10 Best Budget Unlocked Smartphone 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G offers a lot of value in the budget-unlocked-smartphone category. It features a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1880 x 2340, providing a vivid and clear viewing experience ideal for consuming content like videos and browsing the web. The phone is powered by a 2.4 GHz processor coupled with 4 GB of RAM, which should handle most everyday tasks smoothly, though it may struggle with heavy multitasking or high-end games.

With 128 GB of internal storage and the option to expand up to 1.5 TB, there's plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos. The triple-lens camera system is a standout for a budget phone, allowing for versatile photography options, though the quality might not match higher-end models in low light. Battery life is another strong point, with fast charging capabilities that ensure you can quickly top up when needed.

Running on Android 14 with Samsung's One UI, you'll benefit from a user-friendly interface and six years of OS and security updates, making it a long-lasting investment. The phone’s build quality is enhanced with an IP54 rating, providing some resistance to dust and splashes, but it may not withstand harsher environments. The Galaxy A16 5G is an excellent choice for those seeking a capable, feature-rich phone without breaking the bank.

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.

The Moto G Play 2024 is a budget-friendly, unlocked smartphone that offers a solid set of features for everyday use. With a 6.5-inch HD+ display and a 90Hz refresh rate, the screen provides a smooth and decent visual experience, albeit with a lower resolution compared to more premium models. The Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM deliver adequate performance for basic tasks and casual entertainment, although it may struggle with more intensive applications and multitasking.

The 64GB of storage, expandable by up to 1TB via microSD card, ensures you have plenty of space for apps, photos, and media files. The 50MP camera, which effectively delivers 12.5MP images, is a notable feature, capable of capturing bright and detailed photos under good lighting conditions. However, as expected in this price range, low-light performance may not be as impressive. Battery life is a strong point, with a 5000mAh battery that provides ample power to get through an entire day of usage without needing a recharge.

The phone runs on Android 13, offering the latest features and improvements in the Android ecosystem. The build quality is decent with a sleek design and splash resistance, although it is not waterproof. The inclusion of stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos is a pleasant surprise, enhancing the audio experience for media consumption. This smartphone is ideal for users seeking an economical device that covers the essentials without breaking the bank, making it a good choice for students, budget-conscious consumers, or as a secondary phone.