Whether you’re planning an international trip or you just prefer not to be financially tied to your carrier, it’s never a bad idea to buy your next phone unlocked. Amazon has a huge selection of unlocked phones to choose from, including the ever-popular Galaxy S10+, and the options span across all different price ranges.
The best
Samsung Galaxy S10+
Staff pick
The Galaxy S10+ is one of the most versatile and powerful phones on the market. You get top-end specs across the board, plus all of the hardware features you expect: an excellent display, waterproofing, wireless charging, an SD card slot, a headphone jack, and more. The cameras are consistent and capable, and the software will do anything you want adfter a little configuration.
$995 at Amazon
Best under $800
Samsung Galaxy S10e
Not everyone wants a huge phone, nor can they afford the price usually associated with it. That’s where the Galaxy S10e comes in: it’s essentially identical to the Galaxy S10, but comes in at a more manageable size that just about anyone can handle. It cuts back in battery life and screen resolution, but is otherwise the same great experience we know and love from the S10 — for a couple hundred dollars less.
$750 at Amazon
Best under $400
Google Pixel 3a
The Pixel 3a’s shining feature is its camera, which is lifted straight from the Pixel 3. It produces stunning photos in all lighting conditions, blowing away phones twice its price. The rest isn’t too shabby either: simple software, a solid hardware build and guaranteed updates from Google.
$399 at Amazon
Best under $300
Moto G7
Motorola has defined the sub-$300 segment with the Moto G, and the G7 continues the trend. You get a solid build with a big screen and specs that will get the job done. Basic cameras and just average battery life are the downsides, but the simple and consistent software are a big plus for this phone.
$290 at Amazon
Best under $200
Nokia 4.2
The Nokia 4.2 has a fantastic metal and glass design, running a clean build of Android 9 Pie with the promise of timely, continued updates thanks to Android One. It even has NFC for mobile payments. For under $200, that’s a lot of phone and an incredible value.
$181 at Amazon
Best under $150
Nokia 5
The Nokia 5 squeezes in value with a great aluminum unibody design and a clean build of Android Pie. The trade-offs? The 5.2-inch display is only 720p resolution, it charges with Micro-USB, and it isn’t part of Android One, meaning it isn’t guaranteed many more updates, though Nokia has done a good job of keeping the 5 up to date anyway. Those minor gripes aside, this is still a phenomenal device when you consider the price.
$125 at Amazon
It’s a great idea to go unlocked
Buying a phone unlocked is a great idea, and Amazon is an easy way to grab a new device no matter your budget. If money is no object, you should, by all means, go for the Galaxy S10+ — it’s the best phone for most people, with just about every feature you could possibly want in a phone. Its hardware is top-notch, with the best display available and a capable set of cameras front and back.
For less money, there are other unlocked offerings on Amazon from Google, Motorola and Nokia — they all provide great experiences at much more affordable prices. The Google Pixel 3a is a particularly great value given its amazing camera. No matter your budget, you can find a reliable unlocked phone on Amazon.
