Finding a good phone that doesn’t cost a fortune can feel like a treasure hunt. You want something that works well for calls, texts, and maybe a few apps, but you don’t want to spend more than $100. The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank to get a decent device. We’ve looked into some of the best phones under $100 unlocked to help you find a smartphone that fits your budget and your needs. It’s totally possible to get a capable phone without spending a lot of cash.
Key Takeaways
- You can find capable smartphones for under $100 unlocked, perfect for basic use like calls, texts, and apps.
- While 5G is rare at this price, expect solid LTE, recent Android versions, and decent screens on these budget phones.
- NUU N10 is a strong contender, offering a large display, 128GB storage, and Android 14 for around $100.
- For T-Mobile users, the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G offers Android 15 and security updates, while the BLU G33 provides a clean Android 13 Go experience.
- Consider flip phones like the Cat S22 Flip for a smartphone experience in a classic form factor, or the TCL Flip 4 5G for a budget-friendly 5G option.
1. NUU N10
Alright, let’s talk about the NUU N10. This phone really surprised me, especially considering it’s supposed to be under $100. It feels like you’re getting way more than you paid for.
First off, the display is pretty nice. It’s a 6.6-inch screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, so scrolling and animations look smoother than you might expect on a budget device. It’s got an HD+ resolution, which is decent for everyday use. What really stands out, though, is that it comes with Android 14 right out of the box, and get this – it even has Gemini AI support. Plus, there’s no annoying bloatware, which is a huge win for a cheap Android phone.
Here’s a quick look at what you get:
- Display: 6.6-inch HD+ with 90Hz refresh rate
- Storage: 128GB internal, expandable with a microSD card
- Battery: A solid 5,000mAh that should last you a good while
- Software: Clean Android 14 with Gemini AI
- Connectivity: 4G LTE
On the camera front, you’ve got a 13MP main camera with autofocus and a 2MP macro lens on the back. The front camera is 5MP. They’re perfectly fine for snapping quick pictures or video calls. The 128GB of storage is also a big plus, and you can add more if needed. The 5,000mAh battery is a real workhorse, easily getting you through a full day. One thing to note is that it doesn’t support CDMA, so it works with AT&T, T-Mobile, and MVNOs, but not Verizon. Still, for the price, the NUU N10 is a surprisingly capable option if you’re looking for a new unlocked smartphone.
2. Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G
Alright, let’s talk about the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G. This phone actually came out in March 2025, which is pretty recent, so it’s running Android 15 Go Edition right out of the box. That’s a nice bonus, and they promise a couple more system updates too. It’s designed to be super affordable, coming in just under that $100 mark. You can grab it in a few different colors.
Now, it’s important to know that this phone wasn’t officially released in the U.S. So, if you’re on Verizon or AT&T, you might have some trouble getting it to work properly. It seems to have better luck with T-Mobile and its related carriers like Mint and Tello. If you’ve got a compatible SIM, though, it’s a decent pick.
It’s pretty slim and doesn’t weigh much, which is nice. The screen is 6.88 inches, and while it’s not super sharp with its 720p resolution, it does have a 120Hz refresh rate. That means scrolling and animations will look really smooth, which is pretty cool for a phone this cheap. Under the hood, it’s got a Unisoc T7250 chip. It’s not going to win any speed contests, but for everyday stuff like checking email or browsing the web, it should be fine. You get 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, but you can pop in a microSD card to add more space, which is always a plus.
Here’s a quick look at what you get:
- Display: 6.88-inch HD+ with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Unisoc T7250
- Memory: 3GB RAM / 64GB Storage (expandable)
- Operating System: Android 15 Go Edition
- Cameras: 32MP rear, 8MP front
- Battery: Big 5,200mAh capacity
On the camera front, it’s pretty basic with just one main 32MP camera on the back and an 8MP one for selfies. Don’t expect professional-level photos, but they’ll do the job. The battery is a real standout, though – a massive 5,200mAh. Plus, it supports 15W fast charging. And hey, if you still use wired headphones, you’ll be happy to know it has a headphone jack. It even has FM radio built-in. The combination of a 120Hz display and a huge battery makes this a solid choice if you can get it working with your carrier.
