Top Android Phones: Best iPhone Alternatives 2025

The iPhone 16 series is here, boasting upgrades, yet the year-over-year changes might not feel groundbreaking. Naturally, you'll explore alternatives, and thankfully, there are many. Having tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I've seen compelling iPhone competitors, some even pioneering features before Apple—folding phones, for instance. My iPhone experience helps me identify where alternatives excel.

For many, an iPhone isn't the most practical choice. Even the entry-level iPhone 16e, marketed as budget-friendly, starts at $599, with other models significantly pricier. Fortunately, many iPhone strengths, excluding iOS and Apple's chipsets, are available elsewhere. The Android market offers a wealth of quality alternatives.

**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

Explore superior camera systems, designs rivaling Apple's, unique form factors, budget-friendly options, and gaming-focused models. Instead of choosing an iPhone tier, select the perfect blend of features, build, performance, and price. Whether you need the ultimate non-iPhone phone or Apple-level photography, you'll find it here.

Contributions by *Georgie Peru* and Rudie Obias

1. OnePlus 13

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7A superb design, excellent display, powerful performance, and impressive cameras combine in a discounted flagship. 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 challenger. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor rivals the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and surpasses it in multi-core tests. Graphics performance significantly outpaces the iPhone. This translates to smooth gaming and everyday use. The elegant design, featuring flatter sides and rounded corners, is subtly iPhone-esque, yet distinct. Qi2/MagSafe charging and a three-way alert slider add advantages. Water and dust resistance further enhance its appeal. The triple 50MP camera system rivals Apple's, delivering excellent photos and videos. Priced competitively at $900, it offers more memory and storage than comparable iPhones, and its 6.82-inch OLED display matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max's quality. The OnePlus 13 isn't just a top iPhone alternative; it's a top-tier smartphone.

Pixel 9 Pro – Photos

9 Images

2. 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 top contender. 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 showcases Google's photographic expertise. Its triple-camera array offers versatility. The 50MP main sensor captures detail, the 50MP ultrawide provides a broad field of view, and the 48MP telephoto offers 5x optical zoom. The Tensor G4 SoC provides ample performance, boosted AI capabilities, and improved heat management compared to previous Pixels. Seven years of OS updates and security patches mirror Apple's long-term support. The sharp, bright 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display is a highlight. A larger 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL is also available.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images

3. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 12R

2A large, vibrant display and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip define this value-focused Android phone. 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 a compelling alternative to the iPhone at $499. Its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection are premium features. The 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED display is sharp and vibrant, boasting HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor delivers strong performance for gaming and everyday tasks. While long-term software support isn't as extensive as Apple's, three major Android updates and four years of security patches provide reasonable longevity. If you want a sleek, powerful phone with a high-quality display at a budget-friendly price, the OnePlus 12R is a strong contender.

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 is a powerful smartphone, regardless of its size. 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 is extremely powerful, Gorgeous displays CONS: Foldable design is a little less durable than a traditional phone

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a unique folding design that iPhones lack. Its sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection are durable. The 3.4-inch external AMOLED display provides quick access to information, while the 6.7-inch internal display offers a larger viewing area. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor handles demanding tasks with ease, aided by 12GB of RAM. While not Samsung's top camera system, it's still capable of taking quality photos. The external display functions as a convenient viewfinder for selfies. Its folding design is a key differentiator.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers extreme game performance, a slick 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 surprisingly affordable gaming powerhouse at $649. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor delivers exceptional performance, even surpassing the iPhone 16 Pro Max in some benchmarks. Active cooling ensures sustained high performance during extended gaming sessions. The massive 6.85-inch display, with an under-display selfie camera, maximizes screen real estate. The OLED panel is bright, sharp, and fast. While its Android skin is somewhat over-the-top and software support is shorter than some competitors, its performance is unmatched in its price range.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

While iPhones are popular, Android dominates globally. Android's open platform offers customization options, including themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps. The Google Play Store boasts more apps than the Apple App Store, and alternative app stores expand choices.

Phone Size and Design

Android phones offer diverse sizes, unlike Apple's relatively standardized 6-inch phones. Options range from 4-inch to 7-inch screens, and foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip offer unique form factors.

Storage Capacity

Many Android phones start with 128GB of storage, but microSD card expansion allows for significant increases.

Price

Android phones often cost less than iPhones, with options ranging from budget-friendly models to high-end flagships. Generally, Android offers more features for the price.

For most, the OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro are excellent choices. OnePlus offers value and performance, while Google excels in camera quality.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

While new Android phones launch annually, upgrades every 2-3 years usually suffice to maintain processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.