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The latest iPhone from Apple is perfect for those having or upgrading to a 5G plan thanks to its powerful processor.
The latest iPhone from Apple is perfect for those having or upgrading to a 5G plan thanks to its powerful processor.
It uses a titanium shell, the most durable iPhone material yet used, and it has a brand new chip that lets it become a potent gaming device. It comes with either 256, 512, or 1,000 gigabytes of internal storage. The unique display is incredibly vibrant.
Some may dislike the always-on display.
An enhanced camera, excellent screen quality, and great-looking colors make this compact phone a stellar choice.
An enhanced camera, excellent screen quality, and great-looking colors make this compact phone a stellar choice.
Includes a new "flex window" that allows you to send texts, take selfies, and change music without opening up your phone. Utilizes state-of-the-art glass and water resistance to stand up to daily use with ease. Has a long-lasting battery.
The smaller size can make the phone easy to misplace for some users.
A bigger battery, larger screen and the right mix of features make the iPhone 15 Plus an excellent option.
A bigger battery, larger screen and the right mix of features make the iPhone 15 Plus an excellent option.
Large battery lasts a full day and more. Up to 1,600 bits on 6.7-inch screen while watching HDR video; great for streaming movies and TV. Dynamic Island hides the front camera. USB-C port connects to external storage and reduces cable clutter.
Lacks true telephoto lens. Only 60 Hz refresh rate.
Stands out as a phone with a long battery life, 5G connection, and photography features that you would not expect for its low price.
Stands out as a phone with a long battery life, 5G connection, and photography features that you would not expect for its low price.
Extra-long battery life. Lightning-fast 5G connectivity. Sharp FHD resolution. Features 3 camera lenses. Impressive 30x zoom. Affordable. Water-resistant. Available in 6 colors. Comes equipped with a stylus so you can edit photos and take notes with ease.
Not the best nighttime photos.
The newest Pixel is a 5G-plan android that runs like a dream thanks to a quick processor and excellent display.
The newest Pixel is a 5G-plan android that runs like a dream thanks to a quick processor and excellent display.
The battery can last for up to 72 hours when the “Extreme Battery Saver” feature is turned on. The display is 6.7 inches. It comes in three colors and it has three internal storage sizes: 128, 256, and 512 gigabytes. The rear camera is perfect for taking high-quality images.
There’s no microSD slot for expandable storage.
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.
Buying an unlocked cell phone isn’t just about saving money. It’s also about flexibility. Here are some common reasons why consumers opt to buy their smartphones outright.
No contract is required. This is the single biggest reason most people cite for buying 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
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
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
Universal phones support both GSM and CDMA networks and can be used with any carrier. Universal phones can be more expensive, but the value of being carrier-agnostic is worth it to many users.
Buying a phone outright may sound expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep these price ranges in mind as you shop for an unlocked cell phone.
Between $300 and $499
You’ll find some of last year’s top-of-the-line phones here. Phones in this price range offer strong value 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.
Between $500 and $749
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.
Between $750 and $1,000
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.
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