The iPhone 16 series has arrived, bringing with it a range of upgrades over previous models. However, the year-to-year changes may not feel as exciting as they once did. As a seasoned smartphone tester of nearly a decade, I've explored countless devices that can rival Apple's offerings, often introducing innovative features like folding screens before Apple. Despite my appreciation for iPhones, understanding their strengths helps me appreciate where alternatives shine even brighter.

For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision, especially considering the starting price of the budget-friendly iPhone 16e at $599, while the rest of the series begins at $799. Fortunately, the Android market is brimming with quality alternatives that match the iPhone's best features without the premium price tag.

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 Apple, you can discover smartphones with superior camera systems, designs that rival the iPhone's aesthetics, unique form factors like foldables, budget-friendly options, and gaming-focused devices. This variety allows you to choose a phone that perfectly aligns with your needs, preferences, and budget, offering a compelling alternative to the iPhone.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

1. OnePlus 13

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7The OnePlus 13 stands out as a top-tier alternative to the iPhone, combining a sleek design, stunning display, robust performance, and impressive cameras at a competitive price. 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 rivalsThe OnePlus 13 is often met with curiosity from iPhone users. It's a formidable challenger, boasting significant upgrades from its predecessor. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and exceeds it in multi-core tasks. Its graphics performance in 3DMark's benchmarks surpasses the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it a powerhouse for gaming and smooth daily operations.

The OnePlus 13 sports an elegant design with flat sides and rounded corners, reminiscent of an iPhone, yet it differentiates itself with a unique camera ring and back design. It supports Qi2/MagSafe charging with first-party cases and includes a three-way alert slider, enhancing its appeal. Its water and heat resistance further adds to its durability.

The camera system on the OnePlus 13 rivals Apple's, featuring a triple 50MP sensor array for wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto shots, delivering stunning photos and videos. Priced at $900, it offers more memory and storage than its iPhone counterparts, making it a compelling choice for those seeking value without compromising on quality.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

5The Google Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography, featuring an elegant design, a vibrant display, and robust software support. 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 biggerThe Pixel 9 Pro continues Google's tradition of photographic excellence. Its three-camera system offers versatility, with each sensor delivering high-quality results. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail, while the 50MP ultra-wide and 48MP telephoto sensors provide broad and close-up shots, respectively, making it a worthy alternative to the iPhone's camera system.

Powered by the Tensor G4 SoC, the Pixel 9 Pro offers improved performance and AI capabilities, supporting features like a live virtual assistant. Google's commitment to seven years of OS updates and security patches aligns well with Apple's long-term support.

The Pixel 9 Pro's compact 6.3-inch display is sharp and bright, with a 120Hz refresh rate. For those seeking a larger screen, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch alternative.

3. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 12R

2The OnePlus 12R offers a vibrant display and strong performance at a budget-friendly price. 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 iPhone SE and the introduction of the iPhone 16e, the OnePlus 12R stands out as a cost-effective option. Priced at $499, it features a durable aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering a premium feel at a budget price.

Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display is sharp and supports a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 8GB of memory ensure smooth performance, even with demanding games. With three years of Android updates and four years of security updates, the OnePlus 12R provides excellent value over time.

4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Best Foldable iPhone Alternative

### Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

3The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 combines powerful performance with a unique foldable design. 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 phoneThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a compelling alternative to the iPhone with its foldable design. Its sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back give it a premium look and feel. The 3.4-inch cover screen allows quick access to essential features when folded, while the 6.7-inch inner display provides a rich viewing experience with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, the Z Flip 6 handles demanding tasks and games with ease. Its camera system, though not the top-tier, offers quality shots with versatile wide and ultra-wide options. The foldable design offers convenience and functionality that iPhones can't match.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro offers exceptional gaming performance 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 SeflieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportThe RedMagic 10 Pro is a gaming powerhouse, delivering top-notch performance at just $649. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and exceeds it in multi-core and graphics benchmarks. Its active cooling system ensures sustained performance, ideal for long gaming sessions.

The RedMagic 10 Pro's 6.85-inch OLED display is large, bright, and sharp, with a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. Its sleek design and ample 7,050mAh battery make it a standout choice for gamers. While it has some drawbacks, such as shorter software support, it remains a strong alternative for those prioritizing gaming performance.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

Android devices offer a diverse range of options, appealing to those who prefer customization and flexibility. With more apps available on the Google Play Store and additional app stores like the Amazon Appstore and Samsung Galaxy Store, Android users have more choices than ever.

When considering an iPhone alternative, key factors include phone size and design, storage capacity, and price. Android phones come in various sizes, from compact 4-inch models to larger 7-inch options, and even foldable designs like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip line. Many Android phones also offer expandable storage via microSD cards, providing more flexibility than iPhones.

Android smartphones are generally more affordable, with budget options starting as low as $50 and mid-range devices like the Poco X5 5G available for $220. Even high-end models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 1TB storage can be a better value when considering the features they offer.

Ultimately, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro stand out as the best overall iPhone alternatives, offering a blend of performance, camera quality, and design. Samsung's foldable designs cater to those seeking innovation and style, while the RedMagic 10 Pro is ideal for gaming enthusiasts.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

With new Android phones launching annually, there's no need to upgrade yearly. Smartphones have become more advanced, and upgrading every two to three years is sufficient to stay current with processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.