The Best Unlocked Cell Phones
In only a few years, smartphones have transformed from luxury items to modern necessities. Smartphones are essentially mobile computers that connect us with the rest of the world. So, in service of those looking to upgrade their old clunky phone to a new smartphone, our team has arranged a list of the best of the best. And to avoid leaving out folks who use one carrier or another, we've made sure that all the phones on our list are "unlocked," so you can set them up with your wireless carrier of choice. Read on to learn more.
What to Look For
To find the best unlocked smartphones on the market, we looked at the following: How powerful is the phone? What’s the display like? And how is the battery life? For example, if you want the best battery life, definitely check out the Moto G Play from Motorola. It has a battery that can last for up to three days. However, it’s a bit lackluster in other features. Let’s say you want a gorgeous display, then we’d suggest the Galaxy A53 from Samsung. It uses an AMOLED screen which provides incredible color richness and contrast. Keep reading below for more information on these top-tier smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy A53 Factory Unlocked Phone
Do you hate getting locked into one phone carrier? Then you’ll want an unlocked phone, like this Samsung Galaxy A53. This works with most SIM cards, so you can easily swap them out as needed. As a smartphone, the Galaxy A53 makes a fine choice. It has excellent cameras, a gorgeous display, and great battery life. The processor isn’t the fastest on the market, but it certainly gets the job done for most apps.
Pros
- Super long battery life
- Great display for gaming and watching movies
- Good speakers for calls and listening to dialogue
Cons
- Might not be powerful enough for certain game emulators like Dolphin for the Nintendo Gamecube
Samsung Galaxy S20 Fully Unlocked Smartphone
Practically good as new
Buying a new phone can easily drain your wallet. To save a buck, we recommend going with a refurbished model such as this Galaxy S20 from Samsung. These are almost indistinguishable from brand-new versions. The main difference is that the battery might not have the full capacity it once did, however, the difference is usually negligible. The display on this phone is fantastic, too, with a 120hz AMOLED screen. The color contrast is to die for. All-in-all, this is a great price for a powerful phone that will last for years to come.
Pros
- Powerful CPU for smooth-running applications
- Super slim design
- Almost no screen bezels
Cons
- The camera isn’t anything to write home about
Apple iPhone XR 64GB Black Unlocked
Still packs a punch
Looking to replace your phone with an affordable iPhone? Then this is the perfect choice for you: an unlocked iPhone XR. You can easily swap out the SIM card and get to using your new smartphone right away. While it may be a few years old at this point, the iPhone XR is still an admirable phone today. It takes decent pictures, has a beautiful display, and works with all of the latest Apple applications.
Pros
- Supports fast wireless charging
- Very little signs of wear as a refurbished phone
- Lightweight and easily pocketable
Cons
- The battery might not be at full capacity
Motorola Moto G Play Unlocked
Running out of battery on your phone while you’re out is a nightmare. We rely on our phones for so much, so if battery life is your main concern, this is the phone for you. Its 5,000mAH battery lasts for three days, giving you plenty of juice for long outings. This is perfect for camping trips and music festivals where wall outlets aren’t easily accessible. It’s a relatively basic phone without many bells and whistles — but that means the price is affordable. And it still runs plenty of Android apps with ease.
Pros:
- Super responsive touchscreen
- Fingerprint sensor works reliably well
- Expandable memory with an SD card slot
Cons:
- Can lag a bit with too many apps or tabs open
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
Ultimate stamina
Motorola smartphones are affordable and immensely powerful. Our choice for the best battery life also hails from the Moto G series. The Moto G Stylus is a bit of a step up from the Moto G Power and the price reflects that. Yes, it comes with a sleek little stylus, but more importantly, this option has expanded memory, a top-of-the-line camera, and a battery that lasts for days. The built-in memory is 128GB and the camera can take 48-megapixel photos, so it’s a popular choice among photo junkies.
Pros
- Integrated stylus expands your accuracy and lets you write quick notes right on the lock screen
- Excellent stereo speakers
- Good low-light performance with the rear cameras
- Powerful Snapdragon 750G CPU
Cons
- Doesn’t include wireless Qi charging
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “fully unlocked” mean in regard to smartphones?
All of the devices on our list are fully unlocked. When a device is “fully unlocked”, that means that it can be used with a wide range of service providers. That means AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and other major carriers are compatible with these phones.
Why get an unlocked phone?
An unlocked phone means it’s not tied to only one cell carrier. This makes it easier for you to switch carriers without needing to contact the company. All you have to do is swap the SIM cards and you’re ready to go. Unlocked smartphones also usually don’t include many preloaded apps that can bloat your phone.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.