Unlock Savings: Top Picks for Clearance Unlocked Cell Phones

Looking to get a new phone without being tied to a carrier contract? Buying unlocked phones is a smart move. It lets you pick your device and then choose the best carrier plan for you, saving money and avoiding hassle. We’ve rounded up some of the top clearance unlocked cell phones that offer great value right now. These picks give you flexibility and savings, letting you switch carriers easily without any extra fees. It’s a good time to buy, with several new models hitting the market and older ones dropping in price.

Key Takeaways

• Unlocked phones offer freedom from carrier contracts, allowing you to choose your own plan and switch carriers easily.
• Buying unlocked phones can save you money, especially when looking at clearance deals.
• Newer models like the iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9a are available, alongside budget-friendly options like the Moto G (2025).
• Consider carrier compatibility and coverage in your area when selecting an unlocked phone.
• Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy often sell phones unlocked right out of the box.

iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality smartphone without being tied to a specific carrier. It’s a bit of a generational upgrade, meaning it builds on what came before, especially in the camera and processor areas. You get a really nice dual-camera setup that takes great pictures, and the phone itself feels just right in your hand – not too big, not too small. Plus, it comes with some cool new features like a camera control button and the ability to shoot spatial photos and videos, which is pretty neat if you have a compatible viewer.

Under the hood, it’s running on the A18 chip, which is built using a new manufacturing process. While it’s not the absolute top-tier chip Apple offers, it still handles gaming really well, even with advanced graphics. What’s also impressive is the battery life; it lasts significantly longer than its predecessor, easily getting you through a full day and then some. For the price, it’s a strong contender in the unlocked market.

Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up:

OnePlus 13

The OnePlus 13 is a solid contender if you’re looking for a high-end Android phone that doesn’t always get the spotlight. It packs a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which means it handles pretty much anything you throw at it with ease. Plus, the display is really something else – it’s bright and sharp, making everything from browsing to watching videos a pleasure.

One of the standout features has to be the camera system. OnePlus really stepped up their game here with upgraded 50MP sensors across the board, including a telephoto lens that actually gives you a decent zoom without losing a ton of quality. It’s a great option if you want flagship camera performance without the absolute top-tier price tag.

When it comes to battery life, the OnePlus 13 doesn’t disappoint either. It managed to last almost 20 hours in our tests, which is seriously impressive and means you can probably get through a couple of days of moderate use without needing to hunt for a charger. It also brings back wireless charging, which is a nice convenience.

If you’re eyeing this phone, you might find some good deals, especially if you check out OnePlus deals that might be available.

Apple iPhone 16e

So, Apple’s got this new phone, the iPhone 16e, and it’s kind of an interesting one if you’re looking for a more affordable iPhone. It’s often seen as the follow-up to the old iPhone SE, but honestly, it feels like a whole different device with the upgrades they’ve put in. For a phone that usually goes for around $599, it takes some really nice pictures with its single 48MP back camera. It even has a better night mode and uses some clever processing to give you what feels like a 2x optical zoom, which is pretty neat.

What’s cool is that it shares the same 6.1-inch OLED screen and the A18 chip as the regular iPhone 16. Plus, it’s the first iPhone to use Apple’s new C1 modem. The best part, though, is that this cheaper iPhone still gets all the same Apple Intelligence features as the more expensive models. It’s a solid option if you want that Apple experience without breaking the bank.

Here’s a quick look at what you get:

• Display: 6.1-inch OLED (2532 x 1170 resolution)
• Processor: Apple A18 chip
• Storage: Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB (no expandable storage)
• Rear Camera: 48MP main camera (f/1.6 aperture)
• Front Camera: 12MP (f/1.9 aperture)
• Battery Life: Around 12 hours and 41 minutes in tests

Google Pixel 9a

Google really hit a sweet spot with the Pixel 9a, especially if you’re looking for a solid phone without breaking the bank. It sticks to that under $500 price point, which is pretty refreshing these days. You get a nice, bright display that actually holds up well when you’re outside, which is a big plus. They also tweaked the design a bit, making the cameras sit almost flat against the back. It’s a small change, but it makes a difference compared to those big camera bumps you see everywhere else. And the cameras themselves? Still really good for the price.

What I found interesting are the extra Google AI features they’ve packed in. The Call Notes thing, for example, is pretty neat – it records calls, writes them down, and then gives you a summary. Plus, the battery life seems to have gotten even better, and it still comes with that impressive 7 years of software support.

Here’s a quick look at some specs:

Samsung Galaxy S25

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a flagship phone without the absolute top-tier price tag. It brings a lot of the new AI smarts that Samsung is pushing this year, so you’re not missing out on the headline features.

When it comes to performance, the S25 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. This thing is pretty zippy, handling everyday tasks and more demanding apps without much fuss. I noticed a decent bump in battery life compared to the previous model, which is always a win. Plus, Samsung’s DeX feature is still here, letting you connect to a monitor for a desktop-like experience – I find that super handy.

Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up:

• Display: 6.2-inch AMOLED (2340 x 1080)
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB (no expandable storage)
• Rear Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto
• Front Camera: 12MP
• Battery Life: Around 15 hours and 43 minutes in tests

While the telephoto camera might not be as advanced as what you’ll find on the pricier Ultra models, the S25 still offers a great overall camera experience. The display is bright and the colors really pop. For the money, it’s a really well-rounded device.

Google Pixel 9

The Google Pixel 9 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a great unlocked phone without going for the absolute top-tier price. While the price did tick up a bit this year, the improvements Google made, especially to the battery life, really make it stand out. Seriously, the battery lasts a good while now, easily getting you through a full day. Plus, you get those cool Pixel-exclusive AI features and you’re always among the first to get the latest Android updates, which is pretty neat.

It’s got a nice, bright display that’s easy to see even outside, and the cameras are still top-notch. Google even upgraded the ultrawide lens this year, so your wider shots should look even better. They also bumped up the RAM to 12GB, with some of that dedicated to AI tasks, which makes things feel pretty smooth.

Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up in some areas:

OnePlus 13R

Looking for a phone that won’t break the bank but still packs a punch? The OnePlus 13R is a solid choice if you want good performance without spending a fortune. It really stands out when it comes to battery life, lasting a really long time on a single charge.

Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up:

• Display: 6.78-inch OLED
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB
• Rear Cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (2x optical zoom)
• Front Camera: 16MP
• Battery Life: Nearly 19 hours in testing

It’s got a triple camera setup, which is pretty good for its price point, giving you options for different kinds of shots. Plus, the fast charging means you won’t be tethered to an outlet for too long. This phone proves you can get a lot of features and great battery life without paying flagship prices.

Moto G (2025)

If you’re trying to keep costs down but still want a decent phone, the Moto G (2025) is a solid choice. It really shines when it comes to battery life, easily lasting over 18 hours in tests, which is pretty impressive for a phone in this price range. You can find it for under $200, making it a great budget option. Plus, it’s got a nice design, some people like the vegan leather back. It’s unlocked, so you can use it with different carriers without a problem. Just be aware that the screen isn’t the brightest, and it’s not the fastest phone out there, but for everyday tasks, it gets the job done. It’s a good way to get a new phone without spending a lot of cash, and you can easily pick one up online or in stores. You can find low everyday prices on Moto G unlocked phones at Best Buy.

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 really stands out in the foldable phone market, especially if you’re looking for something a bit different. It’s got this big 7-inch AMOLED screen that folds up, which is pretty neat. Inside, it’s packing the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, so it’s not just a pretty face; it’s got some serious power behind it. Plus, with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, you’re not going to be hurting for space or speed.

One of the cool things about this phone is how it handles vlogging. You can use the main cameras on the back and see yourself on the 4-inch outer screen. It makes filming yourself a lot easier than with other phones. They even put an ultrawide camera back on this model, which is a nice change.

Here’s a quick look at some of its specs:

• Display: 7-inch AMOLED (2992 x 1224)
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB
• Battery: 4,700 mAh

It’s definitely a pricier option, and the camera can be a bit shaky in low light. Also, software support only goes for three years, which is a bit short compared to some others. But if you want a powerful foldable with a big screen and good battery life, the Razr Ultra 2025 is worth checking out. You might even find good deals if you’re looking at plans like Bell SmartPay.

Wrapping Up Your Search for a Great Deal

So, there you have it. Picking out an unlocked phone means you get to choose your carrier and switch whenever you want, which is pretty handy. It also means you can avoid those long-term contracts and potentially save some cash. We looked at a bunch of different phones, from the latest flagships to solid budget options, and hopefully, this guide helps you find the right fit for your needs and your wallet. Happy phone hunting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an unlocked phone and why should I get one?

Unlocked phones are phones you can buy outright, without being tied to a specific phone company. This means you can pick any phone carrier you like, like AT&T or T-Mobile, and switch easily if you find a better deal. You won’t have to pay extra fees if you decide to change carriers.

Will an unlocked phone work with my carrier?

Most unlocked phones work with major carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile because they use GSM networks. Some phones, like iPhones and Google Pixels, also work with Verizon. It’s always a good idea to check if the phone you want works with your preferred carrier before buying.

Can I save money by buying unlocked phones?

Yes, you can often find unlocked phones for less money. Companies that sell unlocked phones directly sometimes offer better prices than when you buy through a carrier. Also, looking at older models that have been checked and are in good condition can save you even more money.

What should I consider when choosing an unlocked phone?

When picking an unlocked phone, think about which carrier offers the best service in your area. Even though many phones work with most carriers, coverage can be different in certain places. Checking the carrier’s coverage map is a smart move.

Are there new unlocked phones available?

Yes, many new phones, like the iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9a, have been released recently. We might also see more exciting phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and foldable phones like the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 coming out soon.

What are the main benefits of owning an unlocked phone?

Buying unlocked means you own the phone outright. This gives you the freedom to choose your carrier and switch whenever you want without any hassle or extra charges. It’s a great way to have control over your phone service and save money.