Whatever your reasons for side-stepping your carrier, unlocked
smartphones offer a sense of freedom and convenience we can all
appreciate. Simply buy a SIM card, stick it in your device, and you're
good to go. There's no need to wait for activation, and best yet, you
can keep your phone around for as long or as short a time as you'd like
without paying any surprise fees. Here are some of our favorite handsets
that you can purchase and use wherever you go, contract-free.
Google Nexus 6
With its expansive 5.96-inch quad-HD display, exceptional Snapdragon
805 processor, and Android 5.0 Lollipop OS right out of the box, the Nexus 6
is the most advanced Android handset on the market (and one of the
biggest, too). Without a carrier agreement, the 32GB model will cost you
$649 (£499, AU$869). Read the full review.
Sony Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact
A proliferation of Sony retail stores means that the unlocked
versions of either water-resistant Xperia Z3 is waiting for you in yet
another brick and mortar store in addition to online marketplaces like
Amazon or eBay. The specs-stuffed Z3 will run you about $600, £500, and
AU$850. Meanwhile, the Z3 Compact, with its scaled-back size and
hardware features, is better for budget-seekers looking to shed $100. In
the UK and Australia, the Compact costs about £430 and AU$700. Look out
for holiday sales promotions as well for these phones (and all phones!)
Read the full Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact reviews.
Motorola Moto X (second-gen)
The Moto X (2014) offers users a lot more freedom than other
handsets. In the US, not only can you purchase it unlocked directly from
either Motorola (known as the "pure" edition) or from Net10 Wireless,
you can also choose from several different colors and finishes
(including wood and leather). With a 16GB on-board memory capacity, the
device starts at $500 in the US and £420 in the UK. (Unfortunately, it
isn't available in Australia yet.) Read the full review.
Motorola Moto G (2014)
Moto G
means three different things, depending on which of the three versions
you're talking about. The 2014 version tops the original in hardware,
while still making it one of the best budget phones we've seen in any
market. Still, speed-seekers will want to opt for the LTE version from
earlier this year, or wait for the next model. At any rate, this version
is definitely a charmer. Read the full review.
HTC One M8 Google Play Edition
With its enduring and stylish aluminum look and no carrier subsidy, expect to pay a pretty penny (a really, really pretty
penny) for the One M8 (GPE) variant. It's available only in the US for
$700 (but that converts to £443 in the UK and AU$819 in Australia), but
for Android purists, the device may be worth it. Especially since it has
a gorgeous 1080p screen, an ultra-fast Snapdragon 801 processor, and
its front-facing dual speakers deliver ultra-crisp sound. It's the
ultimate luxury Android phone. Read the full review.
Google Nexus 5
The Nexus 5
may not be this year's flagship, but with its more pocketable design
(compared to its phablet successor), bright 1080p display, and
Snapdragon 800 processor, it's still a top-notch and affordable handset.
As such, it's in high demand and often out of stock at the Google Play
Store, but the company has confirmed plans to keep restocking the item.
It starts at $349 (£299, AU$399). Read the full review.
Tags: Android Update , Phones , Mobile, Google, HTC , Motorola, Sony
Tags: Android Update , Phones , Mobile, Google, HTC , Motorola, Sony
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