Unlocked phones give you the freedom to pick your own carrier and plan, and this year’s lineup covers a wide range of budgets — from flagship Galaxy hardware down to phones well under $300. Here’s what’s worth considering across the price range.
Flagship: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung’s top-tier pick for 2026, with a standout privacy display that hides your screen from anyone viewing at an angle — a genuinely useful feature if you use your phone in public a lot. It’s available in 256GB and 512GB storage options, so it’s worth deciding upfront how much you actually need before paying extra for the bigger tier.
Mid-Range: Motorola Edge Lineup
Motorola’s Edge series is a strong middle ground — 8GB/256GB configurations with a 50MP camera at a noticeably lower price than flagship phones. The 2025 Edge is the newer model, while the 2023 Edge is worth a look if you want to save further and don’t need the latest release.
Budget: Motorola Moto G Series
If you just need a reliable phone without flagship pricing, the Moto G lineup covers it. The 2026 Moto G is the most affordable option here, while the Moto G Stylus steps up to 8GB/256GB and adds a built-in stylus for note-taking, available in a couple of colorways.
iOS Option: Apple iPhone 14 (Renewed)
Want iOS without flagship pricing? The renewed iPhone 14 is a solid way in — still a capable, well-supported phone, at a noticeably lower cost than a new current-generation model.
Quick Picks by Budget
- No budget limit, want the best camera and display: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Want flagship-adjacent features for less: Motorola Edge (2025)
- Tightest budget: Motorola Moto G (2026)
- Want a stylus built in: Motorola Moto G Stylus
- Prefer iOS: Apple iPhone 14 (Renewed)
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