Best iPhone Alternatives 2025: Get a Great Android Phone Instead

The iPhone 16 series has arrived with its array of upgrades, yet the year-over-year enhancements may not always feel groundbreaking. It's natural to explore other options, and there are indeed plenty of compelling alternatives. With nearly a decade of experience testing smartphones, I've encountered numerous devices that rival Apple's iPhones, often introducing innovative features well before Apple does—think folding phones. My firsthand experience with iPhones has deepened my appreciation for their enduring market dominance, which in turn highlights the unique advantages of other smartphones.

For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision. Even the budget-friendly iPhone 16e starts at $599, while the rest of the series is priced from $799 upwards. Fortunately, many of the standout features of iPhones, aside from iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets, can be found in other brands. The Android market is brimming with quality iPhone alternatives.

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 broadening your perspective, you can discover advanced camera systems, designs that rival Apple's finest, unique form factors Apple has yet to explore, more budget-friendly options, and specialized models tailored for gaming. Rather than merely selecting the appropriate iPhone model, you can choose a blend of features, build quality, performance, and price that best fits your needs. Whether you're seeking the top non-iPhone smartphone or one that matches Apple's renowned photographic capabilities, there's an excellent alternative waiting for you.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

1. OnePlus 13

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7A compelling design, exceptional display, robust performance, and impressive cameras 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 SeflieBattery6,000mAhWeight210g (0.46lb)PROSGreat valueFast performanceCONSSoftware support a little shorter than rivalsWhen I mention the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, they often look puzzled. However, for those curious about what lies beyond iOS, the OnePlus 13 is a prime example and a formidable contender to the iPhone.

This generation's OnePlus 13 has made significant strides. With minimal changes from its predecessor, the upgrades are impactful enough to set it apart. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite's eight-core CPU, it nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and surpasses it in multi-core tasks. In terms of graphics, the OnePlus 13 outpaces the iPhone 16 Pro Max across 3DMark's gaming benchmarks, making it a powerhouse for gaming and ensuring smooth daily operations.

OnePlus encapsulates this performance in an elegant chassis. With flatter sides and rounded corners, the OnePlus 13 echoes the iPhone's aesthetics, yet the large camera ring and distinctive back designs make it stand out. OnePlus's first-party cases support Qi2/MagSafe charging, and the three-way alert slider offers a slight edge over the iPhone's alert toggle. The OnePlus 13's ability to withstand water and hot water jets adds to its appeal.

The OnePlus 13's camera system also rivals Apple's, featuring a triple-sensor array with ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto cameras, all boasting 50MP resolutions. It captures stunning photos and has excellent video capabilities.

At $900, the OnePlus 13 isn't as affordable as the iPhone 16, but it competes more closely with the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max, offering better value. 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 as sharp and bright as the iPhone 16 Pro Max's, with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate. The OnePlus 13 isn't just the best iPhone alternative; it's the top smartphone available today.

Pixel 9 Pro – Photos

9 Images2. 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 standout 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 biggerGoogle has long excelled in smartphone photography with its Pixel series, and the Pixel 9 Pro showcases the pinnacle of this expertise. It's a visually appealing phone that delivers outstanding photography thanks to its three-camera array, offering versatile shooting options.

While many phones feature one standout camera complemented by less impressive sensors, the Pixel 9 Pro's three powerful sensors work in harmony. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail with a wide angle. The 50MP ultra-wide extends your shot's scope while maintaining excellent color consistency with the main sensor. The 48MP telephoto sensor provides 5x optical zoom, allowing you to capture distant subjects without moving. This camera system is a worthy alternative to any iPhone's.

The Pixel 9 Pro runs on the new Tensor G4 SoC, enhancing speed and mitigating the heat issues of earlier models. It performs well for most tasks and handles demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero at 60fps. While 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 AI generation and supporting a conversational virtual assistant.

Google sets a high standard for Android phones with seven years of OS updates and security patches for the Pixel 9 Pro, closely aligning with Apple's long-term software support.

The Pixel 9 Pro's design is both beautiful and functional, featuring a sharp 1280x2856 display that reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits with a 120Hz refresh rate. This compact 6.3-inch screen leaves little to be desired. For those wanting a larger screen, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch display.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images3. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 12R

2A large, vibrant display and potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip form the heart 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 iPhone SE discontinued after the iPhone 16e's release, no new iPhone is available for under $500. In contrast, the Android market offers modern flagships like the OnePlus 12R at $499.

