Best iPhone Alternatives 2025: Get a Great Android Phone Instead

The iPhone 16 series is here, boasting upgrades, yet the year-over-year changes may not feel revolutionary. Exploring alternatives is understandable, and thankfully, many compelling options exist. Having tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I've witnessed numerous handsets rivaling—and even surpassing—Apple's offerings, especially in areas like foldable technology. My experience with iPhones allows me to objectively assess where alternatives excel.

For many, an iPhone isn't the most practical choice. Even the entry-level iPhone 16e, positioned as a budget option, starts at $599, with other models significantly more expensive. Fortunately, many iPhone strengths—excluding iOS and Apple's chipsets—are available elsewhere. The Android market offers a wealth of high-quality alternatives.

**TL;DR – Top 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 RedMagic

Expanding your options reveals superior camera systems, designs rivaling Apple's, unique form factors, budget-friendly choices, and gaming-focused models. Instead of choosing an iPhone tier, you can select a device perfectly balancing features, build quality, performance, and price. Whether you seek the ultimate non-iPhone or a phone matching Apple's photographic capabilities, this list offers excellent alternatives.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

iOS or Android? ---------------

iOS! I love my iPhoneAndroid! I love the customization of Google's OS

AnswerSee Results

1. OnePlus 13

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7

A stunning design, exceptional display, superb performance, and impressive cameras combine in a discounted flagship. See it at Best BuySee it at OnePlus

Product SpecificationsScreen6.82-inch OLED, 1440x3168, 510ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 50-Megapixel Telephoto, 32-Megapixel SeflieBattery6,000mAhWeight210g (0.46lb)PROSGreat valueFast performanceCONSSoftware support a little shorter than rivals

The OnePlus 13 is a formidable iPhone competitor. Subtle yet significant upgrades elevate it above its predecessor. The Snapdragon 8 Elite's eight-core CPU nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and surpasses it in multi-core tasks. Graphics performance significantly outpaces the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 3DMark benchmarks, making it a gaming powerhouse. This speed translates to smooth everyday use.

Housed in an elegant chassis with flatter sides and rounded corners, the OnePlus 13 subtly echoes iPhone design, while its camera ring and unique back maintain its individuality. OnePlus cases support Qi2/MagSafe charging, and the three-way alert slider offers an advantage over the iPhone's single toggle. Water and dust resistance further enhance its appeal.

The camera system rivals Apple's, featuring a triple 50MP sensor array (ultrawide, wide, and 3x telephoto) that captures stunning photos and videos. Priced at $900, it's a bargain compared to the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max, offering more memory and storage (256GB default vs. Apple's 128GB default on most models). Its 6.82-inch OLED display is sharp, bright, and smooth (120Hz variable refresh rate), comparable to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The OnePlus 13 isn't just a top iPhone alternative; it's one of the best smartphones available.

Pixel 9 Pro – Photos

9 Images

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

5

Elegant design, exceptional cameras, a quality display, and extensive software support make the Pixel 9 Pro a top contender. See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy

Product 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 bigger

Google's Pixel line consistently excels in photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro is no exception. Its three-camera array offers exceptional flexibility. Unlike many phones with a single star performer and supporting sensors, the Pixel 9 Pro's three powerful sensors work harmoniously. The 50MP main sensor captures detail and light, while the 50MP ultrawide offers a broader field of view with consistent color matching. The 48MP telephoto sensor provides 5x optical zoom. This camera system is a worthy iPhone alternative.

Powered by the Tensor G4 SoC, the Pixel 9 Pro offers improved speed and reduced heat compared to previous models. While not matching the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip in raw power, its AI capabilities, including a natural-sounding virtual assistant, are noteworthy. Google's commitment to seven years of OS updates and security patches mirrors Apple's long-term software support.

The Pixel 9 Pro features a sharp (1280x2856), bright (3000 nits peak brightness), and smooth (120Hz) 6.3-inch OLED display. A larger 6.8-inch version, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, is also available.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images

3. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 12R

2

A large, vibrant display and potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip power this value-focused Android phone. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at OnePlus

Product 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 resistance

With the discontinuation of the iPhone SE, the OnePlus 12R, priced at $499, offers a modern flagship experience at a significantly lower cost than the cheapest iPhone. Its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection are features found in much more expensive phones. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is sharp (1264x2780), boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, and supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 8GB of RAM provide ample performance for gaming and everyday tasks. While not the latest flagship chip, it remains highly competitive. The 128GB base storage is generous for the price point. OnePlus promises three major Android updates and four years of security updates, extending the phone's lifespan. The OnePlus 12R provides a sleek, high-performing phone with a stunning display at a remarkably affordable price.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Photos

6 Images

4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Best Foldable iPhone Alternative

### Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

3

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is an incredibly powerful smartphone despite its compact size. See it at Amazon

Product 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 is a little less durable than a traditional phone

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 stands out with its foldable design, a feature absent in iPhones. Its elegant design, with a flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, is appealing whether open or closed. The 3.4-inch external AMOLED display provides quick access to notifications and apps, while the 6.7-inch internal display offers a larger screen when needed. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, the Z Flip 6 handles demanding tasks and games with ease. While not featuring Samsung's top-tier camera system, its wide and ultrawide sensors capture quality photos. The external display serves as a convenient viewfinder for selfies using the rear cameras. The Z Flip 6 is a strong competitor to the iPhone, offering unique advantages through its foldable design.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1

The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers extreme game performance, a slick design, and long battery life at a surprising value. See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagic

Product SpecificationsScreen6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SeflieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software support

For gamers, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a revelation. At $649, it offers exceptional performance, surpassing even expensive Android phones and iPhones. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip delivers remarkable speed, nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core performance and exceeding it in multi-core tasks. Its GPU significantly outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 3DMark benchmarks. Active cooling ensures sustained high performance during extended gaming sessions. The massive 7,050mAh battery further enhances its gaming capabilities.

The 6.85-inch OLED display, with its under-display selfie camera, provides ample screen real estate. The display itself is bright, sharp, and fast. While the RedMagic 10 Pro has some drawbacks (over-the-top Android skin, shorter software support, and potentially limited cellular network support), its superior performance makes it an ideal choice for serious gamers.

**Choosing an iPhone Alternative in 2025**

-----------------------------------------------------

While iPhones dominate popularity, Android devices represent over half of the global smartphone market. Android's open platform allows for extensive customization. The Google Play Store offers a wider selection of apps than the Apple App Store, and alternative app stores further expand options.

**Phone Size and Design:** Android phones offer a wider range of sizes and form factors than iPhones, including foldable options like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip line.

**Storage Capacity:** Many Android phones offer 128GB or more of storage, with microSD card expansion slots providing additional capacity.

**Price:** Android phones offer a broader price range, from budget-friendly options to high-end flagships, often undercutting iPhone pricing.

For most users, the OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro are excellent choices. OnePlus provides exceptional value and performance, while Google offers superior camera capabilities. Samsung provides premium design, speed, and style.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

----------------------------------------

How often are you upgrading to a new phone? -------------------------------------------

Every yearEvery 2-3 yearsEvery 5 yearsOnly when my old phone stops working

AnswerSee Results

While new Android phones launch annually, upgrading every two to three years typically suffices to maintain optimal processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no urgency to upgrade.