Top 5 Unlocked Android Phones Under $100 for Budget Shoppers in 2025

Finding a good smartphone without breaking the bank is totally possible in 2025. If you’re on a tight budget, there are some decent unlocked Android phones under $100 that can meet your needs. You might have to compromise on certain features, but you can still get a reliable device for everyday use. Here’s a look at five of the best options available right now, perfect for budget-conscious shoppers.

Key Takeaways

• You can find solid unlocked Android phones under $100 in 2025.
• The NUU N10 is a standout choice with great features and Android 14.
• TCL 30 Z offers good performance and Verizon support, making it a reliable option.
• UMIDIGI G9T provides a large battery and decent specs for its price.
• Samsung Galaxy A03s and Motorola Moto E (2025) are also worth considering for their value.

1. NUU N10

Okay, so the NUU N10 is making waves as a solid Android option that won’t break the bank. For under $100, you’re getting a surprising amount of phone. It’s got a big 6.6-inch display, which is nice for watching videos or just browsing.

What’s really cool is that it comes with 128GB of storage. That’s pretty rare for a phone in this price range. Plus, it runs Android 14 and even supports Gemini. I mean, come on, that’s impressive. The NUU T-Mobile smartphone has some mixed reviews, but overall it seems like a decent choice.

It does have a couple of drawbacks. It doesn’t support CDMA, so if you’re on Verizon, you’re out of luck. It’s really only for AT&T, T-Mobile, and MNVOs. Also, don’t expect any future updates. But hey, for the price, you can’t have everything, right? The [budget Android phone] is still a good deal.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• 6.6-inch display
• 128GB storage (expandable with microSD)
• Android 14 with Gemini support
• 13MP main camera + 2MP macro lens
• 5MP front camera
• 5,000mAh battery

2. TCL 30 Z

The TCL 30 Z is another solid contender for budget shoppers. It’s not the flashiest phone out there, but it gets the job done. It’s particularly good if you’re on Verizon and need a reliable, cheap device.

It runs Android 12, which is a little dated but still functional. You get a MediaTek Helio A22 processor, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The 6.1-inch HD+ screen is decent enough for everyday use. The cameras are basic, with an 8MP rear sensor and a 5MP front camera. Don’t expect amazing photos, but they’re fine for quick snapshots. One downside is that it still uses a microUSB charging port, which feels pretty old in 2025. Also, there’s no fingerprint scanner, so you’ll have to rely on face unlock or a PIN. But for under $100, it’s a decent Verizon compatible phone.

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

• Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Works well with Verizon
  • Expandable storage
• Cons:
  • Outdated microUSB port
  • No fingerprint scanner
  • Basic cameras

3. UMIDIGI G9T

Okay, so the UMIDIGI G9T is another contender for your hard-earned cash. For around $100, it’s surprisingly sleek, especially in those blue and green shades. It definitely doesn’t look like a super cheap phone, which is a nice bonus.

It runs Android 14, which is great to see, and has a decent 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. The display has a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling feel smoother. Plus, it’s pretty slim and light, so it won’t weigh you down.

Under the hood, it’s got a UNISOC T606 octa-core processor. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s fine for everyday stuff. It comes with 4GB of RAM, which can be bumped up to 8GB using virtual RAM. Thankfully, you get 128GB of storage, and you can expand it with a microSD card. The UMIDIGI G9T weighs only 189g and is 7.9mm slim, making it easy to carry around.

Now, the screen is big – 6.75 inches – but it’s only HD+. That means the resolution isn’t super sharp, so text and icons might not look amazing. Video playback should be okay, though.

Let’s talk cameras. It looks like there are two on the back, but only the 13MP main camera is actually useful. The other one is just a depth sensor. An ultrawide would have been cool, but honestly, the quality probably wouldn’t have been great anyway. There’s also an 8MP selfie camera on the front.

Other features? It’s got a fingerprint sensor, FM radio, supports GPS, and has a headphone jack. Wi-Fi ac is also included.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Android 14
• 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging
• 128GB storage (expandable)
• 6.75-inch HD+ display

It’s a solid option if you want a phone that looks good and covers the basics. Just don’t expect amazing camera quality or a super sharp display. One of the downsides is the lack of 5G connectivity.

4. Samsung Galaxy A03s

The Samsung Galaxy A03s is still kicking around in 2025, and it’s a solid option if you need something super cheap. It’s known for being able to handle basic stuff without breaking the bank. I remember when it first came out; people were surprised by how much you got for the price. It’s got a decent-sized screen, which is nice for watching videos or browsing the web. The colors are pretty standard – you’ll usually find it in black, which is always a safe bet. It’s not going to win any awards for speed or camera quality, but if you just need a phone to make calls, send texts, and check your email, it’ll do the job. Plus, it’s a Samsung, so you know you’re getting something from a reputable brand. If you’re looking for vegan recipes, you can find plenty of inspiration online to enjoy while using your A03s.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Good for basic tasks
• Affordable price point
• Decent screen size

5. Motorola Moto E (2025)

Motorola always seems to have a budget option available, and the Moto E (2025) is shaping up to be a solid contender for under $100. It’s designed to cover the basics without breaking the bank. You might not get all the bells and whistles, but for simple tasks like browsing, texting, and calls, it should do the trick.

I’m expecting a focus on battery life and durability, which are key for a budget phone. Motorola usually does a good job in those areas. It’s likely to have a plastic build to keep costs down, but hopefully, it won’t feel too cheap. The screen resolution probably won’t be amazing, but as long as it’s clear enough for everyday use, it’s acceptable. The Motorola Moto G Power 5G is a more versatile option, but it’s also more expensive.

Here’s what I anticipate:

• A decent battery life (hopefully lasting a full day).
• A simple, user-friendly interface.
• Basic camera functionality for quick snapshots.

Final Thoughts

In the end, finding a solid Android phone under $100 doesn’t have to be a hassle. The options we covered show that you can get a decent device without breaking the bank. Whether you go for the NUU N10 with its great features or the TCL 30 Z for its Verizon support, there’s something for everyone. Sure, you might miss out on some high-end specs, but for everyday use, these phones hold up just fine. If you’re still unsure, consider bumping your budget a bit for even more choices. Happy shopping!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Android phone under $100 in 2025?

The NUU N10 is considered the best Android phone under $100 for 2025. It offers great features and runs on Android 14.

Are these phones good for gaming?

While these budget phones can handle basic games, they might struggle with more demanding games due to lower processing power.

Can I use these phones with any carrier?

Yes, these unlocked phones can be used with any carrier that supports GSM or CDMA networks, but it’s best to check compatibility.

Do these phones get software updates?

Most budget phones do not receive regular software updates, so you may not get the latest Android versions in the future.

How is the camera quality on these phones?

Camera quality varies, but generally, budget phones have basic cameras that work well for everyday photos but may lack advanced features.

Is it worth buying a phone under $100?

Yes, if you need a basic phone for calls, texts, and social media, these budget options provide good value for the price.