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Best unlocked Android phones in 2022

Best unlocked Android phones in 2022

best unlocked android phones
(Image credit: Tom'southward Guide)

The best unlocked Android phones give you ultimate control over your smartphone ownership feel, rather than buying your handset through a wireless carrier. When you buy a telephone unlocked, you can pick a device without having to commit to a specific carrier and wireless plan. And many of the all-time Android phones are available unlocked, given you ample choice.

Generally, these Android phones are sold directly past the phone makers themselves or through online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. And one time you've fabricated your choice, you tin start searching for the all-time cell phone plan from the telephone carrier of your choosing. While you'll have to pay more than upfront to buy a phone unlocked, information technology gives yous consummate control over your carrier, contract length, price and more.

  • All-time unlocked phones: More ownership options
  • OnePlus nine Pro vs. Milky way S21 Ultra: The ultimate Android phone face-off

So what are the best unlocked Android phones? And which i will best adapt your current budget? Hither are our current picks.

What are the best unlocked Android phones?

The best unlocked Android phone you tin get is the best value on this list — the Google Pixel 5a. Other phones boast more than premium features, but information technology'due south hard to shell the Pixel 5a splendid cameras and 5G compatibility that toll y'all less than $500. If you lot can afford to pay a little flake more, the Pixel 6, powered past Google'southward Tensor processor is also a smashing option.

Nosotros like the premium features in the OnePlus ix Pro, though the OnePlus 10 Pro is about to replace it. If you lot want premium features for less, the Samsung Milky way S21 Fe packs many of the same capabilities as the more than expensive members of the S21 lineup, only for a lower price.

Speaking of low prices, you'll find plenty oof low toll options on this best unlocked Android phones listing, including the Samsung Milky way A52 5G and Moto G Stylus. And if you're interested in foldables, and so we recall the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is your best bet since it starts at $999.

The all-time unlocked Android phones right at present

best unlocked phones: google pixel 5a

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

1. Google Pixel 5a

The best unlocked Android telephone you can purchase

Specifications

Display: half-dozen.43-inch OLED (2400 ten 1080)

CPU: Snapdragon 765G

RAM: 6GB

Storage / Expandable: 128GB / No

Rear camera: 12.2MP (ƒ/i.vii), 16MP (f/2.2)

Front camera: 8MP (ƒ/2.0)

Weight: 6.5 ounces

Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 9:45

Reasons to buy

+

Spectacular cameras

+

Big, bright brandish

+

IP67 water resistance

Reasons to avoid

-

Older chipset

-

Limited to U.s. and Japan

Because unlocked phones require you to pay the total cost upfront, we recollect the Google Pixel 5a is your best bet. While not the almost powerful device, it'due south got a slap-up camera and a low price tag that makes information technology the best midrange phone you lot can buy. It bests its predecessor, the Pixel 4a, with a bigger display and battery, plus 5G and a second photographic camera.

Cheers to Google's powerful photo software, the two cameras produce terrific shots. With a half dozen.43-inch display, this phone might be a bit large for some easily (and it'south considerably larger than the 4a). You lot'll too get a three.5mm headphone jack, a fleeting sight on smartphones these days.

For $449, the Pixel 5a is one of the all-time Android values right now. While it might have middling operation, its incredible cameras, big battery, and 5G make information technology a great phone to buy for budget-conscious buyers. Its biggest flaw is that it's limited to the United states of america and Japan.

Read our full Google Pixel 5a review .

