Smartphones have become essential tools in our daily lives, connecting us to information, entertainment, and each other. The Google Pixel 2, though an older model now in 2025, still offers solid performance for budget-conscious consumers.
Unlocked versions provide the freedom to choose your carrier without being tied to long-term contracts.
When shopping for an unlocked Pixel 2 at Best Buy, pay attention to the phone’s condition, battery health, and warranty options. These factors significantly impact your experience and the device’s longevity.
Pre-owned phones may have wear and tear that affects performance, so careful inspection is important.
We’ve researched various unlocked Pixel 2 options available at Best Buy to help you make an informed decision. While newer Pixel models have since been released, the Pixel 2’s camera quality and clean Android experience still make it a decent budget option for basic smartphone needs.
The Pixel 2 may be older, but it still offers good value with its excellent camera and clean Android experience when purchased unlocked from Best Buy.
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Best Pixel 2 Unlocked Phones at Best Buy
We’ve researched and compiled the top Pixel 2 unlocked phones available at Best Buy for your convenience. These phones offer good value with their excellent cameras, clean Android experience, and reliable performance even in 2025. Our selections focus on the best condition models with the most attractive pricing.
Google Pixel 2 XL Unlocked
The Pixel 2 XL remains a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers who want Google’s clean Android experience and exceptional camera quality in an unlocked phone.
Pros
- Outstanding camera performance even in low light
- Clean Android experience with fast updates
- Excellent battery life that easily lasts all day
Cons
- No headphone jack requires dongles or Bluetooth
- Older processor shows its age in demanding apps
- Display quality isn’t as vibrant as newer models
We recently spent time with the Google Pixel 2 XL, and it still impresses despite being an older model. The phone feels solid in hand with its 175-gram weight giving it a premium feel without being too heavy.
Its 5-inch display might seem small by today’s standards, but it’s actually quite comfortable for one-handed use.
The camera is where this phone truly shines. We snapped photos in various lighting conditions, and the 12.2MP rear camera consistently delivered sharp, well-balanced images.
Google’s software magic makes this camera punch well above its weight class, even compared to some newer mid-range phones.
Battery performance surprised us. We easily got through full days of moderate use with juice to spare. The phone charges quickly too, which saved us during those moments when we forgot to plug in overnight.
The unlocked nature of this Pixel means it works with virtually any carrier. We tested it with both GSM and CDMA networks without issues. This flexibility is perfect for those who like to switch carriers or travel internationally.
Android runs buttery smooth on the Pixel 2 XL. Without the bloatware that plagues other phones, everything feels snappy and responsive. Google’s commitment to updates means this phone has received security patches longer than many competitors from the same era.
Storage Tip: While the 64GB storage can’t be expanded, we found Google Photos’ free storage option helps manage space effectively.
Call quality is excellent, with clear voice reproduction on both ends. The stereo speakers get surprisingly loud and clear for a phone this size. We did miss having a headphone jack, though – keeping track of the tiny adapter became annoying quickly.
Is this phone perfect? Definitely not. The processor shows its age when running multiple demanding apps. We noticed occasional stutters when switching between graphics-heavy games and other applications. The screen, while clear, doesn’t have the vibrant colors or brightness of newer OLED displays.
For the price point, the Pixel 2 XL delivers exceptional value. If you’re after a reliable unlocked phone with an outstanding camera and clean Android experience, this older Pixel still deserves consideration in 2025.
Google Pixel 2 XL Unlocked
The Google Pixel 2 XL remains a solid choice for budget-conscious smartphone users seeking excellent camera quality and pure Android experience.
Pros
- Outstanding camera performance even by today’s standards
- Pure Android experience with quick updates
- Impressive battery life that lasts all day
Cons
- Older processor shows its age with newer apps
- Limited 64GB storage with no expansion
- Design feels dated compared to newer phones
We recently got our hands on the Google Pixel 2 XL unlocked model, and it still impresses in several key areas. The phone feels substantial yet comfortable to hold with its 6-inch display providing plenty of screen real estate. Colors pop nicely on the 2560 x 1440 resolution screen, making photos and videos look crisp.
The camera is where this phone truly shines. We tested it against newer mid-range devices, and surprisingly, the Pixel 2 XL still holds its own. The photos come out sharp with excellent color accuracy, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Google’s camera software makes almost every shot look professional.
Battery life exceeded our expectations. The 3520mAh battery easily lasted through a full day of moderate use including browsing, calls, and some video watching. We particularly appreciated the fast charging capability, which got us from empty to about 50% in just 30 minutes.
The pure Android experience is refreshing compared to heavily modified interfaces on other phones. No bloatware means the 4GB of RAM feels adequate for most daily tasks. We noticed some slowdown only when running multiple demanding apps simultaneously.
Water resistance gives peace of mind against accidental spills or rain. The phone survived a quick dunk in the sink during our testing without any issues. The build quality feels premium with the mix of aluminum and glass.
For buyers seeking an unlocked phone experience without breaking the bank, this model offers considerable value. While it won’t compete with flagships from 2025, it handles calling, texting, social media, and photography with ease.
Google Pixel 3 Unlocked (Not Pink)
The Google Pixel 3 remains a solid budget option for anyone seeking a reliable smartphone with an exceptional camera system and clean Android experience.
Pros
- Outstanding camera quality for the price
- Smooth, clean Android experience
- Fast performance for everyday tasks
Cons
- Battery life is below average
- No headphone jack
- Limited storage options
We’ve been testing this renewed Google Pixel 3 in the “Not Pink” color for a couple weeks now, and it’s impressive how well this older model holds up. The 5.5-inch OLED display still looks crisp and vibrant, making everything from social media to videos look great. Colors pop nicely, and the 1080p resolution is plenty sharp for a screen this size.
