The iPhone 16 series is here, bringing a suite of upgrades over its predecessors, yet the year-to-year changes might not feel groundbreaking for everyone. It's only natural to explore other options, and there are plenty of compelling alternatives. With nearly a decade of experience testing smartphones, I've encountered numerous devices that not only rival but sometimes even surpass iPhones in certain areas, like folding phones. My experience with iPhones has given me a deep appreciation for their strengths, which in turn helps me identify where other devices offer unique advantages.

For many, opting for an iPhone might not be the most practical choice. Even the entry-level model in the latest iPhone lineup, such as the newly announced iPhone 16e starting at $599, falls on the pricier side of the market. The rest of the 16 series is even more expensive, starting at $799. Fortunately, many of the best features of iPhones, aside from iOS and their powerful Apple chipsets, can be found in other devices. The Android market is brimming with quality alternatives that match or exceed the iPhone's capabilities.

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, you can discover advanced camera systems, designs that rival Apple’s finest, unique form factors that Apple has yet to explore, more affordable options, and specialized models focused on gaming. Instead of merely choosing which iPhone model suits you, you can select a device that best fits your desired blend of features, build quality, performance, and price. Whether you're after the top non-iPhone device or one that matches Apple's renowned 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

7The OnePlus 13 stands out as a formidable competitor to the iPhone with its sleek design, stunning display, top-notch performance, and impressive camera system, all at a more competitive price. 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 introduce the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, their curiosity often piques. This phone not only matches but often exceeds expectations set by the iPhone. For this generation, the OnePlus 13 has made significant strides. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core performance and surpasses it in multi-core tasks. In gaming, it leads by a wide margin in 3DMark's benchmarks, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking smooth operation.

The OnePlus 13 boasts a refined aesthetic with flatter sides and rounded corners, echoing the iPhone's design language, yet it distinguishes itself with a unique camera ring and back design. It supports Qi2/MagSafe charging with OnePlus's first-party cases and includes a three-way alert slider, adding a feature that the iPhone lacks. Its durability is commendable, with resistance to water and hot water jets.

The camera system on the OnePlus 13 rivals Apple's, featuring a triple-sensor setup with 50MP resolutions across the board. It captures stunning photos and videos, making it a versatile tool for photography enthusiasts.

At a starting price of $900, the OnePlus 13 competes with the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max, offering more memory and storage by default. Its 6.82-inch OLED display is comparable to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, providing a sharp, bright, and smooth viewing experience with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate. The OnePlus 13 isn't just a top iPhone alternative; it's one of the best smartphones you can buy today.

Pixel 9 Pro – Photos

9 Images2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

5The Google Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography, offering a beautiful design, exceptional cameras, a high-quality display, and extensive software support, making it 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 biggerGoogle's Pixel series has always been renowned for its photography capabilities, and the Pixel 9 Pro is no exception. This device offers a visually appealing design and a robust three-camera system that provides versatile shooting options.

Unlike many phones with a dominant main camera and less impressive secondary sensors, the Pixel 9 Pro features three equally powerful sensors. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail, the 50MP ultra-wide offers a broad field-of-view with consistent color, and the 48MP telephoto provides 5x optical zoom, allowing for close-up shots without losing quality. This system is a worthy competitor to the iPhone's camera setup.

Powered by the new Tensor G4 SoC, the Pixel 9 Pro offers improved performance and better heat management compared to its predecessors. While it may not match the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro in sheer performance, its focus on AI capabilities enables features like natural conversation with a virtual assistant.

Google's commitment to long-term support is impressive, with seven years of OS updates and security patches, aligning closely with Apple's software support. The phone's compact 6.3-inch display is sharp, bright, and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate. For those desiring a larger screen, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch variant.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images3. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 12R

2The OnePlus 12R delivers a large, vibrant display and robust performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, making it an excellent value-focused 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 discontinuation of the 2022 iPhone SE after the iPhone 16e's reveal, the cheapest iPhone now starts at $500. In contrast, the $499 OnePlus 12R offers a near-flagship experience at a more affordable price.

