The iPhone 16 series has arrived with a host of upgrades, yet the year-to-year changes might not feel as groundbreaking as one might hope. It's natural to explore other options, and trust me, there's a wealth of alternatives out there. With nearly a decade of smartphone testing under my belt, I've encountered numerous devices that not only rival Apple's offerings but often introduce innovative features ahead of the curve—think folding phones. My experience with iPhones has given me a deep appreciation for their strengths, which in turn, helps me identify where other devices shine as viable alternatives.

For many, choosing an iPhone isn't always the most practical decision. Even the budget-friendly options in the latest iPhone lineup, such as the newly introduced iPhone 16e starting at $599, can seem steep. The rest of the iPhone 16 series escalates in price, beginning at $799. Fortunately, the key attributes of iPhones, aside from iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets, are readily available in the Android market, offering a plethora 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 broadening your search, you can discover advanced camera systems, designs that rival Apple's best, unique form factors like folding phones, more budget-friendly choices, and specialized gaming models. Instead of choosing between tiers of iPhones, you can select a device that perfectly matches your desired blend of features, build quality, performance, and price. Whether you're seeking the best non-iPhone option or a device that can match Apple's photographic capabilities, you'll find compelling alternatives here.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

1. OnePlus 13

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7A great design, excellent display, superb performance, and impressive cameras come together in a discounted flagship that deserves 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 SeflieBattery6,000mAhWeight210g (0.46lb)PROSGreat valueFast performanceCONSSoftware support a little shorter than rivalsWhen I mention OnePlus to iPhone users, they often look puzzled. But for those curious about alternatives, the OnePlus 13 stands out as a formidable contender. This generation's OnePlus 13 has made significant strides, even with minor changes from its predecessor. It boasts the Snapdragon 8 Elite's eight-core CPU, nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and surpassing it in multi-core tests. In gaming benchmarks, the OnePlus 13 consistently outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it a powerhouse for gamers and ensuring smooth everyday operations.

OnePlus encapsulates this power in an elegant design, featuring flatter sides and rounded corners reminiscent of the iPhone. Yet, it distinguishes itself with a distinctive camera ring and back designs. It supports Qi2/MagSafe charging with OnePlus's first-party cases and includes a three-way alert slider, offering a slight edge over the iPhone's alert toggle. Its water and hot water jet resistance adds to its robustness.

The OnePlus 13's camera system rivals Apple's, with a triple-sensor setup delivering 50MP resolutions across ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto lenses, capturing stunning photos and videos.

Starting at $900, the OnePlus 13 may not be as budget-friendly as the iPhone 16, but it competes directly with the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max. You get more memory and storage for the price, with a default of 256GB compared to Apple's 128GB on most models. The 6.82-inch OLED display is sharp, bright, and smooth with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate. The OnePlus 13 is not just the top iPhone alternative; it's the best smartphone you can buy right now.

Pixel 9 Pro – Photos

9 Images2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

5An elegant design, exceptional cameras, a quality display, and extensive software support make the Pixel 9 Pro a champion 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 line has always excelled in photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro is the pinnacle of its achievements. This phone offers a sleek design and superior photography thanks to its three-camera setup, which provides versatility in capturing subjects.

Unlike many phones where one camera dominates, the Pixel 9 Pro's three sensors work harmoniously. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail with a wide angle. The 50MP ultra-wide lens extends your field of view while maintaining color consistency with the main sensor. The 48MP telephoto lens offers a 5x optical zoom, allowing you to get close to subjects without moving. This camera system is a worthy rival to the iPhone's.

Powered by the new Tensor G4 SoC, the Pixel 9 Pro enhances performance and reduces heat from everyday use. It handles most tasks efficiently and supports high-end gaming at 60fps. While it may not match the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip in raw performance, Google's focus on AI with the Tensor G4 enables impressive AI capabilities, including a natural conversational virtual assistant.

