Welcome to our guide on the "10 Best Unlocked Android Smartphones for 2023." As technology continues to advance rapidly, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest smartphone trends. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the top unlocked Android smartphones that are set to dominate the market in 2023. From cutting-edge features to sleek designs, these devices offer a seamless user experience and showcase the pinnacle of Android technology. Whether you prioritize exceptional camera quality, powerful performance, or innovative features, our list has something for everyone. Join us as we delve into the future of smartphone technology with the 10 Best Unlocked Android Smartphones for 2023.
Overall Score: 9/10
The SAMSUNG Galaxy S20 FE 5G Cell Phone is a powerful Android smartphone with a pro-grade camera, 30X Space Zoom, and night mode. It features an unlocked design, allowing you to choose your carrier and customize the phone to your liking. The 6.5” FHD Infinity-O Display offers an immersive viewing experience, while the pro-grade triple lens camera lets you capture moments in your own unique way. With 30X Space Zoom, you can zoom in on distant objects or magnify details of nearby subjects. The Night Mode enhances low-light photography, ensuring detailed and colorful shots even in the dark. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G Mobile Platform, this phone delivers real-time gaming and clear video calls. With a customer rating of 4.5/5, it offers great value and performance.
Key Features
- MORE FREEDOM with unlocked design
- INFINITY-O DISPLAY for immersive viewing
- PRO-GRADE CAMERA with triple lens
- 30X SPACE ZOOM for detailed shots
- NIGHT MODE for low-light photography
- SINGLE-TAKE AI for capturing multiple images at once
- GET THE MOST OUT OF 5G with Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G Mobile Platform
Specifications
- Color: Cloud Navy
- Dimension: 6.70Lx3.40Wx2.44H
- Size: 128GB
Pros
- Unlocked design for freedom of choice
- Pro-grade camera with 30X Space Zoom
- Night Mode for detailed low-light photography
- Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G Mobile Platform
Cons
- Some missing features compared to previous model
The SAMSUNG Galaxy S20 FE 5G Cell Phone offers great value and performance. With its unlocked design, pro-grade camera, and powerful Snapdragon processor, it provides a versatile and immersive smartphone experience. The 30X Space Zoom and Night Mode allow for impressive photography in various situations, while the Infinity-O Display enhances gaming and streaming. Although it may lack a few features compared to its predecessor, this phone still delivers on performance and functionality. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a gamer, or someone who values customization, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G is a solid choice. Overall, it’s a fantastic smartphone that offers a premium experience at a reasonable price.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Nokia C21 Plus is an unlocked smartphone featuring the Android 11 (Go Edition). With its 2-day battery life, you can enjoy the freedom of recharging less and staying connected for longer. The phone boasts a dazzling 6.5" HD+ display, delivering vibrant visuals for all your media needs. Capture stunning photos with the 13MP dual-camera, which includes panorama and beautification modes. The clean operating system ensures optimal performance, along with 2 years of quarterly security updates. Additionally, the biometric fingerprint and AI face unlock provide enhanced security and convenience. The Nokia C21 Plus is rigorously tested to be sleek and strong, with a thinness of 8.5mm for a comfortable grip. Available in Charcoal color, this phone combines affordability with remarkable features.
Key Features
- Battery life that lasts days, giving you the freedom to recharge less and connect more.
- Features a dazzling 6.5" HD+ display.
- 13MP dual-camera with panorama and beautification modes.
- Clean OS with 2 years of quarterly security updates, biometric fingerprint, and AI face unlock for more space and more freedom.
- Rigorously tested to be sleek and strong with 8.5mm thinness, designed to fit better in your hand.
Specifications
- Color: Charcoal
- Dimension: 6.49Lx2.99Wx0.34H
Pros
- Long-lasting battery life
- Large and vibrant display
- Dual-camera functionality
- Clean and secure operating system
- Sleek and ergonomic design
Cons
The Nokia C21 Plus offers impressive value for money, providing a range of features typically found in higher-priced smartphones. Its long-lasting battery life ensures you can stay connected without frequent recharging, while the vibrant display offers an excellent viewing experience. The dual-camera setup allows for versatile photography, and the clean operating system with regular security updates ensures a smooth and secure user experience. The sleek and ergonomic design adds further appeal, making the Nokia C21 Plus a reliable and stylish choice. Whether you’re a budget-conscious buyer or simply looking for a solid smartphone, this device offers great performance and functionality at an affordable price point.