Google Pixel 6 held in hand joins the best unlocked android phones

(Paradigm credit: Tom's Guide)

two. Google Pixel 6

All-time Android 12 experience

Specifications

Display: half dozen.4-inch OLED (2400 x 1080; 90Hz)

CPU: Google Tensor

RAM: 8GB

Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No

Rear cameras: 50MP main (ƒ/1.85), 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/ii.ii)

Front camera: 8MP (ƒ/two.0)

Weight: 7.3 ounces

Battery life (Hrs:Mins): eight:thirteen

Reasons to purchase

+

Costs less than $600

+

Tensor chip and Android 12 power terrific new features

+

Excellent cameras

Reasons to avoid

-

5G connectivity hampers bombardment life

-

Pixel half dozen Pro offers more premium features including a telephoto lens

The Google Pixel 6 introduces the world to Tensor, the first system-on-fleck designed by Google.You can wait performance comparable to the Snapdragon 888, merely the existent story here is Google's emphasis on machine learning. The Pixel six sports a number of software-powered features from new photograph editing skills to a smarter, more capable Google Assistant. Having Android 12 installed on the phone as well ways a pure Android experience.

Though the Google Pixel 6 Pro has the more impressive features — it's got a telephoto lens in addition to wide and ultrawide cameras, and its larger screen offers a 120Hz refresh charge per unit to the 90Hz rate on the standard Pixel 6 — we think this 6.4-inch phone is the better option for fans of unlocked devices. Yous can pick up a Pixel half dozen unlocked for $599, which is an extremely bonny price for such a feature-rich device.

Read our full Google Pixel 6 review .

Samsung galaxy s21 fe best unlocked android phone

(Epitome credit: Tom'south Guide)

3. Samsung Milky way S21 Iron

The best unlocked Android telephone from Samsung

Specifications

Brandish: six.four-inch OLED (2400 x 1080)

CPU: Snapdragon 888

RAM: 6GB, 8GB

Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No

Rear photographic camera: 12MP (f/1.8) main, 12MP (f/2.ii) ultrawide, 8MP telephoto (f/2.four)

Front camera: 32MP (ƒ/two.ii)

Weight: 6.2 ounces

Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 7:46

Reasons to buy

+

Depression cost compared to other S21 models

+

Snapdragon 888 chipset

+

Takes great photos

Reasons to avert

-

Subpar battery life

-

120Hz refresh rate isn't dynamic

If y'all're looking for an unlocked Samsung flagship phone that won't take too big a bite out of your wallet, the Galaxy S21 Iron is currently your best bet. You brand some merchandise-offs from the rest of the Milky way S21 lineup — there's not as much RAM and the display refresh rate must be adjusted manually — but in exchange, you pay $699. That'southward $100 less than the standard S21 and $500 less than the Milky way S21 Ultra.

Other than memory, refresh rate and the MP rating on the telephoto lens, the Galaxy S21 FE is substantially a member of the S21 family. You get the same Snapdragon 888 chipset, and a triple camera array capable of producing photos that can hold their own against any camera phone. (Nosotros're especially impressed by the Night mode on the S21 FE, which Samsung took pains to improve.) The display is overnice and bright, likewise.

About the merely reason to hesitate on getting the Galaxy S21 Fe is the looming Galaxy S22 launch. It may be worth waiting to see what features those phones evangelize, and how that affects pricing on Samsung's current devices.

Read our total Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review .

Best Unlocked android phones: Samsung Galaxy S21

(Prototype credit: Tom'south Guide)

4. Samsung Galaxy S21

A more full-featured Samsung pick

Specifications

Display: half-dozen.2-inch OLED (2400 x 1080; 48-120Hz)

CPU: Snapdragon 888

RAM: 8GB

Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No

Rear camera: 12MP (ƒ/i.viii) wide; 12MP (ƒ/2.2) ultrawide; 64MP (ƒ/2.0) telephoto with 3x optical zoom

Forepart photographic camera: 10MP (ƒ/ii.2)

Weight: 6.07 oz

Bombardment life (Hrs:Mins): 9:53 (60Hz); half dozen:31 (adaptive)

Reasons to purchase

+

Dynamic 120Hz refresh rate

+

Everyman price S21 model

+

Impressive camera assortment

Reasons to avert

-

No MicroSD card slot

-

High refresh charge per unit drains battery

The Samsung Galaxy S21 doesn't require the trade-offs of the Milky way S21 FE, and it'due south also cheaper than $1,199 Galaxy S21 Ultra, making it a good eye ground if you want an unlocked Android phone that'southward loaded with features.

