From a phone to a tablet with a simple flip, this is the best choice for users who want optimal versatility in one device.
From a phone to a tablet with a simple flip, this is the best choice for users who want optimal versatility in one device.
Folds into a screen that is 7.6" making it large enough to enjoy videos, write notes, and even games. Included multi-window view allows for optimal productivity even on the go. Auto-brightness settings allow for the screen to avoid glare even in sunlight. Has three cameras for high-quality pictures.
The device is a bit heavy when compared to other options.
A budget smartphone with the look and feel of a premium device thanks to its large screen and impressive battery.
A budget smartphone with the look and feel of a premium device thanks to its large screen and impressive battery.
The 5000-mAh battery lasts up to 3 days on a single charge, making this a good budget phone for anyone on the go. The sleek 6.5-inch HD display has narrow bezels and a discreet punch-hole camera to maximize real estate. Water-repellent design and fingerprint sensor are useful features in such an affordable phone.
Has low RAM and storage, so it's less suitable for tech enthusiasts.
With three cameras and exceptional performance, this choice from Samsung is a no-brainer.
With three cameras and exceptional performance, this choice from Samsung is a no-brainer.
Get the best shot every time with wide, ultra-wide, and optical zoom telephone camera functions. Never run out of space with 1TB of internal storage. Lightening fast browsing, streaming, and gaming capabilities. Incredible battery life of 49 hours of talk time on a single charge.
May be less comfortable to use for folks with smaller hands.
Android-phone lovers who value speed and display have plenty to drool over in Google’s latest offering in the phone market.
Android-phone lovers who value speed and display have plenty to drool over in Google’s latest offering in the phone market.
It has a roomy 6.2-inch display that’s a tiny bit larger than the iPhone 15’s 6.1-inch display. It can use Google’s Audio Magic Eraser to capture better sound during calls. It comes in three colors and two internal storage sizes: 128 and 256 gigabytes. Variable refresh rate ensures you get the best quality display at any time.
The software can be a little slow at times.
As sleek today as the original Razr was in 2004, this compact folding phone sports a 6.9-inch screen when unfolded.
As sleek today as the original Razr was in 2004, this compact folding phone sports a 6.9-inch screen when unfolded.
Inside this flashy design is a speedy device with 8 GB ram and plenty of storage at 128 GB. The small exterior display shows basic info like the date, time and notifications, while the inner pOLED (plastic-based OLED) screen is bright and clear, and the crease is hard to notice. The case has a pleasant feel and isn’t too slippery.
Some reports of a bubble developing along the crease.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Updated April 2024
Nowadays, it’s not hard to find a good deal on a new cell phone, but every bargain you encounter is bound to come with the same catch: you have to sign up for a two-year agreement in order to realize any savings. In fact, many “deals” don’t offer any discounts at all. Instead, you’re simply placed on a monthly plan to pay off the phone over time – and in some cases, you end up paying more than the phone was worth in the first place.
So what’s a savvy consumer to do? A highly economical option for the long term is to get an unlocked cell phone. You get this device upfront and remain free of any contractual obligations to a wireless carrier. An unlocked cell phone is not as expensive as it sounds – or at least, it doesn’t have to be.
Having an unlocked cell phone isn’t just about saving money. It’s also about flexibility. Here are some common reasons why consumers opt to own their smartphones outright.
No contract is required. This is the single biggest reason most people cite for choosing an unlocked cell phone. If you choose, you can switch carriers to a different network without incurring any fees or contract buyouts. Users who are tied to a specific carrier with a contract usually have to pay exorbitant fees if they want to switch.
They’re ideal for international travel. Most U.S. wireless carriers require you to add additional international service fees if you want to use your phone abroad. When you have an unlocked cell phone that supports GSM networks, you can drop just about any SIM card in it. If you’re a frequent international traveler, that means you can use a local SIM card in any foreign country you visit and save on roaming fees from an American carrier.
Your credit score does not affect the price you pay. Many wireless carriers advertise payment plans that don’t increase the cost of the device over time. Essentially, they’re offering you a zero-interest loan on your phone. That can be an attractive offer, but the best terms are only available to those with excellent credit. It is, after all, a loan. Users with less-than-pristine credit typically have to pay interest, which ratchets up the overall cost of the new phone.
Cell phone bills stay low. Most cell phone bills are confusing and hard to decipher. That only gets more challenging when you’re paying for a phone along with your cell phone service. But if you have an unlocked, off-contract cell phone, you only have to pay your carrier for cellular service. As a result, your bill stays much lower.
There are three different types of unlocked cell phones, and depending on which wireless provider you want to use, you’ll need to pick the right one to get everything working. Here’s the information you need to know about the different kinds of unlocked cell phones.
GSM phones are based on the “Global System for Mobile communications” standard and typically rely on a SIM card – a small plastic card that’s tied to your phone number and account and inserts into your phone. In the U.S., Verizon and Sprint both operate GSM networks and require GSM phones for service. Most international cell phone networks use GSM.
CDMA phones are built on the “Code Division Multiple Access” standard and don’t use SIM cards, instead opting to keep your unique account data on the phone itself. In the U.S., AT&T, and T-Mobile use CDMA networks to deliver service to customers.
Universal phones support both GSM and CDMA networks and can be used with any carrier. Universal phones can be more expensive, but the benefit of being carrier-agnostic is worth it to many users.
You’ll find some of last year’s top-of-the-line phones here. Phones in this price range offer strong utility and all of the modern amenities: current versions of Android or iOS, full compatibility with current apps, and powerful cameras. If you’re looking for a practical phone but don’t need the latest and greatest tech, you’ll find solid options in this price range.
You can expect to see the entry-level models of many current-generation phones in this price range. These unlocked cell phones typically have cutting-edge features and screens that are between four and five inches. If you love having the most modern phone available but don’t need a ton of storage or a larger screen, you needn’t spend more than this.
Here, you’ll encounter the latest models with the largest screens and the biggest storage options. Cell phones in this price range don’t leave anything out – features, screen size, and capacities are all top-notch. If you absolutely must have the most modern cell phone available, expect to pay for the privilege.
A. It depends on the phone. If you choose an unlocked Android phone from a specific wireless carrier, they will send updates to your phone, but only after they’ve published updates to their customers with locked phones. That said, if you have an unlocked Android phone, you can download and install updates directly from Google without having to wait for your carrier to send them to you. If you own an iPhone, you’ll receive updates directly from Apple and won’t have to worry about carrier updates.
A. It depends. Most wireless carriers offer trade-in programs to help consumers defray the cost of a new phone. However, trade-in programs are often linked to contract requirements, so while you may get a discount on a new phone from your trade-in, you’ll be obligated to stay with the carrier for up to two years. Selling an old phone to pay for a new one is usually a good idea, but if you want to maximize the money you receive, sell your phone privately. Carriers rarely offer top dollar for used phones.
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