Best Unlocked Phones on Amazon for Every Budget 2021
Andrew Martonik
Best Unlocked Phones on Amazon for Every Budget Android Central 2021
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. These are the best unlocked phones Amazon sells, covering everything from the highest-end flagships to the absolute cheapest phone for someone on a tight budget.
The best: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Best under $800: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Best under $400: Google Pixel 4a
Best under $300: Moto G Power
Best under $200: Nokia 5.3
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 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 incredible 120Hz display, waterproofing, bilateral wireless charging, a microSD card slot, and of course, the S Pen. The 108MP primary camera is incredible, and the 5X telephoto can reach up to 50X with digital zoom.
$1,100 at Amazon
$1,100 at Best Buy
$1,100 at B&H
The Galaxy S20 FE offers incredible value, bringing the core Samsung flagship experience to a more affordable price. You even get the same top-tier processor and cameras you'd expect. The only sacrifices here (if you even want to call them that) are the flat display and plastic back, which may actually be a breath of fresh air to some people. It's even guaranteed to receive three years of software updates.
$600 at Amazon
$600 at Best Buy
$600 at B&H
The Pixel 4a's shining feature is its camera, which is lifted straight from the Pixel 4 and subsequent Pixel 5. 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. Perhaps best of all, it's one of the only phones already running Android 11 right out of the box.
Motorola has defined the sub-$300 segment with the Moto G series, and the G Power continues the trend. You get a solid build with a big screen and specs that will get the job done, and more importantly, the phone comes with an enormous 5000mAh battery that can last up to three full days on a single charge. If you need a weekend warrior, look no further.
The Nokia 5.3 has a fantastic design with eye-catching finishes, a quad-camera system, a large 6.55-inch display with eye care features like a blue light filter, and it runs a clean build of Android 10 with the promise of timely, continued updates thanks to the Android One program. It even has NFC for mobile payments. For under $200, that's a lot of phone and an incredible value.
The Nokia 2.4 squeezes in value with a clean build of Android 10 and a 4,500mAh battery. The trade-offs? The 6.5-inch display is only 720p resolution, it charges with the outdated Micro-USB, and it isn't part of Android One, meaning it isn't necessarily guaranteed many more updates. Those minor gripes aside, this is still a phenomenal device when you consider the price.
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 Android phone no matter your budget. If money is no object, you should, by all means, go for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Its display is one of the brightest and most vibrant on the market. Also, the 120Hz refresh rate not only looks great on the Note 20 Ultra but serves a functional purpose in reducing the latency of the S Pen. It also has three of the best cameras you'll find on a phone and powerful Android 10 software.
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 4a is a particularly great value given its amazing camera, and the Moto G Power has among the best battery life we've seen. No matter your budget, you can find the best unlocked phone on Amazon.
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Andrew is the Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central. He has been a mobile enthusiast since the Windows Mobile days, and covering all things Android-related with a unique perspective at AC since 2012. For suggestions and updates, you can reach him at andrew.martonik@androidcentral.com or on Twitter at @andrewmartonik.