Are you constantly traveling the world or do you simply not like to feel ties with any telephone operator? Then this guide interests you. Next, we show you a list of the best unlocked cell phones that exist in the market, with which you will not only enjoy good performance, camera and battery life, but also, you can be completely free from any part of the globe where you are.
The best unlocked phone right now is the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus. It has the best screen on the market, offers fast performance with a lot of resistance and has an incredibly versatile camera. But if Samsung's phone is not to your liking, we have other alternatives with the best unlocked cell phones. With hundreds of reviews, in Digital Trends in SpanishWe are always ready to review the advantages and weaknesses of a device. Before buying one of these phones, be sure to verify that the phone works with your provider. Also check our guide on how to unlock your device for use in another company.
A quick look at the best unlocked cell phones
The best Android unlocked
Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
Why should you buy it ?: It is an elegant phone, with all the features you might like.
Who is it for ?: Fantastic Samsung behind the phone with the best appearance in the world.
Why do we choose the Galaxy S10 Plus?:
The curved design of the Samsung screen is magnificent, and the Galaxy S10 Plus has a spectacular 6.4 inches in a great body. The specifications also do not go unnoticed, with a fast processor, a long-lasting battery and an excellent camera with great performance in low light. Samsung also incorporates water resistance, wireless charging, Bixby voice assistant and some other additional functions.
An unlocked Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus work in the four major US companies, in addition to other smaller suppliers. It will also be useful for frequent travelers, thanks to the support for countless operator networks worldwide. However, there are many different models of the S10 Plus. To make no mistake, look for the model number finished in AA, such as SM-G975UZKAXAA.
If you want something smaller and a little cheaper, you can opt for the Galaxy S10 or the Galaxy S10e. You can also consider waiting for the Galaxy S10 5G, compatible with 5G technology.
Read the review of the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus.
The best unlocked iPhone
Apple iPhone XS
Why should you buy it?: It is the best iPhone on the market, thanks to the dual lens camera and OLED screen.
Who is it for ?: Apple fans who want an unlocked phone that works with any operator.
Why do we choose the iPhone XS ?:
The iPhone XS is the best iPhone developed by Apple. It is the best option for Apple fans because it is powerful, safe and has an excellent camera. The complete package has no major weaknesses, except for the absence of a headphone jack.
You can buy your unlocked iPhone X directly from Apple and run on the four main US companies. In addition to a long list of other providers. For globetrotters, they also work in whatever destination they go to. You can find the full list of supported operators on the Apple website.
It is an obvious choice for anyone who invests in the world of Apple, but it is expensive. If you want something more affordable, then you can check the iPhone XR. Now if you are looking for something bigger and have no problems with your money, you can point to the iPhone XS Max.
Read the iPhone XS review
The best mid-range phone unlocked
Google Pixel 3a
Why should you buy it ?: If you are looking for a pure Android experience at an affordable price, Google's Pixel 3a cannot be beat.
Who is it for ?: Fantastic Android looking for a phone with excellent features and you can use it on any operator.
Why we choose the Google Pixel 3a?
Google matches the iPhone on all fronts with its Pixel line. The Pixel 3 was our favorite phone of 2018. And although the Pixel 3a does not have the same and powerful processor, it has a great camera and Google's artificial intelligence greatly improves its performance. In addition, avoid some of the usual Android problems, thanks to regular security updates and the elegant design of Google software.
Buy the unlocked Pixel 3a directly from Google and you can use it in any operator in the United States and in many other operators globally. The full list of supported bands is available on the Google website.
The Pixel 3a is also small, so you can consider the Pixel 3a XL as an alternative that delivers same fully unlocked credentials in a larger and slightly more expensive package. There is very little difference between the two, beyond the size and the screen.
Read the Google Pixel 3 review
The best economic unlocked phone
Moto G7
Why should you buy it ?: It has an impressive range of features and an elegant design at a reasonable price.
Who is it for ?: For those looking for a decent phone offer that works in any company.
Why do we choose the Moto G7 ?:
The Motorola Moto G7 meets all the requirements, with a large and bright screen, good performance in terms of speed, a fast charging battery and a dual lens camera, which easily exceeds budget competition.
With support for a wide range of networks and bands, including the four major US. UU., You should not have any problem using the Moto G7 wherever you want. Buy it unlocked on Motorola. If you value the useful life of the battery over the design, save $ 50 dollars and opt for the Moto G7 Power.
Read the review of the Motorola Moto G7
Purchase Advice
Does the phone work on your operator?
You must be careful when buying an unlocked phone. Some retailers will advertise the phones as unlocked, but that does not mean that they work with any operator. Some operators have tighter controls. Even if a phone can technically work on your network, they may not allow it.
Check which bands your device supports and which carriers they correspond to. The vast majority of unlocked phones will work with GSM networks (such as AT&T and T-Mobile), but many will not operate with CDMA networks (such as Verizon and Sprint).
The simplest is to find in a quick search on Google someone who talks about the experience of the chosen phone with the operator of your choice. For example, search for “OnePlus 6T Verizon” and see a series of publications about difficulties. If in doubt, check with your provider and do additional research.
On other occasions, manufacturers produce different models of the same phone with different band supports, so you must make sure that your choice works in your supplier. The Will My Phone Work website is another good resource.
Where is the best place to buy unlocked phones?
You can buy unlocked phones from a variety of online retailers or directly from the phone manufacturers. Perhaps the best place to start is Amazon, but you can also consider Best Buy, B&H, Newegg or Walmart.
How to know if a phone is unlocked?
Currently many phones are sold unlocked. If you bought yours without a SIM, it is highly likely that it is unlocked. If your phone is locked on a certain network, it will not work with a SIM card from another provider. Unfortunately, if you are not sure, there is no simple way to verify it. If you already have a new SIM card for another provider, insert it and try to make a call. You can also borrow a SIM card from another network from friends or family to test the phone and find out if it is unlocked. If you can make a call with the new SIM, your phone will be unlocked.
* Updated by Mara Teresa Lopes on January 15, 2020.
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