Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Verizon Phones

Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Top of the Line

The latest iPhone from Apple is perfect for those having or upgrading to a 5G plan thanks to its powerful processor.

Check Price
Check Price at Best Buy
Top of the Line
Bottom Line

The latest iPhone from Apple is perfect for those having or upgrading to a 5G plan thanks to its powerful processor.

Pros

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.

Cons

Some may dislike the always-on display.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Samsung
Galaxy Z Flip5
Compact Yet Powerful

An enhanced camera, excellent screen quality, and great-looking colors make this compact phone a stellar choice.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Compact Yet Powerful
Bottom Line

An enhanced camera, excellent screen quality, and great-looking colors make this compact phone a stellar choice.

Pros

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.

Cons

The smaller size can make the phone easy to misplace for some users.

Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Apple
iPhone 15 Plus
Large Display

A bigger battery, larger screen and the right mix of features make the iPhone 15 Plus an excellent option.

Check Price
Check Price at Best Buy
Large Display
Bottom Line

A bigger battery, larger screen and the right mix of features make the iPhone 15 Plus an excellent option.

Pros

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.

Cons

Lacks true telephoto lens. Only 60 Hz refresh rate.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Easiest to Use

Stands out as a phone with a long battery life, 5G connection, and photography features that you would not expect for its low price.

Check Price
Check Price at Skimlinks
Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

Stands out as a phone with a long battery life, 5G connection, and photography features that you would not expect for its low price.

Pros

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.

Cons

Not the best nighttime photos.

Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google
Pixel 8 Pro
Feature-packed

The newest Pixel is a 5G-plan android that runs like a dream thanks to a quick processor and excellent display.

Check Price
Check Price at Best Buy
Feature-packed
Bottom Line

The newest Pixel is a 5G-plan android that runs like a dream thanks to a quick processor and excellent display.

Pros

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.

Cons

There’s no microSD slot for expandable storage.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

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.

First Reviewed
August 27, 2021
30
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
Category cover
Content Image
Typically, when a new smartphone is released, the only way to buy an unlocked version is directly from the manufacturer; all other vendors require a contract with your purchase. But that changes six months to a year later, when third-party vendors start selling the newest models off contract.

The perks of owning an unlocked cell phone

Melissa Nott
Written by Melissa Nott

Updated November 2024

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.

  • You can upgrade your phone on your own schedule. When you have an unlocked, off-contract cell phone, you don’t have to worry about waiting to upgrade. If a new model comes out that you want, upgrading is simply a matter of transplanting your data, and in some cases a SIM card, from one phone to the next.

GSM phones, CMA phones, and universal phones

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.

Content Image
Expert Tip
Migrating your data and settings from your old phone to a new one is easier than it used to be. In most cases, you will find backup and restoring options in your phone’s settings app. By syncing your content with the cloud, you can move everything to your new phone with just a few taps.
STAFF
BestReviews

Unlocked cell phone prices

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.

Content Image
A jailbroken phone is one that has been modified to work with apps not approved by the manufacturer. It’s not the same thing as an unlocked phone, and it can make you vulnerable to security risks. Avoid buying a jailbroken phone.
Our Top Picks