Best iPhone Alternatives 2025: Get a Great Android Phone Instead

The iPhone 16 series is here, boasting upgrades, yet the year-over-year changes may not feel groundbreaking. Exploring alternatives is understandable, and there are many compelling options. Having tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I've witnessed numerous handsets rivaling Apple's iPhones, some even introducing innovative features before Apple—foldable 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 most affordable iPhone 16e starts at $599, with other models significantly more expensive. Fortunately, many desirable iPhone qualities, excluding iOS and Apple's chipsets, are available on Android. High-quality iPhone alternatives abound.

TL;DR – Top iPhone Alternatives in 2025:

OnePlus 13

Google Pixel 9 Pro

OnePlus 12R

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

RedMagic 10 Pro

Consider alternatives offering superior camera systems, designs matching Apple's, unique form factors, budget-friendly options, and gaming-focused models. Instead of choosing an iPhone tier, select a phone with the ideal feature blend, build quality, performance, and price.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

iOS or Android?

iOS! I love my iPhoneAndroid! I love the customization of Google's OS

1. OnePlus 13 – Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

A superb design, excellent display, powerful performance, and impressive cameras combine in a discounted flagship. The OnePlus 13 boasts the Snapdragon 8 Elite's eight-core CPU, nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and exceeding it in multi-core tests. Its elegant chassis features flatter sides and rounded corners, reminiscent of iPhones, yet distinct with its camera ring and back design. It supports Qi2/MagSafe charging and includes a three-way alert slider. Its triple-sensor camera array rivals Apple's, offering stunning photos and video. Starting at $900, it offers exceptional value, including more memory and storage than comparable iPhones. Its 6.82-inch OLED display is sharp, bright, and smooth thanks to a 120Hz variable refresh rate.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro – Best Cameras

Elegant design, exceptional cameras, a quality display, and extensive software support make the Pixel 9 Pro a standout. Its three powerful cameras—50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto—work together seamlessly. The Tensor G4 SoC provides ample performance, enhanced by AI capabilities, including a natural-sounding virtual assistant. Seven years of OS updates and security patches mirror Apple's long-term support. The 6.3-inch OLED display is sharp, bright, and features a 120Hz refresh rate. A larger 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL is also available.

3. OnePlus 12R – Best Budget Alternative

At $499, the OnePlus 12R offers a large, vibrant display and a potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. Its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection are impressive for its price point. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is sharp, boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, and supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, delivers strong performance. While software support is shorter than flagships, three major Android updates and four years of security updates are provided.

4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Best Foldable Alternative

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a powerful smartphone, stylish open or closed. Its flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection are durable. The 3.4-inch cover display provides quick access to information, while the unfolded 6.6-inch internal display offers a 120Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM deliver strong performance. While not top-tier, its camera system is respectable, and the external display serves as a convenient selfie viewfinder.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro – Best Gaming Alternative

The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers extreme gaming performance at $649. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite chip provides exceptional performance, rivaling and often exceeding the iPhone 16 Pro Max in benchmarks. Active cooling ensures sustained high performance. The 7,050mAh battery supports long gaming sessions. The 6.85-inch OLED display is stunning, and the under-display selfie camera maximizes screen real estate. While software support is shorter and the Android skin is somewhat over-the-top, its performance is unmatched at this price.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

Android's open platform offers customization options unavailable on iOS. More apps are available through various app stores. Consider phone size and design (including foldable options), storage capacity (including microSD expansion), and price, remembering that Android often offers more features for less money.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

How often are you upgrading to a new phone?

Every yearEvery 2-3 yearsEvery 5 yearsOnly when my old phone stops working

While new phones release annually, upgrading every 2-3 years generally suffices to maintain performance and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, an upgrade isn't necessary.