Best iPhone Alternatives 2025: Get a Great Android Phone Instead

The iPhone 16 series is here, boasting upgrades, yet the year-over-year changes might not feel revolutionary. Exploring alternatives is understandable, and luckily, many compelling options exist. Having tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I've witnessed numerous handsets rivaling Apple's iPhones, some even introducing features before Apple—folding phones, for instance. My experience with iPhones allows me to objectively assess where alternatives excel.

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 strengths, excluding iOS and Apple's chipsets, are available in Android alternatives. The Android market offers a wealth of high-quality iPhone alternatives.

**TL;DR – Top iPhone Alternatives in 2025:**

OnePlus 13

Google Pixel 9 Pro

OnePlus 12R

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

RedMagic 10 Pro

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

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

OnePlus 13

A stunning design, exceptional display, superb performance, and impressive cameras combine in this flagship phone. 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 tasks. Its graphics capabilities significantly outperform the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 3DMark benchmarks, making it a gaming powerhouse. This speed translates to smooth daily operation.

The OnePlus 13 features a sleek chassis with flatter sides and rounded corners, offering an iPhone-like feel while maintaining its unique design elements. Its cases support Qi2/MagSafe charging, and it includes a three-way alert slider. Water and dust resistance add to its appeal. The triple-sensor camera array (ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto, all 50MP) captures excellent photos and videos, rivaling Apple's offerings. Priced at $900, it offers exceptional value, particularly when comparing features and storage to higher-priced iPhones.

Its 6.82-inch OLED display is sharp, bright, and smooth with a 120Hz variable refresh rate, comparable to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The OnePlus 13 isn't just my top iPhone alternative; it's a leading smartphone overall.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

While iPhones dominate, Android devices comprise over half of the global smartphone market. Android's open platform, offering customization through themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps, appeals to many. The Google Play Store boasts more apps than the Apple App Store, and alternative app stores expand options further.

Phone Size and Design: Android phones offer a wider range of sizes, from smaller 4-inch models to larger 7-inch options, including foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip line, providing flexibility unavailable with iPhones.

Storage Capacity: Many Android phones start with 128GB of storage, but many offer microSD card expansion for up to 1TB of additional space.

Price: Android phones often cost less than iPhones, with options ranging from budget-friendly models to high-end flagships. You often get more features for your money compared to iPhones.

Ultimately, numerous excellent Android smartphones cater to diverse needs. The OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro are top choices, with OnePlus offering excellent value and Google excelling in camera quality.

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 Android phones launch yearly, upgrading every two to three years generally suffices to maintain optimal performance and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no urgency to upgrade.