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10 Best New Unlocked Cell Phones 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, 256GB Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Night Mode Camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Fast Processor, 5000mAh Battery, Built-in S Pen, 2025, US 1 Yr Warranty, Titanium Black

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a high-end unlocked smartphone that suits users looking for top-tier performance and versatility. It runs the latest Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, making it user-friendly and packed with smart features like a helpful AI assistant and Now Brief to keep you informed throughout the day. The 6.9-inch display has a sharp 3040 x 1440 resolution, offering a vibrant and immersive viewing experience, great for watching videos or browsing. Battery life is strong thanks to a 5000mAh battery, and you’ll appreciate fast charging and wireless charging options for convenience.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Battery Life
Build Quality and Design
Camera Quality

Most important from
4816 reviews

Battery Life
The phone delivers exceptional battery life combined with fast charging, especially when paired with a 45W charger, ensuring extended usage without frequent interruptions.
Build Quality and Design
Its robust metal frame and ergonomic design offer durability and a premium feel, maintaining comfort despite the device's large size.
Camera Quality
The camera system produces amazing photos, satisfying even users who initially debated between models, thanks to advanced AI enhancements and fine-tuned image quality.
Processor and RAM
Performance is consistently fast and responsive, making it capable of handling multitasking and demanding applications with ease.
Display Size and Quality
The phone’s size strikes a balance for those who appreciate a large display, though it may feel heavier and less pocket-friendly for some users.
#2
8.8 score

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Cell Phone, 512GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Photo Edits, Large Screen, Long Battery Life, 2025, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty, Blue Shadow

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is a cutting-edge unlocked Android phone running the latest Android 16 with Samsung's OneUI 8, offering a fresh and intuitive user experience. Its standout feature is the large, 8-inch foldable display that lets you comfortably multitask with up to three apps visible simultaneously, making it great for productivity or media enjoyment. Despite the bigger screen, it remains slim and light, weighing just 216 grams, which is impressive for a foldable design.

Rating
8.8
Display Size and Quality
Build Quality and Design
Battery Life

Most important from
539 reviews

Display Size and Quality
The internal foldable display transforms multitasking by allowing up to three apps to run simultaneously, creating an immersive, productivity-enhancing experience unmatched by traditional phones.
Build Quality and Design
The device’s slim and lightweight design makes it more comfortable to hold and less bulky than other large-screen phones, offering tablet-like versatility without sacrificing portability.
Battery Life
Battery life reliably lasts all day with typical mixed usage, including up to 10 hours on the cover screen alone, and adaptive power-saving features help extend endurance.
Camera Quality
The 200MP rear cameras provide sharp, vibrant photos and unique selfie capabilities using the cover screen, delivering excellent image quality that exceeds most foldable competitors.
#3
8.2 score

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Cell Phone (2025), 256GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, Large Display, 4900mAh Battery, High Res-Camera, AI Photo Edits, Durable, US 1 Yr Warranty, JetBlack

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a strong choice if you're looking for a new unlocked Android phone with a large, vibrant display and solid performance. Its 6.7-inch screen offers bright colors and smooth scrolling with a 120Hz refresh rate, making videos and apps look smooth and sharp. The phone runs on the latest Android 16.0, backed by a reliable Exynos 2400 processor and 8GB of RAM, so it handles everyday tasks and multitasking well. With 256GB storage, you get plenty of space for photos, apps, and files without worrying about running out.

Rating
8.2
Processor and RAM
Connectivity
Battery Life

Most important from
852 reviews

Processor and RAM
This phone feels and acts like models costing $1200 and up, delivering fast performance with built-in AI features that are both fun and helpful.
Connectivity
Setting up the phone took just five minutes, and the unlocked feature allows easy switching between carriers without hassle.
Battery Life
The battery management system intelligently stops charging at 95%, preventing overheating and extending battery life even with overnight charging.
Storage Capacity
With 512GB storage, the phone handles extensive app use and media effortlessly, using only a fraction of total space even with heavy usage.
Display Size and Quality
The large, bright screen and long battery life make it perfect for both entertainment and productivity, including seamless use with USB-C docks for work setups.
Camera Quality
Camera quality is fantastic, offering clear, detailed photos with AI enhancements that improve selfies by removing distractions automatically.
Build Quality and Design
Durability features like Gorilla Glass Victus+ and Armor Aluminum provide solid protection against daily bumps and drops.

