Best iPhone Alternatives 2025: Get a Great Android Phone Instead

The iPhone 16 series has arrived with several upgrades, yet the year-to-year changes might not feel as thrilling as you'd hope. It's only natural to explore other options, and there are plenty out there. With nearly a decade of smartphone testing under my belt, I've encountered numerous devices that rival Apple's iPhones, often introducing innovative features before Apple does—like folding phones. My experience with iPhones allows me to appreciate their strengths, making it easier to identify compelling alternatives.

For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision. Even the entry-level models in each new iPhone lineup tend to be pricier—consider the newly announced iPhone 16e, which is positioned as a budget option yet starts at $599. The rest of the 16 series models are even more expensive, beginning at $799. Fortunately, many of the standout features of iPhones, aside from 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 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 budget-friendly 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 top non-iPhone smartphone or a device that matches Apple's renowned photographic capabilities, you'll find a suitable alternative here.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7A sleek design, outstanding display, top-notch performance, and impressive cameras all come together in this discounted flagship that's 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 a little shorter than rivalsWhen I mention the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, they often look puzzled, as if I've posed a riddle. Yet, for those intrigued by what lies beyond iOS, the OnePlus 13 stands as a formidable challenger to the iPhone.

For this generation, the OnePlus 13 has achieved a significant milestone. Despite only a few changes from its predecessor, these upgrades have propelled it to the forefront. The OnePlus 13 boasts a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with an eight-core CPU that 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 outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max across 3DMark's gaming benchmarks, making it a gaming powerhouse and ensuring smooth daily operations.

OnePlus has encased this performance in an elegant design. The phone features flatter sides and rounded corners that echo the iPhone's aesthetics, while the large camera ring and distinctive back designs set it apart. OnePlus's first-party cases support Qi2/MagSafe charging, and the OnePlus 13 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 setup with an ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto camera, all at 50MP resolutions. It captures stunning photos and excels in video recording.

Moreover, the OnePlus 13 offers incredible value. Starting at $900, it competes with the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max, offering more memory and storage at a lower price—256GB of storage compared to Apple's 128GB default on most models. The OnePlus 13's 6.82-inch OLED display is comparable to the iPhone 16 Pro Max's, boasting high resolution, brightness, and a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate. The OnePlus 13 isn't just the top iPhone alternative; it's currently the best smartphone you can buy.

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 champion 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's Pixel line has always excelled in photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro represents the pinnacle of this achievement. This stunning device offers exceptional photographic capabilities with its three-camera array on the back, providing versatile options for capturing your subjects.

Many smartphones feature a dominant camera supported by less impressive sensors, but the Pixel 9 Pro's three powerful sensors work harmoniously. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail with a wide angle. The 50MP ultra-wide expands your field of view while maintaining color consistency with the main sensor. Additionally, the 48MP telephoto sensor offers a 5x optical zoom, allowing you to get close to your subjects without moving. This camera system is a worthy alternative to an iPhone's.

The Pixel 9 Pro runs on the new Tensor G4 SoC, an upgrade that enhances speed and mitigates the heat issues of earlier models. It delivers strong performance for most tasks and handles demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero at 60fps well. 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 also sets a high standard for Android phones with seven years of OS updates and security patches for the Pixel 9 Pro, aligning it closely with Apple's long-term software support.

The Pixel 9 Pro's design is both beautiful and functional. It features a sharp and bright 6.3-inch display with a peak of 3,000 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate. For those who prefer 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 heart and soul 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 following the 16e's reveal, no new iPhone is available for less than $500—and that's with significant feature compromises. Meanwhile, on the Android side, you can find a near-flagship experience with the $499 OnePlus 12R.

OnePlus crafts a classy phone with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, a durable material found on more expensive devices. The OnePlus 12R features a stunning 6.78-inch display that's sharp at 1264x2780 and supports a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and high brightness levels with AMOLED's per-pixel dimming.

To make the most of this screen, the OnePlus 12R is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 8GB of memory. While not the latest flagship chip, it offers robust performance, handling heavier gaming tasks well, and includes a base storage of 128GB.

