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10 Best Budget Unlocked Smartphone 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Motorola Moto G - 2025 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Forest Gray
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.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,275
Display
Camera
Battery Life
Most important from
4368 reviews
#2
Google Pixel 9a with Gemini - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Incredible Camera and AI Photo Editing, All-Day Battery, and Powerful Security - Peony - 128 GB
The Google Pixel 9a is a strong candidate for anyone looking for an affordable unlocked smartphone with reliable features. It sports a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display with a 60-120 Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals that suit everyday use and media consumption. With 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, it offers enough memory and space for typical apps, photos, and some videos, which is generous for this price range.
Rating
9.4
Display
Processor
Camera
Most important from
1109 reviews
#3
Google Pixel 10 - Unlocked Android Smartphone - Gemini AI Assistant - Advanced Triple Rear Camera, Fast-Charging 24+ Hour Battery, and 6.3" Actua Display - Frost - 128 GB (2025 Model)
The Google Pixel 10 is a solid choice if you're looking for a budget unlocked smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance or camera quality. It sports a bright and sharp 6.3-inch Actua display with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and viewing videos feel fluid and clear, even outdoors thanks to its high brightness. Powered by Google’s latest Tensor G5 chip and paired with 12 GB of RAM, it handles everyday tasks, apps, and multitasking with ease—something you don't usually get in typical budget phones. Storage is set at 128 GB, which should be enough for most users to save apps, photos, and media without worrying about running out of space quickly.
Rating
9.1
Display
Camera
Operating System
Most important from
285 reviews
Top 10 Best Budget Unlocked Smartphone 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Motorola Moto G - 2025 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Forest Gray
Motorola Moto G - 2025 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Forest Gray
Display: 6.7-inch HD+, 120Hz
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 128 GB
Camera: 50MP rear, 16MP front
Battery Life: 5000mAh
Operating System: Android 15
Chosen by 1275 this week
Google Pixel 9a with Gemini - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Incredible Camera and AI Photo Editing, All-Day Battery, and Powerful Security - Peony - 128 GB
Google Pixel 9a with Gemini - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Incredible Camera and AI Photo Editing, All-Day Battery, and Powerful Security - Peony - 128 GB
Display: 6.3-inch FHD+ 60-120 Hz
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 128 GB
Camera: Pixel Camera with Macro Focus
Battery Life: 4300 mAh, 30+ hrs use
Operating System: Android 15
Google Pixel 10 - Unlocked Android Smartphone - Gemini AI Assistant - Advanced Triple Rear Camera, Fast-Charging 24+ Hour Battery, and 6.3" Actua Display - Frost - 128 GB (2025 Model)
Google Pixel 10 - Unlocked Android Smartphone - Gemini AI Assistant - Advanced Triple Rear Camera, Fast-Charging 24+ Hour Battery, and 6.3" Actua Display - Frost - 128 GB (2025 Model)
Display: 6.3-inch Actua, 120 Hz
Processor: Google Tensor G5
RAM: 12 GB
Storage: 128 GB
Camera: Triple rear, 5x telephoto, 20x zoom
Battery Life: 4970 mAh, 24+ hours
Operating System: Android 16
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G A Series Cell Phone, 256GB Unlocked Android Smartphone, AMOLED Display, Rugged Design, US Version, 2025, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty, Awesome Lavender
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G A Series Cell Phone, 256GB Unlocked Android Smartphone, AMOLED Display, Rugged Design, US Version, 2025, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty, Awesome Lavender
Display: 6.6-inch AMOLED, FHD+, 120 Hz
Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, 2.4 GHz
RAM: 6 GB
Storage: 256 GB
Camera: Front and rear, night mode
Battery Life: 5000 mAh
Operating System: Android 14, ONE UI 6.0
Motorola Moto G 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Sage Green
Motorola Moto G 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Sage Green
Display: 6.6 Inches, 120Hz, 1612x720
Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 128 GB, expandable via microSD
Camera: 50MP, Macro Vision lens
Battery Life: 5000mAh
Operating System: Android 14
Build Quality: Vegan leather back
Related Products
Up to 23% off
OnePlus Open, 16GB RAM+512GB, Dual-SIM, Emerald Dusk, US Factory Unlocked Android Smartphone, 4805 mAh Battery, 67W Fast Charging, Hasselblad Camera, 120Hz Fluid Display
OnePlus Open, 16GB RAM+512GB, Dual-SIM, Emerald Dusk, US Factory Unlocked Android Smartphone, 4805 mAh Battery, 67W Fast Charging, Hasselblad Camera, 120Hz Fluid Display
Display: 6.31-inch exterior, 7.82-inch interior
Processor: Snapdragon
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 512 GB
Camera: 48MP primary, 48MP ultra-wide, 64MP zoom
Battery Life: 4805 mAh
Operating System: Android 13.0
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/256GB | 50MP Camera | Caramel Latte
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/256GB | 50MP Camera | Caramel Latte
Display: 6.7-inch pOLED, 2400 x 1080, 120Hz
