Compare Unlocked Cell Phones in 2021

Best unlocked phones in October

It's a great time to be a wireless customer! Cell phone plans are more competitive than ever, and with contracts solidly in the history books, your phone can probably be unlocked for use on any carrier you choose.

What is an unlocked phone? It's a device that is no longer locked to a specific carrier so you can use it with any plan. If you're shopping for a used smartphone or you want to take your current phone to a new carrier you're in the right place. I'm going to tell you why and how to unlock your cell phone. I'll also give you tips on buying an unlocked device.

Table of Contents

• Best unlocked iPhones

• Compare unlocked iPhone deals

• Best unlocked Samsung phones

• Compare unlocked Samsung phone deals

• GSM and CDMA unlocked phones

Best unlocked iPhones

Apple iPhone 13 mini Unlocked

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Network

T-Mobile

Storage

128GB

Condition

New

Price

$729*

* Includes 6 months FREE service

5/5

6 User Reviews

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Best Deals

Device	Storage	Price
Apple iPhone 13 mini (Unlocked)	128GB	$729
Apple iPhone 13 mini (AT&T)	128GB	$699
Apple iPhone 13 mini (T-Mobile)	128GB	$729

Device Specs

Screen Size	5.4"
Screen Resolution	2340 x 1080 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Apple A15 Bionic pixels
Internal Memory	128GB
Operating System	iOS 15.x
Back Camera	Dual 12MP (Ultra Wide)
Front Camera	12MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	4K UHD, FHD, HD
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 17 hours (video playback)
Dimensions	131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65mm
Weight	141g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• A15 Bionic chip

• Improved battery life

• Affordable price

• 5G compatible

Cons

• No design upgrade

Apple iPhone 13 Unlocked

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Network

T-Mobile

Storage

128GB

Condition

New

Price

$829*

* Includes 6 months FREE service

5/5

10 User Reviews

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Best Deals

Device	Storage	Price
Apple iPhone 13 (Unlocked)	128GB	$829
Apple iPhone 13 (AT&T)	128GB	$799
Apple iPhone 13 (T-Mobile)	128GB	$829

Device Specs

Screen Size	6.1"
Screen Resolution	2532 x 1170 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Apple A15 Bionic pixels
Internal Memory	128GB
Operating System	iOS 15.x
Back Camera	Dual 12MP (Ultra Wide)
Front Camera	12MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	4K UHD, FHD,HD
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 19 hours (video playback)
Dimensions	146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65mm
Weight	174g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Super Retina XDR OLED display

• 4K video recording

• 5G compatible

• Improved battery

• A15 Bionic chip

Cons

• No design upgrade

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Unlocked

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Network

T-Mobile

Storage

128GB

Condition

New

Price

$999*

* Includes 6 months FREE service

5/5

4 User Reviews

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Best Deals

Device	Storage	Price
Apple iPhone 13 Pro (Unlocked)	128GB	$999
Apple iPhone 13 Pro (AT&T)	128GB	$949
Apple iPhone 13 Pro (T-Mobile)	128GB	$999

Device Specs

Screen Size	6.1"
Screen Resolution	2532 x 1170 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Apple A15 Bionic pixels
Internal Memory	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Operating System	iOS 15.x
Back Camera	12MP (Triple camera, Ultra Wide)
Front Camera	12MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	4K UHD, FHD, HD
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 22 hours (video playback)
Dimensions	146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65mm
Weight	203g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Super Retina XDR display

• ProMotion Technology

• A15 Bionic chip

• 5G compatible

• 4K video recording

• 1TB storage option

Cons

• No major design upgrade

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Unlocked

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Network

T-Mobile

Storage

128GB

Condition

New

Price

$1,099*

* Includes 6 months FREE service

5/5

5 User Reviews

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Best Deals

Device	Storage	Price
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (Unlocked)	128GB	$1,099
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (AT&T)	128GB	$1,049
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (T-Mobile)	128GB	$1,099

Device Specs

Screen Size	6.7"
Screen Resolution	2778 x 1284 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Apple A15 Bionic pixels
Internal Memory	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Operating System	iOS 15.x
Back Camera	12MP (Triple camera, Ultra Wide)
Front Camera	12MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	4K UHD, FHD, HD
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 28 hours (video playback)
Dimensions	160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65mm
Weight	238g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• A15 Bionic chip

• 5G compatible

• ProMotion Technology

• 4K video recording

• Triple lens camera

• 1TB storage option

Cons

• No major design upgrade

Apple iPhone SE Unlocked

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Network

T-Mobile

Storage

64GB

Condition

New

Price

$399*

* Includes 6 months FREE service

4/5

22 User Reviews

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Best Deals

Device	Storage	Price
Apple iPhone SE (Refurbished)	64GB	$288
Apple iPhone SE (Unlocked)	64GB	$399
Apple iPhone SE (AT&T)	64GB	$399
Apple iPhone SE (T-Mobile)	64GB	$399

Device Specs

Screen Size	4.7"
Screen Resolution	1334 x 750 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	A13 Bionic pixels
Internal Memory	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Operating System	iOS 13
Back Camera	12MP
Front Camera	7MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	4K, FHD, HD
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 14 hours
Dimensions	138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm
Weight	148g
Splash Proof	IP67
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight

• Water-resistant

• Amazing A13 chip performance

• Affordable price

• Touch ID

Cons

• Battery capacity

• Night mode is missed

• Only a 5W charger

Compare unlocked iPhone deals

Best unlocked Samsung phones

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Unlocked

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Network

T-Mobile

Storage

128GB

Condition

New

Price

$949*

MSRP: $999* $50 off with 12 month plan

4/5

9 User Reviews

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Best Deals

Device	Storage	Price
Samsung Galaxy Note20 (Unlocked)	128GB	$949
Samsung Galaxy Note20 (Verizon)	128GB	$1,199
Samsung Galaxy Note20 (T-Mobile)	128GB	$949

Device Specs

Screen Size	6.7"
Screen Resolution	2400 x 1080 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus pixels
Internal Memory	128GB
Operating System	Android 10
Back Camera	12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP Wide-angle, 64MP Telephoto
Front Camera	10MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	HD, FHD, 4K UHD, 8K
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 34 hours
Standby Time	Up to 11.8 days
Dimensions	161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3mm
Weight	194g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	nano
eSIM	Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Unlocked

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Network

T-Mobile

Storage

128GB

Condition

New

Price

$1,249*

MSRP: $1,299* $50 off with 12 month plan

5/5

5 User Reviews

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Best Deals

Device	Storage	Price
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra (Unlocked)	128GB	$1,249
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra (T-Mobile)	128GB	$1,249

Device Specs

Screen Size	6.9"
Screen Resolution	3088 x 1440 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus pixels
Internal Memory	128GB, 512GB
Operating System	Android 10
Back Camera	12MP Ultra Wide, 108MP Wide-angle, 12MP Telephoto
Front Camera	10MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	HD, FHD, 4K UHD, 8K
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 35 hours
Standby Time	Up to 12 days
Dimensions	164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1mm
Weight	208g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	nano
eSIM	Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Compare unlocked Samsung phone deals

GSM and CDMA unlocked phones

Although they are not locked to any carrier, they still work best on the carrier they were originally made for.

A GSM unlocked phone can work on a CDMA network and vice versa. However, this is only because of the development of 4G.

If you have a GSM phone on a CDMA network (or vice versa) and your 4G drops down to 3G, your phone will basically become a paperweight until 4G is restored. That means no calls/texts/data. For this reason, it's still best to get an unlocked phone that operates on the carrier you're currently with or the one you're are moving to.

Newer phones come unlocked if bought outright. But if on contract it will be locked until paid off.

Unlocked cell phone benefits

You may already know that Sprint and Verizon operate on the CDMA network while AT&T and T-Mobile use the GSM network. Luckily for you, technology has advanced to the point that most smartphones can be used on both the CDMA and GSM networks.

• Total freedom: Unlocked phones can operate on any carrier.
• Flexibility: You can switch carriers at any time if you find a better deal.
• Peace of mind: You don't have to worry that an unlocked phone is still under contract or is a stolen device.
• International service: Unlocked phones are much more flexible if you travel abroad on a regular basis. You can simply buy a SIM card designed for use in your destination country and avoid expensive roaming fees.

Considerations when buying an unlocked phone

Now that you know why buying a used or refurbished phone online is a budget-wise decision here are some things to keep in mind while shopping:

• Refurbished vs. used - used smartphones come as-is, while refurbs are devices which have been repaired and repackaged for sale.
• Returns - choose a seller with a solid return policy in case the item doesn't meet your expectations.
• Insurance - there are third-party companies that can offer you cell phone insurance even on a used phone.
• Certification - some sellers offer certified iPhones and Android devices so you can be sure it's been put through rigorous testing.
• Condition - some sellers use "grades" to indicate the phones condition. A is the best, B may have some minor wear, C has visible defects. Other sites use "Excellent", "Good", and "Fair" to convey the same information.
• Payment plans - more and more sites are offering device payments. These typically come with high interest so think hard before taking advantage of the offer.

Where to buy an unlocked phone

Once you're ready to make a purchase you'll be on the hunt for a reputable phone seller. Here are our favorites.

Decluttr

Decluttr allows users to buy and sell a variety of used items. When you buy a cell phone from Decluttr you get:

• Free shipping.
• 12-month limited warranty.
• Flexible payment options including credit cards and PayPal.

Glyde

Glyde is a little bit different - you're buying from private sellers but Glyde does all the work for you. In other words, you deal with Glyde, they deal with the seller. Advantages of Glyde include:

• Free shipping.
• Wide selection of late model smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S8.
• Price alert feature.
• Good prices.

Bring your phone to a cheaper carrier

If you're buying an unlocked phone in order to switch carriers you'll be happy to know you can save up to 50% off your cell phone bill by going with an MVNO.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators - MVNOs - are smaller carriers that buy or lease extra space on the big four networks. Lower overhead allows them to sell service to you at a lower cost than you'd pay a major wireless carrier.

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year

MVNO benefits

• Cheap cell phone plans.
• Service on the same reliable 4G LTE networks you're used to.
• Freedom from contracts, credit checks, and overage fees - cancel any time.
• Custom plans so you only pay for what you need.
• Bring your own phone and number.

MVNOs offer all the same options as the big guys. Choose exactly what you need - from family plans to unlimited data plans and everything in between.

Best cheap bring your own phone plans

Unlocked cell phones FAQs

Recap

Buying a used unlocked cell phone can save you more than 50% off retail. It's a great deal as long as you:

• Compare prices before buying.
• Choose a site or seller that meets your wants and needs (price, warranty, shipping, etc.)
• Make sure you're getting an unlocked phone so you can use it with any carrier.
• Compare cell phone plans to maximize your savings.

Finally, if you're keeping your current phone but want to use it on another network, learn how to unlock your own phone.