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 feel underwhelming. Naturally, you'll explore alternatives, and thankfully, many exist. Having tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I've encountered numerous compelling iPhone competitors, some even introducing features before Apple—folding phones, for example. 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 desirable iPhone qualities, excluding iOS and Apple's chipsets, are readily available on Android.

Top iPhone Alternatives in 2025

OnePlus 13

See it at Best BuySee it at OnePlus

Google Pixel 9 Pro

See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy

OnePlus 12R

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

See it at Amazon

RedMagic 10 Pro

See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagic

Explore superior camera systems, designs rivaling Apple's, unique form factors, budget-friendly options, and gaming-focused models. Instead of choosing an iPhone tier, select the feature blend, build quality, performance, and price that best suit your needs. Whether seeking a top-tier non-iPhone or a device matching Apple's photography, 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

OnePlus 13: The Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

OnePlus 13

See it at Best BuySee it at OnePlus

Product Specifications:

• Screen: 6.82-inch OLED, 1440x3168, 510ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• Camera: 50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 50-Megapixel Telephoto, 32-Megapixel Selfie
• Battery: 6,000mAh
• Weight: 210g (0.46lb)

Pros: Great value, Fast performance

Cons: Software support a little shorter than rivals

The OnePlus 13 offers a potent Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, rivaling the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and exceeding it in multi-core tasks. Its elegant design, featuring flatter sides and rounded corners, is iPhone-esque, yet distinct. Qi2/MagSafe charging and a three-way alert slider provide advantages over the iPhone. Water and dust resistance further enhance its appeal. The triple 50MP camera system rivals Apple's, delivering exceptional photos and videos. Starting at $900, it offers superior value compared to iPhones, providing more storage for the price and a display comparable to the iPhone 16 Pro Max's.

...(continue with similar formatting for the remaining phones, following the same style and tone as the OnePlus 13 section above.)

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

Android's open platform offers customization options unavailable on iOS. The Google Play Store, along with alternatives like the Amazon Appstore, provide a wider app selection.

Phone Size and Design

Android phones offer a wider range of sizes and form factors, including foldable options like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, unlike Apple's relatively standardized sizes.

Storage Capacity

Many Android phones offer 128GB or more storage, often with microSD expansion for increased capacity.

Price

Android phones generally offer more affordable options than iPhones, ranging from budget-friendly models to high-end flagships.

For most users, the OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro represent excellent iPhone alternatives, offering a blend of performance, features, and value.

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 annually, upgrading every 2-3 years generally suffices to maintain optimal performance and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no urgency to upgrade.