3. BLU G33
The BLU G33 is a budget-friendly option that really tries to stand out, especially with its design. It’s got this cool textured back that looks pretty sharp, and it comes in some nice color choices too. This phone is a solid pick if you’re looking for something that doesn’t break the bank and offers a clean Android 13 Go Edition experience.
It sports a 6.26-inch display, which is decent for everyday tasks. You also get a dual-lens camera on the back, though don’t expect professional-level photos from it. For security, there’s a fingerprint reader built into the power button, plus face unlock, which is a nice touch at this price point. Storage is expandable, which is always a plus.
Here’s a quick look at what you get:
- Display: 6.26-inch LCD
- OS: Android 13 Go Edition
- Storage: 16GB (expandable up to 128GB)
- Battery: 3,000mAh
- Extras: USB-C charging, water-resistant design
BLU also throws in a bunch of accessories in the box, like a screen protector, a case, and the charger. It’s compatible with GSM carriers, so it’ll work with networks like T-Mobile. Just keep in mind that the battery life might not last a full day with heavy use, and it doesn’t support CDMA or 5G. Still, for the price, it’s a pretty complete package, and you can find it ready for your chosen network online.
4. Cat S22 Flip
Okay, so the Cat S22 Flip. This one’s a bit of a curveball because it’s kind of a "dumb phone" that runs Android. Weird, right? It’s built tough, like you’d expect from Cat, so if you’re someone who tends to drop their phone a lot, this might be your jam. It’s got a physical keypad, which is a nice change from all these touchscreens, but it also has a small touchscreen on the inside.
It’s basically designed for people who want a simpler phone experience but still need access to a few basic apps. Think of it as a rugged flip phone that can run apps like Facebook or YouTube if you really want to. It’s not going to win any awards for speed or camera quality, but it gets the job done for calls, texts, and those few essential apps.
Here’s a quick look at what it offers:
- Displays: A 2.8-inch main touchscreen and a 1.44-inch external display.
- Durability: Military-grade resistance to water, dust, and extreme temperatures.
- Software: Runs Android 11 Go Edition, allowing for some basic app downloads.
- Hardware: Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 chipset, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage (expandable).
- Battery: 2,000mAh capacity.
It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for something that can survive a bit of a beating and offers a step up from a truly basic flip phone without going full smartphone. Just don’t expect it to replace your high-end device.
5. TCL 30 Z
The TCL 30 Z is a pretty straightforward phone that gets the job done without any fuss. It’s not going to blow you away with fancy features, but for the price, it’s a solid choice if you just need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks. It runs on Android 12, which is still perfectly usable for most apps and general browsing.
When you look at the specs, it’s clear this phone is built for budget-conscious users. You get a 6.1-inch HD+ display that, while not the sharpest out there, is decent enough for watching videos or scrolling through social media. The phone comes with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to a massive 512GB with a microSD card. That’s a lot of space for your photos and apps!
Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:
- Display: 6.1-inch HD+ LCD
- Processor: MediaTek Helio A22
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB (expandable to 512GB)
- Operating System: Android 12
- Battery: 3,000mAh
The cameras are pretty basic – an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. They’ll work for quick snapshots, but don’t expect professional-quality photos. One thing that’s a bit of a bummer is the microUSB charging port; most phones have moved on to USB-C. However, it does support Verizon, which is a nice bonus for a phone in this price range. If you’re looking for a simple, affordable device, the TCL 30 Z is definitely worth considering, especially if you need Verizon compatibility.
6. UMIDIGI G9T
The UMIDIGI G9T is a pretty interesting option if you’re looking for a phone that feels a bit more premium than its price tag suggests. It comes running Android 14 right out of the box, which is nice. You get a decent amount of storage too, with 128GB built-in, and it’s expandable if you need even more space. This phone also boasts a large 5,000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging, so you won’t be tethered to an outlet for too long.
Here’s a quick look at what you get:
- Display: A big 6.75-inch screen. It’s HD+ resolution, so don’t expect super sharp text, but it’s good for watching videos.
