Choosing the best unlocked phones to buy right now means cutting through a flood of specs, carrier deals, and confusing trade-in offers. Go unlocked and you keep full flexibility — switch carriers, travel internationally, and avoid bloatware from day one. Here's what actually matters in 2024.
Why Buy Unlocked in 2024
Unlocked phones work on any compatible GSM or CDMA network, which means you're not locked into a two-year contract with inflated monthly fees. You pay more upfront, but the total cost of ownership is often lower — especially if you shop competitive SIM-only plans. Resale value is also significantly better on unlocked devices.
Top Picks by Category
Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The S24 Ultra sits at the top of the Android pile for a reason. The built-in S Pen, a 200MP main camera, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 make it a productivity and photography powerhouse. Expect to pay $1,299–$1,399 for the base 256GB model unlocked. It supports all major US bands including mmWave 5G.
Best iPhone Option: Apple iPhone 15 Pro
The iPhone 15 Pro (starting at $999 unlocked) brings a titanium frame, the Action Button, and Apple's A17 Pro chip. It shoots 4K ProRes video and supports USB 3 speeds via the USB-C port. For most iPhone buyers, this hits the sweet spot between performance and price.
Best Mid-Range: Google Pixel 8a
At $499, the Pixel 8a delivers flagship-level camera intelligence at half the price. Google's Tensor G3 chip handles computational photography exceptionally well, and seven years of OS and security updates make this one of the best long-term value buys on the market. Ideal for buyers who want a clean Android experience without premium pricing.
Best Budget Pick: Motorola Moto G Power (2024)
If your budget caps around $200–$250, the Moto G Power punches well above its weight. You get a 6.7-inch display, a 5,000mAh battery that genuinely lasts two days, and a near-stock Android experience. It won't win camera shootouts, but for calls, apps, and everyday use, it's hard to beat.
Best for Power Users: OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 ($799 unlocked) is a legitimate flagship alternative. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 100W wired charging (full charge in about 30 minutes), and a Hasselblad-tuned camera system. OxygenOS remains one of the cleaner Android skins if you want customization without clutter.
Key Specs to Compare Before You Buy
Not all spec sheets tell the same story. Focus on these when narrowing your list:
- Processor generation — Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Apple A17 Pro for top-tier; Dimensity 7200 or Tensor G3 for solid mid-range
- RAM — 8GB is the practical minimum for multitasking in 2024; 12GB+ for heavy use
- Storage — 128GB works for light users; go 256GB if you shoot a lot of photos or video
- Battery capacity — 4,500mAh+ for all-day confidence; check wired and wireless charging speeds
- 5G band support — Confirm Sub-6GHz and mmWave compatibility for your carrier
- Update commitment — Samsung and Google now promise 7 years; many others offer 3–4 years
Where to Buy Unlocked Phones (And What to Watch For)
You can buy directly from manufacturers (Apple, Samsung, Google), big-box retailers like Best Buy, or through marketplaces. Prices rarely vary much at launch, but you'll see discounts of $50–$200 during major sales events like Black Friday or back-to-school season.
Always verify:
- The phone is factory unlocked, not carrier-unlocked (which can still cause issues abroad)
- The IMEI is clean — no outstanding finance agreements or theft reports
- Whether the retailer includes a US warranty (gray-market imports often don't)
If you want to compare multiple sellers and verified deals without jumping between a dozen tabs, Mercoly lets you find and compare trusted New Smartphone Sales providers in one place, saving you real time during the research phase.
How to Decide
Start with your budget, then eliminate by must-have features. If camera quality is your priority, the Pixel 8a or S24 Ultra are your anchors. If you want long software support and ecosystem integration, Apple is the default answer. Power users who want fast charging and smooth performance at a lower price should look hard at the OnePlus 12.
Unlocked gives you control — the right phone just depends on knowing which trade-offs you can live with.
Head to Mercoly today to compare current prices and find verified sellers for the best unlocked phones to buy in 2024.