Best Unlocked Phones for Every Budget in 2025

Introduction

Shopping for a new phone in 2025 feels like navigating a maze with endless options, carrier plans, and technical specifications. I've been there—staring at comparison charts until my eyes glazed over, wondering if I'm making the right choice. But here's a secret that changed my smartphone buying experience: going unlocked.

Unlocked phones have revolutionized how we purchase and use mobile devices. No more being tied to a single carrier or dealing with bloatware you never asked for. As someone who's tested dozens of phones this year, I'm excited to share my top picks for unlocked phones across every budget range.

Whether you're a power user needing the latest flagship features, a budget-conscious shopper, or someone who just wants a reliable device without the carrier complications, this guide will help you find your perfect match in today's crowded smartphone market.

What Makes a Phone "Unlocked"?

Before diving into our recommendations, let's quickly clarify what "unlocked" actually means. An unlocked phone is a device that isn't tied to a specific carrier, giving you the freedom to choose your service provider and switch as needed. This flexibility is the primary reason why many savvy shoppers opt for unlocked devices.

Benefits of Choosing an Unlocked Phone

• Carrier flexibility: Use with virtually any compatible carrier

• No contracts: Avoid long-term commitments with carriers

• International compatibility: Easily use local SIM cards when traveling

• Better resale value: Unlocked phones typically retain higher value

• No bloatware: Less pre-installed carrier software means better performance

• Faster updates: Often receive software updates more quickly

Budget-Friendly Options (Under $300/£230)

1. TCL 50 XE 5G

![TCL 50 XE 5G - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $249 / £189

The TCL 50 XE 5G proves you don't need to empty your wallet for 5G connectivity. This budget-friendly option surprised me with its smooth performance and decent battery life. The 6.6-inch display offers vibrant colors for media consumption, and the camera is perfectly adequate for casual photography.

Why I recommend it: For under $250/£190, you're getting 5G capability, a responsive interface, and a battery that easily lasts a full day. It's an excellent starter phone or backup device.

Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers, first-time smartphone users, or those needing a reliable backup phone.

2. Nokia X50

![Nokia X50 - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $299 / £229

Nokia continues its tradition of building durable phones with the X50. I dropped mine twice during testing (accidentally, I promise!) and it emerged without a scratch. Beyond its toughness, the X50 offers a clean Android experience with minimal bloatware and a surprisingly capable camera system.

Why I recommend it: Nokia's commitment to providing regular software updates means this phone will stay secure and up-to-date longer than many competitors in this price range. Plus, the battery life is exceptional—I consistently got nearly two days of moderate use.

Best for: Outdoorsy types, those who are hard on their devices, or anyone who appreciates a no-nonsense phone that just works.

Mid-Range Marvels ($300-$600/£230-£460)

3. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

![Samsung Galaxy A16 5G - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $349 / £269

The Galaxy A16 5G brings Samsung's polished experience to a more accessible price point. The vibrant AMOLED display makes everything from social media to streaming videos a pleasure. Samsung's One UI has matured nicely, offering intuitive navigation and useful features without overwhelming the user.

Why I recommend it: Samsung has found an excellent balance between performance and price with the A16 5G. The camera system performs admirably in good lighting, and the battery easily lasts a full day of heavy use.

Best for: Samsung fans who don't need flagship features, social media enthusiasts, and those who value a refined user experience.

4. Google Pixel 8a

![Google Pixel 8a - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $499 / £379

The Pixel 8a continues Google's tradition of offering flagship-level photography in a mid-range package. This phone's computational photography capabilities consistently produced stunning images during my testing—even in challenging lighting conditions.

Why I recommend it: Beyond the excellent camera, you're getting a clean Android experience with Google's latest AI features. The Pixel 8a receives software updates directly from Google, ensuring you'll always have the latest features and security patches.

Best for: Photography enthusiasts on a budget, those who want a pure Android experience, and anyone who values software support.

5. iPhone 16e

![iPhone 16e - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $599 / £459

Apple's budget-conscious iPhone 16e brings the iconic iOS experience and ecosystem to a more accessible price point. Don't let the "budget" label fool you—this phone handles everyday tasks with the same smooth efficiency as its more expensive siblings.

Why I recommend it: You're getting access to Apple's ecosystem, impressive AI capabilities, and typically excellent build quality for significantly less than the flagship models. The camera system is simplified compared to the Pro versions but still captures beautiful photos and videos.

