Best Cheap Unlocked Smartphones in the UK (2026): Top Picks Under £100, £150 and £250

Unlocked phones let you skip the contract entirely — pay once, pop in any UK SIM (EE, Vodafone, O2, Three), and you're set. With phone contracts getting more expensive every year, more UK buyers are choosing to buy unlocked outright and pair it with a cheap SIM-only plan instead.

Here's our pick of the best cheap unlocked smartphones across three budgets, plus what to actually check before buying — all available at LowPricePhones UK.

Under £100: Best Value Picks

Nokia G42 5G

A genuinely solid budget option with a large 6.56-inch HD+ display at 90Hz, a 5,000mAh battery that can comfortably last two days on light use, and a 50MP main camera that holds up well in daylight. 5G support means it won't feel outdated in a couple of years.

Best for: anyone who wants a big screen and long battery life above all else.

Refurbished iPhone SE 2020

For iOS users, a refurbished iPhone SE (2020) is the cheapest realistic way into Apple's ecosystem. It runs on the A13 Bionic chip — the same processor used in the iPhone 11 Pro — so it's still fast for everyday tasks, messaging, and light gaming. Look for listings with battery health above 80%.

Best for: iPhone users on a tight budget, or as a reliable backup/second phone.

Motorola Moto G35 5G

At around £99.99, the G35 packs in 5G, a 6.7-inch 1080p display, a dual-camera setup, and even 4K video recording — features you wouldn't expect at this price point.

Best for: 5G connectivity on the smallest possible budget.

£100–£200: Best Mid-Budget Picks

Motorola Moto G56 5G

Widely considered one of the best budget phones of 2026. The 256GB version is available new and unlocked for around £160, with a 6.7-inch Full HD display, 8GB RAM, a strong rear camera setup, and a MediaTek processor that handles everyday multitasking smoothly. Motorola also offers solid long-term software support on this range.

Best for: the best all-round value phone under £200.

Moto G86 5G

A step up in design, with a 6.67-inch pOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and genuinely bright screen performance for the price. A great choice for streaming and browsing.

Best for: users who want a sharper, more premium-feeling display without flagship pricing.

Refurbished iPhone XR

At around £110, the refurbished iPhone XR offers a bigger screen than the SE 2020 and around 89% battery health on well-maintained units. For most people choosing between the SE 2020 and XR, the XR's larger display makes it easier to live with day to day.

Best for: iPhone buyers who want a larger screen and don't mind buying refurbished.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 15

Available new for around £150–£180, the Redmi Note 15 punches well above its price point with a large display, capable cameras, and smooth day-to-day performance — a strong choice if you're open to lesser-known brands.

Best for: buyers who want maximum spec-for-pound and aren't tied to a specific brand.

£200–£250: Best Near-Premium Picks

Nothing Phone (2a)

A standout in this range thanks to its unique transparent design, a vivid 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh, 45W fast charging, and a clean version of Android (Nothing OS). It feels like a much more expensive phone than it costs.

Best for: anyone who wants a distinctive design and a near-flagship feel under £250.

Refurbished iPhone (under £300)

If you're flexible on budget, refurbished iPhones in the SE 2020 to XR range remain some of the best value entry points into iOS, provided the seller is transparent about battery health and condition.

Best for: Apple users prioritising longevity and resale value over the newest model.

Comparison Table

Cheap Unlocked Phones vs. Contract Phones

A contract phone might look "free" or cheap upfront, but you're committed to 12–36 months of monthly payments — and the total cost usually ends up far higher than buying outright. With an unlocked phone, you pay once, then choose a cheap SIM-only plan (often £5–£15/month) on whichever network has the best coverage where you live.

The trade-off: you pay the full price at once. For most people, the long-term savings make this worthwhile, especially with so many genuinely capable phones now available under £200.

What to Check Before Buying

• Network compatibility: confirm the phone supports UK 4G/5G bands for EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three.
• Genuinely unlocked: make sure the listing confirms factory-unlocked, not "network unlocked on request."
• Battery health (refurbished phones): anything above 80% is generally fine for daily use.
• IMEI check: verify the device isn't blacklisted or reported lost/stolen.
• Warranty: buy from a seller offering at least 12 months' warranty on new and refurbished stock.

Final Verdict

For most UK buyers, the Motorola Moto G56 5G offers the best balance of price and performance under £200, while the Nokia G42 5G and Moto G35 5G are excellent picks if you want to stay under £100. If you're set on iOS, a refurbished iPhone SE 2020 or iPhone XR remains the most affordable way in, and the Nothing Phone (2a) is worth the stretch to £250 if design and display quality matter most to you.

At LowPricePhones UK, you'll find genuine, unlocked smartphones across all these budgets, each backed by a full 12-month UK warranty and fast delivery.

FAQs

What is the best cheap unlocked phone in the UK right now?
The Motorola Moto G56 5G is widely regarded as the best value pick under £200, while the Nokia G42 5G is a strong choice under £100.

Can I use any SIM card in an unlocked phone?
Yes — a genuinely unlocked phone works with any UK network, including EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three, with no activation needed beyond inserting the SIM.

Are refurbished iPhones worth buying?
Yes, provided the battery health is above 80% and the seller is transparent about condition. The iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone XR remain solid budget choices in 2026.

Do cheap unlocked phones support 5G?
Many do now, even under £100 — the Moto G35 5G and Nokia G42 5G both include 5G support at budget prices.

Is it cheaper to buy unlocked than get a contract phone?
Generally yes over the life of the phone, since contract phones bundle in 12-36 months of payments that add up to more than buying outright plus a cheap SIM-only plan.