The iPhone 16 series has arrived with a suite of upgrades, yet the year-to-year changes may not feel as thrilling as before. It's natural to explore other options, and there are many compelling alternatives to consider. With nearly a decade of smartphone testing under my belt, I've seen plenty of devices that not only rival Apple's offerings but also introduce innovative features, such as folding phones, well ahead of Apple. My experience with iPhones has deepened my appreciation for their strengths, making it easier to spot where alternatives shine.
For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision. Even the budget-friendly iPhone 16e starts at a hefty $599, while the rest of the series is even pricier, beginning at $799. Fortunately, many of the standout features of iPhones, aside from iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets, can be found in Android devices. The market is brimming with quality iPhone alternatives that offer great value and performance.
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 advanced camera systems, designs that rival Apple's best, unique form factors like folding phones, more affordable options, and specialized models focused on gaming. Instead of choosing which iPhone tier suits you, consider the mix of features, build quality, performance, and price that best fits your needs. Whether you're after the top non-iPhone smartphone or one that matches Apple's photographic capabilities, you'll find excellent alternatives here.
Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias
OnePlus 13
Best All-Around iPhone Alternative
Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13
7A sleek design, vibrant display, robust 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)PROSGreat valueFast performanceCONSSoftware support a little shorter than rivalsWhen I mention the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, they often look puzzled, but for those curious about alternatives, it's a formidable contender. This model has made significant strides, boasting the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core performance and surpasses it in multi-core tasks. It excels in gaming benchmarks and ensures smooth everyday use.
The OnePlus 13's design mirrors the iPhone's elegance with its flat sides and rounded corners, yet stands out with its unique camera ring and back designs. It supports Qi2/MagSafe charging with first-party cases and features a three-way alert slider. Its water and hot water jet resistance add to its durability.
Its camera system, with three 50MP sensors, rivals Apple's, delivering stunning photos and videos. Priced at $900, it offers more memory and storage than the iPhone 16, making it a great value. The 6.82-inch OLED display is sharp, bright, and smooth with a variable 1-120Hz refresh rate. The OnePlus 13 isn't just a top iPhone alternative; it's the best smartphone you can buy right now.
Pixel 9 Pro – Photos
9 Images
2. Google Pixel 9 Pro
Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative
### Google Pixel 9 Pro
5A stylish design, top-notch cameras, a superior 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 designExcellent camera systemLong-term software supportCONSGaming performance lags behindBase storage could be biggerGoogle's Pixel line has always excelled in photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro is no exception. This device features a three-camera setup that offers versatile shooting options. Unlike phones with a single standout camera, the Pixel 9 Pro's sensors work harmoniously to capture light, detail, and color across wide, ultra-wide, and 5x optical zoom ranges, making it a strong competitor to the iPhone.
The Pixel 9 Pro runs on the Tensor G4 SoC, improving upon previous models with better speed and less heat. It performs well with most tasks and can handle demanding games at 60fps. While it may not outpace the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip, it excels in AI capabilities, supporting natural conversation with a virtual assistant.
Google promises seven years of OS updates and security patches, aligning its support with Apple's. The phone's compact 6.3-inch display is sharp, bright, and supports a 120Hz refresh rate. For those wanting 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
2A large, vivid display and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip make this a value-packed Android phone. 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 iPhone SE discontinued after the iPhone 16e launch, no new iPhone is available for under $500. In contrast, the $499 OnePlus 12R offers features closer to a modern flagship.
The OnePlus 12R combines an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability. Its 6.78-inch display is sharp and bright, supporting a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 8GB of RAM provide robust performance, ideal for gaming and everyday use, with a base storage of 128GB.
While OnePlus doesn't match Apple's long-term support, it offers three major Android updates and four years of security updates, enhancing its value over time. For those seeking a sleek, high-performing phone with a display rivaling Apple's best at a budget-friendly price, 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
3The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 packs incredible power into a compact, 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 phoneWhile iPhones don't fold, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 brings a unique form factor to the competition. Its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back ensure durability. The 3.4-inch AMOLED cover screen provides quick access to notifications and apps, while the 6.7-inch internal display offers rich colors and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth interaction.
The Z Flip 6's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM enable it to handle demanding games and AI tasks. Its camera setup, while not Samsung's top-tier, offers quality shots with wide and ultra-wide sensors. The foldable design adds versatility, allowing it to fit easily into pockets while expanding for full-screen use.
RedMagic 10 Pro
Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming
### RedMagic 10 Pro
1The RedMagic 10 Pro offers top-tier gaming performance, a sleek design, and long battery life at a remarkable 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 supportIf gaming is your priority, the RedMagic 10 Pro at $649 is a surprising powerhouse. It features the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, delivering impressive CPU and GPU performance, even outpacing the iPhone 16 Pro Max in gaming benchmarks. Its active cooling system ensures sustained high performance, ideal for extended gaming sessions, supported by a massive 7,050mAh battery.
The RedMagic 10 Pro's 6.85-inch OLED display is bright, sharp, and fast, with the selfie camera hidden under the display for an uninterrupted viewing experience. The phone's design is elegant, setting it apart from other gaming phones.
However, its Android skin can be a bit over-the-top, and its software support is shorter than that of other flagships. If you prioritize performance over the latest 5G and tend to upgrade frequently, the RedMagic 10 Pro won't disappoint.
What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025
While the iPhone remains a popular choice, more than half of the world's smartphones run on Android, valued for its open platform and customization options. Android users benefit from a vast selection of apps available on the Google Play Store and other app stores like the Amazon Appstore and Samsung Galaxy Store.
When choosing an iPhone alternative, consider the following:
Phone Size and Design
Android phones come in various sizes, from compact 4-inch models to expansive 7-inch devices. Foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series offer a compact design that unfolds into a full-sized screen, a feature absent in iPhones.
Storage Capacity
Most Android phones start with 128GB of storage, similar to the iPhone 16, but many include a microSD slot for up to 1TB of additional storage. Android devices generally offer more features and better value for money.
Price
Android smartphones often start at lower prices, with budget options like the BLU C5L at $50, and quality devices like the Poco X5 5G at $220. Even high-end models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 1TB storage are priced at $2,160, offering more features for less than Apple's priciest models.
Overall, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro are top picks for most users, with Samsung offering premium design and speed, and Google excelling in camera quality.
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?
There's no need to upgrade your phone annually. With smartphones becoming increasingly advanced, upgrading every two to three years keeps you current with processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.