- Performance: It’s powered by a UNISOC T606 chip with 4GB of RAM. It’s fine for everyday tasks like browsing and social media.
- Storage: 128GB internal storage, which is pretty generous for this price point. You can add more with a microSD card.
- Battery: A hefty 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support.
- Extras: It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, face unlock, and a fingerprint sensor for security. All the necessary accessories are usually included in the box, which is a nice touch.
One thing to note is that it doesn’t have 5G connectivity, and while it has two rear cameras, only the 13MP main one is really for taking photos. The other is just a depth sensor. Still, for the money, the UMIDIGI G9T offers a solid package, especially if battery life and a large screen are high on your list. You can find this unlocked smartphone in black.
7. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Samsung’s Galaxy A16 5G is a pretty solid choice if you’re looking for a phone that won’t break the bank but still offers a good experience. It’s a phone that aims to give you a lot for your money, especially if you’re already in the Samsung ecosystem.
One of the standout features here is the display. It’s a 6.7-inch screen that feels smooth when you’re scrolling or playing games, thanks to its 90Hz refresh rate. That’s not something you always see on phones in this price range, so it’s a nice touch.
Samsung is also really pushing the software support for this phone. They’re promising five major operating system updates and a whopping six years of security updates. This means your phone should stay up-to-date and secure for a really long time, which is pretty impressive and means you won’t have to think about upgrading as often.
Here’s a quick look at some of the specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch with 90Hz refresh rate
- Operating System: Android 14 (with long-term update promise)
- Storage: Expandable via microSD card slot
- Durability: IP54 rating (dust and splash resistant)
- Connectivity: 5G
It’s got a decent camera setup for everyday shots, and the fact that it’s splashproof adds a bit of peace of mind. Plus, the inclusion of a microSD card slot is always a win for anyone who likes to keep a lot of photos or music on their device. It runs on Samsung’s One UI, which adds some handy features on top of Android, like better multitasking tools.
8. TCL Flip 4 5G
If you’re looking for a phone that’s more about talking and texting than endless scrolling, the TCL Flip 4 5G might be your jam. It’s basically a modern take on those old-school flip phones, but with some handy upgrades. This phone is built for people who want a simpler way to stay connected.
It’s got this really solid battery life, so you’re not constantly hunting for a charger. Plus, it has that 5G connection, which is pretty neat for a flip phone, meaning you can get online faster if you need to. It also comes with a headphone jack and a USB-C port, which is always convenient.
Here’s a quick look at what it offers:
- Great for Calls: If you just want a phone to make calls, this one excels. It’s designed with call quality in mind and boasts a battery that can last for ages on a single charge – think up to 40 hours of talk time. That’s like, a whole work week without plugging it in.
- Digital Minimalism: In a world full of apps and constant notifications, the Flip 4 5G offers a break. It keeps you connected for essentials like texting and basic web browsing, but the physical keypad makes you really think before you type out a long message. It’s a good way to slow down your digital life.
- Connectivity: It supports 5G and Wi-Fi, so you can stay in touch and get online when you need to.
- Camera: It has a 5MP camera. It’s not going to win any awards, but it’s handy if you need to snap a quick picture.
It runs on KaiOS, which is a pretty straightforward operating system that works well with the physical buttons. It’s a solid choice if you’re trying to cut back on screen time or just want a reliable phone for calls and texts.
9. Motorola Moto G Power 5G
If you’re looking for a phone that just keeps going, the Motorola Moto G Power 5G (specifically the 2024 model) is a solid choice. This phone is a battery champ, easily lasting over 12 hours in our tests. It’s got a big 5,000mAh battery, which is great if you’re always on the go and don’t want to be tethered to a charger. Plus, it supports both 30W wired and 15W wireless charging, so topping it up is pretty quick.
Beyond the battery, you get a nice big 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes everything look smooth, whether you’re scrolling through social media or watching videos. And speaking of videos, the speakers are surprisingly good, with some decent bass thanks to Dolby Atmos support. It’s a good setup for watching movies or listening to music without headphones.
