It’s no doubt that latest smartphones from Apple, Samsung and Google are legit. They’ve all got best in class features that set them apart from the crowd, especially when it comes to displays, cameras, and design. The iPhone X is the first bezeless phone from Apple that moves away from four generations of the same old thing, but it costs a cool grand. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is an Android powerhouse that sets the bar for display technology, has an incredibly slim and tight build for a 6.3″ screen, comes with the ever useful S-Pen but costs $950. Google’s Pixel 2 XL is another almost bezel-free smartphone that highlights Google’s acquisition of HTC’s mobile division and shows off what it thinks is the future of Android, but it can cost $950 for the 128GB model.
If you’re the practical and smart consumer who doesn’t need the best of the best, but simply wants a great phone at a great price, we completely understand your needs. Smartphones essentially do the same things these days: text, browse the web, play games, take pictures, keep you connected to social media, email and allow for phone calls. Bezeless displays and top of the line cameras shouldn’t force you to give up your first-born child, and that’s where we’ve put together our five favorite phones that are unlocked and offer a great mobile experience.
Moto G Plus – $184.99 at Amazon
One frustrating aspect the Moto G5 Plus solves with most unlocked budget Android devices is it is fully compatible across all four major wireless carriers in the US. It doesn’t stop there with this ultra wallet-friendly phone at $184.99 with Amazon advertisements (the ads aren’t so bad and even can save you a bit of cash adding further value). This phone comes with more than enough internal hardware to keep most users happy: 32GB storage, 2GB of RAM, an octa-core processor, Android N, 12MP rear camera and an all-day battery. It also comes with a gorgeous full 1080p display that is perfect for gaming and consuming media. If you want a little more horsepower and storage, you can opt for the 64GB/4GB model for $239.99. You can buy five of these phones for an entire family for the cost of one Galaxy Note 8 or iPhone X.
Nokia 6 – $179.99 at Amazon
If you’re an AT&T or T-Mobile subscriber, this Nokia 6 Amazon exclusive might be the one for you. It has a metal build, a large 5.5″ 2.5D display with minimal side bezels, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a 16MP rear camera and even runs Android 7.1 Nougat. The best feature of all is its incredibly low price of $179.99.
Honor 8 – $269.99 at Amazon and Best Buy
Did you know Huawei is the world’s third largest phone manufacturer? I bet you didn’t because it has a relatively new presence in the US. I’ve been a major fan of Huawei made products ever since it made a splash in the US market with the Nexus 6P. Huawei has a budget line of smartphones under the brand Honor, and the Honor 8 is one of the best-unlocked options you can get for your money. The 8 was launched last year with a starting price of $399.99, but a year later and it’s now under $300. It’s still a very capable smartphone with an octa-core processor, 4GB of RAM, Android N, a 5.2″ HD display, rear 12MP camera and a beautiful build that is more than you’d expect with this price tag. The Honor 8 is only compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile.
Blu Vivo 8 – $249.99 at Amazon
At $249.99 you’d expect major comprises to be made to put out the Vivo 8 from Blu. But no, you get a full 5.5″ 1080p display, an almost all metal body, a huge 4010mAh battery, 13MP rear sony camera, a 2.0Ghz octa-core processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage. Blu has been making affordable Android phones for several years and the Vivo 8 is proof that it’s only getting better with each revision.
Moto E 4th Generation – $99.99 at Amazon
The Amazon exclusive Moto E is a prime example of how great Android can be when it’s slimmed down in a phone with just the essentials. The E doesn’t have an incredible build, but it’s still sturdy and built to last, but it does come with a mid-tier Snapdragon 425, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, a 5″ HD display, Android N and an 8MP rear camera. It might not be the fanciest phone, but it will work across all four major wireless networks in the US, and you could buy 10 for the price of one iPhone X.