The iPhone 16 series is here, boasting upgrades, yet the year-over-year changes may feel less dramatic. Naturally, you'll explore alternatives, and there are many. Having tested smartphones for a decade, I've seen compelling competitors, some even pioneering features before Apple—folding phones, for instance. My experience with iPhones allows me to appreciate their strengths while objectively assessing alternatives.
For many, an iPhone isn't the most practical choice. Even the entry-level iPhone 16e, positioned as a budget option, starts at $599, with other models significantly more expensive. Fortunately, many iPhone qualities, excluding iOS and Apple's chipsets, are readily available in Android devices. High-quality iPhone alternatives abound.
Top iPhone Alternatives in 2025
OnePlus 13: Our Top Pick
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Google Pixel 9 Pro
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OnePlus 12R
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
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 features, build, performance, and price that best suit your needs. Whether you seek the best non-iPhone phone or a device matching Apple's photography, you'll find a suitable alternative here.
Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias
OnePlus 13: Best All-Around iPhone Alternative
OnePlus 13
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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 a little shorter than rivals
The OnePlus 13 offers exceptional performance, elegant design, and a competitive camera system at a compelling price. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor rivals the iPhone 16 Pro Max, excelling in multi-core performance and graphics. The design is refined, incorporating a flat-edged chassis and Qi2/MagSafe charging support. The triple 50MP camera system delivers excellent photo and video quality. Starting at $900, it offers greater storage than comparable iPhones.
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Google Pixel 9 Pro: Best Cameras
Google Pixel 9 Pro
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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 excels in photography with its three powerful camera sensors, offering versatility and exceptional image quality. The Tensor G4 processor, while not matching the iPhone's performance, provides strong AI capabilities and smooth everyday use. Seven years of OS updates and security patches provide long-term software support.
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OnePlus 12R: Best Budget Alternative
OnePlus 12R
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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
At $499, the OnePlus 12R offers flagship-level features at a budget-friendly price. It boasts a stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display, a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and a solid main camera. While lacking wireless charging and having limited water resistance, it provides excellent value and performance.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Best Foldable Alternative
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
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. The powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ensures smooth performance, while the dual AMOLED displays provide a versatile user experience. The camera system, while not top-tier, still delivers quality photos and videos.
RedMagic 10 Pro: Best Gaming Alternative
RedMagic 10 Pro
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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 with its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and active cooling system. The large 6.85-inch OLED display provides an immersive gaming experience. While the camera system is less impressive, the phone delivers exceptional gaming capabilities at a competitive price.
Choosing an iPhone Alternative
While iPhones are popular, Android's open platform offers customization options. Android boasts a larger app selection and alternative app stores. Consider phone size, storage capacity (Android often offers microSD expansion), and price (Android offers a wider range, from budget-friendly to high-end). The OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro are excellent choices, with Samsung offering premium design and Google excelling in camera quality.
Phone Upgrade Frequency
Annual upgrades aren't necessary. Upgrading every two to three years balances staying current with technology and cost-effectiveness. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.
