Best cheap unlocked cell phones in 2022
Are you looking for the cheapest unlocked phone? We can help you find the best deal while saving up to $600 a year, per line.
At a time when all your household costs are increasing, your cell phone bill doesn't need to be one of them. At MoneySavingPro we can help you find the unlocked phone you want, on your favorite network, at a much lower cost.
If you've not heard of MVNOs, you're not alone. They're low-cost carriers that operate on the three major US networks, offering the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage but with plans starting as low as $10 a month.
Buying a phone directly from a major network may look like a good deal initially but after factoring in the cost of their over-priced unlimited data plans over 3 years, you could end up paying as much as $2,000 more than you need to!
We've compiled a list of the cheapest unlocked phones from low-cost carriers, so you can find the best phone deal at the cheapest price without sacrificing your wireless service.
Best cheap unlocked iPhones
- Retailer
- Visible
- Storage
- 256GB
- Network
- Verizon
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $18/mo0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) has 256GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7" screen and 12MP camera. This new iPhone SE (2nd Gen) is available from Visible with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $18/mo.
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 4.7" |
| Display | Retina HD |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes |
| Battery life (video playback) | 13 hours |
| Processor | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Single |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 7MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
| Size | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29in |
| Weight | 5.22oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | iOS 13 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | IP67 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Apple iPhone 12 128GB Unlocked
* Free $200 virtual gift card
- Retailer
- Visible
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- Verizon
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $27/mo*0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone 12 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1" screen and 12MP camera. This new iPhone 12 is available from Visible with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $27/mo.
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes |
| Battery life (video playback) | 17 hours |
| Processor | A14 Bionic Chip |
| RAM | 4GB |
| 5G | Yes |
| Cameras | Dual |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 12MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
| Size | 5.78 x 2.81 x 0.29in |
| Weight | 5.78oz |
| Optical zoom | 2x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | iOS 14 |
| Screen protection | Ceramic Shield |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Face ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Apple iPhone 13 128GB Unlocked
* Free $250 virtual gift card
- Retailer
- Visible
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- Verizon
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $29/mo*0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone 13 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1" screen and 12MP camera. This new iPhone 13 is available from Visible with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $29/mo.
| Storage | 128GB |
| Screen size | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes |
| Battery life (video playback) | 19 hours |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB |
| 5G | Yes |
| Cameras | Dual |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 12MP |
| Video resolution | 4K UHD, FHD,HD |
| Size | 5.78 x 2.81 x 0.3in |
| Weight | 6.14oz |
| Optical zoom | 2x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | iOS 15.x |
| Screen protection | Ceramic Shield |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | 3D Face unlock |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Cheapest unlocked iPhone prices
| Phone | Carrier | Network | Monthly Price | Total Cost | Apple iPhone SE | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $18/mo for 24 mths | $429 | Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $18/mo for 24 mths | $432 | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $21/mo for 24 mths | $499 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $25/mo for 24 mths | $599 | Apple iPhone 12 | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $27/mo for 24 mths | $649 | Apple iPhone 13 | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $29/mo for 24 mths | $699 | Apple iPhone 14 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $35/mo for 24 mths | $829 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $37/mo for 24 mths | $899 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $37/mo for 24 mths | $899 | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $39/mo for 24 mths | $929 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $46/mo for 24 mths | $1,099 |
|---|
Best cheap unlocked Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy A12 Unlocked
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 32GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $9/mo*0% APR for 18 mths
The Samsung Galaxy A12 has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5" screen and 48MP camera. This new Galaxy A12 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $9/mo.
| Storage | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB |
| Screen size | 6.5" |
| Display | PLS TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes |
| Battery life (video playback) | 21 hours |
| Processor | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 |
| RAM | 2GB, 6GB |
| 5G | No |
| Cameras | Quad |
| Rear camera | 48MP |
| Camera type | 48MP |
| Front camera | 8MP |
| Video resolution | HD |
| Size | 6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35in |
| Weight | 7.23oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | Android 10, One UI 3.1 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | No |
| Wireless charging | No |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | 3D face unlock and fingerprint |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Samsung Galaxy A32 Unlocked
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $17/mo*0% APR for 18 mths
The Samsung Galaxy A32 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5" screen and 48MP camera. This new Galaxy A32 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $17/mo.