Using the same Snapdragon 888 that's seen in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, this is 1 of the about powerful phones out in that location. This furnishings the camera which, while well-nigh identical to the Galaxy S20's in specs, makes use of the more powerful processor and AI for a vast comeback. However, yous do lost expandable storage with this handset and Samsung has likewise slightly downgraded the screen's resolution.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S21 review .

best unlocked android phones: oneplus 9 pro

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

v. OnePlus nine Pro

Another bang-up unlocked Android phone

Specifications

Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED (3168 ten 1440; 120Hz)

CPU: Snapdragon 888

RAM: 8GB, 12GB

Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No

Rear camera: 48MP (f/i.8) wide, 50MP (f/2.ii) ultrawide, 8MP (f/2.4) telephoto with 3.3x optical zoom, 2MP (f/2.four) monochrome

Front camera: 16MP (ƒ/2.4)

Weight: 6.ix ounces

Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:xl (120Hz) / 10:38 (60Hz)

Reasons to buy

+

Super fast charging

+

Powerful processor

+

120Hz refresh rate

+

Best OnePlus cameras nevertheless

Reasons to avoid

-

No IP rating for water resistance

-

More expensive

The OnePlus nine Pro is on the list for proficient reason: it'south an all-circular fantastic handset that, while more than expensive than whatever previous OnePlus phone, also offers some truly impressive specs.

You'll become incredibly fast charging at 65W thanks to OnePlus' proprietary technology. Nosotros were able to well-nigh fill up the phone'south drained 4,500 mAh battery subsequently half-an-hour of charging. That battery lasts virtually 11 hours on a charge, even when nosotros had enabled the OnePlus 9 Pro's adaptive display characteristic, which changes the screen's refresh rate depending on your activity.

It's non all perfect here with no official IP h2o resistance rating given to the OnePlus 9 Pro likewise equally some colour inconsistencies in photos shot past the nine Pro'south four rear cameras. Yet, these are pocket-size concerns in an otherwise fantabulous Android phone. More pregnant is the fact that OnePlus has revealed a new version, the OnePlus 10 Pro, that's shipping in Prc right at present and coming to other countries afterward on. You might want to concur off to see what the new OnePlus flagship has to offering.

Read our full OnePlus ix Pro review .

best unlocked android phones: moto g power 2021

(Image credit: Tom'south Guide)

6. Moto Yard Power (2021)

Affordable and packed with a giant battery

Specifications

Brandish: 6.six-inch LCD (1600 10 720)

CPU: Snapdragon 662

RAM: 3GB, 4GB

Storage / Expandable: 32GB, 64GB / Yeah

Rear camera: 48MP (ƒ/1.7) chief; 2MP (ƒ/2.four) macro; 2MP (ƒ/2.4) depth

Front camera: 8MP (ƒ/2.0)

Weight: vii.three ounces

Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 14:04

Reasons to purchase

+

Big battery

+

Low price tag

+

Attractive design for a upkeep telephone

Reasons to avoid

-

Not a very powerful screen

-

Ho-hum performance

Stepping away from the most popular brands of Samsung, Google and OnePlus, the Moto Thousand Power is a surprising standout choice for budget hunters, offering an impressive functioning for a low price.

The standout characteristic here is the handset'south battery. Offering a massive 5000 mAh battery, this is more powerful than... well, any other handset on this list including the Annotation xx Ultra and S21 Ultra. In fact, simply the previous Moto G Power tops the 2021 version on our best phone battery life list.

While the Moto Chiliad Ability (2021) doesn't use the most powerful processor around, the Snapdragon 662 inside the telephone will exist good enough for most users. The cameras are also surprisingly solid, given the low cost.

Outside of the battery, the price is the most appealing characteristic to the Moto G Power (2021), which is available starting at $199 if you don't opt for more than RAM and storage. A newer version of the phone — the Moto G Ability (2022) — offers more storage for $199, only it has a weaker processor that doesn't performa also. We'd still recommend the 2021 model betwixt the two.

