10 Best Budget Unlocked Smartphone 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-unlocked smartphone with commendable features. It offers a 6.7-inch brighter display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth and vibrant visuals. The phone operates on One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, providing a user-friendly experience with the latest software updates. Its 5G capability ensures fast connectivity across all carriers, making it versatile for different users.

The phone's performance is bolstered by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which should be sufficient for most daily tasks and media storage needs. Notably, the 50MP high-resolution camera with AI enhancements promises impressive photo quality, especially in low light conditions with the Night Portrait feature. Additionally, the Instant Slow-Mo feature allows for creative video captures, and the built-in AI tools offer handy photo editing and real-time translation functionalities.

Battery life is another highlight, thanks to the 4700mAh battery that intuitively manages power consumption, and support for wireless and fast charging adds to the convenience. However, there are some downsides to consider. The phone weighs 209 grams, which might feel a bit hefty for some users. Moreover, it lacks a traditional audio jack, relying on USB-C for wired audio. Also, the phone comes with only a charging cable in the box, so you might need to purchase a charger separately. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE stands out with its robust features and modern capabilities, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious users who need a reliable and feature-rich smartphone.

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.

The Moto G - 2025 offers a compelling package for anyone needing a budget-unlocked-smartphone. Its 6.7-inch HD+ display is quite large and includes a 120Hz refresh rate, making it good for smooth scrolling and media consumption, though the resolution is modest at 1604 × 720. The 50MP camera, with enhanced light sensitivity, promises decent photo quality for a budget device, and the 16MP front camera is solid for selfies. However, the actual effective photo resolution is 12.5MP due to pixel binning, which might not match the expectations set by the 50MP tag.

The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and 5G support ensure fast performance, but the 4GB of RAM is on the lower side, especially with modern app demands; RAM Boost partially mitigates this by using internal storage as virtual memory. The 128GB storage is ample for most users, and the option to expand it with a microSD card allows for extensive media storage. Battery life is a standout with its 5000mAh capacity, and TurboPower charging is a plus, though the charger is sold separately.

The design is stylish with a vegan leather finish and offers some water-repellence, adding to its durability. Running on Android 15, users will benefit from the latest features and updates. This phone is particularly well-suited for users who need a reliable, feature-rich device without breaking the bank and are okay with some compromises in terms of RAM and screen resolution.