OnePlus crafts a stylish phone with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, a robust material seen on more expensive models. The OnePlus 12R boasts a stunning 6.78-inch display with a sharp 1264x2780 resolution and a 1-120Hz refresh rate, thanks to its LTPO AMOLED panel. It supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, with high brightness levels and per-pixel dimming.

The OnePlus 12R's performance is driven by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 8GB of memory, handling heavier gaming with ease. It comes with 128GB of base storage.

While OnePlus's software support doesn't match Apple's, it offers three major Android updates and four years of security updates, extending the phone's value over time. If you seek a sleek, high-performing phone with a display rivaling Apple's best at a price competing with Apple's cheapest, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice. For more alternatives, check our comprehensive Android phone recommendations.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Photos

6 Images4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Best Foldable iPhone Alternative

### Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

3The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 packs incredible power into its compact design. 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 is a little less durable than a traditional phoneWhile iPhones don't fold, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 stands ready to challenge Apple. Whether open or closed, the Z Flip 6 boasts an appealing design with a flat-edged aluminum frame and sturdy Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back. When closed, it features a 3.4-inch AMOLED display for quick access to notifications, shortcuts, widgets, and apps, fitting easily into any pocket or bag.

Unfold the Z Flip 6 to reveal its 6.6-inch internal AMOLED display, offering rich contrast and vibrant colors with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and gaming. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, the Z Flip 6 handles demanding games and AI tasks with ease.

The camera system, while not Samsung's top-tier, includes quality wide and ultra-wide sensors for impressive shots. The internal selfie camera is handy for video calls, but you can also use the rear cameras for selfies with the external display as a viewfinder.

The Z Flip 6 offers features that rival the iPhone, with the added advantage of its folding design, which significantly reduces its size when not in use.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro offers extreme gaming performance, a sleek design, and long battery life at a remarkable 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 SeflieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportIf gaming is your priority, prepare for a surprise. The top gaming phone isn't an iPhone or an expensive Android; it's the RedMagic 10 Pro at just $649. Despite the price, it makes minimal compromises, offering 256GB of base storage and 12GB of memory.

Performance is exceptional, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip pushing its new processing cores to the limit. It nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and exceeds it in multi-core tasks. The GPU outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 3DMark's game benchmarks, and the active cooling system maintains high performance during extended gaming sessions. A 7,050mAh battery ensures prolonged gaming without frequent recharges.

The RedMagic 10 Pro's display is ideal for gaming, with a large 6.85-inch OLED screen and a nearly invisible under-display selfie camera. The display is bright, sharp, and fast, enhancing your gaming and viewing experience. The phone's design is unexpectedly sleek and elegant, distinguishing it from other gaming phones.

Though not perfect, the RedMagic 10 Pro's Android skin is somewhat over-the-top, and its software support is shorter than that of other flagships. Cellular network support may be limited in some regions. If you prioritize supreme performance, can manage without the fastest 5G connections, and upgrade every couple of years, the RedMagic 10 Pro won't disappoint.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

While the iPhone remains the most popular smartphone brand, more than half of the world's phones run on Android. Users appreciate Android's open platform, which offers extensive customization with various themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps.

The Google Play Store boasts 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 different app experiences.

As more people turn to Android, choosing the right iPhone alternative can be challenging, but here's what to consider.

Phone Size and Design

One of the advantages of iPhone alternatives is their diverse shapes and sizes. While Apple sticks to roughly 6-inch phones, Android offers options from 4 to 7 inches, catering to different preferences for screen size and portability.

Foldable smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series provide a compact form factor that expands into a full-sized screen, a feature iPhones can't match.

Storage Capacity

Most Android smartphones start with 128GB of storage, matching the iPhone 16, but many also include a microSD slot for up to 1TB of additional storage.

Android often offers more features for less money, including larger storage, more memory, higher power, bigger screens, advanced cameras, and more.

Price

Android smartphones are generally less expensive than iPhones, with budget models like the BLU C5L starting at $50. Quality, affordable options like the Poco X5 5G begin at $220, compared to the iPhone 16e's $599 starting price.

On the high end, you can purchase a fully equipped Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 1TB of storage for $2,160. Considering the additional features Android phones offer, you're getting a better deal.

Overall, the Android market offers a wide range of smartphones suitable for various needs and preferences. For most, the OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro are top picks, with Samsung offering premium design and speed, and Google providing superior camera performance.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

There's no need to upgrade your phone annually. With smartphones becoming increasingly advanced, upgrading every two to three years keeps you current with processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets all your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.