The smartphone market is constantly evolving, and choosing the right phone can be a daunting task, especially when on a tight budget. Fortunately, there are numerous unlocked budget phones available in the United States that provide excellent value for money. These phones offer features that were previously exclusive to high-end models, such as high-quality cameras, long battery life, and fast processors, at a fraction of the cost.
Unlocked phones are becoming increasingly popular because they offer more flexibility and freedom than carrier-locked phones. They allow users to switch carriers without having to buy a new phone, and they can be used internationally with local SIM cards. In addition, unlocked phones receive software updates faster than carrier-locked phones, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security patches.

With so many unlocked budget phones available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. However, by considering factors such as performance, camera quality, battery life, and display, users can narrow down their options and find the phone that best suits their needs and budget. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best unlocked budget phones available in the United States, based on expert reviews and user feedback.
Criteria for Selection
When selecting the best unlocked budget phones in the United States, several factors were considered to ensure that the phones met certain criteria. These factors include:
- Price: Phones that cost $500 or less were considered for this list.
- Performance: The phones had to have a decent processor and RAM to ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks.
- Battery Life: The phones had to have a battery life of at least 8 hours on a single charge.
- Camera Quality: The phones had to have a decent camera that could take good quality photos and videos.
- Display: The phones had to have a decent display that was easy to read and navigate.
- Design: The phones had to have a modern design that was aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to hold.
Based on these criteria, the phones listed below were selected as the best unlocked budget phones in the United States.
Top 5 Best Unlocked Budget Phones in the United States
When it comes to budget phones, there are a lot of options available in the United States. However, finding the right one can be a daunting task. To help you out, here are the top 5 best unlocked budget phones in the United States:
Phone | Price | Screen Size | Battery Life | Storage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Samsung Galaxy A13 5G | $249.99 | 6.5 inches | Up to 2 days | 128GB |
Apple iPhone SE (2022) | $399.00 | 4.7 inches | Up to 13 hours | 64GB/128GB/256GB |
Google Pixel 4a | $349.00 | 5.81 inches | Up to 24 hours | 128GB |
OnePlus Nord N20 5G | $299.99 | 6.49 inches | Up to 2 days | 128GB |
Moto G Power (2022) | $199.99 | 6.6 inches | Up to 3 days | 32GB/64GB |
The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G is the best budget phone under $250. It offers a large 6.5-inch screen, a long battery life of up to 2 days, and 128GB of storage. It also has 5G connectivity, making it future-proof.
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) is a great budget option for iPhone fans. It has a 4.7-inch screen, a decent battery life of up to 13 hours, and comes in 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage options. It also has the latest A15 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth performance.
The Google Pixel 4a offers a compact 5.81-inch screen, a long battery life of up to 24 hours, and 128GB of storage. It also has an excellent camera, making it a great option for photography enthusiasts.
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G offers a large 6.49-inch screen, a long battery life of up to 2 days, and 128GB of storage. It also has 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download and upload speeds.
The Moto G Power (2022) offers a massive 5,000mAh battery that can last up to 3 days on a single charge. It also has a large 6.6-inch screen and comes in 32GB or 64GB storage options.
Honorable Mentions
While the phones listed above are some of the best budget unlocked phones currently available in the US, there are a few other phones that are worth mentioning:
- Samsung Galaxy A22 5G: This phone offers 5G connectivity at an affordable price. It has a 6.6-inch display, a triple camera setup, and a long-lasting battery. However, it lacks some features found in more expensive phones, such as wireless charging and water resistance.
- Motorola Moto G Power (2022): This phone has a massive 5,000mAh battery that can last up to three days on a single charge. It also has a 6.6-inch display and a triple camera setup. However, its performance is not as good as some of the other phones on this list.
- Google Pixel 5a: This phone has a great camera and a long-lasting battery. It also has a 6.34-inch OLED display and 5G connectivity. However, it is only available through Google Fi or the Google Store, which may be a dealbreaker for some.
While these phones didn’t quite make the cut for the top budget unlocked phones, they are still great options for those on a tight budget. It’s important to consider what features are most important to you before making a decision on which phone to purchase.
Conclusion
When it comes to budget unlocked phones, there are plenty of options available in the market. The best budget phones provide great value for money without compromising on the features that matter the most.
Based on the search results, the Google Pixel 5a and the Moto G Stylus are two of the best budget phones in 2023. The Google Pixel 5a offers 5G support, excellent camera quality, and solid battery life. It also comes with Google’s Android updates first. The Moto G Stylus, on the other hand, offers a large 6.8-inch display, a long-lasting battery, and a stylus for taking notes and drawing.
For those who prefer Apple devices, the iPhone SE (2022) is a great option. It offers a powerful A15 Bionic chip, a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, and a single 12MP camera. It also comes in a compact design, making it easy to carry around.
Overall, choosing the best budget unlocked phone depends on your personal preferences and needs. Consider factors such as camera quality, battery life, display size, and storage capacity before making a decision. With the options available in the market, you can find a budget phone that meets your needs without breaking the bank.