Google has set a high standard for Android phones by promising seven years of OS updates and security patches for the Pixel 9 Pro, aligning it closely with Apple's long-term support.

The phone's design is a visual delight, featuring a sharp 1280x2856 display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate. This compact 6.3-inch screen is hard to fault. For those seeking a larger screen, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch display.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images3. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 12R

2A large, flashy display and potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip form the heart of this 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 iPhone SE discontinued and no new iPhone under $500, the OnePlus 12R at $499 offers a modern flagship experience at a budget price.

OnePlus crafts a classy phone with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability. The 6.78-inch display is sharp at 1264x2780 and features a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and high brightness levels, making it a standout in its class.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, paired with 8GB of memory, ensures smooth performance and handles heavy gaming well. A base storage of 128GB is included.

While OnePlus's support doesn't match Apple's, it promises three major Android updates and four years of security updates, extending the phone's lifespan. If you're looking for a sleek, high-performing phone with a display rivaling Apple's best at a lower price, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice.

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 an incredibly powerful smartphone despite its compact size. 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 stylish alternative. With a flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, it's visually appealing whether open or closed. The 3.4-inch AMOLED cover screen provides quick access to notifications and apps, making it pocket-friendly.

When you need a larger screen, the Z Flip 6 unfolds to reveal a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with vibrant colors and a 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for gaming and multimedia. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, it handles demanding tasks and games effortlessly.

The camera system, while not Samsung's top-tier, includes wide and ultra-wide sensors for quality photos. The external screen doubles as a viewfinder for selfies, enhancing its versatility.

The Z Flip 6's folding design offers unique functionality that sets it apart from any iPhone, making it a compelling choice for those seeking innovation.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers extreme gaming performance, a sleek design, and long battery life at a surprising value. 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 supportIf gaming is your top priority, the RedMagic 10 Pro at $649 is a game-changer. It offers exceptional performance without significant compromises, including 256GB of base storage and 12GB of memory.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the RedMagic 10 Pro delivers stellar CPU performance and outshines the iPhone 16 Pro Max in multi-core and gaming benchmarks. Its active cooling system ensures sustained high performance, ideal for long gaming sessions, and the 7,050mAh battery supports extended use.

The 6.85-inch OLED display is a visual treat, with the selfie camera hidden beneath the screen for uninterrupted viewing. The RedMagic 10 Pro's elegant design sets it apart from typical gaming phones.

However, it has its drawbacks, including an over-the-top Android skin and shorter software support compared to other flagships. If you're willing to overlook these and don't require the fastest 5G connections, the RedMagic 10 Pro offers unparalleled gaming performance at a great value.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

While the iPhone remains the most popular smartphone brand, more than half of the world's phones run on Android. Users appreciate Android's flexibility and customization options, from themes and wallpapers to launchers and apps.

The Google Play Store offers more apps than the Apple App Store, and you're not limited to it; you can also use the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Aptoide, and others for varied app experiences.

With Android's growing popularity, choosing the right iPhone alternative can be challenging, but here are key factors to consider.

Phone Size and Design

One of the advantages of iPhone alternatives is their variety in size and design. While Apple sticks to around 6 inches, Android phones range from 4 to 7 inches, catering to different preferences. Foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip line offer compact portability with full-sized screens when needed—a feature iPhones can't match.

Storage Capacity

Most Android smartphones start with 128GB of storage, similar to the iPhone 16. However, many models include microSD card slots for up to an additional 1TB, offering more flexibility and value than iPhones.

Price

Android smartphones often provide better value, with prices starting as low as $50 for basic models like the BLU C5L. Quality budget options like the Poco X5 5G start at $220, significantly less than the iPhone 16e's $599. High-end models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 can reach $2,160 but offer more features for the price.

Overall, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro are top picks for most users, with Samsung offering premium design and speed, and Google excelling in camera technology.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

New Android phones are released annually, but you don't need to upgrade every year. Smartphones have become sophisticated enough that upgrading every two to three years is sufficient to stay current with processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.