10 Best Unlocked Cell Phones 2026 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a solid choice for anyone looking for a powerful unlocked Android smartphone with a large, vibrant display. Its 6.7-inch screen offers bright colors and smooth scrolling thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, making it great for watching videos or browsing. Running on Android 16.0 with Samsung’s One UI 8, it’s user-friendly and keeps up well with daily tasks thanks to the fast Exynos 2400 processor and 8GB of RAM. With 256GB of storage, there’s plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos.

The camera setup is impressive, especially the 12MP front camera with AI-powered features that let you edit photos easily by moving or removing objects, which is perfect for casual photography and social media. Battery life is a strong point here—the 4900mAh battery can last through a busy day and supports fast charging, so you spend less time plugged in.

In terms of design, the phone is lightweight and sleek, weighing just 190 grams, and built tough with an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ for durability. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, NFC, USB-C, and Wi-Fi, so it’s compatible with most accessories and networks. The phone also supports wireless charging and has a fingerprint sensor for security. The Galaxy S25 FE delivers a strong mix of performance, display quality, and battery life in an unlocked package that works with all US carriers, making it a good fit for users who want a reliable, everyday smartphone with some cool AI photo features.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a strong choice for anyone looking for an unlocked Android smartphone with up-to-date features. Running on Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, it offers a smooth and user-friendly experience. The 6.2-inch ProScaler display delivers sharp visuals with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, making it great for everyday use, though it isn’t quite as high-resolution as some premium models. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 12 GB of RAM means it handles multitasking and demanding apps smoothly, so you won’t notice lag during regular use.

Battery life is decent with its 4000mAh capacity, supporting about 25 hours of talk time and fast charging, which helps reduce downtime. For photography, the AI-powered Night Mode and Audio Eraser features enhance low-light video quality and reduce background noise, making it a solid option for casual photographers and video creators. The 256GB storage is ample for apps, photos, and media.

Connectivity options are comprehensive, including Bluetooth, NFC, USB-C, and Wi-Fi, and the phone supports wireless charging and is water resistant, adding to its convenience and durability. The design is sleek and lightweight at just under 6 ounces, with a compact bar form that fits comfortably in hand. One consideration is the screen size, which might feel small to users wanting a larger display for media consumption. While the camera performs well in many conditions, it may not match the quality of flagship models with more advanced sensors. The Galaxy S25 achieves a balance of speed, camera improvements, and reliable battery life, making it a future-proof unlocked phone without extra carrier restrictions.

The Motorola Moto G - 2025 is a solid choice if you want an unlocked phone compatible with all major US carriers, including Verizon and AT&T. Its large 6.7-inch screen offers a smooth viewing experience with a 120Hz refresh rate, although the HD+ resolution means the display won’t be as sharp as higher-end models. The phone runs on Android 15, powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor paired with 4GB of RAM plus a RAM Boost feature, which helps with multitasking but isn’t quite as fast as phones with more physical RAM. Storage is generous at 128GB, and you can expand it by up to 1TB via microSD card, so there’s plenty of room for apps, photos, and videos.

The camera system is a highlight, featuring a 50MP main sensor that combines pixels for better low-light shots, alongside a 16MP front camera for clear selfies. Battery life is impressive thanks to a large 5000mAh battery, and TurboPower charging lets you quickly regain power when needed. The design feels premium with a water-repellent vegan leather back and Gorilla Glass 3 screen for durability, although it’s not waterproof. Connectivity options include 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and a headphone jack, covering most user needs.

While the screen resolution and mid-range processor may not satisfy power users or those seeking the sharpest display, this phone achieves a good balance of performance, long battery life, and a versatile camera package, making it ideal for everyday users who want a reliable unlocked phone without a high price tag.