Best for: Apple fans on a budget, those invested in the Apple ecosystem, and users who prioritize simplicity and reliability.

High-End Contenders ($600-$900/£460-£699)

6. OnePlus 13

![OnePlus 13 - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $699 / £549

OnePlus has evolved from "flagship killer" to legitimate flagship, and the OnePlus 13 showcases this transformation. The 120Hz AMOLED display is simply stunning, and the Snapdragon processor inside makes everything from gaming to multitasking butter-smooth.

Why I recommend it: OnePlus offers a near-stock Android experience with thoughtful additions and optimizations. The charging speed is still industry-leading—I went from 10% to 100% in just over 20 minutes, which continues to impress me.

Best for: Power users, mobile gamers, and those who value fast charging and clean software.

7. Google Pixel 9

![Google Pixel 9 - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $799 / £619

The standard Pixel 9 offers most of what makes the Pro version great in a more compact form factor. Google's AI features shine here, from call screening to Magic Eraser for photos. The camera system consistently produces stunning images without requiring any manual adjustments.

Why I recommend it: The Pixel 9 offers the best camera experience in its price range, coupled with Google's clean Android implementation and AI smarts. The slightly smaller size compared to many flagship phones makes it comfortable to use one-handed.

Best for: Photography enthusiasts, those who value AI features, and users who prefer a more compact flagship.

8. Samsung Galaxy S25

![Samsung Galaxy S25 - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $799 / £629

The Galaxy S25 represents Samsung's mainstream flagship offering, packing impressive specifications into a refined package. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is one of the best screens I've ever seen on a smartphone, making everything from social media to streaming content look gorgeous.

Why I recommend it: Samsung has refined its flagship formula to near-perfection with the S25. You're getting top-tier performance, Samsung's comprehensive software ecosystem, and impressive camera capabilities at a price point below the Ultra model.

Best for: Samsung enthusiasts, multimedia consumers, and those who want a balance of features and price.

Premium Powerhouses ($900+/£700+)

9. iPhone 16 Pro Max

![iPhone 16 Pro Max - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $1,199 / £929

Apple's flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max represents the pinnacle of the company's smartphone technology. The Pro-level camera system captured some of the best photos I've taken on any smartphone, and the A18 Pro chip handled everything from editing 4K video to intensive gaming without breaking a sweat.

Why I recommend it: The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers the most refined iOS experience with the best camera system Apple has ever produced. The ecosystem integration remains unmatched if you use other Apple products.

Best for: Apple enthusiasts, content creators, and those who want the absolute best iPhone experience.

10. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

![Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $1,199 / £949

Samsung's Ultra line continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in a smartphone. The S25 Ultra features a versatile camera system with incredible zoom capabilities, S Pen support for note-taking and precision tasks, and a massive display that's perfect for productivity.

Why I recommend it: The S25 Ultra is essentially a productivity powerhouse that happens to be a phone. The S Pen functionality remains unique in the market, and the AI features Samsung has implemented genuinely enhance the user experience.

Best for: Power users, note-takers, photography enthusiasts, and those who want the most feature-packed Android experience.

11. Google Pixel 9 Pro

![Google Pixel 9 Pro - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $999 / £779

Google's flagship Pixel 9 Pro combines the company's software prowess with top-tier hardware. The camera system is simply outstanding, capable of capturing images that rival dedicated cameras. Google's AI features feel most at home on the Pixel, providing truly useful enhancements rather than gimmicks.

Why I recommend it: The Pixel 9 Pro offers the purest expression of Google's vision for Android, with AI features that genuinely improve the user experience. The camera system continues to be industry-leading, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Best for: Photography enthusiasts, those who value software updates, and users who want Google's AI features.

Specialized Options

12. OnePlus Open

![OnePlus Open - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $1,499 / £1,149

The OnePlus Open represents the company's entry into the foldable market, and it's an impressive debut. The folding display is surprisingly durable, with a nearly invisible crease. When unfolded, you essentially have a small tablet perfect for multitasking, reading, or watching videos.

Why I recommend it: OnePlus has managed to create a foldable phone that's actually practical for everyday use. The battery life is impressive considering the large display, and the software is optimized for the form factor.

Best for: Early adopters, multitaskers, and those who want a phone that can double as a tablet.

13. Sony Xperia 1 VI

![Sony Xperia 1 VI - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $1,399 / £1,099

Sony's Xperia 1 VI is unlike any other flagship on the market, with a clear focus on photography, videography, and media consumption. The 4K display is simply stunning, and the camera system offers manual controls that would feel at home on a professional camera.

