Best iPhone Alternatives 2025: Get a Great Android Phone Instead

The iPhone 16 series has arrived, bringing with it a host of upgrades, yet the year-to-year changes might not feel as thrilling as one might hope. It's only natural to explore other options, and trust me, there are plenty out there. With nearly a decade of smartphone testing under my belt, I've encountered numerous devices that not only rival Apple's iPhones but often introduce innovative features well before Apple does—think folding phones. My experience with iPhones has given me a deep appreciation for their strengths, which makes it easier to identify where alternatives shine.

For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision. Even the most budget-friendly option in the new iPhone lineup, like the newly announced iPhone 16e starting at $599, leans towards the pricier side of the market. The rest of the iPhone 16 series starts at $799 and climbs higher. Fortunately, many of the standout features of iPhones, aside from iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets, can be found in other devices. 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 horizons, you can discover advanced camera systems, designs that rival Apple's best, unique form factors that Apple has yet to explore, more affordable options, and specialized models focused on gaming. There's a wide array of choices, allowing you to select the perfect blend of features, build quality, performance, and price that suits your needs. Whether you're seeking the best non-iPhone smartphone or a device that matches Apple's renowned photographic capabilities, you'll find a compelling alternative here.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

1. OnePlus 13

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7A sleek design, exceptional display, top-notch performance, and impressive cameras come together in this discounted flagship that's well worth considering. 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 posed a riddle. But for those curious about what lies beyond iOS, the OnePlus 13 stands as a formidable challenger to the iPhone.

This generation, the OnePlus 13 has made significant strides. With only a few changes from its predecessor, these upgrades have propelled it to the forefront. It boasts the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and surpassing it in multi-core tasks. In gaming benchmarks, the OnePlus 13 consistently outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it a powerhouse for gaming and ensuring smooth daily operations.

OnePlus has encased this performance in an elegant design. The phone features flatter sides and rounded corners, reminiscent of an iPhone, yet it stands out with its large camera ring and unique back designs. OnePlus's first-party cases support Qi2/MagSafe charging, and the phone includes a three-way alert slider, offering a slight edge over the iPhone's alert toggle. Its water and hot water jet resistance further enhance its appeal.

The OnePlus 13's camera system rivals Apple's, featuring a triple-sensor array with 50MP ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto lenses. It captures stunning photos and boasts impressive video capabilities.

In terms of value, the OnePlus 13 starts at $900, positioning it as a competitor to the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max. For the price, you get more memory and storage—a default of 256GB compared to Apple's 128GB on most models. The 6.82-inch OLED display is sharp, bright, and smooth with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate. The OnePlus 13 isn't just the top iPhone alternative; it's the best smartphone you can buy right now.

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 largerGoogle has always excelled in smartphone photography with its Pixel line, and the Pixel 9 Pro represents the pinnacle of its capabilities. This device offers a stunning design and exceptional photography thanks to its versatile three-camera system.

Unlike many phones where one camera dominates, the Pixel 9 Pro's three sensors work harmoniously. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail with a wide angle. The 50MP ultra-wide lens expands your field of view while maintaining color consistency with the main sensor. The 48MP telephoto lens provides a 5x optical zoom, allowing you to get close to subjects without moving. This camera system is a worthy competitor to any iPhone.

Powered by the new Tensor G4 SoC, the Pixel 9 Pro offers enhanced speed and avoids the overheating issues of earlier models. It handles most tasks efficiently and can run 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's focus on AI capabilities with the Tensor G4 enables features like a natural conversational virtual assistant.

Google has set a new standard for Android phones by promising seven years of OS updates and security patches for the Pixel 9 Pro, aligning it closely with Apple's long-term support.