Top 10 Best New Unlocked Cell Phones 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, 256GB Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Night Mode Camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Fast Processor, 5000mAh Battery, Built-in S Pen, 2025, US 1 Yr Warranty, Titanium Black

Operating System: One UI 7, Android 15
Display Size and Quality: 6.9 Inches, 3040x1440
Battery Life: 5000 mAh
Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Processor and RAM: Snapdragon, 12 GB
Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, NFC
Build Quality and Design: Water Resistant, Titanium Black

Chosen by 1237 this week

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Cell Phone, 512GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Photo Edits, Large Screen, Long Battery Life, 2025, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty, Blue Shadow

Operating System: Android 16, OneUI 8
Display Size and Quality: 8 inch foldable, 120 Hz
Battery Life: 4400 mAh
Camera Quality: 200MP rear camera
Storage Capacity: 512 GB
Processor and RAM: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 12 GB RAM
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, USB
Build Quality and Design: Armor Aluminum, Gorilla Glass Ceramic

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Cell Phone (2025), 256GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, Large Display, 4900mAh Battery, High Res-Camera, AI Photo Edits, Durable, US 1 Yr Warranty, JetBlack

Operating System: Android 16.0, One UI 8
Display Size and Quality: 6.7", 2340x1080, 120Hz refresh
Battery Life: 4900mAh, 33 hours talk time
Camera Quality: 12MP front, AI photo editing
Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Processor and RAM: Exynos 2400, 8 GB RAM
Connectivity: Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, USB-C
Build Quality and Design: Armor Aluminum, Gorilla Glass, Water resistant

Google Pixel 10 Pro - Unlocked Android Smartphone - Gemini AI Assistant, Triple Rear Camera System, Fast-Charging 24+ Hour Battery, and 6.3" Super Actua Display - Jade - 256 GB (2025 Model)

Operating System: Android 16
Display Size and Quality: 6.3", 3119x1440, 120Hz, 3300-nit
Battery Life: 4870 mAh, 24h talk time
Camera Quality: Triple rear, 50MP, 100x zoom, 8K
Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Processor and RAM: Google Tensor G5, 16GB RAM
Connectivity: Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, Unlocked
Build Quality and Design: Aluminum, Gorilla Glass Victus 2

Motorola Moto G Play - 2026 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 32MP Camera | Pantone Tapestry

Operating System: Android 16
Display Size and Quality: 6.7", 1600x720, 120Hz refresh
Battery Life: 5200mAh
Camera Quality: 32MP camera, 8MP effective
Storage Capacity: 64GB
Processor and RAM: Mediatek Dimensity 6300, 4GB RAM
Connectivity: 5G support
Build Quality and Design: Water-repellent vegan leather, Gorilla Glass

OnePlus 15, 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage, Dual-SIM, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 7300mAh Battery, Ultra Violet

Operating System: Android 16
Display Size and Quality: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 165Hz, 2772x1272
Battery Life: 7300 mAh, 68.7h Talk, Wireless Charge
Camera Quality: Triple 50MP (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto)
Storage Capacity: 512 GB
Processor and RAM: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 16GB RAM
Connectivity: Dual SIM, NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB
Build Quality and Design: IP66/IP68/IP69/IP19K dust & water resist

Moto G Power - 2026 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/128GB | 50MP Camera | Pantone Evenng Blue | Universal Unlocked, AI Camera System, Military Grade, Ram Boost

