Top Android Phones to Replace iPhone in 2025

The iPhone 16 series has arrived, but the incremental upgrades may leave you wanting more. As someone who has tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I can attest that there are numerous alternatives to the iPhone that not only compete but also introduce innovative features like folding phones. While I respect the iPhone's enduring appeal, exploring other options can reveal where these alternatives truly shine.

For many, choosing an iPhone isn't the most cost-effective decision. Even the budget-friendly iPhone 16e starts at $599, with the rest of the series being significantly pricier, starting at $799. Fortunately, many of the iPhone's best features, aside from iOS and Apple's chipsets, can be found in the Android ecosystem, which offers a wealth of compelling 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 horizons, you can discover alternatives with advanced camera systems, designs that rival Apple's best, unique form factors, more affordable options, and specialized gaming phones. Instead of choosing among iPhone tiers, consider which blend of features, build quality, performance, and price best suits your needs. Whether you seek a top-tier phone that's not an iPhone or a device that matches Apple's photographic capabilities, you'll find a fitting alternative here.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

1. OnePlus 13

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7A stellar design, superior display, outstanding performance, and impressive cameras converge in this discounted flagship that merits serious 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 SelfieBattery6,000mAhWeight210g (0.46lb)PROSGreat valueFast performanceCONSSoftware support slightly shorter than rivalsWhen I mention the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, it often raises curiosity about what lies beyond iOS. The OnePlus 13 is an exemplary alternative, challenging the iPhone with its latest iteration. With minimal changes from its predecessor, the OnePlus 13 still manages to excel. It's powered by 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 tasks. In gaming benchmarks, it significantly outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The OnePlus 13 boasts an elegant design with flatter sides and rounded corners, reminiscent of the iPhone, yet distinguished by its large camera ring and unique back designs. It supports Qi2/MagSafe charging with first-party cases and includes a three-way alert slider, a feature iPhone users might envy. Its water and dust resistance adds to its appeal.

The OnePlus 13's camera system rivals Apple's, featuring a triple 50MP sensor array for stunning photos and impressive video capabilities. At $900, it's not as cheap as the iPhone 16 but offers better value compared to the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max, with more memory and storage. Its 6.82-inch OLED display matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max's in quality, offering a sharp, bright, and smooth experience with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate. The OnePlus 13 is not just the best iPhone alternative; it's the top 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 largerGoogle's Pixel line has always excelled in photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro is the pinnacle of this achievement. With its elegant design and exceptional photography capabilities, it's a standout choice. The Pixel 9 Pro features a three-camera array that offers versatile shooting options.

Unlike many phones with a single standout camera, the Pixel 9 Pro's three sensors work harmoniously. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail, while the 50MP ultra-wide sensor provides a broad field-of-view with consistent color accuracy. The 48MP telephoto sensor offers 5x optical zoom, allowing for detailed close-ups without moving.

Powered by the new Tensor G4 SoC, the Pixel 9 Pro is faster and more efficient, avoiding the heat issues of earlier models. While it might not match the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip, its focus on AI capabilities enhances its functionality, including a natural conversational virtual assistant.

Google offers 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 6.3-inch display is sharp, bright, and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate. 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, vibrant display and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip make this value-focused Android phone a compelling choice. 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 no longer available after the iPhone 16e's launch, no new iPhone starts below $500. In contrast, the OnePlus 12R at $499 offers a modern flagship experience on a budget.

The OnePlus 12R features a premium aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, a material found on more expensive phones. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display is sharp and bright, supporting HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, with a 1-120Hz refresh rate.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, paired with 8GB of memory, ensures smooth performance, including gaming. With 128GB of base storage, it's a solid choice. OnePlus offers three major Android updates and four years of security updates, extending its value over time. If you're seeking a sleek, efficient phone with a display that rivals Apple's best at a lower price, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent option.

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 combines incredible power with a compact, foldable design. 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 slightly less durable than traditional phonesWhile iPhones don't fold, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 showcases what they could be if they did. With its sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, it's designed to compete with Apple's offerings. When closed, the Z Flip 6's 3.4-inch AMOLED display provides quick access to notifications and apps, fitting easily into any pocket.

Unfolded, the Z Flip 6 reveals a stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED display with rich colors and a 120Hz refresh rate, ideal for gaming and viewing. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, it handles demanding games and AI tasks with ease.

The Z Flip 6's camera setup, though not Samsung's top-tier, captures quality shots with both wide and ultra-wide sensors. The external display serves as a convenient viewfinder for selfies using the rear cameras. The folding design offers unique advantages that no Apple device can match.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional gaming performance, a sleek design, and long battery life at an impressive 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 SelfieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportFor gamers, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a revelation. At just $649, it offers high-end performance without the hefty price tag. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip powers the RedMagic 10 Pro, nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and surpassing it in multi-core tasks. Its GPU excels in gaming benchmarks, and active cooling ensures sustained performance during extended play sessions. The 7,050mAh battery supports long gaming sessions.

The RedMagic 10 Pro's 6.85-inch OLED display is large, bright, and sharp, with a hidden under-display selfie camera for an uninterrupted viewing experience. Its design is surprisingly elegant, setting it apart from typical gaming phones.

While its Android skin may be too flashy for some, and software support is shorter than top-tier brands, the RedMagic 10 Pro offers unparalleled gaming performance at a value that's hard to beat.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

While iPhones dominate the market, more than half of global smartphones are Android devices, favored for their open platform and customization options. The Google Play Store offers more apps than the Apple App Store, and you can also access other app stores like Amazon Appstore and Samsung Galaxy Store.

When selecting an iPhone alternative, consider these factors:

Phone Size and Design

Android phones offer a range of sizes, from 4 inches to 7 inches, catering to different preferences. Foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip line provide a compact design that can unfold into a full-sized screen, a feature unavailable on iPhones.

Storage Capacity

Most Android phones start with 128GB of storage, matching the iPhone 16, but many include microSD card slots for up to 1TB of additional storage. Android generally offers more features and storage at a lower price point.

Price

Android smartphones are often more affordable, with budget options starting at $50, while quality mid-range phones like the Poco X5 5G begin at $220. Even high-end models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 1TB of storage cost $2,160, offering more features for the price than an iPhone.

Overall, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro are top picks for most users. The OnePlus 13 excels in overall performance and value, while the Pixel 9 Pro offers superior photography. Samsung's foldable designs provide unique style and functionality.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

With new Android phones released annually, there's no need to upgrade every year. Smartphones today are advanced enough that upgrading every two to three years is sufficient to stay current with processing power and battery life. If your phone still meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.