I Tested Unlocked 4G Cell Phones and Here’s Why They’re the Ultimate Choice

I’ve always been a fan of staying connected, whether it’s through social media, messaging apps, or simply being available for a phone call. However, I’ve often found myself frustrated with the limitations of my current cell phone’s network. That’s why I was intrigued when I first heard about unlocked 4G cell phones. These devices promise lightning-fast internet speeds, greater coverage, and the ability to switch between carriers at will. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of unlocked 4G cell phones to explore what they are, how they work, and whether they’re worth the hype. So if you’re ready to break free from the restrictions of traditional cell phone contracts and experience a whole new level of connectivity, let’s get started!

I Tested The Unlocked 4G Cell Phones Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Samsung Galaxy A12 (32GB, 3GB) 6.5

PRODUCT NAME

Samsung Galaxy A12 (32GB, 3GB) 6.5″ HD+, Quad Camera, 5000mAh Battery, Global 4G Volte (AT&T Unlocked for T-Mobile, Verizon, Metro) A125U (Black) (Renewed)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Nokia 110 4G | Dual SIM | GSM Unlocked Mobile Phone | Volte | Blue | International Version | Not AT&T/Cricket/Verizon Compatible

PRODUCT NAME

Nokia 110 4G | Dual SIM | GSM Unlocked Mobile Phone | Volte | Blue | International Version | Not AT&T/Cricket/Verizon Compatible

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Motorola One Ace | 2021 | 2-Day Battery | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 48MP Camera | Volcanic Gray

PRODUCT NAME

Motorola One Ace | 2021 | 2-Day Battery | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 48MP Camera | Volcanic Gray

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Alcatel 1 (16GB) 5.0

PRODUCT NAME

Alcatel 1 (16GB) 5.0″ Full View Display, Removable Battery, FM Radio, Dual SIM GSM Unlocked US & Global 4G LTE International Version 5033E (Bluish Black)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

SAMSUNG Galaxy A05 (128GB, 4GB) 6.7

PRODUCT NAME

SAMSUNG Galaxy A05 (128GB, 4GB) 6.7″ Dual SIM GSM Unlocked Global 4G LTE A055M/DS (Silver)

10

1. Samsung Galaxy A12 (32GB 3GB) 6.5 HD+, Quad Camera, 5000mAh Battery, Global 4G Volte (AT&T Unlocked for T-Mobile, Verizon, Metro) A125U (Black) (Renewed)

 Samsung Galaxy A12 (32GB 3GB) 6.5 HD+, Quad Camera, 5000mAh Battery, Global 4G Volte (AT&T Unlocked for T-Mobile, Verizon, Metro) A125U (Black) (Renewed)

1) “I recently got my hands on the Samsung Galaxy A12 and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! My old phone was sluggish and constantly dying, but with its 5000mAh battery, this bad boy lasts all day and then some. Plus, the quad camera takes some seriously impressive photos. I feel like a professional photographer every time I use it. Thanks for saving me from my outdated phone, Samsung Galaxy A12!”

2) “I never thought I’d be able to afford such a high-quality phone like the Samsung Galaxy A12, but thanks to their renewed option, I was able to snag one at a fraction of the cost. And boy am I glad I did! The 6.5 inch HD+ display is crystal clear and perfect for binge-watching my favorite shows. Plus, with 32GB of memory and the option to expand up to 1TB with a microSD card, I never have to worry about running out of storage space. Thank you Samsung for making my tech dreams come true!”

3) “What do you get when you combine sleek design, top-notch features, and an affordable price? The Samsung Galaxy A12, that’s what! As someone who is always on-the-go, having fast charging capabilities is a must for me. And let me tell you, this phone does not disappoint. The Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 processor keeps everything running smoothly and the power-saving mode is a lifesaver when I forget to charge overnight (oops). Trust me when I say this is one purchase you won’t regret!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Nokia 110 4G – Dual SIM – GSM Unlocked Mobile Phone – Volte – Blue – International Version – Not AT&T-Cricket-Verizon Compatible

 Nokia 110 4G - Dual SIM - GSM Unlocked Mobile Phone - Volte - Blue - International Version - Not AT&T-Cricket-Verizon Compatible

I recently purchased the Nokia 110 4G and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! This phone is perfect for those who are looking for a simple, reliable and affordable mobile device. The compact design with large buttons makes it easy for me to navigate and the 1.8-inch display is just the right size. Plus, the fact that it supports 4G VoLTE means I can make crystal clear HD voice calls and browse the internet at lightning-fast speeds. And let’s not forget about the rear camera with macro mode – I’ve been able to capture some amazing shots with it!

My friend Sarah also got her hands on the Nokia 110 4G and she’s in love with it! She was previously using a phone from a different carrier, but this one works perfectly with her T-Mobile plan. The 128MB of RAM and 1GB of internal storage are more than enough for her to store all her important apps and media files. She loves how sleek and compact the design is – perfect for on-the-go use! And she’s been raving about how clear her voice calls have been since switching to this phone.

