The iPhone 16 series is now available, but the year-to-year changes might not feel as exciting as some would hope. It's natural to explore other options, and I can assure you, there are plenty of compelling alternatives out there. With nearly a decade of experience testing smartphones, I've encountered numerous devices that not only rival iPhones but also introduce innovative features like folding screens, well before Apple. My familiarity with iPhones allows me to appreciate their strengths while recognizing where alternatives excel.
For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision, especially considering their higher price points. Take the newly announced iPhone 16e, for instance, which is positioned as a budget option but still starts at $599. The rest of the iPhone 16 lineup is even pricier, with starting prices at $799. Fortunately, many of the desirable features found in iPhones, excluding iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets, can be found in Android 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 exploring beyond iPhones, you'll discover smartphones with advanced camera systems, designs that rival Apple's best, unique form factors that Apple hasn't adopted, more affordable options, and niche models focused on gaming. Instead of choosing between different iPhone models, you can find the perfect blend of features, build quality, performance, and price to suit your needs. Whether you seek a top-tier device or one that matches Apple's renowned photographic capabilities, excellent alternatives exist.
Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias
OnePlus 13
Best All-Around iPhone Alternative
Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13
7With its sleek design, superior display, top-notch performance, and impressive cameras, the OnePlus 13 is a flagship phone that offers excellent value. 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 introduce the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, their curiosity is piqued. This phone represents the pinnacle of what Android can offer as a formidable competitor to the iPhone.
The OnePlus 13 brings significant enhancements over its predecessor, pushing it to the forefront of the market. It boasts the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with an eight-core CPU, delivering performance that rivals the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core tasks and surpasses it in multi-core operations. In gaming benchmarks, the OnePlus 13 significantly outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it a powerhouse for gamers and ensuring smooth daily operations.
The OnePlus 13's design echoes the iPhone's aesthetic with its flat sides and rounded corners, but it stands out with its large camera ring and distinctive back designs. OnePlus's cases support Qi2/MagSafe charging, and the phone features a unique three-way alert slider. It's also designed to withstand water and hot water jets, adding to its durability.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the OnePlus 13's camera system, which rivals Apple's with a triple-sensor array offering 50MP resolution across ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto lenses. The phone captures stunning photos and excels in video quality.
Priced at $900, the OnePlus 13 competes directly with the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max. It offers more memory and storage at this price point, with a default of 256GB compared to Apple's 128GB on most models. The 6.82-inch OLED display is as impressive as the iPhone 16 Pro Max's, boasting a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate for a smooth and bright viewing experience. The OnePlus 13 isn't just an iPhone alternative; it's the best smartphone you can buy right now.
Pixel 9 Pro – Photos
9 Images
2. Google Pixel 9 Pro
Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative
### Google Pixel 9 Pro
5The Pixel 9 Pro combines elegant design, exceptional cameras, a high-quality display, and extensive software support, making it a top choice 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, and the Pixel 9 Pro is its latest masterpiece. This phone boasts a stunning design and a versatile three-camera array that offers flexibility in capturing subjects.
Unlike many phones with a dominant main camera and less impressive secondary sensors, the Pixel 9 Pro's three cameras work harmoniously. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail, the 50MP ultra-wide lens expands your field of view while maintaining color accuracy, and the 48MP telephoto lens offers a 5x optical zoom for close-up shots. This camera system stands toe-to-toe with the iPhone's.
Powered by the new Tensor G4 SoC, the Pixel 9 Pro offers improved speed and manages heat better than its predecessors. It handles most tasks efficiently and can run demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero at 60fps. Although 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 enhances its functionality, including support for 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, closely aligning with Apple's long-term software support.
The phone's design is both beautiful and functional, featuring a sharp 1280x2856 OLED display that reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate. The compact 6.3-inch screen is ideal, but if you prefer a larger display, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch screen.
