Top Android Phones: iPhone Alternatives for 2025

The iPhone 16 series is here, boasting upgrades, yet the year-over-year changes may not feel groundbreaking. Exploring alternatives is understandable, and thankfully, many exist. Having tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I've witnessed compelling iPhone competitors, some even innovating faster than Apple—consider foldable phones, for instance. My experience with iPhones allows me to appreciate their strengths while objectively evaluating alternatives.

For many, an iPhone isn't the most practical choice. Even the entry-level iPhone 16e, positioned as the budget option, starts at $599, with other models significantly more expensive. Fortunately, many iPhone qualities, excluding iOS and Apple's chipsets, are available in Android devices. High-quality iPhone alternatives abound.

**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

Expanding your options reveals superior camera systems, designs rivaling Apple's, unique form factors, budget-friendly choices, and gaming-centric models. Instead of choosing an iPhone tier, you can select the perfect blend of features, build, performance, and price. Whether you seek the ultimate non-iPhone phone or a device matching Apple's photographic capabilities, you'll find a suitable alternative here.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

1. OnePlus 13

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7A superb blend of design, display, performance, and impressive cameras in a competitively priced 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: 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 flatter sides and rounded corners, offers a familiar yet distinct feel. Qi2/MagSafe charging and a three-way alert slider add advantages over the iPhone. Water and dust resistance further enhance its appeal. The triple 50MP camera system delivers exceptional photos and videos. Priced competitively, it offers superior storage and a display comparable to the iPhone 16 Pro Max's, making it exceptional value.

Pixel 9 Pro – Photos

9 Images

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

5A stylish phone with exceptional cameras, a quality display, and extensive software support. 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 three powerful cameras—50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto—work seamlessly. The Tensor G4 processor, while not matching the A18 Pro in raw power, excels in AI capabilities, powering features like a natural conversational virtual assistant. Seven years of OS and security updates mirror Apple's long-term support. The bright, sharp 6.3-inch 120Hz display completes a compelling package. A larger-screened Pixel 9 Pro XL is also available.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images

3. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 12R

2A 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 budget iPhones. Its aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and stunning 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED display are impressive. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor delivers smooth performance, and the 128GB base storage is generous. While lacking wireless charging and offering limited water resistance, its three major Android updates and four years of security updates provide good long-term value.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Photos

6 Images

4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Best Foldable iPhone Alternative

### Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

3A 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 foldable design unmatched by iPhones. Its sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection ensure durability. The 3.4-inch cover screen provides convenient access to notifications, while the 6.6-inch internal display offers a larger viewing area. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM provide ample power for demanding tasks. While the camera system isn't Samsung's top-tier offering, it still captures quality images. The ability to use the rear cameras for selfies adds versatility.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1Extreme game performance, stylish 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 gaming powerhouse, surprisingly affordable. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor delivers exceptional performance, exceeding the iPhone 16 Pro Max in many benchmarks. Active cooling ensures sustained high performance. The massive 6.85-inch display, with an under-display selfie camera, provides an immersive gaming experience. While the cameras aren't its strongest point and software support is shorter, its performance makes it a compelling option for gamers.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

Android's open platform offers extensive customization options, surpassing Apple's walled garden. The Google Play Store, along with other app stores, provides a wider selection of apps. Choosing an iPhone alternative requires considering several factors:

Phone Size and Design

Android phones offer a wider range of sizes and designs than iPhones, including foldable options like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip line, providing flexibility in screen size and portability.

Storage Capacity

Many Android phones start with 128GB of storage and offer microSD card expansion for even greater capacity.

Price

Android phones generally offer more competitive pricing than iPhones, with options ranging from budget-friendly models to high-end flagships.

Ultimately, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro stand out as top choices, with Samsung offering premium designs and Google excelling in camera technology.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

While new Android phones launch annually, upgrading every two to three years usually suffices to maintain optimal processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.