Here’s a quick look at what you get:
- Display: 6.7-inch, 2400 x 1080 resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Battery: 5,000mAh, lasts over 12 hours in tests
- Charging: 30W wired, 15W wireless
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7020
- Operating System: Android 14
It’s worth noting that Motorola released a 2025 version, but honestly, the 2024 model we’re talking about here has a better processor and performs faster. So, if you’re eyeing the Moto G Power, stick with the 2024 version for a smoother experience. It runs on Android 14, which is pretty standard these days, and the processor is capable enough for everyday tasks. It’s a good, reliable phone if battery life and a good screen are your main priorities.
10. iPhone 16e
Okay, so we’re talking about phones under $100 unlocked, and then BAM, an iPhone shows up. I know, I know, it feels a bit out of place, but hear me out. The iPhone 16e is the most budget-friendly new iPhone you can grab. It’s still going to cost more than most Androids in this price range, but if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem and just can’t swing the price of the latest models, this is your best bet. It’s basically a slightly less fancy iPhone 16, but still packs a punch.
It’s a good option if you’re an Apple fan who doesn’t want to spend a fortune. Plus, it’s pretty compact, with a 6.1-inch screen, which is nice if you prefer phones that don’t feel like a brick in your pocket. It’s also got a decent camera and the latest processor, which is pretty cool for the price point. You might even find it for less than $200 if you look into carrier deals or trade-ins.
Here’s a quick look at what you get:
- Performance: It’s just as powerful as the iPhone 16, so you’re not really losing out on speed.
- Display: The screen is sharp, though maybe not as bright as the pricier models.
- Battery: You can expect leading battery life, which is always a win.
- Camera: The cameras are dependable for everyday shots.
- Connectivity: It has a USB-C port, which is standard now.
What it doesn’t have is where it gets a bit tricky for the under $100 goal. It lacks things like mmWave 5G and doesn’t have the ultra-wide or telephoto camera lenses. Also, no MagSafe charging support. So, while it’s the cheapest new iPhone, it’s still a significant jump from the other phones on this list. If you’re really set on an iPhone and have a bit more wiggle room in your budget, the iPhone 16e 256GB is the one to consider. Otherwise, you might be better off looking at used models if your budget is strictly under $100.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it. Finding a decent unlocked phone for under $100 isn’t as impossible as it sounds. We’ve looked at some solid options that can handle your everyday tasks without breaking the bank. Whether you need something for basic calls and texts or a device that can run a few apps, there are choices out there. Don’t expect the latest and greatest, but for the price, these phones get the job done. It’s all about knowing what to look for and where to find it, and hopefully, this guide has made that a whole lot easier for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best overall phone under $100?
The NUU N10 is a great choice if you want a lot of phone for your money. It has a big screen, runs the latest Android software, and even offers a good amount of storage, making it a solid pick for everyday use.
Can I get a 5G phone for under $100?
Finding a 5G phone under $100 is tough, but some models like the TCL Flip 4 5G or Samsung Galaxy A16 5G might be available around that price, especially if you find a good deal. Most phones in this price range will stick to 4G LTE, which is still perfectly fine for most tasks.
What should I look for in a cheap smartphone?
Focus on battery life – aim for at least 4,500mAh for larger screens. A decent processor from Qualcomm or MediaTek will ensure smoother performance. Also, double-check that the phone works with your mobile carrier and has good connectivity features like VoLTE for clear calls.
Are there any good flip phones under $100?
Yes, the Cat S22 Flip is a popular option. It’s a durable flip phone that still runs Android, giving you access to apps while offering a more traditional phone experience. The TCL Flip 4 5G is another option if you want 5G capabilities.
What about cameras on phones under $100?
Don’t expect amazing photos from phones in this price range. They’re usually good enough for quick snapshots or video calls, but they won’t compete with higher-end phones. Focus on other features like battery and screen quality if that’s more important to you.
Is it worth buying a used phone instead?
Sometimes, yes! If you’re looking for a specific brand, like an older iPhone that’s no longer available new under $100, buying used from a trusted seller can be a good way to get more features for your budget. Just make sure it’s unlocked and in good working condition.
