5 best international cell phones

International cell phones, also known as global or unlocked cell phones, are mobile devices that are designed to work with cellular networks in various countries around the world. Here's what you need to know about them:

  1. Unlocked Cell Phones: International cell phones are typically sold as "unlocked" devices. This means they are not tied to a specific carrier or network provider. Unlocked phones give users the flexibility to choose their own carrier or use SIM cards from different carriers, both domestically and internationally.

  2. GSM vs. CDMA: When considering international cell phones, it's important to understand the difference between GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks. GSM phones are more widely compatible globally, as they use SIM cards and are supported by a larger number of carriers worldwide. CDMA phones are less versatile internationally.

  3. SIM Card Compatibility: Most international cell phones use SIM cards, which can be easily swapped out to change your phone number and carrier. This is especially convenient for travelers, as you can use local SIM cards in different countries to avoid high roaming charges.

  4. Frequency Bands: Different countries use various frequency bands for their cellular networks. It's crucial to check that your international cell phone supports the frequency bands used in the regions you plan to visit.Many modern smartphones are designed to be compatible with multiple frequency bands for global use.

  5. Dual SIM Phones: Some international cell phones are equipped with dual SIM card slots. This feature allows you to use two SIM cards simultaneously, which can be useful for maintaining a local number while still having access to your primary number when traveling.

  6. Roaming: International cell phones can often roam on foreign networks if you have an agreement with your home carrier. However, roaming charges can be high, so using a local SIM card is often a more cost-effective solution when traveling abroad.

  7. Network Compatibility: Ensure that your international cell phone is compatible with the network technology used in the countries you plan to visit. For example, some regions may use 3G, 4G, or 5G networks, and your phone should support the relevant technologies.

  8. Prepaid vs. Contract: When traveling internationally, it's common to use prepaid SIM cards for temporary service. This allows you to pay for a specific amount of talk, text, and data without a long-term contract.

  9. Accessories: Depending on the region you visit, you may need additional accessories like power adapters and voltage converters to charge your phone and keep it operational.

  10. Local Regulations: Be aware of local regulations and restrictions on the use of mobile devices in the countries you visit. Some regions may have specific requirements or limitations.

International cell phones offer the convenience of staying connected while traveling abroad without incurring exorbitant roaming fees. They are versatile devices that allow users to switch carriers and use local SIM cards, making them a practical choice for international travelers. However, it's important to research and plan ahead to ensure your phone is compatible with the networks and frequencies used in your destination countries.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best international cell phones on the market
  

Samsung Galaxy A01 (A015M) 32GB, Dual SIM, GSM Unlocked, 5.7” Display Smartphone - International Version - Blue

SAMSUNG

Based on 162 reviews Check latest price

Product description

International Model This International Model is imported and will  not have US Warranty. It is Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will NOT work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint, Boost Infinity-V Display. More view for what you doGame for hours, stream a whole series, or do more all at once with Galaxy A01's 5.7-inch HD+ TFT screen. The Infinity-V Display's mini camera notch creates a v-cut screen for a bigger view and an immersive experience. Dual camera takes your photography to new depthsCapture clear, beautiful photos in sunlight or low light with Galaxy A01's bright 13MP rear camera. You can also use Live focus to experiment with the background blur before or after taking the shot — the Depth Camera softens the surroundings and brings your friends' faces to the front. Awesome selfies every time — no edits neededThe camera's on you, so it's your time to shine. Galaxy A01's 5MP front camera makes your selfies stunning, and with Selfie focus, you get a gentle background blur that makes you the star of the picture. And with the selfie timer, you can make sure you get the right pose before the shutter clicks. More power to move faster and last longerThe Octa-Core processor and 2GB of RAM handle your graphic-heavy games and livestreams at rapid speeds. With 32GB of internal storage and a 3000mAh(typical) battery, you have plenty of room and power to stream, download, and post. Face unlock detects your look to unlock fastNow you can unlock your phone instantly by simply holding it to your face. Face Recognition technology grants mobile access for you alone to ensure your personal data doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

