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 Google Pixel 9a is a solid choice for anyone looking for an unlocked Android smartphone that combines good performance with smart features. It runs on the latest Android 15, ensuring a fresh and secure software experience with guaranteed updates for seven years, which is quite impressive. Its 6.3-inch display offers a smooth viewing experience with a variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz, making scrolling and animations look fluid.

Battery life stands out with a 5100 mAh capacity, allowing the phone to last over 30 hours on a single charge, and it can stretch up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode. This makes it reliable for heavy users or those on the go. The camera system, enhanced by Google's AI, is strong for this price range—offering versatile shots including macro focus and group photos, which is great for casual photography. However, it doesn't have the highest megapixel count compared to flagship phones, so extremely detailed zoom shots might not be its strongest point.

With 8 GB of RAM and a smooth Gemini AI assistant built-in, the Pixel 9a handles everyday tasks and multitasking well. Storage is fixed at 128 GB, which should be sufficient for most users but lacks expandable options. Connectivity-wise, it supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5, NFC, and works unlocked with major US carriers, giving you freedom to choose or switch your network. The Pixel 9a also scores points for durability with an IP68 rating, making it water and dust resistant, plus a scratch-resistant display—helpful for everyday wear and tear. On the downside, the phone's weight and thickness are average, so it doesn't particularly impress in design but feels sturdy. Its 60-120 Hz refresh rate means it adapts, but some users might prefer a higher base refresh rate for gaming or ultra-smooth scrolling.

The Google Pixel 9a is well suited for users who want a reliable, secure, and smart phone with excellent battery life and capable cameras without paying flagship prices. It’s great for everyday use, those who like AI features, and people who want flexibility with carriers. For those seeking top-tier zoom cameras or the absolute fastest display, higher-end models may be preferable.