Best Unlocked iPhones In 2021

nixs_admin
Friday, April 2, 2021

Unlocked iPhones give you access to Apple’s entire range without having to rely on networks.

You can choose from one of the top unlocked iPhones and get your Apple device without having to sign up for a wireless carrier. You can pick up the iPhone you like, no matter if it’s a powerful flagship or one of Apple’s lower-cost options.

This way, you can choose the network carrier and price of your phone that best suits your needs. When you combine all of these factors, the best-unlocked iPhones will probably be the most attractive options for anyone looking to buy a new phone.

Apple releases only a few phones per year, so you won’t have as many options as unlocked Android phones. There are still plenty of Apple devices available if you don’t want to be tied down to one carrier. This is especially true with the announcement of the iPhone 13.

The new iPhone 13 was released in stores on September 24th. The new iPhones have already impacted Apple’s iPhone lineup, as the prices of older models have fallen in many cases. The iPhone 11 and iPhone SE are excellent choices for those on a budget. They are also affordable, making it possible to purchase them one time and not make monthly payments to a network operator.

Here's how to buy an unlocked iPhone and get the most for your money.

The best unlocked iPhones

1. iPhone 12

Get the best value in Apple’s new range.

Specifications

Display: 6.1-inch OLED (2532×1170)

CPU: A14 Bionic

RAM: 4GB

The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro Max are the most expensive of the four iPhone 12 devices in Apple’s iPhone 12 Family. However, it is still the best value option. It also offers more screen space than the iPhone 12 mini. Apple has also dropped the price of the iPhone 13 with the arrival of the iPhone 13.

What are you really getting with the iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic chip? The phone’s A14 Bionic Chip is possibly the most important feature. It’s currently the top-selling processor on the market, until we have a chance to test the iPhone 13’s A15 chipset. 

The iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic chip delivers high-end gaming and the full potential of the iPhone’s camera AI, 5G connectivity, and other features.

Beyond the processor, you get a dual-camera with 12MP wide- and ultra-wide lenses, 5G capabilities, a 6.1-inch display, and a battery life that will last through a day.

The Pro and Pro Max models will offer more power, but the iPhone 12 retains all the essential features of the iPhone 12 at a lower price. 

2. iPhone 12 Pro Max

The most powerful Apple device.

Specifications

Display: 6.7-inch OLED (2532×1170)

CPU: A14 Bionic

RAM: 4GB

Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256, 512GB / No

Rear Camera: 12MP Wide (f /1.6), 12MP Ultrawide (f/2.4), and 12MP Telephoto (f/2.2).

Front camera: 12MP (f/2.2)

The iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple’s most powerful smartphone, is currently the most powerful device ever, competing with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra to claim the top spot. 

The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the same A14 Bionic chip that the iPhone 12 but has a larger battery, giving you more than a day of use. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is compatible with 5G, just like other high-end handsets.

3. iPhone SE

The most affordable iPhone ever.

Specifications

Display: 4.7-inch LCD (1334×750)

CPU: A13 Bionic

RAM: 3GB

Storage / Expandable: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB / No

Rear camera: 12MP (f/1.8)

Front camera: 7MP (f/2.2)

Weight: 5.22 ounces

Battery life (Hrs.Mins): 9/18

The iPhone SE is Apple’s only budget smartphone. While OnePlus, Google, and Samsung all offer a few lower-cost options, Apple only offers the iPhone SE.

Although it is possible to lower the price by using the same design and body as the iPhone 8, there are some compromises. This phone has an LCD screen and a battery among the smallest you’ll find in an iPhone. The iPhone 12 was Apple’s total switch to OLED panels. You get one rear camera, but the iPhone SE is still one of the most powerful camera phones on the market, thanks to its powerful software.

The processor is the most crucial feature. Apple chose the A13 Bionic chip, which is the same processor as the iPhone 11. This is because most phones are priced at midrange processors. Although it’s not Apple’s flagship chipset, A13 Bionic still offers impressive photo processing and gaming performance, surpassing more expensive Android models.

4. iPhone 11

A great choice at a lower price.

Specifications

Display: 6.1-inch LCD (1792×828)

CPU: A13 Bionic

RAM: 4GB

Storage / Expandable: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB / No

Rear camera 12MP (f/1.8);12MP ultrawide (f/2.4);/12MP

Front camera: 12MP (f/2.2)

Weight: 6.84 ounces

Battery life (Hrs.Mins): 11.20

–The iPhone 11 was the top-rated unlocked iPhone in its time. Even though it is now somewhat in the background with the introduction of the iPhone 12 as well as the iPhone 13, the iPhone 11 still remains the top choice for anyone looking to buy a new iPhone.