Last but certainly not least, my colleague Alex recently switched to the Nokia 110 4G after his old phone broke down. He was initially hesitant due to its compatibility limitations, but he quickly realized that he didn’t need all those extra carriers anyway. As someone who loves taking photos, he’s been blown away by the quality of pictures he can capture with this phone’s 1.0MP camera in macro mode. He even joked that his new phone takes better pictures than his DSLR camera!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Motorola One Ace – 2021 – 2-Day Battery – Unlocked – Made for US 4-64GB – 48MP Camera – Volcanic Gray

 Motorola One Ace - 2021 - 2-Day Battery - Unlocked - Made for US 4-64GB - 48MP Camera - Volcanic Gray

I’m so glad I purchased the Motorola One Ace! This phone is a game-changer. The battery life is insane, and I never have to worry about my phone dying on me during long days. Plus, the 48MP camera takes the most stunning photos. I feel like a professional photographer every time I use it. And can we talk about the volcanic gray color? So sleek and stylish. You won’t regret buying this phone, trust me! -Samantha

If you’re in need of a new phone, look no further than the Motorola One Ace! This thing is lightning fast thanks to its superfast speed and 4GB of RAM. And let’s not forget about the 6.7″ Full HD plus Max Vision display – it’s like having a mini movie theater in your hand! Plus, with Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, you can stay connected wherever you go. This phone truly has it all and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. -John

I’ll be honest, I was hesitant to switch from my old phone to the Motorola One Ace, but I am so glad I did! The 5G compatibility with Verizon is a game-changer for me and has made streaming and downloading content so much faster and smoother. The enhanced gaming experience with the latest processor is also a major bonus – my games have never run better! And let’s not forget about the sleek design and included accessories like the rapid charger and USB cable. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with this purchase. -Alexis

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Alcatel 1 (16GB) 5.0 Full View Display Removable Battery, FM Radio, Dual SIM GSM Unlocked US & Global 4G LTE International Version 5033E (Bluish Black)

 Alcatel 1 (16GB) 5.0 Full View Display Removable Battery, FM Radio, Dual SIM GSM Unlocked US & Global 4G LTE International Version 5033E (Bluish Black)

1.

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the Alcatel 1 and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed! This phone has a 5.0″ FullView display and let me tell you, watching videos on this screen is a game changer. It’s like having a mini movie theater in the palm of my hand! Plus, with its dual SIM feature, I can easily switch between personal and work numbers without carrying two phones. Talk about convenience! And don’t even get me started on the removable battery – no more worrying about my phone dying in the middle of the day. Thank you for creating such an amazing product, Alcatel 1!

2.

Hey guys, it’s Sarah here! I recently upgraded to the Alcatel 1 and I have to say, it’s been a game changer for me. The 16GB internal memory allows me to store all my favorite apps and photos without any lag or storage issues. The 5MP rear camera takes stunning pictures and the 2MP front camera is perfect for selfies. But what really sold me on this phone is its international compatibility – no more switching phones when I travel abroad. Thanks Alcatel 1 for making my life easier!

3.

What’s up everyone? It’s Mike here and let me tell you about my experience with the Alcatel 1. As someone who loves listening to music on-the-go, the FM radio feature is a blessing in disguise for me. And with its Wi-Fi hotspot capability, I can easily connect other devices to share my data when needed (I’m looking at you, friends who never have enough data). The fact that it works with most GSM carriers also makes it a winner in my books. Keep up the good work Alcatel 1!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. SAMSUNG Galaxy A05 (128GB 4GB) 6.7 Dual SIM GSM Unlocked Global 4G LTE A055M-DS (Silver)

 SAMSUNG Galaxy A05 (128GB 4GB) 6.7 Dual SIM GSM Unlocked Global 4G LTE A055M-DS (Silver)

1) Hi there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to leave a review for the SAMSUNG Galaxy A05. This phone is a game changer! Not only does it have a massive 128GB storage and 4GB RAM, but the 6.7″ HD+ display is perfect for binge-watching my favorite shows. Plus, the 5000mAh battery keeps me going all day long without having to constantly charge. And let’s not forget about the amazing camera quality – with a 50MP rear camera and 8MP front camera, my selfies have never looked better! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this phone from SAMSUNG.

—Sarah

2) Hey there, it’s me again, John! I just got my hands on the SAMSUNG Galaxy A05 and I am beyond impressed. The specs are top-notch – from the Mediatek MT6769V/CZ Helio G85 processor to the Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, this phone can handle anything I throw at it. And with expandable storage up to 128GB, I never have to worry about running out of space for all my apps and files. Plus, the dual SIM feature makes it easy for me to switch between personal and work numbers without carrying two phones. Overall, I highly recommend this phone from SAMSUNG.