Overall Score: 8.2/10
The TCL 10L is a feature-packed unlocked Android smartphone with a large storage capacity and a high-resolution camera system. It features a 6.53” FHD+ Dotch LCD display powered by NXTVISION, providing sharp and vibrant visuals. The phone is equipped with a 48MP AI camera and a 16MP front-facing camera for capturing crisp and vivid pictures. With 256GB of storage and 6GB of RAM, users can store and access a large amount of content without worrying about running out of space. The TCL 10L is compatible with GSM carriers and Verizon’s LTE network. It also offers all-day battery life and comfortable viewing in any lighting conditions. Overall, it offers great value for its price.
Key Features
- 256GB Large Storage
- 6.53” FHD+ Dotch LCD display
- 48MP AI camera
- 16MP front-facing camera
- Compatible with GSM carriers and Verizon’s LTE network
- Auto-adjusting display
- 4000m Ah battery
Specifications
- Color: Mariana Blue
- Dimension: 6.38Lx2.98Wx0.33H
- Size: 256GB
Pros
- Large storage capacity
- High-resolution camera system
- Compatible with popular carriers
- All-day battery life
- Sharp and vibrant display
Cons
- Not compatible with CDMA networks
- Camera app lags at times
- Back side of the phone can be hard to remove
- Sensitive fingerprint reader
The TCL 10L is an impressive unlocked Android smartphone that offers great value for its price. With its large storage capacity, high-resolution camera system, and vibrant display, it provides a smooth and enjoyable user experience. The phone is compatible with popular carriers, making it a versatile option for users. The all-day battery life and comfortable viewing in any lighting conditions add to its appeal. While it may have a few drawbacks like limited compatibility with CDMA networks and some minor issues with the camera app, overall, the TCL 10L is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone.
Overall Score: 7/10
The UMIDIGI Power 5s is an unlocked smartphone with a 6150mAh battery and 4G dual SIM capability. With a 6.53-inch HD display and a 16MP AI triple camera, this phone offers a great experience for its users. Powered by a quad-core processor and 4GB RAM, it can handle everyday tasks easily. The phone also features an independent shortcut key, Android 11, and expandable storage. While it has a comfortable design, long battery life, and a wide-angle camera, there are some drawbacks such as compatibility issues with certain networks and slow battery charging. Overall, the UMIDIGI Power 5s is a reliable and affordable smartphone with impressive features.
Key Features
- Dual 4G Vo LTE& Global Network
- Design for Better Experience
- Ultra Wide Macro Triple Camera
- Quad-Core Processor & 4GB + 32GB
- Independent Shortcut Key & Android 11
Specifications
- Color: Jade Green
- Dimension: 6.46Lx2.99Wx0.35H
- Size: Power 5S 4+32GB
Pros
- Long battery life
- Large HD display
- Expandable storage
- Wide-angle camera
- Independent shortcut key
- Stock Android 11
Cons
- Compatibility issues with certain networks
- Slow battery charging
- Low-quality night camera
- Sensitive screen
- Low volume after reducing volume level
- Noisy phone calls
The UMIDIGI Power 5s is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers impressive features like a long-lasting battery, a large HD display, and expandable storage. While it has some drawbacks such as compatibility issues with certain networks and slow battery charging, it still provides good value for its price. The wide-angle camera and independent shortcut key are convenient additions that enhance the user experience. Additionally, the phone runs on stock Android 11, ensuring smoother performance and device controls. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable smartphone with decent specifications and reliable performance, the UMIDIGI Power 5s is worth considering.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The TCL 30XL Unlocked Cell Phone offers a cinematic viewing experience with its expansive 6.82-inch screen and dual speakers. It features TCL NXTVISION Technology for enhanced visuals and protection against harmful blue light. The 5000mAh battery provides all-day power and supports fast charging. With 6GB RAM and an Octa-Core processor, it offers powerful and smooth performance. The 50MP AI quad camera captures detailed shots and the 13MP front-facing camera takes unique selfies. This unlocked phone works with most major U.S. carriers and is compatible with various network providers. It comes with a one-year limited warranty and supports face unlock technology. Please note that it does not support NFC or touchless pay apps. Overall, the TCL 30XL is a feature-packed smartphone with a large display and impressive camera capabilities.
