The iPhone 16 series has arrived with notable upgrades, yet the year-to-year changes may not feel revolutionary. It's natural to explore other options, and the market offers a wide array of smartphones that can rival the iPhones in various aspects. With nearly a decade of smartphone testing under my belt, I've encountered many devices that not only compete with Apple’s offerings but also introduce innovative features like folding phones. While I respect the iPhone's enduring market presence, my experience makes it easier to identify compelling alternatives.
For many, opting for an iPhone might not be the most practical choice. Even the budget-friendly iPhone 16e starts at $599, while the rest of the 16 series climbs to $799 and beyond. Fortunately, many of the iPhone's best attributes, aside from iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets, can be found in the Android ecosystem, which is brimming with quality 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 search, you can discover superior camera systems, designs that match Apple's best, unique form factors that Apple hasn't explored, more affordable options, and specialized gaming models. Rather than just choosing which iPhone tier suits you, consider which combination of features, build quality, performance, and price meets your needs. Whether you're seeking a top-notch non-iPhone device or one that matches Apple's photographic excellence, you'll find a suitable alternative here.
Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias
OnePlus 13
Best All-Around iPhone Alternative
Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13
7A sleek design, outstanding display, superior performance, and impressive cameras make this discounted flagship a compelling choice. 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)PROSExcellent valueSuperior performanceCONSShortened software support compared to competitorsWhen mentioning OnePlus to iPhone users, the reaction is often one of curiosity. The OnePlus 13 stands as a formidable challenger to the iPhone, offering significant upgrades from its predecessor. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite with an eight-core CPU, it rivals the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core performance and surpasses it in multi-core tasks. In gaming benchmarks, the OnePlus 13 outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it a powerhouse for gaming and ensuring smooth daily operations.
OnePlus encapsulates this performance in a stylish design with flat sides and rounded corners, echoing the iPhone's aesthetics, yet distinguished by its unique camera ring and back design. The device supports Qi2/MagSafe charging with first-party cases and includes a three-way alert slider, enhancing user convenience. With water resistance capabilities, the OnePlus 13 is a robust choice.
Its camera system, featuring a triple 50MP array with ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto options, rivals Apple’s offerings, capturing stunning photos and videos. Starting at $900, the OnePlus 13 offers excellent value, particularly when compared to the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max. With a default 256GB storage and a vibrant 6.82-inch OLED display, it's not just the best iPhone alternative; it's the top smartphone available today.
Pixel 9 Pro – Photos
9 Images
2. Google Pixel 9 Pro
Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative
### Google Pixel 9 Pro
5A sleek design, exceptional cameras, a high-quality display, and extended software support make the Pixel 9 Pro a standout smartphone. 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 designSuperior camera systemExtensive software supportCONSGaming performance lags behindBase storage could be largerGoogle's Pixel line is renowned for its photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro exemplifies this with its three-camera array, offering versatility in capturing subjects. Unlike other phones where one camera dominates, the Pixel 9 Pro's 50MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto work harmoniously to deliver excellent color consistency and detail across various focal lengths.
The Tensor G4 SoC enhances performance, minimizing the heat issues of previous models, and supports demanding tasks and gaming at 60fps. While it may not match the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip in raw power, Google's focus on AI capabilities allows for advanced features like a natural conversational virtual assistant.
Google's commitment to seven years of OS updates and security patches aligns the Pixel 9 Pro with Apple's long-term support, ensuring its relevance over time. The phone's design is complemented by a sharp, bright 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. For those desiring a larger screen, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch display.
OnePlus 12R – Photos
7 Images
3. OnePlus 12R
Best Budget iPhone Alternative
### OnePlus 12R
2Featuring a large, vibrant display and the potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, this value-focused Android phone delivers impressive performance. 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 discontinuation of the 2022 iPhone SE following the iPhone 16e's launch, no iPhone is available for under $500. In contrast, the OnePlus 12R at $499 offers a near-flagship experience at a budget price. Its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 screen provide a premium feel, while the 6.78-inch AMOLED display, boasting a 1-120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, rivals Apple's best.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8GB of memory, the OnePlus 12R handles demanding tasks and gaming with ease, despite not being the latest flagship chip. It comes with a base storage of 128GB. While OnePlus offers three major Android updates and four years of security updates, this still extends the phone's value. For those seeking a budget-friendly yet feature-rich alternative to the iPhone, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Photos
6 Images
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Best Foldable iPhone Alternative
### Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
3This compact yet powerful smartphone offers a unique folding experience. 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 14PROSPowerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Gorgeous displaysCONSLess durable than traditional phonesWhile iPhones don't fold, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 presents a compelling alternative. With its flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back, it's both stylish and sturdy. The 3.4-inch AMOLED cover display offers quick access to notifications and apps, while the 6.7-inch internal display provides a rich viewing experience with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The Z Flip 6's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, coupled with 12GB of RAM, ensures smooth performance for gaming and AI tasks. Though its camera system isn't the top-tier, it still delivers quality photos with wide and ultra-wide sensors. The foldable design allows for a compact form factor that expands into a full-sized screen, offering versatility unmatched by any iPhone.
RedMagic 10 Pro
Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming
### RedMagic 10 Pro
1Delivering exceptional gaming performance, a sleek design, and impressive battery life at a competitive price, this phone is a gamer's dream. 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)PROSOutstanding gaming performanceSuperb displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasLimited software supportIf gaming is your top priority, the RedMagic 10 Pro at just $649 is a surprising powerhouse. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, it offers exceptional performance, outpacing the iPhone 16 Pro Max in multi-core and gaming benchmarks. Its active cooling system ensures sustained high performance, perfect for extended gaming sessions. The 7,050mAh battery further supports prolonged use.
The RedMagic 10 Pro's 6.85-inch OLED display, with an under-display selfie camera, provides an immersive experience. Its elegant design sets it apart from typical gaming phones. While it may have an over-the-top Android skin and limited software support, for gamers who upgrade frequently and don't need the fastest 5G, the RedMagic 10 Pro is an excellent choice.
What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025
While the iPhone remains popular, over half of the world's phones run on Android, appreciated for its open platform and customization options. The Google Play Store offers a vast selection of apps, and alternative app stores like the Amazon Appstore and Samsung Galaxy Store enhance the Android experience.
When choosing an iPhone alternative, consider the following:
Phone Size and Design
Android phones come in various sizes, from compact 4-inch models to large 7-inch devices, offering flexibility that iPhones don't. Foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip line provide a compact form factor that unfolds into a full-sized screen, a feature absent in iPhones.
Storage Capacity
Android smartphones typically start with 128GB of storage, matching the iPhone 16, but many offer expandable storage via microSD slots, up to an additional 1TB. Android devices often provide more features and storage for less money than iPhones.
Price
Android smartphones can be more affordable, with prices starting as low as $50 for basic models like the BLU C5L. High-quality options like the Poco X5 5G start at $220, much less than the iPhone 16e's $599. Even premium devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, with 1TB of storage, are available at $2,160, offering more features for the price.
Overall, the Android market offers diverse options catering to various needs. The OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro stand out as top picks for their overall excellence and superior cameras, respectively. Samsung's devices offer premium design and performance, while Google excels in photography.
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?
There's no need to upgrade to a new phone every year. With smartphones becoming increasingly capable, upgrading every two to three years is sufficient to stay current with technology. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.