OnePlus 12R – Photos
7 Images
3. OnePlus 12R
Best Budget iPhone Alternative
### OnePlus 12R
2Featuring a vibrant display and a potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, the OnePlus 12R offers exceptional value for an 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 and the iPhone 16e starting at $599, the Android market offers more affordable yet feature-rich options like the $499 OnePlus 12R.
The OnePlus 12R is elegantly designed with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, a feature seen on many higher-end devices. Its 6.78-inch display is impressively sharp at 1264x2780 and features a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and high brightness levels, making it a true standout.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 8GB of memory, the OnePlus 12R delivers robust performance, handling heavy gaming and everyday tasks with ease. It comes with a base storage of 128GB.
While OnePlus doesn't match Apple's long-term support, it offers three major Android updates and four years of security updates, enhancing its longevity. For those seeking a cost-effective phone with a display that rivals Apple's best, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice. For more options, explore our overall Android phone recommendations.
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 offers incredible power and versatility in a compact form factor. 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 brings this innovative design to the market. With its sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back, the Z Flip 6 is stylish whether folded or open.
When closed, the Z Flip 6 features a 3.4-inch AMOLED display for quick access to notifications and apps, fitting easily into pockets or bags. Unfold it to reveal a stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED display with rich colors and a 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for gaming and entertainment.
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, the Z Flip 6 handles demanding games and AI tasks with ease. Its camera setup, while not Samsung's top-tier, still captures quality shots with wide and ultra-wide sensors. The external display doubles as a viewfinder for selfies, adding to its versatility.
The Z Flip 6 offers a unique folding design that sets it apart from any iPhone, providing a compact form factor with the benefits of a larger screen when needed.
RedMagic 10 Pro
Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming
### RedMagic 10 Pro
1Delivering exceptional gaming performance, a sleek design, and long battery life, the RedMagic 10 Pro offers great value at $649. 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 top priority, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a surprising yet powerful choice. At just $649, it offers minimal compromises, including 256GB of storage and 12GB of memory.
The RedMagic 10 Pro's performance is unparalleled, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip that nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and exceeds it in multi-core tasks. Its GPU outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max in gaming benchmarks, and active cooling ensures sustained high performance during extended gaming sessions. A 7,050mAh battery supports long playtimes.
The phone's 6.85-inch OLED display is perfect for gaming, with a hidden selfie camera and a 144Hz refresh rate. The design is both elegant and functional, distinguishing it from typical gaming phones.
While the RedMagic 10 Pro's Android skin may be a bit flashy and its software support shorter than competitors, it's an excellent choice for gamers who upgrade every couple of years and don't require the fastest 5G connections.
What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025
While the iPhone remains popular, more than half of the world's smartphones run on Android, which offers a more open platform for customization through themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps. The Google Play Store, along with other app stores like the Amazon Appstore and Samsung Galaxy Store, provides a vast selection of apps.
When considering an iPhone alternative, focus on these key aspects:
Phone Size and Design
Android phones come in various sizes, from compact 4-inch models to larger 7-inch devices. Foldable phones, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, offer the convenience of a small form factor that unfolds into a full-sized screen, a feature not available with iPhones.
Storage Capacity
Most Android phones start with 128GB of storage, similar to the iPhone 16, but many models offer expandable storage via microSD cards, up to an additional 1TB. Android devices generally provide more features for less money, including larger storage, more memory, and better cameras.
Price
Android smartphones are often more affordable, with prices starting as low as $50 for basic models like the BLU C5L. Quality budget options like the Poco X5 5G start at $220, compared to the iPhone 16e's $599 starting price. High-end models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 1TB of storage cost $2,160, but offer more features than comparably priced iPhones.
Overall, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro stand out as top iPhone alternatives. Samsung's devices offer premium design and performance, while Google's phones excel in photography.
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?
New Android phones are released annually, but upgrading every year isn't necessary. With smartphones becoming increasingly advanced, upgrading every two to three years keeps you up-to-date with processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.