The phone's design is both beautiful and functional, featuring a sharp 1280x2856 display that reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and 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 powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip are the core 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 2022 iPhone SE discontinued after the 16e's reveal, no new iPhone is available for less than $500—and that's with significant feature compromises. On the Android side, however, you can get 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 many pricier devices. The OnePlus 12R features a stunning 6.78-inch display, sharp at 1264x2780, with a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and high brightness levels.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, paired with 8GB of memory, ensures robust performance, capable of handling heavy gaming. The base storage is 128GB.

While OnePlus doesn't match Apple's long-term support, it offers three major Android updates and four years of security updates, enhancing the phone's value over time. If you're seeking a sleek, high-performing phone with a display rivaling Apple's best at a budget-friendly price, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice. For more options, check out our overall 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 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 is slightly less durable than a traditional phoneWhile iPhones don't fold, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a compelling alternative. Whether open or closed, the Z Flip 6 boasts an attractive design with a flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back. 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, which offers rich contrast and vibrant colors. With a 120Hz refresh rate, the display ensures smooth visuals for gaming and interaction. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, found in many flagship Android devices, and comes with 12GB of RAM, making it capable of handling demanding games and AI tasks.

The Z Flip 6's camera system, while not Samsung's top-tier, includes wide and ultra-wide sensors for quality shots. The internal selfie camera is convenient for video calls, but you can also use the rear cameras for selfies, using the external display as a viewfinder.

The Z Flip 6's folding design offers unique advantages that no Apple device can match, making it a strong contender against the iPhone.

5. 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 a surprising 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, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a revelation. Priced at just $649, it offers performance that rivals much more expensive devices. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip ensures top-notch performance, nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core tasks and surpassing it in multi-core performance. In gaming benchmarks, the RedMagic 10 Pro outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max, thanks to its active cooling system, which sustains high performance during extended gaming sessions. The 7,050mAh battery further enhances its gaming endurance.

The RedMagic 10 Pro's display is a gamer's dream, with a massive 6.85-inch OLED screen and an under-display selfie camera, maximizing screen real estate. The display is bright, sharp, and fast, enhancing the gaming experience. The phone's design is surprisingly elegant, setting it apart from typical gaming phones.

While the RedMagic 10 Pro isn't perfect—its Android skin can be a bit much, software support is shorter than some rivals, and cellular network support may be limited in some areas—it's an excellent choice for gamers who upgrade frequently and don't need the fastest 5G connections.

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. Android's open platform appeals to users who prefer customization over Apple's more controlled environment. Android users can personalize their devices with various themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps.

The Google Play Store offers more apps than the Apple App Store, and you're not limited to just one app store. You can also use the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Aptoide, and others for a diverse range of app experiences.

With the growing popularity of Android, choosing a great iPhone alternative can be challenging, but here's what to consider.

Phone Size and Design

One of the advantages of iPhone alternatives is the variety of shapes and sizes available. While Apple sticks to around 6-inch phones, Android devices range from 4 inches to 7 inches, allowing you to choose the size that best fits your needs. Foldable smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series offer the convenience of a compact design that unfolds into a full-sized screen, a feature iPhones don't have.

Storage Capacity

Most Android smartphones start with 128GB of storage, similar to the iPhone 16, but many offer expandable storage via microSD cards, up to an additional 1TB. Android devices often provide more storage, memory, power, screen sizes, features, megapixels, and cameras for less money than iPhones.

Price

Android smartphones are generally more affordable than iPhones, with prices starting as low as $50 for basic models like the BLU C5L. Quality budget-friendly options like the Poco X5 5G start at $220, compared to the iPhone 16e's $599 starting price. On the high end, you can get a fully loaded Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 1TB of storage for $2,160. Considering the additional features Android phones offer, they often represent better value.

Overall, if you're looking for an iPhone alternative, the Android market offers a wide range of options for different needs. For most users, the OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro are top picks, with Samsung offering premium design and speed, and Google excelling in camera quality.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

New Android phones are released annually, but you don't need to upgrade every year. With smartphones becoming increasingly advanced, upgrading every two to three years is sufficient to stay current with processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.