Operating System: Android 16
Display Size and Quality: 6.8", 2388x1080, 120Hz
Battery Life: 5200 mAh, nearly two days
Camera Quality: 50MP system, 12.5MP effective, OIS
Storage Capacity: 8 GB
Processor and RAM: Mediatek Dimensity 6300, 8 GB RAM
Connectivity: 5G, major US carriers compatible
Build Quality and Design: Military-grade, Gorilla Glass 7i, IP68/69

Samsung Galaxy S25 Cell Phone, 256GB Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Night Mode Camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Fast Processor, ProScaler Display, 4000mAh Battery, 2025, US 1 Yr Warranty, Silver Shadow

Operating System: One UI 7, Android 15
Display Size and Quality: 6.2-inch ProScaler display
Battery Life: 4000mAh, fast charging
Camera Quality: AI features, Audio Eraser, portrait
Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Processor and RAM: Snapdragon processor, 12GB RAM
Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, USB-C
Build Quality and Design: Sturdy, sleek Silver Shadow, water resistant

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Cell Phone, 256GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, high-res 50 MP Camera, Powerful Processor, Long Battery Life, 2025, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty, Blue Shadow

Operating System: Android 16, OneUI 8
Display Size and Quality: 6.9 Inches, 120 Hz
Battery Life: 4300 mAh
Camera Quality: 50 MP
Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Processor and RAM: 12 GB RAM
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, USB
Build Quality and Design: Armor Aluminum, IP48, Foldable, 188g
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Buying Guide for the Best New Unlocked Cell Phones

Choosing a new unlocked cell phone can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience due to the vast array of options available. Unlocked phones offer the flexibility to choose your carrier and plan, making them a popular choice for many. To make the best decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are some essential specs to consider when selecting an unlocked cell phone.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that runs the phone and manages its functions. The two main options are Android and iOS. Android offers more customization and a wider range of devices, while iOS is known for its smooth user experience and integration with other Apple products. Choose the OS that best fits your preferences and the ecosystem of devices you already use.
Display Size and QualityThe display size and quality determine how comfortable and enjoyable it is to use your phone. Larger screens are great for media consumption and multitasking, while smaller screens are more portable and easier to handle. Display quality, measured in resolution (e.g., Full HD, 4K), affects the clarity and sharpness of images and text. Consider your usage habits—if you watch a lot of videos or play games, a larger, high-resolution screen may be ideal.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long your phone can operate before needing a recharge. It's typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Higher mAh values generally mean longer battery life, but actual performance can vary based on usage and other factors. If you're frequently on the go or use your phone heavily throughout the day, look for a phone with a larger battery capacity and efficient power management features.
Camera QualityCamera quality is crucial for those who love taking photos and videos. Key factors include the number of megapixels, aperture size, and additional features like optical image stabilization and night mode. Higher megapixels can produce more detailed images, while a larger aperture allows better low-light performance. Consider what type of photography you enjoy—if you want professional-quality photos, look for phones with advanced camera systems.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity determines how much data your phone can hold, including apps, photos, videos, and files. Common options range from 64GB to 512GB or more. If you store a lot of media or use many apps, opt for higher storage capacity. Some phones also offer expandable storage via microSD cards, providing additional flexibility.
Processor and RAMThe processor and RAM affect the phone's performance and speed. The processor (CPU) handles tasks and operations, while RAM (random access memory) allows for smooth multitasking. Higher-end processors and more RAM result in faster, more efficient performance. If you use demanding apps or games, or multitask frequently, look for phones with powerful processors and ample RAM.
ConnectivityConnectivity options include support for various network types (e.g., 4G, 5G) and other features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. 5G offers faster internet speeds and better performance in crowded areas. If you rely on fast internet for streaming or online gaming, consider a phone with 5G capability. Additionally, ensure the phone supports the connectivity features you need for your daily activities.
Build Quality and DesignBuild quality and design affect the phone's durability and aesthetic appeal. Materials like glass, metal, and plastic can impact the phone's feel and sturdiness. Design elements such as color, shape, and weight also play a role in your overall satisfaction. Choose a phone that feels comfortable in your hand and matches your style preferences.

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