  • International Model - No Warranty in US. Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will NOT work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint, Boost
  • 5.7" (145.1mm), 720 x 1520 (HD+), PLS TFT LCD, Color Depth (Main Display) - 16M, Android 10.0; One UI 2, Face Unlock
  • RAM - 2GB, ROM - 32GB, Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm), Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53)
  • Dual Rear Camera - 13.0 MP + 2.0 MP, Rear Camera Zoom - Digital Zoom up to 8x, Front Camera - 5.0 MP, 3000 mAh battery
  • 3G HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100, 4G LTE band 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 20(800), 28(700), 34(2000), 38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500)

User questions & answers

Question: would this phone function in cuba
Answer: Yes it comes in a typical amazon box. Once opened, the box itself is wrapped in clear wrapping.
Question: What is the Sim card size
Answer: 100 come in one box, 20 of each type.
Question: What languages does this phone support
Answer: Mine came in a separate brown box. So, yes.
Question: how many sims does it have and what are the sizes
Answer: The condom dimensions are provided below for your convenienceHead Width 2.8"Shaft Width 2.8"Base Width 2.8"Length 7.87"Thickness 0.003"

Samsung Galaxy A10S A107M 32GB Unlocked GSM DUOS Phone w/Dual 13MP & 2MP Camera (International Variant/US Compatible LTE) – Black

Samsung Electronics

Based on 916 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Samsung Galaxy A10S with 6.2 inch HD+ immersive screen with an Infinity-V display that lets you binge-watch at ease and level-up your gaming. Click incredible pictures and shoot amazing videos with a 13MP + 2MP (Depth) dual camera set-up. A 4000 mAh capacity that goes on and on and on so that you get to do more. Unlock your device with just a touch or by holding it up to your face. Super simple, super secure. Be one step ahead with the powerful 3GB RAM that gives you a super snappy experience. With a premium glossy-finish, the new A10s comes in 3 fascinating colors and is sure to turn some heads.

  • International Variant/US Compatible LTE
  • 6.2 inch IPS LCD Capacitive Touchscreen, 720 x 1520 pixels Display
  • Internal Memory: 32GB, 2GB RAM - microSD Up to 512GB
  • Dual Rear Camera 13 MP (f/1.8, 28mm (wide), AF) & 2 MP (f/2.4, depth sensor), LED Flash, Panorama, HDR & 8 MP Front Facing Camera
  • Android OS, Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 , Octa-Core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53, PowerVR GE8320

User questions & answers

Question: Does this phone work in china with china unicom sim card
Answer: yes
Question: Are these genuine authentic phones
Answer: Samsung original.
Question: Description says 3g ram and 2g ram; which is it
Answer: 2 G ram
Question: Funciona en argentina con tarjeta sim
Answer: Si

Samsung Galaxy A10s SM-A107F/DS (32GB+2GB RAM) 6.2" HD+ Infinity-V Display, 13MP, LTE Factory Unlocked Smartphone - International Version (Black)

Samsung Electronics

Based on 90 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Please ensure to check compatibility with your carrier before purchase. Please assure that the bands (frequencies) are compatible with the GSM Carrier

  • International Variant/US Compatible LTE
  • Memory: 32GB 3GB RAM - microSD, up to 512GB - Dual-SIM
  • Main Camera: Triple - 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF + 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide) + 5 MP, f/2.2, depth sensor w/ LED flash, panorama, HDR : Selfie Camera: 8 MP, f/2.0
  • OS: Android 9.0 (Pie) - Chipset: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 - CPU: Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 -GPU: Adreno 506
  • WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot - Bluetooth: 4.2, A2DP, LE - GPS: Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - USB: Type-C 1.0 reversible connector

User questions & answers

Question: Does this phone work with cricket
Answer: I have AT&T
Question: I purchase phone based on ccomments that its compatible with metro tmobile but my carrier says its not compatable why
Answer: Cricket and other phones use GSM I think T-Mobile is on CDM but you might want to verify that
Question: Can it work outside US
Answer: It does work outside the US
Question: Does this work in Jamaica
Answer: I bought it and sent it to someone in Grenada and it works great. Its unlocked and she hasn't complained yet.

