Getting a good smartphone doesn’t have to drain your wallet. If you’ve been searching for unlocked Samsung phones under $100, you’re in luck. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about finding an affordable Galaxy device that actually works well.
TL;DR Quick Answer:
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is the sweet spot right now — you can find it unlocked for around $60–$90 depending on the seller. If you want something even cheaper, the Galaxy A03s drops as low as $30 used on eBay. And if you’re open to a lightly used flagship-lite, the Galaxy A16 5G has shown up under $100 on resale sites like Swappa. All three work on any carrier — no hoops to jump through.
Why Go Unlocked in the First Place?
Buying a phone through your carrier sounds easy, but it usually comes with a catch. You’re locked into that network, sometimes for months or even years. An unlocked phone flips that script entirely. You pop in any SIM card you want, switch carriers whenever it makes sense, and skip the long-term commitment.
The real bonus? Unlocked phones tend to be cheaper over time. You’re not paying hidden fees rolled into your monthly bill. What you see is what you pay — right at checkout. And Samsung, being one of the biggest phone brands on the planet, has a lineup that hits every budget. Today we’re zeroing in on the phones you can actually grab for under a hundred bucks.
When a phone is listed as “unlocked,” it means it’s not tied to any single carrier. You can use it with AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or any smaller network (called MVNOs) like Mint Mobile or Metro. Always double-check compatibility before you buy.
Where to Buy Unlocked Samsung Phones Under $100
Finding the best deals requires knowing where to look. Here are your top options:
| Retailer | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | New budget models, easy returns | $70-129 |
| Best Buy | Open-box deals, price matching | $75-100 |
| Back Market | Certified refurbished with warranty | $50-99 |
| Swappa | Used phones from verified sellers | $60-100 |
| eBay | Wide selection, competitive prices | $40-100 |
| Amazon | Prime shipping, renewed options | $65-110 |
Pro Tip: Refurbished phones from Back Market come with a quality guarantee and warranty. Many customers report receiving devices that look brand new for 30-70% less than retail price. It’s one of the safest ways to buy a budget Samsung phone.
The Top Unlocked Samsung Phones Under $100
We checked prices across Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Back Market, and a few other spots. Here’s what’s actually available — with real numbers, not made-up ones.
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
Best Overall Pick
6.6″ Display, 50MP Camera, 5,000 mAh Battery, 64GB Storage, 5G Ready
This one keeps coming up again and again — and for good reason. Samsung built it to handle the basics really well. The 5G connection keeps things fast, and that big battery means you’re not scrambling for a charger halfway through the day. You’ll find it on eBay for around $50–$60 used, and on Amazon (Renewed) or Back Market for slightly more. Best Buy carried it at launch around $90 unlocked.
~$60
Avg. Used Price
Samsung Galaxy A03s
Best Budget Option
6.5″ Display, 12MP Camera, 5,000mAh Battery, 32GB Storage, 4G LTE
If your budget is really tight, the A03s is hard to beat. eBay listings show it going for as low as $30 used and around $65 new. It won’t run the heaviest apps without slowing down a bit, but for calls, texts, browsing, and social media? It gets the job done without drama. Great as a backup phone too.
~$30
Starting Used
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Best for Casual Users
6.5″ Super AMOLED, 50MP Camera, 5,000mAh Battery, 128GB Storage, 5G Ready
The A15 5G is a step up from the A14 in a few ways — better display, more storage out of the box. It launched at $199 new, but used and refurbished versions on eBay and Back Market regularly dip under $100. If you want a slightly newer Samsung experience without overpaying, keep an eye on this one.
~$75
Avg. Used Price
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Best Resale Find
6.7″ Super AMOLED, 50MP Triple Camera, 5,000mAh Battery, 128GB Storage, 6 Years of Updates
This is Samsung’s newest budget phone — released in early 2025 at $199 new. But here’s the thing: Swappa has already spotted listings as low as $64. It comes with six full years of software updates, which is wild for this price range. If you catch it at the right moment, it might be the best deal on this entire list. IP54 dust and water resistance is a nice bonus too.
~$64
Lowest Seen
Samsung Galaxy A04e
Most Affordable New
6.5″ Display, 13MP + 2MP Camera, 4GB RAM, 32GB Storage, 4G LTE
Want a brand-new Samsung for under $100? The Galaxy A04e is one of the few options that actually stays under that mark at retail. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable. Available unlocked on Amazon and a handful of other retailers. Perfect for someone who just needs a dependable phone and nothing fancy.
