The Best Unlocked Phones for 2024

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a lot going for it, including a large battery that lasts for over 20 hours of streaming HD video at full brightness. It also has the best camera system in an iPhone and a large screen that's terrific for creative types. Other highlights include a fast USB-C Gen 2 port, a powerful A17 Pro processor, a sturdy titanium frame, and a versatile Action button. Buying unlocked from an Apple Store is easy and you shouldn't face compatibility issues with any US carriers.

Photographers and videographers are the main audience for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but it's also ideal for anyone who just wants the best, longest-lasting iPhone they can buy.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn't make any compromises. It's large and powerful, features one of the best camera systems, includes an S Pen stylus, and offers all the latest Galaxy AI features. If you buy the unlocked model from Samsung's website, it will work with all US carriers and you get to pick from some online-exclusive colors.

The S Pen stylus, along with Samsung's powerful multitasking software, make the Galaxy S24 Ultra a great phone for artists and mobile professionals who like to be productive on the go.

Google's Pixel 8a is an ideal midrange phone. Its Tensor G3 processor can keep up with your entertainment demands, while its top-notch camera system competes with pricier phones. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8a's bold design and variety of color options (Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, or Porcelain) help it stand out. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and an IP67 rating ensure the device holds up to everyday perils, too.

If you like Google's version of Android, the Pixel 8a is your most reasonable choice. It's highly capable and an excellent value.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is Samsung's best folding phone yet. It's thinner and lighter than previous iterations and even closes without a gap. Both screens look beautiful, the performance is excellent, and the cameras take great pictures. The software experience continues to be top-notch as well, particularly for those who like to multitask.

If you value versatility, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is an excellent pick because it can serve as both your phone and tablet. We're also fans of the Dex feature for big-screen productivity tasks.

Google's Pixel 8 is among the most future-proof Android handsets available. It also offers smooth software, good battery life, and excellent cameras with AI-enhanced editing tools. Available unlocked from Google's store, it works on all three US carriers and supports both eSIM and physical SIM cards.

If you want an Android phone with a great camera that will get updates for a long time, look no further.

A 5G phone with a high-resolution screen and a triple-camera setup for a quarter of the price of a Galaxy S24? That's the Galaxy A15 5G. Samsung also promises four OS upgrades, meaning you can keep it for years without worry.

If you want to get on a 5G network for not a lot of money, the Samsung A15 5G is an excellent and affordable pick that more than meets expectations.

Nothing beats the simplicity of a flip phone for calling and basic texting. The affordable TCL Flip 2 handles those duties well, has Wi-Fi, and sports a 1.4-inch color screen on the front so you always know who's calling.

If you simply want a basic phone for voice calls and messaging, the TCL Flip 2 is the phone you should get.

iPhones are the most easily available, universally unlocked line of phones in the US because of Apple's nationwide network of brick-and-mortar stores. Unlocked iPhones support every US carrier's frequency bands and you can easily switch them from carrier to carrier. Just remember, most iPhones sold in the US now use eSIMs.

The average consumer in the market for an unlocked phone should be comfortable with the mainstream iPhone 15. It's easy to use, powerful, and switches carriers easily.

The Motorola Razr+ is appealing thanks to its bright, pixel-rich display, solid everyday performance, and capable set of cameras, but we picked it because it's a fun folding phone that changes things up. This device bends in half at the waist and flips down into a small, pocketable square that's easy to use even when closed.

This flip is for people tired of the same old slab-style smartphones looking for something different. It may not be as powerful as a Galaxy or a Pixel flagship, but it's got far more personality.

The OnePlus 12 is an off-the-beaten-path flagship that goes spec for spec against its top rivals. Moreover, its 5,000mAh battery charges faster than most: It goes from 0% to 100% in just 38 minutes with the included 80W charger.

A top-tier processor, super-fast charging, and a reasonable price make the OnePlus 12 an ideal Android phone for power users who don't want to spend too much.