Samsung Galaxy A21S SM-A217M/DS 4G LTE 64GB + 4GB Ram LTE USA w/Four Cameras (48+8+2+2mp) Android International Version (GSM Only, Not CDMA) (Black)

SAMSUNG

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Awesome screen built for cinemaImmerse yourself in the large 6.5 inch Infinity-O Display of Galaxy A21s. A wide aspect ratio fills your screen with content from edge to edge. Watch your favorite videos, games and live streams on its HD+ display. Awesome Quad camera to capture moreGo ultra high-res with a 48MP Main Cam for crisp, clear photos day and night. A 123° 8MP Ultra Wide Cam captures more of the view. Choose the upgraded 2MP Macro Cam for highly refined close-ups, and make sure the subject always stands out with the 2MP Depth Camera’s multiple Live Focus effects. Awesome battery, the marathon champWhen out living life, you need a phone that can last. A 5,000mAh (typical) battery gives you the power to stream, share and game on. And if you start running low, plug in and power up with up to 15W of fast charging. Give yourself more room to playGalaxy A21s has fast processing and spacious storage so you can focus on now. An advanced Octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM deliver smooth and efficient performance. Download more and delete less with 64GB internal storage. Add even more with a 512GB microSD card.

  • 6.5" Infinity-O Display, HD + TFT, 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio, Android 10, One UI 2.0, Dual SIM , Fingerprint (rear-mounted)
  • 64GB ROM, 4GB RAM, MicroSD (Up to 512GB), Exynox 850, CPU: Octa-core, GPU: Mali-G52, 3.5mm Jack: Yes
  • Rear Camera - 48 MP (F2.0) + 8 MP (F2.2) + 2 MP (F2.4) + 2 MP (F2.4), Up to 8x digital zoom, Front Camera - 8 MP (F2.2), 5000 mAh Battery, 15W Fast Charger
  • 2G GSM: GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900, 3G UMTS: B1 (2,100), B2 (1,900), B4 (AWS), B5 (850), B8 (900), 4G LTE Bands: B1 (2,100), B2 (1,900), B3 (1,800), B4 (AWS), B5 (850), B7 (2,600), B8 (900), B12 (700), B17 (700), B20 (800), B28 (700), B66 (AWS-3), B38 (2,600), B40 (2,300), B41 (2,500)
  • International Model - No Warranty in US. Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will NOT work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint, Boost

User questions & answers

Question: Can this phone work in the caribbean?? like trinidad?? rsvp
Answer: Yes
Question: Will any micro sd card work with a samsung galaxy a21s
Answer: Yes
Question: Hello
Answer: Yes
Question: Will this phone work in US
Answer: Only GSM Carriers, phone DOES NOT work on Verizon Sprint Boost or any CDMA Carrier

Samsung Galaxy A10S A107M 32GB Unlocked GSM DUOS Phone w/ Dual 13MP & 2MP Camera (International Variant/US Compatible LTE) – Black

SAMSUNG

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Samsung Galaxy A10S with 6.2 inch HD+ immersive screen with an Infinity-V display that lets you binge-watch at ease and level-up your gaming. Click incredible pictures and shoot amazing videos with a 13MP + 2MP (Depth) dual camera set-up. A 4000 mAh capacity that goes on and on and on so that you get to do more. Unlock your device with just a touch or by holding it up to your face. Super simple, super secure. Be one step ahead with the powerful 3GB RAM that gives you a super snappy experience. With a premium glossy-finish, the new A10s comes in 3 fascinating colors and is sure to turn some heads.

  • International Variant/US Compatible LTE
  • 6.2 inch IPS LCD Capacitive Touchscreen, 720 x 1520 pixels Display
  • Internal Memory: 32GB, 2GB RAM - microSD Up to 512GB
  • Dual Rear Camera 13 MP (f/1.8, 28mm (wide), AF) & 2 MP (f/2.4, depth sensor), LED Flash, Panorama, HDR & 8 MP Front Facing Camera
  • Android OS, Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 , Octa-Core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53, PowerVR GE8320

User questions & answers

Question: Would it work with Qlinkwireless company
Answer: It's an unlock phone for it should work with any GSM company.
Question: Can this phone work with carries like truconnect safelink or assurance wireless
Answer: Is said is unlocked but is said T mobile?
Question: Does this phone work on a wireless charger
Answer: NO, it is Not Compatible with Wireless Charging
Question: Will this work with q link wireless
Answer: Any unlocked smartphone will work with Q-Link Wireless. Especially this phone. I use to have their service. You're good.

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