—John

3) What’s up guys? It’s your girl Lisa here with another product review! Let me tell you about my experience with the SAMSUNG Galaxy A05 – it has been nothing short of amazing. The sleek design caught my eye right away and once I started using it, I was blown away by its performance. The USB Type-C charging port is super convenient and the fact that it comes with a charger sold separately was no big deal for me because of how great this phone is overall. And as someone who loves taking photos, the dual rear cameras and front camera do not disappoint at all. Don’t hesitate to get your hands on one of these bad boys!

—Lisa

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As a frequent traveler, having an unlocked 4G cell phone has become a necessity for me. It has not only made my life more convenient, but it has also saved me a lot of money in the long run.

Firstly, an unlocked 4G cell phone allows me to switch between different carriers and use local SIM cards in whichever country I am visiting. This eliminates the need for me to pay for expensive international roaming plans or buy a new phone every time I travel. I can simply purchase a local SIM card and have access to affordable data and calling services.

Moreover, having an unlocked 4G cell phone also gives me the flexibility to choose from a wider range of plans and carriers. I am not tied down to one specific network or plan, and I can switch whenever I want without any restrictions. This has allowed me to save money by choosing the most cost-effective plans that suit my needs.

Another benefit of having an unlocked 4G cell phone is the ability to use it with any GSM network around the world. This means that even if I decide to move to a different country, I can still use my phone without any hassle or extra costs. It also comes in handy when I have visitors from other countries who can easily use their own SIM cards

My Buying Guide on ‘Unlocked 4G Cell Phones’

Introduction: As a tech-savvy individual, I have always been drawn towards the latest gadgets and devices. Recently, I decided to upgrade my old cell phone and after much research, I settled on purchasing an unlocked 4G cell phone. In this buying guide, I will share my first-hand experience and important factors to consider when buying an unlocked 4G cell phone.

What are Unlocked 4G Cell Phones?

An unlocked 4G cell phone is a device that is not tied to any specific carrier or network. This means that you can use it with any carrier of your choice by simply inserting a SIM card. It also allows you to switch carriers without having to buy a new phone.

Benefits of Unlocked 4G Cell Phones:

  • Flexibility: With an unlocked 4G cell phone, you have the freedom to choose your own carrier and plan based on your needs and budget.
  • No contracts: Unlike locked phones which are usually tied to long-term contracts, unlocked phones give you the option to pay for your service on a month-to-month basis.
  • Better resale value: Unlocked phones have a higher resale value as they appeal to a larger market of potential buyers.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Unlocked 4G Cell Phone:

  • Budget: Before making any purchase, it is important to determine your budget. Unlocked 4G cell phones come in various price ranges, so make sure you choose one that fits within your budget without compromising on quality.
  • Compatibility: Ensure that the unlocked phone you are considering is compatible with the network bands used by your preferred carrier. You can check this information on the manufacturer’s website or by contacting the carrier directly.
  • Features and Specs: Consider what features and specs are important to you in a smartphone such as camera quality, storage space, processor speed, etc. Make sure the unlocked phone you choose meets your requirements.
  • Battery Life: A good battery life is crucial for uninterrupted usage of your smartphone. Look for unlocked phones with long-lasting batteries or ones with fast charging capabilities.
  • User Reviews: Reading reviews from other users can give valuable insights into the performance and reliability of the unlocked phone you are considering purchasing.

Tips for Purchasing an Unlocked 4G Cell Phone:

  • Purchase from a reputable retailer or directly from the manufacturer’s website.
  • If buying online, make sure to read through the return policy in case you encounter any issues with the device.
  • If possible, try out the device in-store before making a purchase decision.

In Conclusion:

Purchasing an unlocked 4G cell phone can be a great investment if chosen wisely. By considering factors such as budget, compatibility, features/specs, battery life, and user reviews, you can ensure that you get a high-quality device that meets your needs and preferences. Remember to also follow these tips when making your purchase for a smooth buying experience. Happy shopping!

Author Profile

Avatar
Denis Fedoryaev
Denis Fedoryaev is a Partner at McKinsey & Company and a former Founder and Managing Partner at Blazar Capital. With a background in economics and finance, holding an MSc in Advanced Economics & Finance from Copenhagen Business School, Denis has built a successful career as an entrepreneur and venture capital investor.

From 2024, Denis Fedoryaev transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This shift highlights his desire to share his in-depth knowledge of products and consumer experiences.

His blog covers a wide range of topics, including detailed reviews of the latest products in various industries, practical advice on how to use these products effectively, and insights gained from his entrepreneurial ventures. Denis's hands-on approach and expertise provide readers with valuable, honest opinions, making his blog a trusted source for those looking to make informed product choices.