Best unlocked smartphones

Top pick: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — the safest all-rounder. A big, sharp screen, a huge battery and the strongest owner ratings here, and it's unlocked so it works on any carrier.

Who the others suit:

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max — if you're in Apple's world (iMessage, AirPods, Mac) and want the longest software support.
• Google Pixel 10a — the smartest camera and cleanest Android for the money; the best value of the bunch.
• Samsung Galaxy S23 — still a genuinely good phone if you want to spend as little as possible without feeling it.
• Motorola Edge 2024 — light and simple for everyday use.
• BLU K2 / G35 — basic backup or first phone only; expect slow performance.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 — the foldable splurge, if a big inner screen matters more than durability.

Skip the iPhone 16 listing here — that price looks like a mispriced or partial listing, not a real deal.