Key Features
- Unlocked Smartphone
- Cinematic Viewing Experience
- Large Battery, Fun for All Day
- Powerful, Smooth and Safe
- Seize the Beauty of Life
Specifications
- Color: Night Mist
- Size: 64GB
Pros
- Cinematic display with dual speakers
- Long-lasting battery with fast charging
- Powerful performance and smooth multitasking
- High-resolution AI quad camera
- Front-facing selfie camera captures unique photos
Cons
- Not compatible with certain networks and apps
- Difficulty finding a protective case
- Audio quality could be better
- Some users experienced technical issues
The TCL 30XL Unlocked Cell Phone offers a great combination of features and performance at an affordable price. With its expansive cinematic display, powerful battery, and high-resolution camera, it provides an immersive viewing and photo-taking experience. The phone’s smooth performance and face unlock technology add convenience to daily usage. However, it is important to note that it may not be compatible with all networks and apps, and finding a suitable protective case might be a challenge. Overall, the TCL 30XL is a solid choice for those in search of a feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Blackview Unlocked Cell Phones A53 is an affordable yet powerful smartphone. With its 7GB RAM and 32GB storage, it offers seamless multitasking and ample space for your files. The 5080mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage, and the OTG feature allows for convenient data transfer. The Android 12-based Doke OS 3.0 enhances personalization and performance. The 6.52-inch HD+ large screen displays vibrant colors and offers a responsive touch experience. Capture stunning photos with the 12MP rear and 5MP front cameras, and enjoy precise navigation with the built-in four-in-one navigation system. With its sleek design and multiple color options, the Blackview A53 is a stylish companion. Please note that it is not compatible with AT&T, Cricket, and CDMA carriers.
Key Features
- 7GB+32GB+1TB TF Card
- Doke OS 3.0 Based on Android 12 + 3 Card Slots
- Endless Energy with the 5080m Ah Battery & Versatile OTG Connectivity
- Featherweight Beauty of the 193g A53 Phone, Just 9.4mm Thin
- 6.52-inch HD+ Large Screen Smartphone
- 12MP Rear and 5MP Front Camera Smartphone
- 4 in 1 Navigation & Face ID Unlock & 3.5mm Headphone Jack
- Black & Blue & Grey
- 2-Year Warranty
Specifications
- Color: Blue
- Dimension: 2.99Lx0.37Wx6.46H
Pros
- Powerful performance and ample storage
- Long-lasting battery and versatile OTG connectivity
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Vibrant HD+ large screen display
- Advanced camera features
- Precise navigation and Face ID
- Multiple color options available
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Not compatible with AT&T, Cricket, and CDMA carriers
- Some users reported lagging issues
The Blackview Unlocked Cell Phones A53 offers excellent value for its price. It combines powerful performance, a large HD+ display, and advanced camera features in a sleek and lightweight design. The long-lasting battery and versatile connectivity options make it a reliable companion for your daily tasks. However, it’s important to note that this phone is not compatible with AT&T, Cricket, and CDMA carriers. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn’t compromise on features and performance, the Blackview A53 is a great choice.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Samsung Galaxy A13 A135M is a budget-friendly Android smartphone that offers a range of features at an affordable price. It comes with a large 6.6-inch display and a powerful 5000 mAh battery, perfect for long hours of use. The phone also boasts a 50 MP rear camera for capturing high-quality photos and a fast charging feature. With its dual SIM capability and compatibility with most GSM carriers, it offers flexibility to users. However, it is not compatible with CDMA carriers like Verizon, Sprint, or Boost. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A13 A135M is a reliable smartphone that delivers solid performance for its price.