Read our total Moto G Power (2021) review .

best unlocked android phones: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G

(Epitome credit: Tom's Guide)

vii. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G

A super affordable Samsung handset

Specifications

Brandish: 6.5-inch AMOLED (2400 x 1080)

CPU: Snapdragon 750G

RAM: 6GB

Storage / Expandable: 128/256GB / Yep

Rear camera: 64MP main (ƒ/1.viii), 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2), 5MP macro (ƒ/2.4), 5MP depth (ƒ/two.4)

Front photographic camera: 32MP (ƒ/ii.two)

Weight: 6.67 ounces

Bombardment life (Hrs:Mins): 12:19 (60Hz), x:19 (120Hz)

Reasons to buy

+

120Hz refresh rate

+

Affordable 5G device

+

Long-lasting battery

Reasons to avoid

-

More powerful Samsung phones available

Like the Google Pixel 5a, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is a brilliant Android phone for those on a tighter budget. Despite being the cheapest Samsung handset on our list of the best unlocked Android phones, the A52 all the same offers some impressive features for a midrange handset.

Not but does the Milky way A52 work on 5G networks, simply its 4,500 mAh lasts a long time on a charge — more than 12 hours when y'all apply the phone with its brandish gear up to a 60Hz refresh rate. Unlike a lot of other midrange phones, though, yous tin can ramp upward that refresh charge per unit to 120Hz. That puts a hit on battery life, only yous will get a smoother scrolling screen equally office of the tradeoff.

The main rear lens takes some good photos, though the other 3 rear cameras don't add much to the party. Still, for less than $500, you can get a very capable device that delivers on some of the most important things smartphone shoppers are looking for.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy A52 5G review .

Moto G Stylus 5G comes with its own stylus making it one of the best unlocked android phones

(Prototype credit: Tom'south Guide)

viii. Moto G Stylus 5G

A upkeep unlocked Android phone with a stylus

Specifications

Display: 6.8-inch LCD (2400 x 1080)

CPU: Snapdragon 480 5G

RAM: 6GB

Storage / Expandable: 256GB / Yep

Rear camera: 8MP (f/1.7) main, 8MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 5MP (f/2.ii) macro, 2MP (f/ii.4) depth

Front end camera: 16MP (f/2.2)

Weight: vii.67 oz

Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:l

Reasons to buy

+

Handy born stylus

+

Excellent battery life

Reasons to avoid

-

Unimpressive cameras

-

Limited software updates

More expensive phones similar the Samsung Milky way S21 Ultra now offer stylus support with Samsung's S Pen, but the Moto Thou Stylus 5G proves you don't demand to spend big bucks for a phone with a handy input device. The stylus pops out of the Motorola telephone's frame for easy notation-taking and photograph editing.

For $399, you lot get a 5G-capable telephone that lasts a long fourth dimension on a charge — nearly 11 hours on our bombardment examination. The cameras are very unremarkable, but this is a good productivity booster for Android users on a budget.

Read our full Moto M Stylus 5G review .

OnePlus Nord N200 5G review

(Epitome credit: Tom'due south Guide)

nine. OnePlus Nord N200 5G

The cheapest unlocked 5G phone

Specifications

Brandish: half dozen.49-inch LCD (2400 ten 1080; 90Hz)

CPU: Snapdragon 480 5G

RAM: 4GB

Storage / Expandable: 64GB / Yes

Rear camera: 13MP (f/2.2), 2MP (f/2.4) macro. 2MP (f/2.4) depth sensor

Front camera: 16MP (f/2.one)

Weight: half dozen.67 oz

Bombardment life (Hrs:Mins): ten:28

Reasons to buy

+

Excellent fast-refreshing display

+

The everyman-price for a 5G phone we've nonetheless seen

+

Good battery life

Reasons to avoid

-

Subpar cameras

-

Limited software updates

Phones that work with 5G networks no longer demand to flirt with $1,000 prices. Device makers accept rolled out cheaper 5G phones, and OnePlus lowers the threshold even further with the OnePlus Nord N200 5G.

