The iPhone 16 series has arrived with its share of upgrades, but the year-to-year changes may not always feel groundbreaking. It's worth exploring other options, as there are numerous smartphones that not only compete with Apple's offerings but also introduce innovative features like folding designs. With nearly a decade of smartphone testing under my belt, I've seen firsthand how alternatives can bring new capabilities to the table, sometimes even before Apple does. While I respect the strengths that keep iPhones at the forefront, it's clear that there are compelling choices beyond Apple's ecosystem.
For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision. Even the budget-friendly iPhone 16e starts at $599, while the rest of the lineup is priced even higher, beginning at $799. Fortunately, the key attributes of iPhones, aside from iOS and their powerful chipsets, are also found in many Android devices, offering a rich selection of 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 expanding your search beyond iPhones, you'll discover advanced camera systems, designs that rival Apple's best, unique form factors that Apple hasn't explored, more budget-friendly options, and specialized models focused on gaming. Instead of choosing between different iPhone tiers, you can select a device that perfectly balances features, build quality, performance, and price to meet your needs. Whether you seek the best non-iPhone on the market or a device 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, exceptional display, top-notch performance, and impressive cameras come together in this competitively priced flagship that deserves serious consideration. 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 SelfieBattery6,000mAhWeight210g (0.46lb)PROSGreat valueFast performanceCONSSoftware support slightly shorter than rivalsWhen I mention the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, they often look puzzled, but for those curious about alternatives, this device stands as a formidable challenger. The OnePlus 13 has made significant strides this generation, boasting the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. It matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core performance and surpasses it in multi-core tasks. In graphics benchmarks like 3DMark, it leads the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it ideal for gaming and ensuring smooth daily operations.
The OnePlus 13 features an elegant design with flat sides and rounded corners, reminiscent of an iPhone, but stands out with its distinctive camera ring and back design. It supports Qi2/MagSafe charging and includes a unique three-way alert slider, offering more customization than the iPhone's alert toggle. Its water and heat resistance further enhance its appeal.
The camera system rivals Apple's, with a triple 50MP sensor setup providing excellent photo and video capabilities. Priced at $900, the OnePlus 13 offers great value, especially when compared to the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max. It comes with 256GB of storage and a stunning 6.82-inch OLED display, making it not just the top iPhone alternative but one of the best smartphones available.
Pixel 9 Pro – Photos
9 Images
2. Google Pixel 9 Pro
Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative
### Google Pixel 9 Pro
5Its elegant design, outstanding cameras, high-quality display, and extensive software support make the Pixel 9 Pro a standout choice among smartphones. 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 largerGoogle's Pixel line has always excelled in photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro showcases this strength. The device features a three-camera array that offers versatility and high-quality imaging. Unlike many phones with a single standout camera, the Pixel 9 Pro's 50MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto work in harmony, delivering excellent color consistency and detail.
Powered by the new Tensor G4 SoC, the Pixel 9 Pro offers improved speed and efficiency. It handles daily tasks well and supports mobile gaming at 60fps, though it may not match the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip in raw performance. However, Google's focus on AI capabilities enhances its functionality, enabling features like natural conversation with a virtual assistant.
With seven years of OS updates and security patches, the Pixel 9 Pro aligns with Apple's long-term support. Its compact 6.3-inch display is sharp, bright, and smooth, with a 120Hz refresh rate. For those preferring 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
2Its large, vibrant display and potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip make this a compelling value-focused Android option. 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 and the iPhone 16e starting at $599, the $499 OnePlus 12R offers a modern flagship experience at a lower price. It features an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, providing durability comparable to more expensive devices. The 6.78-inch display is crisp and bright, with a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support.
The OnePlus 12R's performance is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 8GB of memory, keeping up with demanding applications and games. It offers 128GB of base storage and promises three major Android updates and four years of security updates, enhancing its longevity. For those seeking a cost-effective alternative with a display that rivals Apple's best, 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 14PROSSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 is extremely powerfulGorgeous displaysCONSFoldable design slightly less durable than traditional phonesWhile iPhones don't fold, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 does, offering a unique alternative to Apple's offerings. Its design features a flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, with a 3.4-inch AMOLED cover display for quick access to notifications and apps. When unfolded, it reveals a stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for gaming and multimedia.
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, the Z Flip 6 handles demanding tasks with ease. Its camera system, while not Samsung's top-tier, still delivers quality photos with wide and ultra-wide sensors. The foldable design offers compactness and versatility that Apple's phones cannot match.
RedMagic 10 Pro
Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming
### RedMagic 10 Pro
1This gaming powerhouse offers exceptional performance, a sleek design, and long battery life at a competitive price. 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 SelfieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportFor gamers, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a revelation, priced at just $649. It features the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, delivering performance that rivals the iPhone 16 Pro Max in multi-core tasks and exceeds it in graphics benchmarks. Its active cooling system ensures sustained performance during long gaming sessions, supported by a massive 7,050mAh battery.
The RedMagic 10 Pro's 6.85-inch OLED display is nearly edge-to-edge, with a hidden selfie camera, providing an immersive viewing experience. While its Android skin may be overly customized and its software support shorter, it remains an exceptional choice for those prioritizing gaming performance over camera quality and network support.
What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025
While iPhones dominate the market, more than half of global smartphone users opt for Android devices, drawn to their open platform and customization options. Android offers a wider array of apps through the Google Play Store and other app stores like Amazon Appstore and Samsung Galaxy Store, enhancing user experience.
Phone Size and Design
Android phones come in various sizes, from compact 4-inch models to larger 7-inch devices, offering flexibility that iPhones don't. Foldable smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series provide the convenience of a smaller device that can expand into a full-sized screen, a feature absent in iPhones.
Storage Capacity
Most Android phones start with 128GB of storage, matching the iPhone 16, but many offer expandable storage via microSD cards, up to an additional 1TB. Android devices often provide more features for less money, including better storage, memory, and camera options.
Price
Android smartphones are generally more affordable, with budget options starting as low as $50. Quality models like the Poco X5 5G are available for around $220, significantly less than the iPhone 16e's $599 starting price. Even at the high end, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 can offer more features for the price.
Overall, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro stand out as top iPhone alternatives, offering a blend of performance, design, and value. Samsung's foldable design adds a premium touch, while Google's camera system excels in photography.
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?
There's no need to upgrade your phone annually, as smartphones have become more durable and efficient. Upgrading every two to three years is sufficient to keep up with advancements in processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.
