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10 Best New Unlocked Cell Phones 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

SAMSUNG Galaxy S24 FE AI Phone, 128GB Unlocked Android Smartphone, High-Res 50MP Camera, Long Battery Life, Brighter Display Screen, US Version, 2024, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty, Graphite

Operating System: One UI 6.1, Android 14
Display Size and Quality: 6.7 inches, 2340 x 1080, 120Hz
Camera Quality: 50MP
Storage Capacity: 128 GB
Processor and RAM: 8 GB RAM
Connectivity: 5G, Unlocked for All Carriers
Build Quality and Design: Stylish graphite, durable construction

Chosen by 1433 this week

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Gemini, Triple Rear Camera System, 24-Hour Battery, and 6.8" Super Actua Display - Porcelain - 256 GB

Operating System: Android 14
Display Size and Quality: 6.8 inches, Super Actua, 120 Hz
Battery Life: 24 hours, 5060 mAh
Camera Quality: Triple rear camera, Super Res Zoom
Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Processor and RAM: 3.05 GHz, 16 GB RAM
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC
Build Quality and Design: Sleek porcelain design, durable

Google Pixel 8a - Unlocked Android Phone with Google AI, Advanced Pixel Camera and 24-Hour Battery - Porcelain - 128 GB

Operating System: Android
Display Size and Quality: 6.1 Inches, 1080 x 2400
Battery Life: 24 Hours
Camera Quality: Advanced Pixel Camera
Storage Capacity: 128 GB
Processor and RAM: A-Series, 8 GB RAM
Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Build Quality and Design: Lightweight and slim

OnePlus 12,12GB RAM+256GB,Dual-SIM,Unlocked Android Smartphone,Supports Fastest 50W Wireless Charging,with The Latest Mobile Processor,Advanced Hasselblad Camera,5400 mAh Battery,2024,Silky Black

Operating System: Android 14
Display Size and Quality: 6.82-inch, 120Hz, 4500 nits
Battery Life: 5400 mAh, 50W wireless charging
Camera Quality: 50MP, 64MP periscope, 48MP ultra-wide
Storage Capacity: 256GB
Processor and RAM: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12GB RAM
Build Quality and Design: Silky Black, sleek design

Google Pixel 8 - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Advanced Pixel Camera, 24-Hour Battery, and Powerful Security - Hazel - 256 GB

Operating System: Android 13.0
Display Size and Quality: 6.2 Inches, 1080 x 2400, 120 Hz
Battery Life: 24-72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver
Camera Quality: Advanced image processing, Macro Focus
Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Processor and RAM: Google Tensor G3, 8 GB RAM
Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC
Build Quality and Design: Sleek design, Hazel color, 6.56 oz
How do we rank products for you?

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SAMSUNG Galaxy S24 FE AI Phone, 128GB Unlocked Android Smartphone, High-Res 50MP Camera, Long Battery Life, Brighter Display Screen, US Version, 2024, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty, Graphite

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,433
Display Size and Quality
Battery Life
Camera Quality

Most important from
783 reviews

Display Size and Quality
Screen quality is excellent, providing a visually appealing experience.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE charges rapidly, reaching full battery within an hour using a fast charger.
Camera Quality
The camera quality is highly praised, capturing great photos.
Processor and RAM
Users appreciate the fast and responsive performance of the S24 FE.
Connectivity
The phone offers great flexibility with carrier options, working seamlessly with pay-as-you-go companies like Cricket.
Build Quality and Design
The phone is well-balanced in weight, neither too heavy nor too light.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE AI Phone offers several attractive features for users looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartphone. Running on One UI 6.1 with Android 14, it provides a modern and user-friendly operating system. The display is notably bright and large at 6.7 inches, with a high resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals and an enjoyable viewing experience, even in bright conditions.

The 50MP high-resolution camera equipped with Galaxy AI offers advanced photo enhancement options, making it easier to take and edit stunning photos, including low-light portraits thanks to Night Portrait mode. With 5G connectivity and unlocked compatibility for all carriers, users can expect fast internet speeds and flexibility with carrier choice. The phone’s battery life is another strong point, supported by intelligent app management to extend usage time, which is particularly useful for heavy users.

Storage capacity is decent at 128GB, and the 8GB RAM combined with a capable processor ensures smooth performance for most applications and tasks. The build quality and design are refined, with a stylish graphite finish and durable construction. However, there are some drawbacks. While 128GB storage is sufficient for many users, those who require extensive storage for apps, photos, and videos may find it limiting without expandable memory options. The 50MP camera, while high-resolution, may not match the versatility offered by multi-lens setups found in other flagship models. Additionally, the large display size could be cumbersome for users with smaller hands. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a solid choice for users seeking a well-rounded smartphone with advanced features and good performance across key areas.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,433
Display Size and Quality
Battery Life
Camera Quality

Most important from
783 reviews

Display Size and Quality
Screen quality is excellent, providing a visually appealing experience.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE charges rapidly, reaching full battery within an hour using a fast charger.
Camera Quality
The camera quality is highly praised, capturing great photos.
Processor and RAM
Users appreciate the fast and responsive performance of the S24 FE.
Connectivity
The phone offers great flexibility with carrier options, working seamlessly with pay-as-you-go companies like Cricket.
Build Quality and Design
The phone is well-balanced in weight, neither too heavy nor too light.
#2

