Top Android Phones to Replace iPhone in 2025

The iPhone 16 series has arrived with its usual array of upgrades, but the year-to-year changes might not feel as groundbreaking as some users would hope. It's only natural to explore other options, and trust me, there are plenty out there. With nearly a decade of experience testing smartphones, I've seen countless devices that rival Apple's iPhones, often introducing innovative features like folding phones well before Apple does. My firsthand experience with iPhones allows me to appreciate their strengths while also recognizing where alternatives can offer something different or even better.

For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision. Even the budget-friendly iPhone 16e starts at $599, while other models in the 16 series are priced significantly higher, starting at $799. Fortunately, many of the appealing features of iPhones, aside from iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets, can be found in other smartphones. The Android market is brimming with quality iPhone alternatives that offer competitive features at various price points.

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 horizons, you'll discover smartphones with advanced camera systems, designs that rival Apple's best, unique form factors like foldables that Apple hasn't yet embraced, more affordable options, and specialized models focused on gaming. Instead of just choosing between different tiers of iPhones, you can find a device that perfectly matches your needs in terms of features, build quality, performance, and price. Whether you're seeking a top-tier phone that isn't an iPhone or one that matches Apple's photographic excellence, there's a strong alternative for you.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7The OnePlus 13 stands out as a comprehensive alternative to the iPhone, offering a sleek design, exceptional display, stellar performance, and impressive cameras at a 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 mention the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, their puzzled looks are understandable. Yet, for those curious about what lies beyond iOS, the OnePlus 13 is an exceptional example of what Android can offer. This generation's OnePlus 13 has made significant strides, featuring the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. It nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core performance and surpasses it in multi-core performance. In gaming benchmarks, the OnePlus 13 consistently outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it a powerhouse for gaming and ensuring smooth daily operations.

The OnePlus 13's design echoes the iPhone with its flat sides and rounded corners, yet it distinguishes itself with a distinctive camera ring and unique back designs. It also supports Qi2/MagSafe charging with first-party cases and features a three-way alert slider, adding a touch of convenience not found on iPhones. Its durability is impressive, withstanding water immersion and hot water jets.

The camera system on the OnePlus 13 is on par with Apple's offerings, featuring a triple-sensor setup with 50MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses, delivering stunning photos and videos. At a starting price of $900, the OnePlus 13 is a steal compared to the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max, offering more memory and storage out of the box. Its 6.82-inch OLED display is sharp, bright, and smooth with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate. The OnePlus 13 isn't just the top iPhone alternative; it's currently one of the best smartphones available.

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 combines elegant design with exceptional cameras, a top-notch display, and robust 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 line has always excelled in photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro is the pinnacle of this achievement. With its three-camera array, it offers versatile shooting options, each sensor delivering impressive results. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail, the 50MP ultra-wide extends your field of view while maintaining color consistency, and the 48MP telephoto lens provides a 5x optical zoom for detailed close-ups. This camera system is a formidable rival to the iPhone's.

Powered by the new Tensor G4 SoC, the Pixel 9 Pro offers improved performance and better heat management than its predecessors. 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 power, Google's focus on AI capabilities enhances its performance, enabling advanced AI features like a natural language virtual assistant.

Google also offers an impressive seven years of OS updates and security patches for the Pixel 9 Pro, matching Apple's commitment to long-term support. The device's 6.3-inch display is both sharp and incredibly bright, with a 120Hz refresh rate that ensures smooth visuals. For those who prefer 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

2The OnePlus 12R offers a vibrant display and powerful performance at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save without compromising on quality. 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 and the introduction of the iPhone 16e, no new iPhone model starts below $500. On the other hand, the $499 OnePlus 12R offers a modern flagship experience at a much lower price.

The OnePlus 12R boasts a stylish design with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. Its 6.78-inch display is sharp and supports a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, offering a visual experience that rivals more expensive devices. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC ensures smooth performance, even in demanding games, with 8GB of memory and a base storage of 128GB.

While it doesn't match Apple's long-term support, OnePlus promises three major Android updates and four years of security updates, adding value over time. If you're looking for a sleek, high-performing phone with a display that competes with Apple's best at a budget price, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice. For more options, explore 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 offers powerful performance and innovative design, making it a compelling alternative to traditional smartphones. 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 does, offering a sleek alternative. With a flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, it's both stylish and durable. The 3.4-inch AMOLED cover display provides quick access to essential features when folded, fitting easily into any pocket.

When you need a larger screen, the 6.7-inch internal AMOLED display unfolds, offering vibrant colors and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth interaction and gaming. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, it handles demanding tasks and gaming with ease. The camera setup, while not Samsung's top-tier, delivers quality shots with both wide and ultra-wide sensors. You can also use the main cameras for selfies, using the cover display as a viewfinder. The Z Flip 6's folding design gives it unique capabilities that iPhones can't 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 impressive battery life at a surprisingly affordable 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 revelation. At just $649, it offers top-tier gaming performance without breaking the bank. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip delivers outstanding single and multi-core performance, surpassing the iPhone 16 Pro Max in gaming benchmarks. Its active cooling system ensures sustained high performance, perfect for long gaming sessions, and the massive 7,050mAh battery keeps you going.

The RedMagic 10 Pro's 6.85-inch OLED display is nearly edge-to-edge, with the selfie camera hidden underneath, providing a seamless viewing experience. The phone's design is elegant and sets it apart from typical gaming phones. However, it has some drawbacks: the Android skin can be a bit over-the-top, software support is shorter than that of other flagships, and cellular network performance may not be ideal in some regions. For gamers who prioritize performance and can manage without the latest 5G speeds, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a fantastic choice.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

While iPhones dominate the smartphone market, more than half of the world's phones run on Android. Android's open platform appeals to many, offering customization through themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps. The Google Play Store has more apps than the Apple App Store, and you can also access apps from other stores like the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Aptoide.

As Android gains popularity, selecting a great iPhone alternative can be daunting, but here are key factors to consider.

Phone Size and Design

One advantage of iPhone alternatives is the variety of sizes and designs available. While Apple sticks to roughly 6-inch phones, Android devices range from 4 to 7 inches. Foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series offer compact designs that expand into full-sized screens, a feature iPhones don't have.

Storage Capacity

Most Android smartphones start with 128GB of storage, similar to the iPhone 16, but many also include microSD slots for up to 1TB of additional storage. Android phones often provide more storage, memory, power, and features at a lower price than iPhones.

Price

Android smartphones are generally more affordable, with options starting as low as $50 for basic models like the BLU C5L. Quality, budget-friendly options like the Poco X5 5G start at $220, compared to the iPhone 16e's $599 starting price. High-end models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 can reach $2,160, but offer more features for the price.

Overall, the Android market offers a wide range of smartphones to suit different needs and budgets. The OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro are excellent all-around choices, while Samsung's premium designs and Google's superior cameras stand out.

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