10 Best New Unlocked Cell Phones 2026 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a high-end unlocked smartphone that suits users looking for top-tier performance and versatility. It runs the latest Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, making it user-friendly and packed with smart features like a helpful AI assistant and Now Brief to keep you informed throughout the day. The 6.9-inch display has a sharp 3040 x 1440 resolution, offering a vibrant and immersive viewing experience, great for watching videos or browsing. Battery life is strong thanks to a 5000mAh battery, and you’ll appreciate fast charging and wireless charging options for convenience.

Photography enthusiasts will enjoy the AI-powered camera system, which improves low-light videos and enhances portraits by fine-tuning skin tones and textures. With 12GB of RAM and a fast Snapdragon processor, this phone handles multitasking and demanding apps smoothly. The 256GB of storage provides ample space for apps, photos, and media, while features like 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and USB-C ensure solid connectivity. The phone’s build is elegant and durable, with water resistance and a stylish titanium black finish. It also includes a stylus, adding extra functionality.

On the downside, the phone is relatively large and heavier than some might prefer, which could affect one-handed use and pocket comfort. Also, while the price reflects its premium status, it might be more than casual users need. For those seeking a powerful, future-proof device with standout camera and AI features and who do not mind the size or premium cost, the Galaxy S25 Ultra represents a strong choice.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is a powerful unlocked Android phone running the latest Android 16, giving you access to Google's newest features and updates. Its 6.3-inch Super Actua display delivers sharp and bright visuals with a high 120 Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations smooth, even in bright sunlight thanks to its strong 3,300-nit peak brightness. Battery life is solid with a 4870 mAh capacity and fast charging, comfortably supporting over 24 hours of talk time.

The standout feature is its advanced triple rear camera system, which uses AI to capture stunning 50 MP photos and offers excellent zoom up to 100x, plus steady 8K video recording, making it great for photography lovers or anyone who values high-quality images. With 256 GB of storage and a hefty 16 GB of RAM powered by the Google Tensor G5 chip, the phone can handle multitasking and storage demands with ease. Being unlocked, it works with most major carriers, giving you flexibility with your network choice.

The build is premium, combining durable aluminum with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection against drops and scratches. At 6.3 inches, the phone might feel large for some users, and the price could be on the higher side given its premium features. While the AI assistant Gemini offers convenient voice and camera interaction, it may take some getting used to if you prefer traditional input methods. This makes the Pixel 10 Pro an excellent choice for those seeking top-tier cameras, a bright and smooth display, and a future-proof Android experience with strong performance and durability.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a strong choice if you're looking for a new unlocked Android phone with a large, vibrant display and solid performance. Its 6.7-inch screen offers bright colors and smooth scrolling with a 120Hz refresh rate, making videos and apps look smooth and sharp. The phone runs on the latest Android 16.0, backed by a reliable Exynos 2400 processor and 8GB of RAM, so it handles everyday tasks and multitasking well. With 256GB storage, you get plenty of space for photos, apps, and files without worrying about running out.

One of its standout features is the camera system, especially the 12MP front camera with AI-enhanced photo editing, which helps improve selfies by removing distractions and resizing elements automatically. The 4900mAh battery promises long usage, offering up to 33 hours of talk time and quick charging when you need a fast boost.

The build is durable, with Armor Aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protecting against daily bumps and drops, and it's also water resistant, adding peace of mind. It’s lightweight at just 190 grams, making it easy to carry around. Connectivity options like Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, and USB-C cover all basics, and features like fingerprint sensor and wireless charging add convenience. While the Exynos 2400 chipset is solid, it may not match the fastest competitors in gaming or heavy multitasking. Additionally, the phone doesn’t include earbuds or a charger in the box, so those are extra purchases. If you want a large-screen phone that balances smooth performance, strong battery life, and camera enhancements in a durable, unlocked package, the Galaxy S25 FE is a model worth considering.