Why I recommend it: For content creators, the Xperia 1 VI offers unmatched control over the camera system. The 21:9 aspect ratio display is perfect for watching movies, and the headphone jack will please audiophiles.

Best for: Photography and videography enthusiasts, media consumers, and those who value audio quality.

14. Nothing Phone 3a Pro

![Nothing Phone 3a Pro - Insert image of the phone]

Price: $599 / £459

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro continues the company's unique design language with the distinctive Glyph interface on the back. Beyond the eye-catching design, this phone offers a clean, minimalist Android experience with thoughtful features and solid performance.

Why I recommend it: The Nothing Phone stands out in a sea of similar-looking devices. The Glyph interface isn't just for show—it can be customized to provide visual notifications for different contacts or apps. The clean software experience is refreshing in a world of bloated interfaces.

Best for: Design enthusiasts, those who want a unique device, and users who value a clean software experience.

Comparison Table: Key Features

Phone Model	US Price	UK Price	Display	Camera	Battery	Standout Feature
TCL 50 XE 5G	$249	£189	6.6" LCD	48MP Main	4,500mAh	Affordable 5G
Nokia X50	$299	£229	6.5" IPS	64MP Main	5,000mAh	Durability
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G	$349	£269	6.6" AMOLED	50MP Main	5,000mAh	Samsung ecosystem
Google Pixel 8a	$499	£379	6.1" OLED	64MP Main	4,500mAh	Camera quality
iPhone 16e	$599	£459	6.1" OLED	48MP Main	3,500mAh	iOS ecosystem
OnePlus 13	$699	£549	6.7" AMOLED	50MP Main	5,000mAh	Fast charging
Google Pixel 9	$799	£619	6.2" OLED	50MP Main	4,700mAh	AI features
Samsung Galaxy S25	$799	£629	6.2" Dynamic AMOLED	50MP Main	4,000mAh	Display quality
iPhone 16 Pro Max	$1,199	£929	6.7" ProMotion	48MP Main	4,400mAh	Camera system
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra	$1,199	£949	6.8" Dynamic AMOLED	200MP Main	5,000mAh	S Pen support
Google Pixel 9 Pro	$999	£779	6.7" LTPO OLED	50MP Main	5,000mAh	Camera and AI
OnePlus Open	$1,499	£1,149	7.8" AMOLED (unfolded)	48MP Main	4,800mAh	Foldable design
Sony Xperia 1 VI	$1,399	£1,099	6.5" 4K OLED	48MP Main	5,000mAh	Camera controls
Nothing Phone 3a Pro	$599	£459	6.7" AMOLED	50MP Main	4,700mAh	Glyph interface

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of buying an unlocked phone?

Unlocked phones offer several advantages. You're free to choose any compatible carrier, avoid long-term contracts, and switch providers whenever you want. You'll also typically experience less bloatware, potentially faster software updates, and better resale value. For international travelers, unlocked phones allow you to easily use local SIM cards abroad, saving significantly on roaming fees.

Can I use an unlocked phone with any carrier?

Most unlocked phones work with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile in the US, or EE and Vodafone in the UK without issues. However, compatibility with CDMA carriers like Verizon can vary. Always check the specific bands and networks supported by the phone before purchasing. Modern unlocked phones increasingly support both GSM and CDMA networks, but it's worth verifying compatibility with your preferred carrier.

Are unlocked phones more expensive than carrier-locked phones?

Initially, unlocked phones may seem more expensive because you're paying the full retail price upfront rather than spreading the cost across monthly payments. However, carrier-locked phones often come with hidden costs through higher monthly service fees or required data plans. In the long run, unlocked phones typically offer better value, especially when you factor in the flexibility to choose more affordable service plans.

Do unlocked phones receive software updates?

Yes, unlocked phones do receive software updates, though the frequency and timeliness can vary by manufacturer. Factory unlocked phones from companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung typically receive updates directly from the manufacturer, often resulting in faster update cycles. Carrier-unlocked phones may sometimes face delays as updates need to pass through carrier testing.

What's the difference between a factory unlocked and a carrier unlocked phone?

Factory unlocked phones come directly from the manufacturer without any carrier modifications or restrictions. Carrier unlocked phones were originally sold through a specific carrier but have been unlocked afterward. Factory unlocked phones typically offer a cleaner software experience without carrier bloatware and may receive updates more quickly. Carrier unlocked phones might still contain carrier