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB, expandable
Camera: 50MP with Optical Image Stabilization
Battery Life: 5000mAh, 30W TurboPower charging
Operating System: Android 14
Build Quality: Robust, plastic, vegan leather finish
Motorola Moto G Play | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 50MP Camera | Sapphire Blue
Motorola Moto G Play | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 50MP Camera | Sapphire Blue
Display: 6.5 Inches, 1600 x 720, 90 Hz
Processor: Snapdragon 680, 2.4 GHz
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB, expandable to 1TB
Camera: 50MP (12.5MP effective)
Battery Life: 5000mAh
Operating System: Android 13
Build Quality: Sleek design, splash resistance
Google Pixel 9 - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Gemini, 24-Hour Battery, Advanced Camera, and 6.3" Actua Display - Obsidian - 128 GB
Google Pixel 9 - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Gemini, 24-Hour Battery, Advanced Camera, and 6.3" Actua Display - Obsidian - 128 GB
Display: 6.3", 1500x844, 120Hz
Processor: 3.1 GHz
RAM: 12 GB
Storage: 128 GB
Camera: 50 MP main, 48 MP ultra
Battery Life: 4700 mAh, 24h talk time
Operating System: Android 14
#10
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, 5G Connectivity, US Version, 2025, Blue Black
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, 5G Connectivity, US Version, 2025, Blue Black
Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 1880 x 2340
Processor: 2.4 GHz
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 128 GB, expandable to 1.5 TB
Camera: Triple-lens
Operating System: Android 14, One UI
Build Quality: IP54 rating
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Buying Guide for the Best Budget Unlocked Smartphone
Choosing the right budget-unlocked smartphone can be a bit overwhelming given the variety of options available. However, focusing on key specifications can help you make an informed decision. It's important to consider what you need from your smartphone and how you plan to use it. Here are some key specs to look at and how to navigate them.DisplayThe display is the screen of the smartphone, and it's important because it's the primary way you interact with your device. Displays come in various sizes and resolutions. Smaller screens (around 5 inches) are more compact and easier to handle, while larger screens (6 inches and above) are better for media consumption and gaming. Resolution affects the clarity of the display; higher resolutions like Full HD (1080p) or higher provide sharper images. Choose a display size and resolution based on your usage habits—if you watch a lot of videos or play games, a larger, higher-resolution screen might be better.
ProcessorThe processor is the brain of the smartphone, determining how fast and efficiently it can run apps and perform tasks. Budget smartphones typically come with mid-range processors. For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, a quad-core processor should suffice. If you plan to use more demanding apps or multitask frequently, look for a smartphone with an octa-core processor. Your choice should depend on how intensive your usage is; more cores generally mean better performance.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) affects how well your smartphone can handle multiple tasks at once. More RAM allows for smoother multitasking and better performance in apps. Budget smartphones usually come with 2GB to 4GB of RAM. If you use your phone for basic tasks, 2GB might be enough. For more intensive use, such as gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously, 3GB or 4GB would be better. Consider your multitasking needs when choosing the amount of RAM.
StorageStorage is where your smartphone keeps all your apps, photos, videos, and other data. Budget smartphones typically offer 16GB to 64GB of internal storage. If you don't store a lot of media or apps, 16GB might be sufficient. However, if you take a lot of photos, download many apps, or store videos, you should look for at least 32GB or 64GB. Some smartphones also offer expandable storage via microSD cards, which can be a cost-effective way to increase storage capacity.
CameraThe camera is important for capturing photos and videos. Budget smartphones usually have cameras ranging from 8MP to 16MP. Higher megapixels generally mean better image quality, but other factors like aperture and sensor size also play a role. If you enjoy photography, look for a smartphone with a higher megapixel count and additional features like HDR and night mode. For casual use, a basic camera with fewer megapixels will suffice.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your smartphone can last on a single charge. Budget smartphones typically have batteries ranging from 3000mAh to 5000mAh. Larger batteries generally mean longer usage times. If you're a heavy user who spends a lot of time on your phone, look for a smartphone with a larger battery capacity. For lighter use, a smaller battery might be adequate. Consider your daily usage patterns when choosing battery capacity.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that runs on your smartphone. Most budget smartphones use Android, which offers a wide range of apps and customization options. Ensure the smartphone runs a recent version of the OS to get the latest features and security updates. If you prefer a more streamlined experience, look for a smartphone with a clean or near-stock version of Android. Your choice should depend on your preference for customization and the availability of apps.