Don't be ashamed of your burner. Across the world, millions of people are enjoying super-cheap, unlocked cell phones. As the unlocked trend spreads in the U.S., pushed by manufacturers like ZTE, ...

Finding a good unlocked cell phone under $100 in 2026 doesn’t have to be a huge challenge. Sure, the fancy new models cost a fortune, but there are plenty of solid options out there if you know where ...

Just a few years ago, a sub one hundred dollar smartphone would most likely make you miserable and unhappy with your purchase. Luckily, times have changed, and it’s now possible to get a great ...

In this edition of Ask Maggie, CNET's Marguerite Reardon breaks down what you need to know about the carrier practice of locking phones. Marguerite Reardon started as a CNET News reporter in 2004, ...

If you're buying a new phone, consider the advantages of an unlocked phone against those of one on a contract. As Managing Editor, I lead CNET's mobile team, covering news and reviews on smartphones, ...

In the early days of smartphones, the easiest way to get one in the United States was simple: visit your carrier outlet of choice and buy whichever device the salesperson convinced you was best.