Key Features
- 4G LTE Bands: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
- 6.6-inch display with Corning Gorilla Glass 5
- 50 MP rear camera
- 5000 m Ah battery with fast charging
- Dual SIM capability
Specifications
- Color: Black
Pros
- Affordable price
- Large display
- Powerful battery
- High-resolution camera
- Fast charging feature
- Dual SIM capability
Cons
- Not compatible with CDMA carriers
- Limited availability of replacement battery
The Samsung Galaxy A13 A135M is a solid budget smartphone with impressive features. It offers a large display, powerful battery, and high-resolution camera, making it a great choice for those on a budget. However, potential buyers should be aware of its lack of compatibility with CDMA carriers and the limited availability of replacement batteries. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A13 A135M provides good value for its price and is worth considering for those in need of a reliable and affordable smartphone.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Google Pixel 6a is a 5G Android phone that offers a powerful and secure user experience. It is powered by Google Tensor, the first chip designed by Google specifically for Pixel phones. It features a 12-megapixel camera with advanced tools like Magic Eraser, Motion Mode, and Portrait Mode. The phone comes with up to 72-hour battery life and supports extreme battery saver mode. It is an unlocked phone that works with major carriers. With IP67 protection, it is water and dust-resistant. The Pixel 6a also includes features like live translate, enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in hardware security. Overall, it is a reliable and feature-rich smartphone.
Key Features
- Super fast and secure with Google Tensor chip
- Up to 72-hour battery life with Extreme Battery Saver
- 12-megapixel camera with advanced tools
- Fast charging capability
- Live Translate feature for 55 languages
Specifications
- Color: Sage
- Dimension: 6.00Lx2.80Wx0.35H
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Long battery life
- High-quality camera
- Good water and dust resistance
- Enhanced Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Fingerprint sensor can be finicky
- Audio quality is not impressive
- No wireless charging
The Google Pixel 6a is a feature-rich and reliable Android phone. It offers powerful performance, long battery life, and a high-quality camera. The live translate feature and enhanced Bluetooth connectivity add to its appeal. While the fingerprint sensor can be finicky and the audio quality is not impressive, these drawbacks are outweighed by its overall performance and value. If you are looking for a mid-range smartphone with excellent features and a reasonable price point, the Pixel 6a is a great choice.
Overall Score: 6/10
The Nokia C01 Plus is an unlocked smartphone powered by Android 11 (Go Edition). It features a 6.52-inch HD+ screen with video call capabilities and a long-lasting battery that can last up to 2 days. The phone is equipped with an octa-core processor and supports 4G connectivity. It has a 5MP front and rear camera with LED flash for capturing moments. The product is compatible with GSM carriers but not compatible with Verizon. It comes in a dark blue color with dimensions of 5.83Lx2.83Wx0.37H. Overall, the Nokia C01 Plus offers a budget-friendly option for users who prioritize battery life and essential smartphone features.
Key Features
- Android 11 (Go Edition)
- 6.52-Inch HD+ Screen
- Long-lasting 2-day battery
- Octa-core processor
- 5MP front and rear cameras with LED flash
Specifications
- Color: Blue
- Dimension: 5.83Lx2.83Wx0.37H
Pros
- Affordable price
- Long battery life
- Decent camera quality
Cons
- Limited RAM (2GB)
- Not compatible with Verizon
- Micro-USB instead of USB-C
The Nokia C01 Plus is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers essential features and a long-lasting battery. It is suitable for users who prioritize battery life and basic smartphone functionality. However, the limited RAM and outdated micro-USB port may be drawbacks for those who require more processing power and modern charging options. Overall, if you are looking for an affordable smartphone with decent camera capabilities and extended battery life, the Nokia C01 Plus is worth considering.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Experience a wider visual experience with the UMIDIGI F3 SE Unlocked Smartphone. With a 6.7-inch full-screen display and a 20.5:9 aspect ratio, this phone brings you a vivid and immersive viewing experience. It is powered by the latest Android 11 system and the Unisoc T610 octa-core processor, providing excellent performance and reducing lag in apps, web browsing, and games. Capture stunning photos with the 20MP + 8MP + 8MP camera setup and enjoy bright and clear photos even in low light. The UMIDIGI F3 SE also features a powerful 5150mAh battery for all-day use. With dual SIM support and global LTE bands, you can stay connected anywhere in the world. Plus, it comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
Key Features
- 6.7 inch HD Full Display smartphone
- Android 11 Smart Phone
- 20MP + 8MP + 8MP Camera
- 5150m Ah Big Battery
- Dual Sim + Global LTE Bands
- 1 Year Warranty
Specifications
- Color: Hawaii Blue
- Dimension: 2.98Lx0.34Wx6.61H
Pros
- Large, immersive display
- Powerful octa-core processor
- Impressive camera setup
- Long-lasting battery life
- Global LTE support
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Issues with call connectivity
- Speaker quality could be better
- Camera performance in low light
The UMIDIGI F3 SE Unlocked Cell Phone offers a big screen, powerful performance, and impressive camera capabilities. With its long-lasting battery, dual SIM support, and global LTE bands, it is a versatile smartphone for users who travel frequently. However, there have been some customer complaints about call connectivity and speaker quality. Additionally, the camera performance in low light conditions may not be the best. Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a large display and decent features, the UMIDIGI F3 SE is worth considering.
