The iPhone 16 series has arrived, and while it boasts plenty of upgrades, the changes from year to year might not feel as thrilling as they once did. It's only natural to explore other options, and trust me, there's a world of smartphones out there that can go toe-to-toe with Apple's offerings. With nearly a decade of smartphone testing under my belt, I've encountered numerous devices that not only match the iPhone's capabilities but often introduce innovative features like folding screens, well before Apple does. My experience with iPhones has taught me to appreciate their strengths, which makes it easier to identify where alternatives shine brighter.
For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision. Even the budget-friendly option in the new lineup, the iPhone 16e, starts at $599, while the rest of the series climbs significantly higher, beginning at $799. Fortunately, the market is brimming with Android alternatives that offer many of the iPhone's best features, minus iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets.
TL;DR – These Are the Best iPhone Alternatives in 2025:
Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13
7See it at Best BuySee it at OnePlus
### Google Pixel 9 Pro
5See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### OnePlus 12R
2See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at OnePlus
### Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
3See it at Amazon
### RedMagic 10 Pro
1See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagicBy expanding your horizons, you can discover phones with cutting-edge camera systems, designs that rival Apple's best, unique form factors that Apple has yet to explore, more budget-friendly options, and niche models designed for gaming. Instead of choosing which tier of iPhone suits you, you can select a device that perfectly blends features, build quality, performance, and price to meet your needs. Whether you're seeking the best non-iPhone on the market or a device that matches Apple's renowned photographic capabilities, you'll find a compelling alternative here.
Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias
OnePlus 13
Best All-Around iPhone Alternative
Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13
7A stunning design, outstanding display, top-notch performance, and impressive cameras all come together in this discounted flagship that deserves serious consideration. See it at Best BuySee it at OnePlusProduct SpecificationsScreen6.82-inch OLED, 1440x3168, 510ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 50-Megapixel Telephoto, 32-Megapixel SelfieBattery6,000mAhWeight210g (0.46lb)PROSGreat valueFast performanceCONSSoftware support slightly shorter than rivalsWhen I mention the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, they often look puzzled, as if I've presented a riddle. Yet, for those curious about what lies beyond the iOS ecosystem, the OnePlus 13 stands out as a formidable competitor to the iPhone.
With this generation, the OnePlus 13 has truly excelled. Despite only a few changes from its predecessor, these upgrades were substantial enough to propel it to the forefront. It boasts the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite's eight-core CPU, nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and surpassing it in multi-core tasks. In terms of graphics, the OnePlus 13 leads the iPhone 16 Pro Max by a wide margin in gaming benchmarks, making it a gaming powerhouse and ensuring smooth daily operations.
OnePlus encapsulates this power within an elegant chassis, featuring flatter sides and rounded corners that echo the iPhone's design, while the distinctive camera ring and back designs set it apart. OnePlus's first-party cases support Qi2/MagSafe charging, and the OnePlus 13 includes a three-way alert slider, giving it an edge over the iPhone's alert toggle. Its ability to withstand water and hot water jets adds to its appeal.
The OnePlus 13's camera system is a strong contender against Apple's, featuring a triple-sensor array with 50MP resolutions across ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto lenses, delivering stunning photos and impressive video capabilities.
The value proposition of the OnePlus 13 is compelling. Starting at $900, it's not as cheap as the iPhone 16, but it competes with the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max, offering a better deal. You get more memory and storage for the price, with a default of 256GB compared to Apple's 128GB on most models. The OnePlus 13's 6.82-inch OLED display is sharp, bright, and smooth with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate, closely resembling the iPhone 16 Pro Max's. The OnePlus 13 isn't just my top iPhone alternative; it's the best smartphone you can buy right now.
Pixel 9 Pro – Photos
9 Images
2. Google Pixel 9 Pro
Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative
### Google Pixel 9 Pro
5An elegant design, exceptional cameras, a quality display, and extensive software support make the Pixel 9 Pro a champion among smartphones. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsScreen6.3-inch OLED, 1280x2856, 495 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorTensor G4Camera50-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 48-Megapixel Telephoto, 42-Megapixel SelfieBattery4,700mAhWeight199g (0.44lb)PROSElegant and compact designExcellent camera systemLong-term software supportCONSGaming performance lags behindBase storage could be largerGoogle has always excelled in photography with its Pixel line, and the Pixel 9 Pro is the pinnacle of its capabilities. This sleek phone offers outstanding photography thanks to a versatile three-camera array on the back.
Unlike many phones that rely on a single standout camera, the Pixel 9 Pro's three sensors work in harmony. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail with a wide angle, while the 50MP ultra-wide expands your shot while maintaining color consistency with the main sensor. The 48MP telephoto sensor provides a 5x optical zoom, allowing you to get up close without moving. This camera system is a worthy rival to the iPhone's.
Powered by the new Tensor G4 SoC, the Pixel 9 Pro is faster than its predecessor and handles daily tasks efficiently. It manages heavy mobile games like Zenless Zone Zero at 60fps well, though it may not match the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip in raw performance. Google focuses on AI capabilities with the Tensor G4, enabling features like live virtual assistants that converse naturally.
Google sets a new standard for Android phones with seven years of OS updates and security patches for the Pixel 9 Pro, aligning closely with Apple's long-term software support.
The Pixel 9 Pro's design is stunning, featuring a sharp and bright 6.3-inch display with a peak of 3,000 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate. For those who prefer a larger screen, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch display.
