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10 Best Unlocked Phones 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Samsung Galaxy S25 Cell Phone, 128GB Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Night Mode Camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Fast Processor, ProScaler Display, 4000mAh Battery, 2025, US 1 Yr Warranty, Silver Shadow

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,123
Screen Size and Resolution
Battery Life
Processor and RAM

Most important from
2699 reviews

Screen Size and Resolution
The display is crystal clear and brilliant, making movies and TV shows look stunning on a handheld device.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting for hours even during continuous gaming, and charges extremely quickly.
Processor and RAM
Games run super fast with no lag, and charging takes no time at all with the efficient fast charging system.
Build Quality and Design
The smart pen/stylus is incredibly slick and reliable, securely housed to prevent accidental ejection.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is an unlocked Android smartphone running the latest Android 15 with One UI 7, offering a fresh and smooth software experience. Its 6.2-inch ProScaler display features a sharp 2340 x 1080 resolution, making videos and apps look clear without being too bulky to hold. Powered by the fast Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12 GB of RAM, it handles multitasking and demanding apps easily, ideal for users seeking speed and smooth performance.

The 128 GB storage is adequate for everyday use, though it might fill up if you plan to store many photos, videos, or apps. Battery life is solid with a 4000mAh capacity, providing up to 28 hours of talk time and support for fast and wireless charging, reducing the time spent plugging in. Camera quality stands out with AI Night Mode and Audio Eraser features, helping capture clear photos and videos even in low light while minimizing background noise. Portrait shots are enhanced to look natural and polished, making it great for casual photography.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, USB-C, and built-in GPS, useful for navigation. The phone’s sleek, lightweight 5.7-ounce body is water resistant, enhancing durability for daily use. Users who are heavy on storage or gaming might desire more storage space or a larger battery. This phone suits those wanting a reliable, fast, and user-friendly unlocked device with strong camera capabilities and solid battery life, balancing performance and portability for everyday use without complexity.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,123
Screen Size and Resolution
Battery Life
Processor and RAM

Most important from
2699 reviews

Screen Size and Resolution
The display is crystal clear and brilliant, making movies and TV shows look stunning on a handheld device.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting for hours even during continuous gaming, and charges extremely quickly.
Processor and RAM
Games run super fast with no lag, and charging takes no time at all with the efficient fast charging system.
Build Quality and Design
The smart pen/stylus is incredibly slick and reliable, securely housed to prevent accidental ejection.
#2

Motorola Moto G - 2025 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Forest Gray

Rating
9.8
Camera Quality
Battery Life
Storage Capacity

Most important from
3101 reviews

Camera Quality
The camera has seen significant improvements, delivering better performance in both stills and video.
Battery Life
The battery life meets expectations, easily lasting a full day without needing a recharge.
Storage Capacity
Features like expandable storage and an earphone jack are appreciated, often missed in modern flagship phones.
Connectivity
NFC is a welcome addition, enhancing the phone's functionality without sacrificing the FM radio feature.

The Moto G - 2025 is an unlocked smartphone designed for versatility across major U.S. carriers, making it a compelling choice for users who switch networks or travel frequently. It features a large 6.7-inch display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate that enhances the viewing experience, although the screen resolution is on the lower side with HD+ at 263ppi. This might not offer the crispness found in higher-resolution displays but should suffice for general use.

A standout feature is its 50MP camera system, boasting good performance in various lighting conditions, while a 16MP front camera encourages quality selfies. However, the effective resolution is 12.5MP due to pixel binning, which might not meet expectations for users seeking ultimate clarity. With a robust MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and the advantage of 5G connectivity, the phone is well-suited for fast internet and demanding tasks, although the base RAM of 4GB is somewhat modest for multitasking without the 'RAM Boost' feature.

Battery life is a strong point, supported by a 5000mAh capacity, ensuring prolonged usage, with the benefit of TurboPower charging for quick top-ups. The phone's sleek design with vegan leather and water-repellent features adds to its appeal, but note that it isn't waterproof. Storage is ample at 128GB, expandable up to 1TB via microSD, catering well to those needing extra space. It comes with Android 15, ensuring up-to-date software, but future updates may be uncertain depending on Motorola's support timeline.

In conclusion, the Moto G - 2025 is a solid choice for users seeking a balanced phone with good camera capabilities, 5G connectivity, and a long-lasting battery. Its design and expandability are definite perks, but those prioritizing high-resolution displays or extensive multitasking might find room for improvement.

Rating
9.8
Camera Quality
Battery Life
Storage Capacity

Most important from
3101 reviews

Camera Quality
The camera has seen significant improvements, delivering better performance in both stills and video.
Battery Life
The battery life meets expectations, easily lasting a full day without needing a recharge.
Storage Capacity
Features like expandable storage and an earphone jack are appreciated, often missed in modern flagship phones.
Connectivity
NFC is a welcome addition, enhancing the phone's functionality without sacrificing the FM radio feature.
#3

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL - Unlocked Android Smartphone - Gemini AI Assistant, Triple Rear Camera System, Fast-Charging 24+ Hour Battery, and 6.8" Super Actua Display - Porcelain - 256 GB (2025 Model)

Rating
9.7
Processor and RAM
Camera Quality
Screen Size and Resolution

Most important from
83 reviews

Processor and RAM
The phone delivers incredibly fast performance and smooth multitasking, powered by its advanced Tensor G5 chip and ample RAM.
Camera Quality
Its camera system impresses with stunning photo quality and exceptional video capabilities, including sharp 100x zoom and 8K recording.
Screen Size and Resolution
The display’s bright, high-refresh-rate screen makes viewing and scrolling smooth and enjoyable even in bright environments.
Build Quality and Design
While the phone’s size and weight may feel bulky to some, its premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 ensures durability and a high-end feel.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is a strong choice if you're looking for a high-performance unlocked Android phone. It runs on the latest Android 16, which means you get up-to-date software with new features. The 6.8-inch Super Actua display offers bright, sharp visuals with a 120 Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling smooth and is easy to see even in bright sunlight. Camera-wise, it’s impressive—with a triple rear system, 50 MP main sensor, 100x zoom, and 8K video support—making it excellent for capturing detailed photos and videos, even in low light.

