Smartphones stopped being a novelty a long time ago. Nowadays these devices are perceived as a necessity by many people around the world. Big companies have been forced to change their business model since their customers started to fight back regional lockouts by buying unlocked devices from independent retailers. No longer good prices tied to longstanding contracts where attractive anymore.

Although the big names in the cell phone manufacturing industry are located in Asia and America, and all of them sell their products all over the world, the service providers that make their profits on the communicational service provided are still region-based. Most of them understand now that having their users able to manage their own equipment when they travel abroad works for them just fine since they both can get economics benefits when said users switch SIM cards.

With that being said, these are some of the best-unlocked smartphones you can get if you are going to travel:

1. Google Pixel 2XL
Yeah, we know this one was released almost a year ago, but it’s still one of the best smartphones available out there. It keeps the latest Android OS continually updated and ready to work at all moments (It comes with Android 8 Oreo preloaded, as you turn it on for the first time) the big screen offers a sweet 1440 x 2880 HD resolution on a 6-inch screen. The phones are lined with some of the best network compatibility since it’s able to work with GSM and CDMA on any country on the planet.

2. Samsung Galaxy Note 9
The granddaddy on the list is coming from Samsung, and it’s one the best smartphones released in 2018. Boasting an amazing 6.5-inch screen capable of displaying a clear 2960×1440 HD resolution, this unlocked wonder has overcome all the issues regarding battery life and most performance issues that have plagued Samsung model in the past two years. If you are a casual photographer on your travels, this phone is the best for you with a set of 12x8MP cameras on it to capture every moment and location as you see fit.

3. iPhone XS Max
The latest model offered by Apple was released in September of 2018. This smartphone is no pushover when it comes to specs. This wonderful device can be bought region-unlocked for a hefty price, but it has an amazing 6.5-inch screen offering a 1242 x 2688 HD resolution. The phone is equipped with an integrated GSM+CDMA modem that works with nearly every operator available in the world as long as they can offer 3G and 4G technology.

4. LG-G6
The Korean giant is often perceived as the quiet player in the smartphone market. Their products can perform as good as anyone in the Samsung Galaxy line. The LG-G6 has almost all the same features as the Galaxy Note 9, but it lacks the battery life of it. It’s still a solid choice that costs 1/3 of the total cost of an unlocked Samsung. Unlike new model from the top companies, this one even features the favorite ports of certain purists such as one for MicroSD cards and 3.5mm headphone jacks.

5. Nokia 6.1
Didn’t you hear that Nokia was back in the game? Well you should have, they are offering one of the most solid choices on smartphones available out there, with the quality you expect from a Nokia: sturdiness, durability, and a great looking metal chassis running on the latest Android software. The screen measures a mere 5.7 inches 8the smallest on the list) but it can still handle a 1242 x 2688 HD resolution and it’s one of the cheapest options in the list.