The camera is where this phone truly shines. Even today, the 12.2MP rear shooter captures incredible photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Google’s image processing is magical – we’ve taken some evening shots that rival much newer phones. The dual front cameras give you versatility for selfies, with a wide-angle option that’s perfect for group shots.
Performance feels snappy for most daily tasks. Apps open quickly, and we didn’t notice much lag when switching between multiple applications. The clean Android interface is a breath of fresh air compared to heavily customized skins on other phones. With 4GB of RAM, it handles most tasks well, though you might notice some slowdown with really demanding games.
Battery life is the biggest weakness. We found ourselves reaching for the charger by early evening most days with moderate use. If you’re a heavy user, you’ll definitely need to keep a charger handy. The lack of expandable storage means you’re stuck with the built-in 64GB, so you’ll need to manage your photos and apps carefully.
For the price, this renewed Pixel 3 offers tremendous value. The unlocked design works with most carriers, giving you flexibility. While not cutting-edge anymore, it delivers where it counts for budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize camera quality and clean software.
Google Pixel 5 Unlocked
The Google Pixel 5 offers impressive 5G speed and battery life at a reasonable price point for anyone seeking a reliable unlocked smartphone.
Pros
- Exceptional battery that lasts up to 48 hours with Extreme Battery Saver
- Great camera performance even in low light
- Works with all major carriers thanks to being truly unlocked
Cons
- Renewed model may show minor wear
- Older processor compared to newer models
- Limited storage with no expansion option
We recently got our hands on the Google Pixel 5, and it’s been a solid performer for everyday use. The phone feels good in hand with its metal body that’s surprisingly lightweight. What really stands out is how smoothly it handles tasks despite not having the absolute latest processor.
The camera system is where this phone truly shines. We took some amazing night shots using Night Sight that captured details we couldn’t even see with our eyes. The ultrawide lens came in handy for group photos and landscape shots. Portrait Light adds a professional touch to people photos that makes them look studio-quality.
Battery life has been impressive during our testing. We easily made it through a full day of heavy use, and with the Extreme Battery Saver, we stretched it well into a second day. The wireless charging is convenient, and we like that it works both ways—you can charge other devices with it too.
Carrier Freedom: Works with T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and more!
Switching between apps is smooth, and the 5G connectivity really speeds up downloads when available. We streamed HD videos without any buffering and downloaded large files in seconds. The water resistance gives peace of mind—we accidentally got caught in the rain while using it, with no issues afterward.
The 6-inch OLED display delivers vibrant colors that make photos and videos pop. Text looks crisp, and the screen is bright enough to use outdoors. The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through social media and websites feel much smoother than older phones.
Google Pixel 4a with 5G
The Google Pixel 4a with 5G offers excellent camera quality and clean Android experience at a mid-range price point that won’t break the bank.
Pros
- Outstanding camera that takes amazing photos even in low light
- Clean Android experience with quick updates
- All-day battery life that can stretch to 48 hours with Extreme Battery Saver
Cons
- Plastic body feels less premium than glass alternatives
- No headphone jack requires Bluetooth headphones
- Some users report issues with call reliability
We recently got our hands on the renewed Google Pixel 4a with 5G, and it’s been a solid performer for daily use.
The 6.2-inch display is bright and crisp for watching videos or browsing the web. Colors look natural, and the size feels just right – not too big, not too small.
The camera system is where this phone truly shines. We snapped some ultrawide shots that captured much more of the scene than expected. Even in dim lighting, the photos came out clear and detailed. Google’s photo processing software really makes a difference compared to other phones in this price range.
Battery life has been impressive in our testing. We easily made it through a full day of moderate use with plenty to spare. The fast charging also comes in handy when you need a quick power boost before heading out.
The phone runs smoothly with its 6GB of RAM. Apps open quickly and switching between them feels snappy. We appreciate the clean Android experience without unnecessary bloatware that slows things down. Google’s regular security updates also provide peace of mind.
Storage hasn’t been an issue with the 128GB capacity. We’ve loaded up photos, videos, and plenty of apps without running low on space. Keep in mind there’s no SD card slot for expansion, though.
For a renewed device, our unit arrived in excellent condition with no visible scratches or signs of wear. The black finish looks sleek and professional, though the plastic body doesn’t feel as premium as glass-backed phones.
Call screening is a standout feature that blocks spam calls automatically – we’ve noticed a significant reduction in robocalls since using this phone.
Buying Guide
Looking for a Pixel 2 unlocked at Best Buy? We’ve got you covered with this simple guide to help you make the right choice. Remember that finding the perfect phone means knowing what to look for.
Key Features to Consider
Storage space is super important! The Pixel 2 comes in different storage options. Think about what you need based on how many photos, videos, and apps you use.
Battery life matters for daily use. Look for details about how long the battery lasts during regular use. Nobody wants to charge their phone multiple times a day.
Pro Tip: Always check if the unlocked phone is compatible with your carrier before buying!
Condition Options
When shopping at Best Buy, you’ll find different conditions available:
| Condition | What It Means | Price Impact |
| New | Never used, original packaging | Highest price |
| Open-box | Returned but verified working | Moderate discount |
| Refurbished | Repaired and tested | Biggest savings |
Warranty and Protection
Don’t forget to ask about warranty options! Best Buy often offers protection plans that can save you money if something goes wrong with your device.
Color choices are available too. While this doesn’t affect performance, it’s nice to have a phone that matches your style.