Cell phone carriers definitely offer deep discounts on new phones, but they come with a commitment of two years or more. That’s not the only way to save, though. You can pick up a variety of phone models from top manufacturers contract-free and not pay full price. If you’re shopping for a new smartphone, take the time to read through our exhaustive reviews before you buy. We consider every aspect of the device — cellular radio and data speed, call quality, battery life and charging time, performance, screen quality, cameras, security, and everything else to make sure you’re getting the absolute best device for the money.
Best Deals on Smartphones Right Now
With one payment and no additional commitment, you can pick up an unlocked phone, which allows you to find the carrier that best fits your individual needs. Some of our best-reviewed phones are on sale right now. We’ve found great offers on the latest models and older devices from Apple, Google, Samsung, and more. Read on for the top deals on unlocked phones for March.
The Best Unlocked Apple iPhone Deals
Apple iPhone 16 Pro (Renewed)
6.3-inch screen, 5G, 256GB storage, 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP cameras
$779.00
at Amazon
$979.00
Save $200.00
Amazon’s Premium Renewed products have been restored to factory standards according to rigorous qualifications, and if you’re shopping for a discounted iPhone, this is the best way to find one. Snagging an iPhone 16 Pro for just $779 is a tremendous deal, as this is still a very impressive mobile. You can read our full review for extensive benchmarking, but the summary is simple: the excellent A18 Pro processor in a slim and compact package, with all of the advanced features from the more expensive Pro Max, including the dedicated camera control button, 25W MagSafe charging, and more.
The Best Unlocked Samsung Phone Deals
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
6.7-inch screen, 5G, 128GB storage, 50MP, 12MP, 10MP cameras
$649.99
at Amazon
$899.99
Save $250.00
We’re big fans of Samsung’s foldable phones, loving how they combine a convenient form factor with great performance and dual displays. The Galaxy Z Flip7 FE is the budget offer from their most recent rollout, and we have a head-to-head comparison to read through if you want to see how it stacks up. With Samsung’s proprietary Enhanced Armor Aluminium frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, it’s a sturdy but lightweight mobile. The all-day battery life is also a nice perk. A $250 discount makes this one of the most affordable foldables on the market.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
6.7-inch screen, 5G, 256GB storage, 50MP, 12MP, 8MP, 12MP cameras
$633.49
at Amazon
$799.99
Save $166.50
The S25 FE is the entry-level phone in the Galaxy line, but it delivers much more impressive performance than its price point would lead you to believe. In our review, we gave it an “Excellent” rating for its capable cameras, bright and clear 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with a 2,340 by 1,080 resolution, and actually useful on-device AI features. It passed all of our productivity and gaming benchmarks with flying colors, and the battery charged fast and lasted 17 hours, a big improvement over the last generation. At just over $600, this one’s a steal.
The Best Unlocked Google Phone Deals
Google Pixel 10
6.3-inch screen, 5G, 128GB storage, 48MP, 13MP, 10.8MP, 10.5MP cameras
$599.00
at Amazon
$799.00
Save $200.00
The latest wave of Google phones just got their first price drop, and a $200 discount makes the Pixel 10 a very attractive buy. In our review, we lauded this mobile’s excellent specs, high-quality hardware, and impressive Google AI tools. The 6.3-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2,424 by 1,080 pixels has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, meaning it dazzles even in direct sunlight. This model also introduces an always-on display. Under the hood, you’ll find Google’s new Tensor G5 processor, the first Tensor made by TSMC, and it benchmarked exceptionally well in our suite of tests. This is a decent price on a reliable and future-proof Android phone.
Google Pixel 9
6.3-inch screen, 5G, 128GB storage, 50MP, 48MP, 10.5MP cameras
$569.99
at Amazon
$799.00
Save $229.01
Here’s an incredible $230 price drop on the Editors’ Choice-winning Google Pixel 9, one of the best Android phones on the market. In our comprehensive review, expert analyst Iyaz Akhtar said the mobile “combines thoughtful design, solid performance, and outstanding cameras,” with praise for its seven-year software support window and Gemini AI features. With a solid-feeling aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covering and IP68 dust and water resistance, it’ll take a licking and keep on ticking.
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Google Pixel 7 Pro
6.7-inch screen, 5G, 128GB storage, 50MP, 12MP, 48MP, 10.8MP cameras
$419.97
at Best Buy
$599.99
Save $180.02
For a slightly older model at a good discount, the Pixel 7 Pro is a very good option for the price. In our 2022 review, we praised the Pro’s speedy, 512ppi OLED display with 24-bit color and HDR, captivating AI features, and powerful Tensor processor. It performed ably in our benchmarking tests, and with Google’s long software support window it’ll be future-proof for many more years. The biggest caveat we had was battery life, but it still gives you almost 11 hours between charges.
Other Best Unlocked Phone Deals
Nothing Phone 3
6.67-inch screen, 5G, 512GB storage, 50MP, 50MP, 50MP, 50MP cameras
$719.00
at Amazon
$899.00
Save $180.00
Looking for a cell phone that stakes out its own terrain off the beaten path? The Nothing Phone 3 is a tremendous device for tech-forward iconoclasts, with totally unique features that make it an attention-getter. In our review, we praised the device’s compelling design, unbelievably bright 6.67-inch AMOLED display (it rates at 4,500 nits, when the average for a phone is 800!), and dedicated Essential Key that opens the ultra-handy Essential Space app for screenshots, voice recordings, and more. Amazon has it on sale for 20% off right now.
Recommended by Our Editors
Motorola Razr Ultra 2025
7-inch screen, 5G, 512GB storage, 50MP, 50MP, 50MP cameras.
