. Samsung also promises six years of software and security updates, which is excellent for keeping your phone secure and up to date over time. This makes the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G a reliable, budget-friendly unlocked phone that fits well for users who want a large screen, good battery life, basic camera capabilities, and future-proof 5G connectivity without extra bells and whistles. While it may not satisfy those needing top-tier speed or professional photography, it effectively covers essential smartphone needs.