The iPhone 16 series is here, boasting upgrades, yet the year-over-year changes may not feel groundbreaking. Exploring alternatives is understandable, and thankfully, many exist. Having tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I've witnessed compelling competitors to Apple's iPhones, some even pioneering features before Apple—folding phones, for instance. My experience with iPhones allows me to objectively assess where alternatives excel.
For many, an iPhone isn't the most practical choice. Even the entry-level iPhone 16e, positioned as a budget option, starts at $599, with other models significantly more expensive. Fortunately, many desirable iPhone qualities, excluding iOS and Apple's chipsets, are readily available on Android.
**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, budget-friendly choices, and gaming-centric models. Instead of solely choosing an iPhone tier, you can select a device based on your ideal blend of features, build quality, performance, and price. Whether you seek 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
AnswerSee ResultsOnePlus 13
Best All-Around iPhone Alternative
Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13
7A superb blend of design, display, performance, and cameras makes this discounted flagship a compelling choice. 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: Slightly shorter software support than rivals
The OnePlus 13 is a formidable iPhone competitor. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor rivals the iPhone 16 Pro Max's performance, excelling in multi-core tasks and significantly outperforming it in 3DMark gaming benchmarks. This translates to smooth everyday use and exceptional gaming capabilities.
The phone boasts an elegant design with flatter sides and rounded corners, reminiscent of iPhones, yet distinct with its camera ring and unique back. Qi2/MagSafe charging compatibility and a three-way alert slider add extra convenience. Water and dust resistance further enhance its appeal.
The triple-sensor 50MP camera system rivals Apple's, capturing stunning photos and videos. Priced competitively at $900, it offers superior storage (256GB default) compared to most iPhones, and its 6.82-inch OLED display matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max's quality.
Pixel 9 Pro – Photos
9 Images
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative
### Google Pixel 9 Pro
5The Pixel 9 Pro excels with its elegant design, exceptional cameras, quality display, and extensive software support. 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's strength lies in its photography. Its three powerful cameras—50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto—work harmoniously, delivering exceptional image quality and versatility. 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 phone features a sharp, bright 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display. A larger 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL is also available.
OnePlus 12R – Photos
7 Images
OnePlus 12R
Best Budget iPhone Alternative
### OnePlus 12R
2This value-focused phone boasts a large, vibrant display and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. 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 offers flagship-level features at a budget-friendly price. Its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection provide durability. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is sharp, bright, and features a 120Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor delivers smooth performance, handling demanding games effectively. While lacking wireless charging and offering only IP64 water resistance, its three major Android updates and four years of security updates make it a compelling value proposition.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Photos
6 Images
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Best Foldable iPhone Alternative
### Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
3The Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers impressive power in a compact, foldable design. 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 processor, Gorgeous displays CONS: Foldable design is less durable than traditional phones
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 stands out with its foldable design. Its sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection provide durability. The 3.4-inch cover screen offers convenient access to notifications and apps, while the 6.7-inch internal AMOLED display delivers vibrant visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ensures smooth performance, and the camera system, while not top-tier, still captures quality photos.
RedMagic 10 Pro
Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming
### RedMagic 10 Pro
1This gaming phone delivers exceptional performance, a sleek 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. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor delivers exceptional performance, outperforming even the iPhone 16 Pro Max in many benchmarks. Active cooling ensures sustained high performance during extended gaming sessions. The massive 6.85-inch OLED display, with its under-display selfie camera, provides an immersive gaming experience. Despite some compromises in camera quality and software support, its exceptional performance and value make it a compelling choice for gamers.
What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025
While iPhones are popular, Android dominates the global market. Android's open platform offers extensive customization options. The Google Play Store boasts a vast app library, supplemented by other app stores like the Amazon Appstore and Samsung Galaxy Store.
Phone Size and Design
Android phones offer a wider range of sizes and designs than iPhones, including foldable options like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series.
Storage Capacity
Many Android phones start with 128GB of storage and offer microSD card expansion for additional capacity.
Price
Android phones generally offer better value, with options ranging from budget-friendly models to high-end flagships.
For most users, the OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro are excellent iPhone alternatives. The OnePlus 13 offers a compelling blend of features and performance, while the Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography.
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?
AnswerSee ResultsWhile new Android phones launch annually, upgrading every two to three years typically suffices to maintain optimal processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no urgency to upgrade.