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Gemini, Triple Rear Camera System, 24-Hour Battery, and 6.8" Super Actua Display - Porcelain - 256 GB

Rating
9.6
Operating System
Display Size and Quality
Battery Life

Most important from
521 reviews

Operating System
The pure Android experience on this phone is intuitive and works seamlessly without bloatware.
Display Size and Quality
The screen is bright and clear, adapting well to different lighting conditions.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting from early morning to late at night without needing a recharge.
Camera Quality
The camera is outstanding, capturing some of the best photos seen from a smartphone, with easy editing and enhancing features.
Storage Capacity
Despite missing an SD card slot and headphone jack, the 512GB storage and Bluetooth functionality compensate well.
Processor and RAM
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is incredibly responsive and fast, handling everything thrown at it with ease.
Build Quality and Design
The phone is well-made and feels premium, though a case is recommended to prevent it from slipping.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is an unlocked Android smartphone that promises flexibility with carriers and data plans. It operates on the latest Android 14, ensuring up-to-date features and security. The standout feature is its 6.8-inch Super Actua display with a high resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate, providing users with vibrant and smooth visuals.

The triple rear camera system, enhanced with Google's AI, offers exceptional photo and video capabilities, including Super Res Zoom Video and Night Sight Video for low light conditions. With a 24-hour battery life and a robust 5060 mAh battery, it supports prolonged usage without frequent recharging. The phone comes with a powerful 3.05 GHz processor and 16 GB of RAM, ensuring swift and efficient performance. Storage capacity is ample at 256 GB, allowing plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos.

Build quality is solid, with a sleek porcelain design that is both aesthetically pleasing and durable. Connectivity options are extensive, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC, making it easy to connect with other devices. However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL does not feature a traditional audio jack, relying instead on a USB Type C port for audio output. While the phone boasts excellent specifications and features, its higher price point might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

Rating
9.6
Operating System
Display Size and Quality
Battery Life

Most important from
521 reviews

Operating System
The pure Android experience on this phone is intuitive and works seamlessly without bloatware.
Display Size and Quality
The screen is bright and clear, adapting well to different lighting conditions.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting from early morning to late at night without needing a recharge.
Camera Quality
The camera is outstanding, capturing some of the best photos seen from a smartphone, with easy editing and enhancing features.
Storage Capacity
Despite missing an SD card slot and headphone jack, the 512GB storage and Bluetooth functionality compensate well.
Processor and RAM
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is incredibly responsive and fast, handling everything thrown at it with ease.
Build Quality and Design
The phone is well-made and feels premium, though a case is recommended to prevent it from slipping.

Buying Guide for the Best New Unlocked Cell Phones

Choosing a new unlocked cell phone can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience due to the vast array of options available. Unlocked phones offer the flexibility to choose your carrier and plan, making them a popular choice for many. To make the best decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are some essential specs to consider when selecting an unlocked cell phone.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that runs the phone and manages its functions. The two main 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 integration with other Apple products. Choose the OS that best fits your preferences and the ecosystem of devices you already use.
Display Size and QualityThe display size and quality determine how comfortable and enjoyable it is to use your phone. Larger screens are great for media consumption and multitasking, while smaller screens are more portable and easier to handle. Display quality, measured in resolution (e.g., Full HD, 4K), affects the clarity and sharpness of images and text. Consider your usage habits—if you watch a lot of videos or play games, a larger, high-resolution screen may be ideal.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long your phone can operate before needing a recharge. It's typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Higher mAh values generally mean longer battery life, but actual performance can vary based on usage and other factors. If you're frequently on the go or use your phone heavily throughout the day, look for a phone with a larger battery capacity and efficient power management features.
Camera QualityCamera quality is crucial for those who love taking photos and videos. Key factors include the number of megapixels, aperture size, and additional features like optical image stabilization and night mode. Higher megapixels can produce more detailed images, while a larger aperture allows better low-light performance. Consider what type of photography you enjoy—if you want professional-quality photos, look for phones with advanced camera systems.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity determines how much data your phone can hold, including apps, photos, videos, and files. Common options range from 64GB to 512GB or more. If you store a lot of media or use many apps, opt for higher storage capacity. Some phones also offer expandable storage via microSD cards, providing additional flexibility.
Processor and RAMThe processor and RAM affect the phone's performance and speed. The processor (CPU) handles tasks and operations, while RAM (random access memory) allows for smooth multitasking. Higher-end processors and more RAM result in faster, more efficient performance. If you use demanding apps or games, or multitask frequently, look for phones with powerful processors and ample RAM.
ConnectivityConnectivity options include support for various network types (e.g., 4G, 5G) and other features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. 5G offers faster internet speeds and better performance in crowded areas. If you rely on fast internet for streaming or online gaming, consider a phone with 5G capability. Additionally, ensure the phone supports the connectivity features you need for your daily activities.
Build Quality and DesignBuild quality and design affect the phone's durability and aesthetic appeal. Materials like glass, metal, and plastic can impact the phone's feel and sturdiness. Design elements such as color, shape, and weight also play a role in your overall satisfaction. Choose a phone that feels comfortable in your hand and matches your style preferences.

FAQ