<$100
New Retail
Side-by-Side Comparison
Not sure which one fits your needs? Here’s a quick look at the key specs across all five picks.
| Phone | Display | Battery | Storage | 5G? | ~Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A14 5G | 6.6″ LCD | 5,000 mAh | 64GB | ✅ Yes | $50–$90 |
| Galaxy A03s | 6.5″ LCD | 5,000 mAh | 32GB | ❌ No (4G) | $30–$65 |
| Galaxy A15 5G | 6.5″ AMOLED | 5,000 mAh | 128GB | ✅ Yes | $70–$99 |
| Galaxy A16 5G | 6.7″ AMOLED | 5,000 mAh | 128GB | ✅ Yes | $64–$99 |
| Galaxy A04e | 6.5″ LCD | 4,000 mAh | 32GB | ❌ No (4G) | <$100 |
Where Should You Actually Buy?
Not every store is created equal when it comes to unlocked Samsung phones. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to shop — and what each one brings to the table.
Great for buying new. Clear return policies and easy in-store pickup. Prices are standard retail, but sales pop up often.
Huge selection, especially “Renewed” (refurbished) deals. Fast shipping. Watch for third-party seller ratings before you buy.
The best place for used phones under $100. Prices are flexible — you can even make offers. Check seller feedback first.
Specializes in refurbished phones. Every device is tested and comes with a warranty. Up to 70% off new prices.
Solid selection of unlocked Galaxy phones. Sometimes matches or beats other retailers. Easy returns in-store.
A hidden gem for used phones. Sellers must pass a verification check, so the quality is generally reliable.
Some phones sold as “unlocked” on eBay or third-party sites are actually carrier-locked. Always ask the seller to confirm the phone is truly factory unlocked before sending money. If a deal looks too good to be true — yeah, you know the rest.
How to Pick the Right Phone for You
Not everyone needs the same thing in a phone. Here’s a simple way to figure out which Samsung under $100 is the best match for your situation.
✓You want 5G and solid daily performance
Go with the Galaxy A14 5G or the Galaxy A15 5G. Both handle everyday tasks without getting sluggish, and the 5G keeps your speeds up when the network supports it.
✓You’re on a super tight budget
The Galaxy A03s is your friend here. At $30 used, it’s hard to find anything cheaper that still runs Android properly.
✓You want the newest tech possible
Keep hunting for deals on the Galaxy A16 5G. It’s the freshest phone on this list, with a gorgeous AMOLED screen and six years of updates from Samsung.
✓You just need a simple, reliable phone
The Galaxy A04e does the basics without any fuss. No bloat, no confusion — just a phone that works.
Mostly, yes. Unlocked phones work with the major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, plus most MVNOs. That said, some smaller carriers might not recognize certain phone models. Always check compatibility on the carrier’s website before you commit.
Absolutely — as long as you buy from a trustworthy source. Sites like Back Market and Swappa inspect phones before selling them. On eBay, just stick to sellers with strong feedback scores and ask for photos of the actual device.
Most of them do. The Galaxy A14 5G, A15 5G, A16 5G, and A03s all let you add a microSD card for extra space — sometimes up to 1TB. That’s a big deal when you’re starting with 32GB or 64GB of built-in storage.
A factory unlocked phone was never tied to any carrier from the start. A carrier unlocked phone was originally sold through a network but has since been released. Both work the same way once unlocked — but factory unlocked is generally the safer buy, since there’s less chance of weird activation issues.
Samsung’s budget phones have gotten noticeably better in recent years. The A16 5G, for example, comes with six years of software updates — that’s longer than most phones in any price range. Hardware-wise, these phones are built to handle 2–4 years of regular daily use without issue.
The Bottom Line
Spending under $100 on a phone used to mean settling for something mediocre. That’s not really the case anymore — especially with Samsung. The Galaxy A14 5G remains the most reliable all-around pick in this price range, while the A16 5G is a steal if you can catch it on the resale market. The A03s is there for anyone who just needs something that works without breaking the bank.
The key is knowing where to shop. eBay, Back Market, and Swappa are your go-to spots for used and refurbished deals. Best Buy and Amazon are solid if you want something with a return policy and peace of mind. Either way, you’re getting a fully unlocked Samsung — no carrier strings attached — for less than most people pay for a single month of their phone plan.
Start by deciding whether you want new or refurbished. Then check prices at Walmart, Best Buy, Back Market, and Swappa to compare options. Remember to verify carrier compatibility before you buy!