OnePlus 12R – Photos
7 Images
3. OnePlus 12R
Best Budget iPhone Alternative
### OnePlus 12R
2A large, vibrant display and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip are the core components of this value-focused Android phone. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at OnePlusProduct SpecificationsScreen6.78-inch AMOLED, 1264x2780, 450 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Camera50-Megapixel Wide, 8-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SelfieBattery5,500mAhWeight207g (0.46lb)PROSLarge, vibrant displayStrong battery lifeGood main cameraCONSNo wireless chargingOnly IP64 water and dust resistanceWith the discontinuation of the 2022 iPhone SE after the 16e's release, no new iPhone is priced below $500. On the Android side, however, you can find a near-flagship experience with the $499 OnePlus 12R.
OnePlus crafts a stylish phone with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, a durable material found on pricier models. The OnePlus 12R features a stunning 6.78-inch display, sharp at 1264x2780, and supports a 1-120Hz refresh rate thanks to its LTPO AMOLED panel, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and high brightness levels.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 8GB of memory, the OnePlus 12R handles demanding tasks and gaming effortlessly, despite not being the latest flagship chip. It comes with a base storage of 128GB.
While OnePlus's software support doesn't match Apple's, it promises three major Android updates and four years of security updates, enhancing the phone's value over time. If you're looking for a sleek, capable phone with a display rivaling Apple's best at a price competing with their cheapest, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Photos
6 Images
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Best Foldable iPhone Alternative
### Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
3The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is an incredibly powerful smartphone, despite its compact size. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDisplay6.7-inch 2650 x 1080 AMOLED (inner); 3.4-inch 720 x 748 AMOLED (cover screen)CPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3RAM12GBStorage256GB – 512GBRear camera50MP + 12MPFront camera10MPOSAndroid 14PROSSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 is extremely powerfulGorgeous displaysCONSFoldable design slightly less durable than a traditional phoneiPhones don't fold, but if they did, they'd face fierce competition from the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. This device is designed to challenge Apple, boasting an attractive design whether open or closed. The flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back give it a premium feel. When folded, the 3.4-inch AMOLED cover display provides quick access to notifications, shortcuts, widgets, and apps, fitting easily into any pocket or bag.
Unfold the Z Flip 6 to reveal its 6.7-inch internal AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and rich contrast. With a 120Hz refresh rate, it delivers smooth visuals for gaming and interaction. The Z Flip 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, found in many current flagship Android phones, ensuring it can handle demanding games and AI tasks with 12GB of RAM.
While not featuring Samsung's top camera systems, the Z Flip 6 offers a solid setup with wide and ultra-wide sensors. The internal selfie camera is convenient for video calls, but you can also use the rear cameras as your primary selfie shooters, using the external display as a viewfinder.
The Z Flip 6 brings unique features to the table that no Apple device can match, thanks to its folding design.
RedMagic 10 Pro
Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming
### RedMagic 10 Pro
1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional gaming performance, a sleek design, and long battery life at an impressive value. See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagicProduct SpecificationsScreen6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SelfieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportIf gaming is your top priority, prepare to be amazed. The RedMagic 10 Pro offers top-tier gaming performance at just $649, with minimal compromises. Its 256GB base storage and 12GB of memory are impressive for the price.
Performance is outstanding, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. It's nearly on par with the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and surpasses it in multi-core tasks. The GPU outperforms the iPhone in gaming benchmarks, and active cooling allows for sustained high performance during long gaming sessions. The 7,050mAh battery ensures extended playtime.
The RedMagic 10 Pro's display is a gaming enthusiast's dream, featuring a massive 6.85-inch OLED screen with a hidden selfie camera for uninterrupted viewing. The design is sleek and elegant, setting it apart from typical gaming phones.
While the RedMagic 10 Pro has its drawbacks, including a less polished Android skin and shorter software support, it's an excellent choice for gamers who upgrade frequently and don't rely heavily on the fastest 5G networks.
What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025
Although the iPhone remains a popular choice, more than half of the world's smartphones run on Android. Android's open platform appeals to users who value customization over Apple's more controlled environment, offering a variety of themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps.
The Google Play Store hosts more apps than the Apple App Store, and you're not limited to it; you can also use the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Aptoide, and others for diverse app experiences.
Choosing an iPhone alternative can be overwhelming, but here are key factors to consider.
Phone Size and Design
Android phones come in various sizes, from compact 4-inch models to large 7-inch devices, offering flexibility that Apple's more uniform 6-inch range does not. Foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series provide the convenience of a small device that expands into a full-sized screen, a feature iPhones lack.
Storage Capacity
Most Android smartphones start with 128GB of storage, similar to the iPhone 16, but many include a microSD slot for up to an additional 1TB. Android typically offers more storage, memory, power, screen sizes, features, megapixels, and cameras at a lower cost than iPhones.
Price
Android smartphones can be significantly cheaper, starting as low as $50 for entry-level models like the BLU C5L. Budget-friendly options like the Poco X5 5G start at $220, compared to the iPhone 16e's $599 starting price. Even high-end models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 1TB storage are priced at $2,160, offering more features for the money.
In conclusion, there are numerous excellent Android smartphones tailored to various needs and preferences. For most users, the OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro stand out as top choices, with Samsung offering premium design and speed, and Google excelling in camera technology.
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?
With new Android phones released annually, there's no need to upgrade every year. Smartphones have become so advanced that upgrading every two to three years is sufficient to stay current with processing power and battery life. If your current phone still meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.
