Best unlocked phones in July
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.
Best unlocked iPhones
Apple iPhone 12 mini Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Unlocked) | 64GB | $479 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (AT&T) | 64GB | $479 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Verizon) | 64GB | $729 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $729 |
Screen Size | 5.4" |
Screen Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | Dual 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 135g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Great compact size
Excellent camera
5G compatible
Brilliant OLED display
Cons
Battery life
No tele lens
Apple iPhone 12 Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 (Unlocked) | 64GB | $579 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (AT&T) | 64GB | $579 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (Verizon) | 64GB | $829 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $829 |
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | Dual 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 20 hours |
Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 164g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Attractive design
Fantastic audio quality
5G compatible
Amazing OLED display
Cons
No charger or headphones included
Battery life
Not much camera upgrade
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (Unlocked) | 128GB | $749 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (AT&T) | 128GB | $749 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (Verizon) | 128GB | $999 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $999 |
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 189g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Bright and colorful OLED display
Good photo quality
5G compatible
Good quality speakers
Attractive design
Cons
Shorter battery life than iPhone 11
No charger or headphones included
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (Unlocked) | 128GB | $849 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (AT&T) | 128GB | $849 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (Verizon) | 128GB | $1,099 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $1,099 |
Screen Size | 6.7" |
Screen Resolution | 2778 x 1284 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 228g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Durable and water resistant
Large OLED screen
5G compatible
Great battery life and fast charging
Photo and video quality
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
No charger or headphones
Apple iPhone SE Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE (Refurbished) | 64GB | $360 |
| Apple iPhone SE (Unlocked) | 64GB | $149 |
| Apple iPhone SE (AT&T) | 64GB | $149 |
| Apple iPhone SE (Verizon) | 64GB | $399 |
| Apple iPhone SE (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $359 |
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
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
Model | Condition | Memory | Compatibility | Price | New | 64GB | AT&T | $349 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $649 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $749 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $579 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $479 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $749 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $849 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $149 | New | 64GB | Verizon | $499 |
|---|
Best unlocked Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21 (Unlocked) | 128GB | $550 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 (AT&T) | 128GB | $550 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $799 |
Screen Size | 6.2" |
Screen Resolution | 1080 x 2400 |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Qualcomm SM8350 snapdragon 888 pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
Back Camera | 12MP, 64MP, 12MP |
Front Camera | 10MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 8K, 4K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm |
Weight | 169g |
Splash Proof | Yes |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Cons
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ (Refurbished) | 128GB | $545 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ (Unlocked) | 128GB | $750 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ (AT&T) | 128GB | $750 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $999 |
Screen Size | 6.7" |
Screen Resolution | 1080 x 2400 |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Qualcomm SM8350 snapdragon 888 pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
Back Camera | 12MP, 64MP, 12MP |
Front Camera | 10MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 8K, 4K, 1080p |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm |
Weight | 200g |
Splash Proof | Yes |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Cons
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 (Unlocked) | 128GB | $749 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 (AT&T) | 128GB | $749 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $949 |
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
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra (Unlocked) | 128GB | $1,249 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $1,249 |
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
Samsung Galaxy A11 Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A11 (Refurbished) | 32GB | $103 |
| Samsung Galaxy A11 (Unlocked) | 32GB | $50 |
| Samsung Galaxy A11 (AT&T) | 32GB | $50 |
Screen Size | 6.3" |
Screen Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Internal Memory | 32GB |
Operating System | Android 10 |
Back Camera | 13MP, 5MP, 2MP |
Front Camera | 8MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | FHD |
Wireless Charging | No |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 161.4 x 76.3 x 8mm |
Weight | 177g |
Splash Proof | No |
Water Resistant | No |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Model Number | SM-A115AZKAATT |
Pros
Android 10.0 OS
Triple rear camera
3.5mm headphone jack
MicroSD slot
Cons
Not waterproof
No LED flash on front camera
No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy A21 Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A21 (Unlocked) | 32GB | $50 |
| Samsung Galaxy A21 (AT&T) | 32GB | $50 |
| Samsung Galaxy A21 (Verizon) | 32GB | $279 |
| Samsung Galaxy A21 (T-Mobile) | 32GB | $229 |
Screen Size | 6.5" |
Screen Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels |
HDR Screen | No pixels |
Internal Memory | 32GB |
Operating System | Android 10 |
Back Camera | 48MP, 8MP, 2MP, 2MP |
Front Camera | 13MP |
HDR for Photos | No |
Video Resolution | FHD |
Wireless Charging | No |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.3 x 8.9mm |
Weight | 192g |
Splash Proof | No |
Water Resistant | No |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Pros
Large 6.5" screen
Amazing quad camera
Powerful battery
Excellent front camera
Cons
No Gorilla glass protection
No wireless charging
Plastic body
Samsung Galaxy A51 Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A51 (Refurbished) | 128GB | $179 |
| Samsung Galaxy A51 (Unlocked) | 128GB | $329 |
| Samsung Galaxy A51 (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $329 |
Screen Size | 6.3" |
Screen Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Exynos 9611 pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB |
Operating System | Android 10 |
Back Camera | 48MP, 12MP, 5MP, 5MP |
Front Camera | 32MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | UHD 4K |
Wireless Charging | No |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 28 hours |
Dimensions | 158.5 x 73.6 x 7.9mm |
Weight | 172g |
Splash Proof | No |
Water Resistant | No |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Pros
Compact and light
Excellent camera
Super AMOLED display
Dedicated microSD slot
Cons
Camera performance in low light
No video stabilization in 4K
Average battery life
Compare unlocked Samsung phone deals
Model | Condition | Memory | Compatibility | Price | New | 32GB | AT&T | $50 | New | 32GB | AT&T | $50 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $50 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $399 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $329 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $499 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $599 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $749 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $1,249 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $450 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $550 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $950 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $750 | New | 256GB | T-Mobile | $1,399 |
|---|
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 $540 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/yr | |
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr | |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $45/mo | $540/yr | |
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
Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $7.50** 25% Off for 6 Months | |
AT&T | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $15** 25% Off for 3 Months | |
T-Mobile & Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $25** $20 Off for 3 Months | |
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $20** $60 for 3 Months Service | |
AT&T | Unltd | Unltd | 6GB | $22.50** 25% Off for 3 Months |
Unlocked cell phones FAQs
Where can I buy unlocked phones?
There's a great selection of unlocked phones online. Most MVNOs offer a range of the latest handsets unlocked, with options for an interest free payment plan.
Can you put any SIM card into an unlocked phone?
Unlocked phones will accept SIM cards from most carriers, however it's always best to check phone compatibility first. Handsets made in the last few years are compatible with both the GSM and CDMA network, but some older models may only work with one or the other.
Is it better to buy an unlocked phone?
An unlocked phone means you can change carriers whenever you want and you're not tied to a specific network. Which can save you money in the long run.
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.
Deal of the Month: Pure Talk - $250 Off iPhone 12