10 Best Budget Unlocked Smartphone 2025 in the United States

The Moto G 5G 2024 is a solid choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly, unlocked smartphone with a good balance of features. The 6.6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers smooth visual performance, making it suitable for watching movies and playing games. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM, provides adequate performance for everyday tasks and some light multitasking, though it may struggle with more intensive apps or heavy multitasking.

The 128GB of internal storage is generous for this price range, and the option to expand via microSD up to 1TB is a bonus for users with large media libraries. The 50MP camera system, with Quad Pixel technology, promises better low-light performance and detailed shots, though the actual resolution is 12.5MP due to pixel binning. The Macro Vision lens is a nice touch for close-up photography. Battery life is a standout feature, with a 5000mAh capacity ensuring long-lasting use, and the TurboPower charging capability can quickly recharge the device, though the charger may need to be purchased separately.

The build quality is commendable, featuring a vegan leather back that not only looks premium but is also fingerprint-resistant and comfortable to hold. However, the 720p resolution might be a letdown for users expecting crisper visuals typically found in higher resolutions. The Moto G 5G runs on Android 14, offering the latest software experience with the usual customization Motorola is known for. With stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, the audio experience is immersive and enjoyable. This phone is a good fit for users who need a reliable, feature-rich device without breaking the bank, though power users might find its performance and display resolution somewhat limiting.

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 Samsung Galaxy A36 5G offers a strong package for a budget unlocked smartphone, especially if you want a reliable daily driver with decent power and features. It has a large 6.6-inch AMOLED screen with Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, which means your videos and games will look sharp and fluid. Under the hood, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor paired with 6GB of RAM is quite capable for everyday tasks and most apps, including casual gaming. The 256GB storage is generous for this price range, giving plenty of space for photos, apps, and media.

Camera-wise, the phone emphasizes user-friendly features like improved front camera selfies, night mode, and handy editing tools, making it easy to capture good shots without fuss. Battery life is solid, backed by a 5000mAh battery and fast charging, so it should keep up with a full day of use comfortably.

It runs the latest Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.0, promising a modern software experience plus six years of updates, which is excellent for security and longevity. The phone's rugged design adds water and dust resistance, enhancing durability for everyday wear and tear. Some trade-offs include a 6GB RAM limit, which might feel tight if you heavily multitask or use very demanding apps. The camera is good but not top-tier, so photography enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere. Also, the phone weighs 209 grams, making it a bit on the heavier side compared to compact models. This makes the Galaxy A36 5G a great pick for those seeking a budget-friendly, well-rounded Android phone with a large, vibrant screen, reliable performance, strong battery life, and extended software support. It suits users who want a hassle-free, durable device without needing the highest-end camera or extreme power.