| Storage | 64GB |
| Screen size | 6.5" |
| Display | HD+ TFT |
| Resolution | 1600 x 720 |
| HDR screen | No |
| Battery life (video playback) | 32 hours |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 720 |
| RAM | 4GB, 8GB |
| 5G | Yes |
| Cameras | Quad |
| Rear camera | 48MP |
| Camera type | 48MP |
| Front camera | 13MP |
| Video resolution | UHD 4K |
| Size | 6.46 x 3 x 0.36in |
| Weight | 7.23oz |
| Optical zoom | No |
| Night mode | No |
| OS | Android 11 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | No |
| Wireless charging | No |
| eSIM | No |
| Secure Autdentication | Touch ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Cheapest unlocked Samsung phone prices
| Phone | Carrier | Network | Monthly Price | Total Cost | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $9/mo for 18 mths | $169 | Samsung Galaxy A21 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $10/mo for 18 mths | $179 | Samsung Galaxy A03s | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $11/mo for 18 mths | $189 | Samsung Galaxy S10e | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $15/mo for 24 mths | $349 | Samsung Galaxy A13 | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $16/mo for 12 mths | $192 | Samsung Galaxy S20 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $16/mo for 24 mths | $379 | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $17/mo for 18 mths | $299 | Samsung Galaxy S10 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $17/mo for 24 mths | $399 | Samsung Galaxy S10+ | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $17/mo for 24 mths | $399 | Samsung Galaxy S21+ | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $20/mo for 24 mths | $479 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $20/mo for 24 mths | $479 | Samsung Galaxy S21 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $21/mo for 24 mths | $499 | Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $23/mo for 24 mths | $549 | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $29/mo for 24 mths | $699 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $33/mo for 24 mths | $799 | Samsung Galaxy S22+ | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $36/mo for 24 mths | $869 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $46/mo for 24 mths | $1,099 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $79/mo for 24 mths | $1,899 |
|---|
Cheapest unlocked phones benefits
Low-cost carriers offer the same phones as the big three, from the latest Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones to budget-friendly Motorola phones.
If flexibility is important, unlocked cell phones from MVNOs can give you the freedom you're looking for, along with plenty of other benefits.
- Save money: Low-cost carriers offer the cheapest unlocked phones while saving you up to $600 per year, per line.
- No long-term commitment: Find a selection of unlocked cell phones that don't tie you to one network or carrier. So you can leave at any time without additional costs.
- Cheap monthly payments: Many low-cost carriers offer affordable interest-free payment plans on their phones along with cell phone plans starting from only $10 a month.
- Unlimited data plan: There's still the option of unlimited data phone plans, however unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited, so be sure to check the small print.
- 5G compatible: If you want access to the fast 5G network, there are plenty of cheap unlocked 5G phones to choose from.
- iPhone deals: Whether you're looking for the latest Apple iPhone or a cheap iPhone SE, you'll find the cheapest unlocked iPhones with MVNOs.
- Phones for seniors: Choose from a range of the cheapest unlocked cell phones suitable for seniors, including basic cell phones or popular flip phones.
- Phones for kids: Low-cost carriers offer a variety of cheap unlocked phones, and for even more savings they offer the best family phone plans with multi-line discounts.
Cheap refurbished unlocked phones
Refurbished unlocked iPhones
The Apple iPhone 7 has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 7 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $71.
The Apple iPhone 8 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 8 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $102.
The Apple iPhone X has 256GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone X is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $199.
The Apple iPhone XS has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone XS is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $209.
The Apple iPhone XR has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone XR is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $190.
Refurbished unlocked Samsung phones
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.5" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S7 edge is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $57.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S8 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $99.
The Samsung Galaxy S9 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S9 is available from Back Market with AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $97.
The Samsung Galaxy S10 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1" screen and 16MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S10 is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $130.
The Samsung Galaxy Note9 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.4" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy Note9 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $145.
The Samsung Galaxy Note10 has 256GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.3" screen and 16MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy Note10 is available from Back Market with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $200.
Cheapest cell phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile 500MB plan | 500MB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $5* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10 |
| Twigby 4GB plan | 4GB | Verizon | $10** $10 Off for 3 Months |
| Mint Mobile 10GB plan | 10GB | T-Mobile | $20** 3 Months FREE: $60 for 6 mths service |
| Mint Mobile unlimited data plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30** 3 Months FREE: $90 for 6 mths service |
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | |
Cheap unlocked phones FAQs
Who has the cheapest unlocked phones?
The best value unlocked phones are available from MVNOs. Deals are changing constantly, but you'll find some affordable prices, and sometimes discounts, on certain handsets.
Are unlocked phones a good deal?
Compared to getting tied into a lengthy contract, unlocked cell phones could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. As well as saving you money without a contract they give you the flexibility to change plans or phones when it suits you.
Recap
Whether you're looking for the latest iPhone or just a cheap cell phone, Mobile Virtual Network Operators can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
MVNOs, like Visible or Mint Mobile, offer unlocked phones with cheap plans, often with interest-free payments over 12-24 months.
Although the major networks offer to finance over 36 months, being tied into their over-priced unlimited data plans for 3 years could mean wasting as much as $2,000!
Compare deals from low-cost carriers to find the best unlocked cell phones at the cheapest price.