OnePlus doesn't match Apple's long-term support but promises three major Android updates and four years of security updates—a solid commitment for a budget Android phone, enhancing its value over time. If you're seeking a sleek, reliable phone with a display rivaling Apple's best at a price that competes with Apple's cheapest, the OnePlus 12R is your go-to. For more options, explore 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 a little less durable than a traditional phoneSo far, iPhones don't fold. There was a time when they bent, but that's as close as they've come. If they did fold, they'd face competition from the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. This device is designed to rival Apple. Whether open or closed, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 boasts an appealing aesthetic. A flat-edged aluminum frame and sturdy Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover the back. When folded, the Z Flip 6's 3.4-inch AMOLED display offers quick access to notifications, shortcuts, widgets, and apps, fitting easily into pockets or bags.

Unfold the Z Flip 6 to reveal its 6.7-inch internal AMOLED display, which delivers rich contrast and vibrant colors. With a 120Hz refresh rate, it ensures smooth visuals for gaming and interaction. The Z Flip 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, the same chip found in many current flagship Android phones, supporting demanding games and AI tasks with 12GB of RAM.

While the Z Flip 6 doesn't feature Samsung's top camera systems, it offers a solid setup for capturing quality shots with both wide and ultra-wide sensors. The internal selfie camera is handy for video calls, but you can also use the main rear camera or ultra-wide for selfies, using the external display as a viewfinder.

The Z Flip 6 packs a lot of punch and can compete with the iPhone. Thanks to its folding design, it offers unique features that no Apple device can match.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers extreme game 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 priority, prepare for a surprise. The best gaming phone available today isn't an iPhone or an ultra-expensive Android device. The RedMagic 10 Pro proved its prowess in my testing, yet it's priced at just $649. Despite the low cost, there are few compromises. Even the base model includes 256GB of storage and 12GB of memory.

The performance is outstanding. The RedMagic 10 Pro, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, delivers near-identical single-core performance to the iPhone 16 Pro Max and outpaces it in multi-core tasks. In GPU benchmarks, it surpasses the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 3DMark's game tests. Its active cooling system allows the RedMagic 10 Pro to sustain high performance levels, ensuring smooth gameplay during extended sessions. A 7,050mAh battery further extends those sessions.

The RedMagic 10 Pro also offers a stunning gaming setup. Its 6.85-inch display is nearly uninterrupted by the under-display selfie camera, maximizing screen real estate for games and movies. The OLED panel is bright, sharp, and fast, and the phone's design is sleek and elegant, distinguishing it from other gaming phones.

However, the RedMagic 10 Pro isn't perfect. Its Android skin can be a bit over-the-top, and its software support isn't as long-lasting as that of Samsung, Apple, Google, or OnePlus flagships. Additionally, cellular network support may be less robust in some regions. But if you're after top-tier gaming performance, can manage without the fastest 5G connections, and tend to upgrade every few years, the RedMagic 10 Pro won't disappoint.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

While the iPhone is the most popular smartphone brand, more than half of the world's phones run on Android. Users appreciate Android's open platform, which contrasts with Apple's more controlled environment. Android allows for extensive customization through themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps.

The Google Play Store offers more apps than the Apple App Store, and you're not limited to it; you can use the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Aptoide, and others for a diverse app experience.

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

Phone Size and Design

One of the best aspects of iPhone alternatives is their variety in size and design. Apple sticks to phones around 6 inches, but Android phones range from 7 inches down to 4 inches, allowing you to pick the size that fits your hand or desired screen space.

There are also foldable smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, offering a compact form factor that expands into a full-sized screen—something iPhones can't do.

Storage Capacity

Most Android smartphones start with 128GB of storage, matching the iPhone 16. However, many Android models include a microSD card slot, allowing for up to an additional 1TB of storage.

A key advantage of Android is that you often get more for less. This means more storage, memory, power, screen sizes, features, megapixels, and cameras than you would with an iPhone, at a lower cost.

Price

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

At the high end, you can get 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 value.

Overall, if you're seeking an iPhone alternative, numerous excellent Android smartphones cater to different needs and preferences. For most people, the OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro are the top choices. Samsung offers premium design and speed, while Google excels in camera performance.

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