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10 Best Budget Unlocked Smartphone 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Moto G 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Sage Green

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Display
The phone's bright and clear display, coupled with a 120Hz refresh rate, provides a smooth visual experience.
Storage
Expandable storage up to 1TB via microSD is a significant advantage over more expensive phones that lack this feature.
Camera
The rear camera, with its 48MP resolution and macro lens, captures sharp and detailed photos effortlessly.
Battery Life
Battery life is phenomenal, easily lasting through a day of use with plenty of charge left for the next day.
#2

SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 5G A Series Cell Phone, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, US Version, 2025, Blue Black

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G offers a lot of value in the budget-unlocked-smartphone category. It features a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1880 x 2340, providing a vivid and clear viewing experience ideal for consuming content like videos and browsing the web. The phone is powered by a 2.4 GHz processor coupled with 4 GB of RAM, which should handle most everyday tasks smoothly, though it may struggle with heavy multitasking or high-end games.

With 128 GB of internal storage and the option to expand up to 1.5 TB, there's plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos. The triple-lens camera system is a standout for a budget phone, allowing for versatile photography options, though the quality might not match higher-end models in low light. Battery life is another strong point, with fast charging capabilities that ensure you can quickly top up when needed.

Running on Android 14 with Samsung's One UI, you'll benefit from a user-friendly interface and six years of OS and security updates, making it a long-lasting investment. The phone’s build quality is enhanced with an IP54 rating, providing some resistance to dust and splashes, but it may not withstand harsher environments. The Galaxy A16 5G is an excellent choice for those seeking a capable, feature-rich phone without breaking the bank.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Display
The phone's large screen and 5G capability make it a great deal, though its size might be a bit cumbersome for some users.
#3

Moto G Stylus 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/256GB | 50MP Camera | Caramel Latte

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is an appealing budget unlocked smartphone with several standout features. It boasts a large 6.7-inch pOLED display, offering vibrant colors and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it great for media consumption and everyday use. The built-in stylus is a unique addition in this price range, facilitating note-taking, photo editing, and other tasks with ease. Additionally, the phone’s design is quite attractive, with a modern aesthetic and soft, vegan leather finish in Caramel Latte color.

Performance-wise, it packs an 8GB RAM which is sufficient for multitasking, and 256GB of internal storage that can be expanded, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media. The 50MP camera with Optical Image Stabilization is a solid performer, especially in low-light conditions, though it may not be the best in its class in terms of photo quality. The 5000mAh battery ensures you can go through more than a day on a single charge, and the 30W TurboPower charging is handy for quick top-ups.

Running on Android 14, the phone offers a modern and smooth software experience. The build quality is robust but the use of plastic components in this budget device may feel less premium compared to higher-end models. This phone is an excellent option for users looking for a versatile and stylish budget smartphone with added functionalities like a stylus and strong battery life.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Display
Touch screen sensitivity can be an issue for those with dry hands.
Storage
Ample storage and memory, even without using an additional memory card.
Camera
Photos come out very sharp, even in low light conditions.
Battery Life
Great battery life and fast 5G performance.
Operating System
Minimal bloatware, mostly ships with Google apps.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Unlocked Smartphone

Choosing the right budget-unlocked smartphone can be a bit overwhelming given the variety of options available. However, focusing on key specifications can help you make an informed decision. It's important to consider what you need from your smartphone and how you plan to use it. Here are some key specs to look at and how to navigate them.
DisplayThe display is the screen of the smartphone, and it's important because it's the primary way you interact with your device. Displays come in various sizes and resolutions. Smaller screens (around 5 inches) are more compact and easier to handle, while larger screens (6 inches and above) are better for media consumption and gaming. Resolution affects the clarity of the display; higher resolutions like Full HD (1080p) or higher provide sharper images. Choose a display size and resolution based on your usage habits—if you watch a lot of videos or play games, a larger, higher-resolution screen might be better.
ProcessorThe processor is the brain of the smartphone, determining how fast and efficiently it can run apps and perform tasks. Budget smartphones typically come with mid-range processors. For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, a quad-core processor should suffice. If you plan to use more demanding apps or multitask frequently, look for a smartphone with an octa-core processor. Your choice should depend on how intensive your usage is; more cores generally mean better performance.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) affects how well your smartphone can handle multiple tasks at once. More RAM allows for smoother multitasking and better performance in apps. Budget smartphones usually come with 2GB to 4GB of RAM. If you use your phone for basic tasks, 2GB might be enough. For more intensive use, such as gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously, 3GB or 4GB would be better. Consider your multitasking needs when choosing the amount of RAM.
StorageStorage is where your smartphone keeps all your apps, photos, videos, and other data. Budget smartphones typically offer 16GB to 64GB of internal storage. If you don't store a lot of media or apps, 16GB might be sufficient. However, if you take a lot of photos, download many apps, or store videos, you should look for at least 32GB or 64GB. Some smartphones also offer expandable storage via microSD cards, which can be a cost-effective way to increase storage capacity.
CameraThe camera is important for capturing photos and videos. Budget smartphones usually have cameras ranging from 8MP to 16MP. Higher megapixels generally mean better image quality, but other factors like aperture and sensor size also play a role. If you enjoy photography, look for a smartphone with a higher megapixel count and additional features like HDR and night mode. For casual use, a basic camera with fewer megapixels will suffice.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your smartphone can last on a single charge. Budget smartphones typically have batteries ranging from 3000mAh to 5000mAh. Larger batteries generally mean longer usage times. If you're a heavy user who spends a lot of time on your phone, look for a smartphone with a larger battery capacity. For lighter use, a smaller battery might be adequate. Consider your daily usage patterns when choosing battery capacity.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that runs on your smartphone. Most budget smartphones use Android, which offers a wide range of apps and customization options. Ensure the smartphone runs a recent version of the OS to get the latest features and security updates. If you prefer a more streamlined experience, look for a smartphone with a clean or near-stock version of Android. Your choice should depend on your preference for customization and the availability of apps.

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