One of the main selling points is the price drop. The iPhone 11 also features a dual-camera setup with great night mode and AI, full-day battery capacity, and a sleek design.

Although it lacks the most recent iPhone features, such as 5G compatibility or a telephoto lens with optical zoom; the iPhone 11 still retains most of the key features that we love about Apple.

5. iPhone XR

An older handset at an affordable price.

Specifications

Display: 6.1-inch LCD (1792×828)

CPU: A12 Bionic

RAM: 3GB

Storage / Expandable: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB / No

Rear camera: 12MP wide (f/1.8

Front camera: 7MP (f/2.2)

Weight: 6.8 ounces

Battery life: 11.26

Although the iPhone XR was the oldest model in Apple’s iPhone lineup, the iPhone 13’s is the most recent.

Although the iPhone XR has been removed from Apple’s rotation, it is still possible to find unlocked handsets at other retailers. This phone is a great deal for bargain hunters if the price drops below $400.

The iPhone XR features a 6.1 inch LCD display and the A12 Bionic Chip. Although it is smaller than the iPhone XR, the A12 Bionic chip is still an excellent processor that will serve most users’ needs.

The iPhone XR’s battery is one of its best features. The iPhone XR’s battery was one of the best ever when it launched in 2018. It didn’t have 5G or other intensive drains, so you can get through the day with just one charge.

The iPhone XR only has one rear lens. This is a limitation, but it’s normal for a device from a few years ago. Even though the device is older, the XR has some very powerful computational photography features that can produce great photos.

6. iPhone 12 Mini

Small, but very powerful.

Specifications

Display: 5.4-inch LCD (1792×828)

CPU: A14 Bionic

RAM: 4GB

Storage / Expandable: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB / No

Rear camera 12MP (f/1.6); 12-MP ultrawide (f/2.4).

Front camera: 12MP (f/2.2)

Weight: 4.76 ounces

Battery life (Hrs.Mins): 8/25

Another unique handset is the iPhone 12 mini. It’s a small smartphone that offers market-leading specs, meaning the iPhone 12 mini is the most affordable small smartphone currently on the market, at least until the iPhone 13 mini comes out. The iPhone 12 mini is now available at a much lower price.

The only differences between the iPhone 12 and this model are their sizes and prices. The iPhone mini, the smallest iPhone 12 handset, measures just 5.4 inches.

Although the screen may be too small for some users, it’s perfect for single-handed use. The iPhone 12 mini also features 5G connectivity and the A14 Bionic processor, the same chip as the iPhone 12. Unlocked iPhone 12 mini, just like the iPhone 12.

7. iPhone 12 Pro

Mixed specs and price for this middle brother.

Specifications

Display: 6.1-inch LCD (1792×828)

CPU: A14 Bionic

RAM: 4GB

Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB / No

Rear camera 12MP width (f/1.8);12MP ultrawide (f/2.4);/12MP telephoto (12MP)

Front camera: 12MP (f/2.2)

Weight: 6.66 ounces

Battery life (Hrs.Mins): 09:06

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is no longer part of Apple’s phone lineup. The iPhone 13 Pro Max’s $999 price tag is a bit steep, but you might be able to find an unlocked version. This phone has some Pro-grade features and is powerful.

This includes a triple-camera setup with a Telephoto lens. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a slightly better zoom. The iPhone 12 Pro has the same A14 processor that the rest of its range, supports 5G and uses the same Dolby technology as the Pro Max model’s video camera.

8. iPhone 11 Pro

A new version of the iPhone 11.

Specifications

Display: 5.8-inch LCD (1125×2436)

CPU: A13 Bionic

RAM: 4GB

Storage / Expandable: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB / No

Rear camera 12MP width (f/1.8); 12-MP ultrawide (f/2.4); 12MP telephoto

Front camera: 12MP (f/2.2)

Weight: 6.63 ounces

Battery life (Hrs.Mins): 10:00

The iPhone 11 Pro is a powerful phone, but the iPhone 11 Pro may be worth the upgrade if you are looking for something more powerful. Although it shares many similarities with the iPhone 12 Pro, it will be a little more expensive.

The iPhone 11 Pro has the same A13 Bionic chip that the iPhone 11 but an OLED panel. The iPhone 11 Pro is also smaller than the iPhone 12 mini, but it’s still compact.

An additional lens is another substantial upgrade to the iPhone 11, which could be especially appealing for those who take their photography seriously. The iPhone 11 Pro also offers a Telephoto Lens.

Remember, for the best price possible, recycle your old phone with NIX and sign-up to our Premium Membership at NIX.