Buyer's Guide: Unlocked Android Smartphones
An unlocked Android smartphone can provide you with the ultimate flexibility and freedom when it comes to choosing your mobile service provider. With a plethora of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect unlocked Android smartphone that suits your needs. To make the decision-making process easier for you, we've prepared this comprehensive buyer's guide. Dive into the world of unlocked Android smartphones and discover the best features, considerations, and tips to keep in mind.
Benefits of Unlocked Android Smartphones:
- Freedom to Choose: Unlocked Android smartphones allow you to choose the carrier of your preference, giving you the flexibility to switch plans or carriers whenever you want.
- No Contracts: Unlike locked smartphones tied to specific carriers, unlocked devices enable you to avoid lengthy contracts and enjoy greater financial freedom.
- International Compatibility: Unlocked phones are compatible with multiple networks, making them ideal for international travel. Simply insert a local SIM card and stay connected without expensive roaming charges.
- Greater Selection: Unlocked Android smartphones offer a wide range of options, allowing you to choose the device that best suits your budget, preferences, and desired specifications.
- Resale Value: Unlocked devices generally have a higher resale value compared to locked phones, since they appeal to a broader range of buyers.
Factors to Consider:
When purchasing an unlocked Android smartphone, there are several crucial factors to consider. Take these into account to ensure you make an informed decision:
- Budget: Determine your budget range before exploring options to narrow down your choices.
- Performance and Specifications: Assess the smartphone's processor, RAM, storage capacity, camera quality, and other features that are important to you.
- Display Size and Resolution: Choose a screen size and resolution that suits your needs, be it for gaming, watching videos, or reading.
- Battery Life: Consider the battery capacity and check for user reviews to get an idea of how long the device typically lasts on a single charge.
- Camera Quality: Evaluate the camera specifications, including megapixels, aperture size, and image stabilization, if you prioritize photography or videography.
- Brand Reputation: Research the brand's reputation for producing reliable, high-quality devices and providing excellent customer support.
- Software Updates: Check if the manufacturer provides regular software updates to ensure your device stays up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
Tips for Buying an Unlocked Android Smartphone:
- Research and Compare: Visit reputable online retailers and compare prices, specifications, and customer reviews to find the best deals and the most suitable unlocked Android smartphone for your needs.
- Operating System: Decide whether you prefer the stock Android experience or customized user interfaces (UI) like Samsung's One UI or Xiaomi's MIUI.
- Check Network Compatibility: Ensure the smartphone is compatible with your preferred carrier's network frequencies (GSM, CDMA, LTE), so you can enjoy optimal connectivity.
- Warranty and Return Policy: Look for devices with a warranty and a reasonable return policy to protect your purchase in case of any defects or issues.
- Consider Refurbished Options: If you're on a tight budget, consider purchasing a refurbished device from a reputable seller, as they often provide excellent value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions about 10 Best Unlocked Android Smartphones for 2023
An unlocked Android smartphone is not tied to any specific carrier and can be used with any compatible mobile service provider.
Yes, unlocked Android smartphones give you the freedom to choose and use them with any carrier that supports the device’s network frequencies.
Yes, one of the biggest advantages of unlocked Android smartphones is their international compatibility. You can easily use them with local SIM cards while traveling abroad.
Unlocked Android smartphones may appear more expensive initially since the cost is not subsidized by a carrier. However, they can provide cost savings in the long run due to the flexibility in choosing affordable plans or switching carriers.
Yes, you can use your existing SIM card with an unlocked Android smartphone as long as it is compatible with the device’s network frequencies.