Best iPhone Alternatives 2025: Get a Great Android Phone Instead

The iPhone 16 series is here, boasting upgrades, yet the year-over-year changes might feel underwhelming. Naturally, you'll explore alternatives, and thankfully, many exist. Having tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I've encountered numerous compelling iPhone competitors, 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, marketed as budget-friendly, starts at $599, with other models significantly pricier. Fortunately, many desirable iPhone qualities, excluding iOS and Apple's chipsets, are readily available on Android.

**TL;DR – Top iPhone Alternatives in 2025:**

OnePlus 13

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Google Pixel 9 Pro

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OnePlus 12R

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

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RedMagic 10 Pro

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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.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

1. OnePlus 13 – Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

OnePlus 13

A superb blend of design, display, performance, and cameras in a competitively priced flagship.

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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: Software support slightly shorter than rivals

The OnePlus 13 is a formidable iPhone challenger. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor rivals the iPhone 16 Pro Max's performance, excelling in multi-core tasks. Its elegant design, featuring a flat-edged chassis and rounded corners, incorporates a three-way alert slider and Qi2/MagSafe charging support. The triple 50MP camera system delivers exceptional photo and video quality. Priced competitively, it offers superior storage and a vibrant 6.82-inch OLED display.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro – Best Cameras

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Google Pixel 9 Pro

Elegant design, exceptional cameras, quality display, and extensive software support.

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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 exceptional camera system. Three powerful sensors work in harmony, delivering outstanding photos and videos. The Tensor G4 processor, while not matching the iPhone's in raw power, excels in AI capabilities. Seven years of OS updates and security patches provide long-term support. Its compact design and bright, sharp display add to its appeal.

3. OnePlus 12R – Best Budget Alternative

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OnePlus 12R

A vibrant display and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip in a value-focused package.

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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 stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and long battery life make it a compelling alternative. While lacking wireless charging and having limited water resistance, it provides excellent value and performance.

4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Best Foldable Alternative

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

A powerful smartphone in a stylish foldable design.

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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 foldable design, combining a compact form factor with a large internal display. Its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and vibrant AMOLED screens make it a compelling alternative, offering a functionality unseen in iPhones.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro – Best Gaming Alternative

RedMagic 10 Pro

Extreme gaming performance, sleek design, and long battery life at a surprising value.

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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 prioritizes gaming performance, boasting a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a stunning 6.85-inch display. Its active cooling system ensures sustained high performance, while its long battery life allows for extended gaming sessions. While cameras are not its focus, it offers exceptional value for gamers.

What to Consider in an iPhone Alternative

Android's open platform offers customization options beyond Apple's ecosystem. Consider phone size, storage capacity (many Android phones offer expandable storage), and price—Android phones often offer more features at lower prices than iPhones.

How Often to Upgrade Your Phone

While new phones release annually, upgrading every 2-3 years generally suffices to maintain optimal performance and battery life.