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 groundbreaking. Exploring alternatives is understandable, and thankfully, many compelling options exist. Having tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I've witnessed numerous handsets rivaling Apple's iPhones, some even introducing features before Apple—folding phones being a prime example. My experience with iPhones allows me to appreciate their strengths while objectively assessing alternatives.

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

**TL;DR – Top iPhone Alternatives in 2025:**

OnePlus 13

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Google Pixel 9 Pro

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OnePlus 12R

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

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RedMagic 10 Pro

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Expanding your options reveals superior camera systems, designs rivaling Apple's, unique form factors, budget-friendly choices, and gaming-centric models. Instead of choosing an iPhone tier, you can select the perfect blend of features, build quality, performance, and price. Whether you seek the ultimate non-iPhone phone or a device matching Apple's photographic capabilities, you'll find a suitable alternative here.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

iOS or Android?

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

1. OnePlus 13 – Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

OnePlus 13

A superb design, excellent display, exceptional performance, and impressive cameras combine in a compelling flagship.

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Product Specifications:

• Screen: 6.82-inch OLED, 1440x3168, 510ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• Camera: 50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 50-Megapixel Telephoto, 32-Megapixel Selfie
• Battery: 6,000mAh
• Weight: 210g (0.46lb)

PROS: Great value, Fast performance

CONS: Software support slightly shorter than rivals

The OnePlus 13 is a formidable iPhone competitor. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and surpasses it in multi-core tasks. Graphically, it significantly outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This translates to exceptional gaming and smooth everyday use. Its elegant design, featuring flatter sides and rounded corners, is reminiscent of iPhones, while the camera ring and unique back design ensure it stands out. The inclusion of Qi2/MagSafe charging and a three-way alert slider adds advantages over the iPhone. Water and dust resistance further enhances its appeal. The camera system rivals Apple's, boasting a triple 50MP sensor array (ultrawide, wide, and 3x telephoto) for stunning photos and videos. Its starting price of $900, while not as low as the iPhone 16, is competitive with the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max, offering superior memory and storage (256GB default vs. Apple's 128GB). The 6.82-inch OLED display is sharp, bright, and smooth (120Hz variable refresh rate), comparable to the iPhone 16 Pro Max's display. The OnePlus 13 is not just a top iPhone alternative; it's a leading smartphone overall.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro – Best Cameras

Google Pixel 9 Pro

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Product Specifications:

• Screen: 6.3-inch OLED, 1280x2856, 495 ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Tensor G4
• Camera: 50-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 48-Megapixel Telephoto, 42-Megapixel Selfie
• Battery: 4,700mAh
• Weight: 199g (0.44lb)

PROS: Elegant and compact design, Excellent camera system, Long-term software support

CONS: Gaming performance lags behind, Base storage could be bigger

(Image gallery of Pixel 9 Pro photos)

The Pixel 9 Pro showcases Google's photographic expertise. Its three-camera array (50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 5x telephoto) provides exceptional flexibility. Unlike many phones with a single star performer, the Pixel 9 Pro's sensors work harmoniously. The main sensor captures abundant light and detail, while the ultrawide maintains consistent color. The telephoto sensor offers 5x optical zoom. This camera system is a worthy iPhone alternative. The Tensor G4 SoC offers improved speed and reduced heat compared to previous Pixels, providing sufficient performance for most tasks and many mobile games. While not matching the A18 Pro chip's raw power, its AI capabilities, including a natural-sounding virtual assistant, stand out. Google's commitment to seven years of OS updates and security patches mirrors Apple's long-term support. The 6.3-inch OLED display is sharp (1280x2856), bright (3,000 nits peak), and features a 120Hz refresh rate. A larger 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL is also available.

3. OnePlus 12R – Best Budget Alternative

OnePlus 12R

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Product Specifications:

• Screen: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1264x2780, 450 ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• Camera: 50-Megapixel Wide, 8-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel Selfie
• Battery: 5,500mAh
• Weight: 207g (0.46lb)

PROS: Large, vibrant display, Strong battery life, Good main camera

CONS: No wireless charging, Only IP64 water and dust resistance

(Image gallery of OnePlus 12R photos)

The OnePlus 12R, priced at $499, offers a compelling alternative to the iPhone, especially considering the discontinuation of the iPhone SE. Its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection are impressive. 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, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, delivers solid performance. While not offering Apple's extensive software support, it provides three major Android updates and four years of security patches, extending its value. For a sleek, high-performing phone with a stunning display at a budget-friendly price, the OnePlus 12R is a strong contender.

4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Best Foldable Alternative

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

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Product Specifications:

• Display: 6.7-inch 2650 x 1080 AMOLED (inner); 3.4-inch 720 x 748 AMOLED (cover screen)
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB – 512GB
• Rear camera: 50MP + 12MP
• Front camera: 10MP
• OS: Android 14

PROS: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is extremely powerful, Gorgeous displays

CONS: Foldable design is a little less durable than a traditional phone

(Image gallery of Galaxy Z Flip 6 photos)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a unique folding design unmatched by iPhones. Its flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection provide durability. The folded phone reveals a 3.4-inch AMOLED display for quick access to notifications and apps. Unfolded, it presents a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM ensure powerful performance. While not featuring Samsung's top camera system, it offers a respectable wide and ultrawide sensor setup. The external display serves as a convenient selfie viewfinder. The Z Flip 6 is a strong competitor, offering a unique form factor and powerful performance.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro – Best Gaming Alternative

RedMagic 10 Pro

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Product Specifications:

• Screen: 6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• Camera: 50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel Selfie
• Battery: 7,050mAh
• Weight: 229g (0.5lb)

PROS: Excellent gaming performance, Great display

CONS: Underwhelming cameras, Shorter software support

The RedMagic 10 Pro, priced at $649, is a surprising gaming powerhouse. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor delivers exceptional performance, nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and surpassing it in multi-core benchmarks. Its GPU significantly outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Active cooling ensures sustained high performance. The 7,050mAh battery supports extended gaming sessions. The 6.85-inch display with an under-display selfie camera provides ample screen real estate. While its Android skin is somewhat over-the-top and software support is shorter than some competitors, its performance and value are undeniable.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative

Android's open platform offers customization options unavailable on iOS. The Google Play Store, along with other app stores, provides a wider selection of apps. Consider these factors when choosing an iPhone alternative:

Phone Size and Design: Android phones come in various sizes, including foldable options like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip line, offering flexibility not found in iPhones.

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

Price: Android phones offer a wider price range, from budget-friendly options to high-end flagships, often providing more features for less money than comparable iPhones.

For most users, the OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro represent excellent iPhone alternatives. The OnePlus 13 excels in performance and value, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro offers superior camera capabilities. Samsung provides premium design and speed, while Google excels in camera quality.

How Often to 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

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