The OnePlus 12R features a sophisticated aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability. Its 6.78-inch display is a highlight, boasting a sharp 1264x2780 resolution and a 1-120Hz refresh rate, supporting HDR10+ and Dolby Vision for a rich viewing experience.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8GB of RAM, the OnePlus 12R provides ample performance for most tasks, including gaming. It comes with 128GB of base storage, offering a good balance of performance and storage at its price point.

While OnePlus's software support is shorter than Apple's, it still promises three major Android updates and four years of security updates, ensuring longevity and value. If you're seeking a budget-friendly phone with a display rivaling Apple's best, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice. For more options, check out our comprehensive Android phone recommendations.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Photos

6 Images4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Best Foldable iPhone Alternative

### Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

3The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a powerful smartphone with a unique foldable design, offering stunning displays and robust performance. 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 offers a compelling alternative. Its sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back provide a premium feel. When closed, the Z Flip 6 features a 3.4-inch AMOLED cover screen for quick access to notifications and apps, fitting easily into pockets or bags.

Unfolding the Z Flip 6 reveals a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with rich colors and contrast, enhanced by a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth interactions and gaming. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB of RAM, it handles demanding tasks and games with ease.

While not equipped with Samsung's top-tier camera system, the Z Flip 6 offers a reliable setup with wide and ultra-wide sensors. Its internal selfie camera is handy for video calls, but the external display can also be used as a viewfinder for the main rear cameras.

The foldable design of the Z Flip 6 sets it apart, offering functionality and convenience that no iPhone can match.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro offers exceptional gaming performance, a stunning display, 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 SeflieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportFor gamers, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a game-changer, priced at just $649. Despite its affordability, it packs the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, delivering near-identical single-core performance to the iPhone 16 Pro Max and surpassing it in multi-core tasks. Its GPU performance in 3DMark's gaming benchmarks far exceeds that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and active cooling ensures sustained high performance during extended gaming sessions.

The RedMagic 10 Pro's 6.85-inch OLED display is a visual treat, with a hidden under-display selfie camera maximizing screen space. The design is sleek and elegant, distinguishing it from typical gaming phones.

While its Android skin might be a bit much for some, and software support isn't as long as competitors, the RedMagic 10 Pro is an excellent choice for gamers looking for top-tier performance without breaking the bank.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

While iPhones dominate the market, more than half of the world's smartphones run on Android, appreciated for its open platform and customization options. Android users can personalize their devices with themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps, and have access to a wider variety of apps through the Google Play Store and other platforms like the Amazon Appstore and Samsung Galaxy Store.

When choosing an iPhone alternative, consider the following:

Phone Size and Design

Android phones offer a variety of sizes, from compact 4-inch models to expansive 7-inch screens, catering to different preferences. Foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series provide the convenience of a small device that unfolds into a larger screen, a feature iPhones don't offer.

Storage Capacity

Most Android phones come with at least 128GB of storage, similar to the iPhone 16, but many also support microSD card expansion up to 1TB, offering more flexibility and storage options at a lower cost.

Price

Android smartphones often come at a lower price point than iPhones, with budget options starting as low as $50 for basic models like the BLU C5L, and mid-range quality phones like the Poco X5 5G starting at $220. High-end models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 can reach $2,160 for 1TB of storage, yet offer more features for the price compared to iPhones.

Overall, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro stand out as top picks for most users, with the OnePlus 13 offering the best all-around experience and the Pixel 9 Pro excelling in photography. Samsung's foldable designs and Google's camera prowess provide unique alternatives to the iPhone.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

New Android phones are released annually, but upgrading every year isn't necessary. With the advancements in smartphone technology, upgrading every two to three years is sufficient to stay current with performance and battery life improvements. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.