While this is certainly a budget phone — the disappointing camera performance confirms that — you practise get some premium features in the OnePlus Nord N200 5G, including a 90Hz refresh rate that produces smoother scrolling than what more expensive phones with 60Hz displays can yield. We also similar the battery life, which outperformed the boilerplate smartphone fifty-fifty with the faster refresh charge per unit enabled.

The OnePlus Nord N200 5G is available through T-Mobile, only OnePlus also sells its new budget phone unlocked, both at its ain store and at diverse retailers. If you lot're looking to go a 5G phone without spending large bucks, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G certainly deserves some consideration.

Read our full OnePlus Nord N200 5G review .

samsung galaxy z flip 3 is a better option for the best unlocked android phones now that it's less than $1,000

(Image credit: Tom'south Guide)

10. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

The best unlocked Android phone with a foldable screen

Specifications

Brandish: 6.vii-inch AMOLED (2640 x 1080; 120Hz) inner, 1.9-inch AMOLED (260 x 512; 60Hz) outer

CPU: Snapdragon 888

RAM: 8GB

Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No

Rear camera: 12MP (f/1.8) primary, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide

Front end camera: 10MP (f/2.4)

Weight: 6.five oz

Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 5:43 (adaptive); half dozen:00 (60Hz)

Reasons to buy

+

Great price for a foldable

+

More durable than earlier

+

Bigger comprehend display

Reasons to avoid

-

Weak battery life

-

Noticeable crease where brandish folds

Up until now, foldable phones take not really been viable options as unlocked devices, equally their loftier price tags meant paying well over $1,000 in one go. Merely the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 changes that, at present that Samsung has dropped the price to $999.

You lot go a very bonny flip phone with that opens to reveal a foldable 6.vii-inch display. This version of the Flip features a much larger external display, which is skilful for notifications and a view finder that saves you from having to open up the telephone.

We wish battery life was much better on this device — information technology's easily the biggest marker confronting the Galaxy Z Flip 3. But if you're committed to unlocked devices and you want a foldable phone, this is the i to get.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip three review .

What is an unlocked Android phone?

When it comes to buying a new telephone, you lot have two options — an unlocked device or one that'due south tied to a phone carrier. In a nutshell, unlocked simply means y'all are getting a phone with no connections to a carrier yet.

This allows you to hand pick one of the best cell phone plans for your phone. While unlocked phones are nigh always the cheaper choice overall, you practise have to pay for the telephone upward front. (Carriers allow you pay off your phone in installments to continue you tied to their service.)

Merely with 1 of the all-time unlocked Android phones, you're free to cull a cheap programme from somewhere similar Mint Mobile or opt for service with more of the bells and whistles from AT&T or Verizon.

How we test the best unlocked Android phones

Nosotros review every phone we feature in these guides, putting them through rigorous testing. That includes criterion testing to measure the processor and graphics performance, as well equally a battery test in which we see how long a fully charged phone can final when it surfs the web continuously. Additional tests include measuring the colour accurateness and brightness of displays.

We also consider how much a phone costs, and how available it is. A consideration specific to the best unlocked Android phones is whether they work on all networks — some unlocked phones don't take the necessary bands to work with certain carriers.

To assemble our guide, nosotros consider different cost ranges, features and capabilities. This means you'll see a good mix of more than affordable handsets and flagship phones.

Jordan is the Phones Editor for Tom's Guide, roofing all things phone-related. He's written well-nigh phones for over five years and plans to go along for a long while to come. He loves nothing more relaxing in his habitation with a book, game, or his latest personal writing project. Jordan likes finding new things to dive into, from books and games to new mechanical keyboard switches and fun keycap sets. Hashemite kingdom of jordan tends to lurk on social media, but you can best achieve him on Twitter.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-unlocked-android-phones

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