$799.99
at Best Buy
$1,299.99
Save $500.00
Motorola’s entry into the modern-age flip phone segment is a spectacular, if pricey, Razr that won raves in our review. Mobile analyst Sarah Lord said the phone delivered “excellent inner and outer screens, class-leading battery life, impressive performance, and solid connectivity options,” noting that its dual displays pumped out peak brightness up to 4,500 nits, excellent color quality, and a nearly-invisible center crease when unfolded. It benchmarked exceptionally in our tests, with great dual-screen multitasking and gaming performance. Best Buy has a $500 price drop right now.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
7-inch screen, 5G, 256GB storage, 50MP, 13MP, 32MP cameras.
$199.99
at Best Buy
$399.99
Save $200.00
For something a little more value-conscious, the Moto G Stylus 5G is a pretty sweet pick with a 50% discount right now. We gave it a positive review, saying that it’s one of the most affordable phones that includes a built-in stylus, and it’s paired with a bright and colorful screen that’s a pleasure to use and good battery life coupled with lightning-fast charging. Its processor is a little dated, but performance is reasonable for both productivity applications and games. The onboard features like automatic handwriting recognition are cool, too.
OnePlus 13
6.8-inch screen, 5G, 512GB storage, 50MP, 50MP, 50MP, 32MP cameras.
$799.99
at Best Buy
$999.99
Save $200.00
Right now you can take home an excellent OnePlus 13 for $200 off retail. In our review of this phone, we were dazzled by its bright screen and class-leading battery life, benchmarking it at 24 hours and 28 minutes of continuous operation on a single charge. That makes it a great choice for people who are away from an outlet for much of their day. Recharging is also ultra-powerful, going from 0 to 100% in just 40 minutes with a wired connection. It doesn’t sacrifice performance for efficiency, either, as its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite handles apps with ease.
More Deals on Smartphones
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Don’t forget to check out our top tested picks for the Best Unlocked Phones of 2025.
Is There a Downside to Buying an Unlocked Phone?
There are many good reasons to purchase an unlocked smartphone. They rarely include bloatware; they give you more flexibility, and even hold their trade-in value longer. However, there is one factor in common with most unlocked phones: they require a full payment up-front. Unlike carrier plans, which let you stretch out your payment over the length of your contract, you often have to pay for the hardware all at once, which can be a big chunk of change. However, buying directly from Apple, Google, and Samsung sometimes allows you to break up the cost over time via interest-free monthly payments.
Can I Put My SIM Card In an Unlocked Phone?
Most of the time. As long as your SIM card is the correct size for the phone, you can retrieve the SIM tray and put the card in to connect it to a cellular network—assuming the SIM has an account attached to it. In our guide to unlocking your phone, we run down the handful of restrictions to that. Some carriers, including Verizon, will only accept devices that have been certified for use on its networks. Before you switch over, check the device’s IMEI number with the carrier to make sure it’ll run without issue.
Do Unlocked Phones Work as Well as Carrier Phones?
Your unlocked phone is often the exact same model that you’d get from a carrier. In fact, it might be even better. Many carrier phones come pre-equipped with apps and games that clog up the internal storage and slow it down. We’ve got a whole guide to carrier bloatware here to give you more info. Unlocked phones also let you transfer between carriers more easily.
Is It Cheaper to Buy a Phone Online or In-Store?
We have a robust set of tips for getting the best price on a phone, including the best times of year to pick one up, the advantages of a refurbished phone over a new model, and more. After crunching the numbers, we calculate that, overall, buying phones online gets you better prices (and better selection) than buying them in a brick-and-mortar store. That said, if a local business has a good deal, don’t be afraid to jump on it. Plus, it can be handy to have a real person to help you with setup.
What Is the Best Unlocked Smartphone to Buy?
Purchasing an unlocked smartphone typically requires an up-front payment and doesn’t always allow you to trade in an existing device. We’ve put together a detailed rundown of the best unlocked phones for most people, with Apple’s iPhone 16 ranking at the top of the list. It’s affordable, powerful, and often on sale for a moderate discount. For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a solid choice for both price and performance.
Are Unlocked Phones Ever Available at a Discount?
Scoring a deal on an unlocked phone is more difficult but not impossible. To nab a deal on an unlocked phone, you’ll likely have to target a device that’s a year or two old. For example, Apple already discounts year-old iPhones by $100 to $200.
Which Smartphones Get the Biggest Discounts During Cyber Week or Prime Day?
The most expensive phones often see the biggest discounts in terms of actual dollars saved, but you can score a good deal on most devices. The Apple iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S25, and Google Pixel 9 are those most likely to see sales from manufacturers and retail/carrier partners. Don’t overlook mid-priced phones, like the iPhone 16e, Google Pixel 9a, or Samsung Galaxy A56, which may be free with promotions.
Which Carriers Offer the Biggest Phone Discounts?
The big three carriers in the US offer the deepest discounts because they have the deepest pockets to reach into. That means AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. These three national carriers are far larger than most others and have more room in their budgets to absorb discounted devices because they charge more for service.
Do Trade-In Programs Give the Best Phone Deals?
Not all trade-in programs are created equally. Some offer free or discounted devices, and those can be the best option, but it depends on the value provided for your existing device and whether or not you owe money on the device you’re trading in. For Apple’s trade-in program, options include applying the trade-in value to a new device or receiving an Apple gift card.
About Our Expert
K. Thor Jensen
Contributing Writer
Experience
K. Thor Jensen is a writer and cartoonist living in the Pacific Northwest. He has contributed to dozens of prestigious outlets, including PCMag, Tested, Clickhole, and Newsweek. His second graphic novel, Cloud Stories, was released in 2017.
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