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 exist. Having tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I've encountered compelling iPhone competitors, some even pioneering features before Apple—folding phones, for example. My experience with iPhones allows me to appreciate their strengths while objectively evaluating alternatives.

For many, an iPhone isn't the most practical choice. Even the entry-level iPhone 16e, marketed as the budget option, starts at $599, with other models significantly more expensive. Fortunately, many desirable iPhone qualities, aside from iOS and Apple's chipsets, are readily available in Android devices. High-quality iPhone alternatives abound.

**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 Apple hasn't adopted, 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 need the best 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

1. OnePlus 13

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7A superb design, excellent display, exceptional performance, and impressive cameras combine in a discounted flagship. See it at Best BuySee it at OnePlus

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 challenger. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor rivals the iPhone 16 Pro Max's performance, excelling in multi-core tasks. Its elegant design, featuring flatter sides and rounded corners, offers a familiar yet distinct aesthetic. Qi2/MagSafe charging compatibility and a three-way alert slider add advantages over the iPhone. Water and dust resistance further enhance its appeal.

The triple-sensor 50MP camera system delivers exceptional photos and videos, matching Apple's quality. Priced at $900, it offers superior value, providing more memory and storage than comparable iPhones. Its 6.82-inch OLED display, boasting high resolution, brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate, rivals the iPhone 16 Pro Max's display. The OnePlus 13 isn't just a top iPhone alternative; it's a leading smartphone overall.

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 top contender. See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy

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

The Pixel 9 Pro showcases Google's photographic expertise. Its three powerful cameras—50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto—work harmoniously, capturing stunning images and videos. The Tensor G4 processor, while not matching the iPhone's raw power, excels in AI capabilities, powering features like a natural-sounding virtual assistant.

Google's commitment to seven years of OS updates and security patches mirrors Apple's long-term support. The Pixel 9 Pro's 6.3-inch OLED display is sharp, bright, and boasts a 120Hz refresh rate. A larger 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL is also available. The Pixel 9 Pro is a strong contender for those prioritizing photography and long-term software support.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images

3. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 12R

2A large, vibrant display and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip make this a value-packed Android phone. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at OnePlus

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

The OnePlus 12R, priced at $499, offers flagship-level features at a budget price. Its aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display (120Hz refresh rate) rival more expensive phones. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor ensures smooth performance, even with demanding games. While lacking wireless charging and offering only IP64 water resistance, the OnePlus 12R provides excellent value with its three major Android updates and four years of security updates.

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 a powerful smartphone despite its compact size. See it at Amazon

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

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a unique foldable design unmatched by iPhones. Its sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection ensure durability. The 3.4-inch cover display provides quick access to information, while the 6.7-inch internal AMOLED display (120Hz refresh rate) offers a large screen experience. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ensures smooth performance, and the camera system, while not top-tier, captures quality images. Its compact size and folding design make it a compelling alternative.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The 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 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 is a gaming powerhouse, offering exceptional performance at a competitive price. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor delivers outstanding results in benchmarks, surpassing the iPhone 16 Pro Max in many gaming tests. Active cooling ensures sustained high performance during extended gaming sessions. The massive 6.85-inch OLED display (144Hz refresh rate) and under-display selfie camera provide an immersive gaming experience. While camera quality and software support are not its strongest points, the RedMagic 10 Pro is unparalleled for gamers.

**Choosing an iPhone Alternative in 2025**

Android's open platform offers customization options unavailable on iOS. The Google Play Store boasts a vast app library, and alternative app stores provide even more choices. Android phones come in various sizes, including foldable options like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. Android generally offers more storage options and often comes at a lower price point than iPhones.

For most users, the OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro are excellent choices. The OnePlus 13 prioritizes performance and value, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography. Samsung offers premium design, and Google provides superior camera technology for sharper, more natural photos.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

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