10 Best Unlocked Cell Phones 2025 in the United States

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 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerful unlocked Android phone that offers top-tier performance and features ideal for users wanting a premium device without carrier restrictions. It runs the latest Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, making the interface smooth and user-friendly. The large 6.9-inch display boasts a sharp 3040 x 1440 resolution, delivering vibrant and clear visuals perfect for watching videos or browsing. The 12GB RAM combined with a fast Snapdragon processor ensures smooth multitasking and quick app response. Storage is generous at 256GB, enough for plenty of apps, photos, and videos. Battery life stands out with a 5000mAh battery, which supports fast and wireless charging, likely lasting through a full day of heavy use.

The AI-enhanced camera system excels in capturing detailed photos and videos, especially with features like Audio Eraser to reduce background noise and advanced portrait settings that keep skin tones natural and clear. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and USB-C, supporting fast data and easy accessory connections. The phone’s build in titanium black gives it a sleek, modern look, and includes water resistance for added durability.

The phone is relatively large and heavier than some may prefer, which could affect one-handed use or pocket comfort. Also, while packed with features, the price point may be high for budget-conscious buyers. This makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra well-suited for users looking for a feature-rich, high-performance unlocked phone with excellent display, camera, and battery life, but those preferring a smaller or more affordable device might want to consider alternatives.

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.