10 Best Budget Unlocked Smartphone 2025 in the United States

The Google Pixel 9a is a strong candidate for anyone looking for an affordable unlocked smartphone with reliable features. It sports a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display with a 60-120 Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals that suit everyday use and media consumption. With 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, it offers enough memory and space for typical apps, photos, and some videos, which is generous for this price range.

Powered by Google’s custom Gemini AI assistant and running the latest Android 15, the phone stays current and secure with seven years of updates, a rare plus for budget phones. Photography is a standout feature here—the Pixel Camera lets you take great photos even in tricky conditions, enhanced by AI editing tools and features like Macro Focus and group photo aids. Battery life is impressive with a 4300 mAh capacity, lasting over 30 hours in regular use and up to 100 hours in Extreme Battery Saver mode. This means fewer worries about daily charging. The phone also supports fast charging and wireless charging, adding convenience.

Durability is another strength; the Pixel 9a is water and dust resistant (IP68) and has a scratch-resistant display, making it tough enough for everyday mishaps. Being unlocked with 5G and compatible with major carriers gives great flexibility for your choice of network. Although the display size and resolution are good, the phone does not push beyond 120 Hz refresh rates, which some competitors offer at a higher cost. The camera is excellent for the price but may not match flagship-level detail or video capabilities. The single USB-C port replaces a headphone jack, which might require an adapter if you use wired headphones. Combining solid performance, exceptional camera features, long battery life, and robust security in an affordable package, the Pixel 9a is a smart choice for budget-conscious users seeking a dependable and up-to-date Android phone.

The Moto G 5G 2024 is a solid choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly, unlocked smartphone with a good balance of features. The 6.6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers smooth visual performance, making it suitable for watching movies and playing games. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM, provides adequate performance for everyday tasks and some light multitasking, though it may struggle with more intensive apps or heavy multitasking.

The 128GB of internal storage is generous for this price range, and the option to expand via microSD up to 1TB is a bonus for users with large media libraries. The 50MP camera system, with Quad Pixel technology, promises better low-light performance and detailed shots, though the actual resolution is 12.5MP due to pixel binning. The Macro Vision lens is a nice touch for close-up photography. Battery life is a standout feature, with a 5000mAh capacity ensuring long-lasting use, and the TurboPower charging capability can quickly recharge the device, though the charger may need to be purchased separately.

The build quality is commendable, featuring a vegan leather back that not only looks premium but is also fingerprint-resistant and comfortable to hold. However, the 720p resolution might be a letdown for users expecting crisper visuals typically found in higher resolutions. The Moto G 5G runs on Android 14, offering the latest software experience with the usual customization Motorola is known for. With stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, the audio experience is immersive and enjoyable. This phone is a good fit for users who need a reliable, feature-rich device without breaking the bank, though power users might find its performance and display resolution somewhat limiting.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is a strong choice if you're looking for a high-quality unlocked smartphone that gives you freedom to choose your carrier. It has a bright and sharp 6.3-inch Super Actua display with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, making screen use pleasant whether indoors or outside. Powered by Google’s latest Tensor G5 chip and supported by 16 GB RAM, it offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. Storage-wise, 256 GB is generous for apps, photos, and videos without needing extra memory cards.

The standout feature is its triple rear camera system, which uses advanced AI to deliver stunning 50 MP photos and can zoom up to 100x with impressive detail, plus 8K video recording for capturing high-quality footage. Battery life is solid with a 4870 mAh capacity and fast-charging support, comfortably lasting a full day on a single charge. It runs on the newest Android 16, ensuring a clean, up-to-date software experience with helpful AI features like the Gemini assistant for easier interactions.

This phone offers premium specs, with a price that may be higher than typical budget phones, making it ideal for those wanting near-flagship features unlocked rather than a basic budget device. Its size and weight might feel a bit bulky for users preferring smaller phones. The Pixel 10 Pro is well-suited for users who want a powerful, flexible unlocked phone with excellent cameras and battery life, without compromising on display or software experience.