Powered by Google's Tensor G5 chip and 16 GB of RAM, the phone handles multitasking and demanding apps smoothly. Storage at 256 GB is roomy enough for most users to save apps, photos, and videos without fretting about space. Battery life is solid with a 5200 mAh capacity, promising over 24 hours on a charge plus fast charging to get you back up quickly. The device is built with durable materials like aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, giving it a premium feel and good protection against drops and scratches. It supports all major carriers with 5G, Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi, which means you have great connectivity options wherever you go.

One consideration is that the phone is relatively large and weighs 13.4 ounces, which might feel bulky if you prefer something lighter or more compact. Additionally, while the Pixel’s AI features like Gemini assistant are innovative, they may take some time to get used to if you’re not familiar with voice-based controls. For users who value photography and a smooth software experience, the Pixel 10 Pro XL offers top-tier unlocked phone capabilities with excellent cameras, display, and future-proof performance.

Rating
9.7
Processor and RAM
Camera Quality
Screen Size and Resolution

Most important from
83 reviews

Processor and RAM
The phone delivers incredibly fast performance and smooth multitasking, powered by its advanced Tensor G5 chip and ample RAM.
Camera Quality
Its camera system impresses with stunning photo quality and exceptional video capabilities, including sharp 100x zoom and 8K recording.
Screen Size and Resolution
The display’s bright, high-refresh-rate screen makes viewing and scrolling smooth and enjoyable even in bright environments.
Build Quality and Design
While the phone’s size and weight may feel bulky to some, its premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 ensures durability and a high-end feel.

Buying Guide for the Best Unlocked Phones

Choosing the right unlocked phone can be a bit overwhelming given the variety of options available. An unlocked phone is not tied to any specific carrier, giving you the freedom to choose or switch carriers as you please. When selecting an unlocked phone, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure the device meets your needs and preferences. Here are some essential specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that runs the phone and manages its functions. The most common OS options are Android and iOS. Android offers more customization and a wider range of devices, while iOS is known for its smooth user experience and tight integration with other Apple products. Choose an OS based on your preference for customization, app availability, and ecosystem compatibility.
Screen Size and ResolutionScreen size and resolution determine the display quality and how comfortable the phone is to use. Screen sizes typically range from around 5 inches to over 6.5 inches. Smaller screens are more compact and easier to handle, while larger screens are better for media consumption and multitasking. Resolution, measured in pixels, affects the clarity and sharpness of the display. Higher resolutions like Full HD (1080p) or Quad HD (1440p) provide better image quality. Consider your usage habits, such as watching videos or reading, to decide the right screen size and resolution for you.
Camera QualityCamera quality is crucial for those who love taking photos and videos. Look at the megapixel count, but also consider other factors like aperture size, image stabilization, and additional features like night mode or portrait mode. Higher megapixels generally mean better detail, but the overall quality also depends on the camera's software and hardware. If photography is important to you, opt for a phone with advanced camera features and good reviews on camera performance.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your phone can last on a single charge. It's usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Higher mAh values typically mean longer battery life, but actual performance can vary based on usage and other factors like screen brightness and background apps. If you're a heavy user or often away from charging points, look for phones with larger battery capacities and features like fast charging or power-saving modes.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of internal space available for apps, photos, videos, and other data. Common options range from 32GB to 256GB or more. If you store a lot of media or use many apps, opt for higher storage capacities. Some phones also offer expandable storage via microSD cards, which can be a cost-effective way to increase storage. Consider your data needs and whether you prefer internal or expandable storage.
Processor and RAMThe processor and RAM determine the phone's performance and ability to handle multitasking. The processor, or CPU, is the brain of the phone, and a faster processor means better performance. RAM, measured in gigabytes (GB), affects how smoothly the phone runs multiple apps simultaneously. For basic tasks, 3-4GB of RAM is sufficient, while heavy users or gamers might need 6GB or more. Choose based on your usage patterns and need for speed and efficiency.
ConnectivityConnectivity options include support for various network bands, Wi-Fi standards, Bluetooth versions, and other features like NFC (Near Field Communication). Ensure the phone supports the network bands used by your carrier for optimal performance. Advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions offer better speed and connectivity. NFC is useful for contactless payments and data transfer. Consider your connectivity needs, especially if you use multiple devices or rely on specific network features.
Build Quality and DesignBuild quality and design affect the phone's durability and aesthetic appeal. Materials like metal and glass are more premium and durable compared to plastic. Design elements like slim profiles, curved edges, and color options can enhance the look and feel of the phone. If durability is important, look for phones with robust build quality and features like water resistance. Choose a design that matches your style and comfort preferences.

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