Amazon Prime Day has become one of the biggest retail events of the year, attracting millions of shoppers looking for discounts across electronics, home goods, fashion, and more. The biannual sale, which originated in 2015 as a celebration of Amazon's 20th anniversary, has evolved into a global shopping phenomenon. It typically offers deep price cuts on everything from smart home devices to kitchen appliances, but one category that consistently draws attention is smartphones. In particular, unlocked smartphones have become a favorite among savvy buyers because they offer flexibility, no long-term contracts, and the freedom to choose any carrier. This year, Prime Day officially runs from June 23 to 26, but early deals are already surfacing, allowing early birds to snag significant savings on top-tier devices.
If you are in the market for a new handset, now is an excellent time to shop. Unlocked phones are especially appealing because they are not tied to a specific carrier, so you can use them with any compatible network, whether it is Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or a smaller MVNO. They also tend to have higher resale value and often receive software updates directly from the manufacturer, bypassing carrier delays. With early Prime Day discounts already live, we have identified the best unlocked smartphone deals available right now, ranging from flagship models to budget-friendly options.
Best unlocked smartphone early Prime Day deal
The standout early offer is on the Samsung Galaxy S26. This flagship device combines cutting-edge AI-powered tools with blazing-fast performance to simplify everyday tasks. It features a vibrant 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and gaming incredibly smooth. The camera system includes a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, ensuring stunning photos in any lighting. Additionally, the front camera has been widened for better group selfies and video calls. Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 is powered by the latest Exynos or Snapdragon chipset (depending on region), paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The device also supports 45W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging for accessories. Right now, you can get the sky blue color for $785, which is $114.99 off the original $899.99 price. Other color options—cobalt violet, black, and white—are also discounted by about $100. This is a rare opportunity to own a premium unlocked phone at a mid-range price.
More unlocked smartphone early Prime Day deals
Beyond the Galaxy S26, there are several other compelling early Prime Day deals on unlocked smartphones. These cover a range of budgets and feature sets, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Motorola Moto G Play LTE — $109.99 (save $40): This budget-friendly device is perfect for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. It features a 6.5-inch HD+ display, a MediaTek Helio G37 processor, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage (expandable via microSD). The 16MP camera is adequate for casual photos, and the 5000mAh battery delivers excellent battery life. Ideal for a secondary phone or for users who prioritize affordability.
Samsung Galaxy A17 — $164.99 (save $35): A solid mid-range option that offers a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, a 48MP primary camera, and a 5000mAh battery. It runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The Galaxy A17 also includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and Samsung's One UI, providing a clean and intuitive experience. It is a great choice for those who want a reliable Samsung phone without breaking the bank.
TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER — $229.99 (save $55): This unique phone features TCL's proprietary NXTPAPER technology, which mimics the look of real paper for a more comfortable viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight. It has a 6.78-inch display, a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. The camera setup includes a 48MP main lens, a 5MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP depth sensor. The NXTPAPER display is a standout for readers and those who spend long hours on their phone.
Motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition — $599.99 (save $100): This special edition foldable phone celebrates the upcoming FIFA World Cup. It features a 6.9-inch foldable pOLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The dual-camera system includes a 13MP main sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. The razr's iconic flip design is both nostalgic and futuristic, and the World Cup edition adds exclusive themes and wallpapers. It is a great deal for fans of football and foldable technology.
Google Pixel 10 — $725 (save $74): Google's latest flagship is known for its exceptional camera performance and clean Android experience. The Pixel 10 features a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Google's Tensor G4 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. The camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. Software features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Real Tone make it a photographer's dream. The Pixel 10 also promises five years of OS upgrades and security updates, ensuring longevity. At $725, it is $74 off the regular $799 price, making it an excellent value for a Google flagship.
OnePlus 15R — $749.99 (save $50): OnePlus continues to offer flagship-level features at competitive prices. The 15R sports a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The camera system is co-developed with Hasselblad, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP macro lens. The 5000mAh battery supports 65W fast charging, which can charge the phone from 0 to 100% in about 30 minutes. The OnePlus 15R is a performance powerhouse for gamers and power users.
Samsung Galaxy S25+ — $779.99 (save $220): This is the biggest discount on the list, saving you $220 on a near-flagship phone. The Galaxy S25+ features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. The camera setup is similar to the S26 but with a 50MP main sensor, though it still takes excellent photos. The battery capacity is 4700mAh, and it supports 45W fast charging. The S25+ is an exceptional deal for anyone who wants a premium Samsung experience without paying the premium price of the latest model.
These early Prime Day deals on unlocked smartphones are likely to sell out quickly, especially as the official event approaches. Shopping early gives you a wider selection and the peace of mind that you have secured a great price before the rush. When choosing an unlocked phone, consider factors like camera quality, battery life, display size, and software update policy. Most of these devices are compatible with all major US carriers, but it is always wise to check network compatibility before purchasing. Additionally, unlocked phones often come with less bloatware, as carriers typically pre-install their own apps and services.
Amazon Prime Day has traditionally been held in July, but in recent years, Amazon has introduced a second event in October, making it a biannual affair. The event has inspired competitors like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target to launch their own sales, but Amazon's deals remain the most anticipated. The discounts on unlocked smartphones during Prime Day are especially noteworthy because they apply to the full retail price, whereas carrier deals usually require a trade-in or a new line. By purchasing an unlocked phone, you avoid any carrier obligations and can switch networks at any time, making it a truly consumer-friendly option.
Another important aspect of unlocked phones is their compatibility with international networks. If you travel frequently, an unlocked phone allows you to insert a local SIM card abroad, avoiding expensive roaming charges. Many of the phones listed above also support eSIM, which makes switching between plans even easier. For heavy users, the Google Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 stand out for their AI features. Google's Tensor chip enables real-time translation, advanced photo editing, and smarter voice recognition. Samsung's Galaxy AI offers similar capabilities, including live transcriptions in calls and notes, generative photo editing, and intelligent battery management.
For those on a tighter budget, the Motorola Moto G Play LTE and Samsung Galaxy A17 provide reliable performance at a fraction of the cost. The Moto G Play, in particular, is an ideal entry-level device for seniors, children, or anyone who needs a secondary phone. Its large battery and simple interface make it easy to use. The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER, with its unique display, is a niche but compelling choice for users who consume a lot of text or read ebooks on their phones. The NXTPAPER technology reduces blue light and glare, making it easier on the eyes during extended use.
Finally, the Motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26 Edition is a collector's item as much as a functional phone. Foldables are becoming more mainstream, and this special edition adds a layer of excitement for sports fans. It is a premium device that folds into a compact square, making it highly portable. The discount brings it closer to the price of standard flagships, making it a tempting upgrade for those who want something different.
As Prime Day draws nearer, we expect even more deals to appear, but these early offers are already strong. Keep an eye on additional discounts on accessories like cases, screen protectors, and wireless chargers, as they often go on sale alongside phones. Signing up for Amazon's newsletter or enabling deal alerts can help you catch flash sales. Also, consider using a cashback app or a rewards credit card to maximize your savings.
The early Prime Day unlocked smartphone deals we have highlighted represent a cross-section of the best value available now. Whether you are looking for cutting-edge AI, a foldable design, or a simple budget phone, there is an option for you. Remember that deals can change at any time, so act quickly if you see a price you like. The flexibility and freedom of an unlocked phone make it a smart investment, and with these savings, it is an even more attractive proposition.
Source: Mashable News