10 Best Budget Unlocked Smartphone 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G offers a strong package for a budget unlocked smartphone, especially if you want a reliable daily driver with decent power and features. It has a large 6.6-inch AMOLED screen with Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, which means your videos and games will look sharp and fluid. Under the hood, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor paired with 6GB of RAM is quite capable for everyday tasks and most apps, including casual gaming. The 256GB storage is generous for this price range, giving plenty of space for photos, apps, and media.

Camera-wise, the phone emphasizes user-friendly features like improved front camera selfies, night mode, and handy editing tools, making it easy to capture good shots without fuss. Battery life is solid, backed by a 5000mAh battery and fast charging, so it should keep up with a full day of use comfortably.

It runs the latest Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.0, promising a modern software experience plus six years of updates, which is excellent for security and longevity. The phone's rugged design adds water and dust resistance, enhancing durability for everyday wear and tear. Some trade-offs include a 6GB RAM limit, which might feel tight if you heavily multitask or use very demanding apps. The camera is good but not top-tier, so photography enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere. Also, the phone weighs 209 grams, making it a bit on the heavier side compared to compact models. This makes the Galaxy A36 5G a great pick for those seeking a budget-friendly, well-rounded Android phone with a large, vibrant screen, reliable performance, strong battery life, and extended software support. It suits users who want a hassle-free, durable device without needing the highest-end camera or extreme power.

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 - 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.