Top Android Phones to Replace iPhone in 2025

The iPhone 16 series is here, bringing a host of upgrades over previous models. However, the year-to-year changes may not feel as exciting as you'd hope, prompting many to explore other options. With nearly a decade of smartphone testing under my belt, I've encountered numerous devices that rival Apple's iPhones, often introducing innovative features like folding phones well before Apple does. My experience with iPhones has deepened my appreciation for their strengths, which makes it easier to spot where alternatives shine.

For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision. Even the entry-level iPhone 16e, which is supposed to be the budget option, starts at $599. The rest of the 16 series is pricier, beginning at $799. Fortunately, many of the key features that make iPhones great, aside from iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets, are available in the Android market, offering a range of quality iPhone 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 expanding your search beyond iPhones, you can discover advanced camera systems, designs that match Apple's best, unique form factors like foldables, more budget-friendly options, and specialized models focused on gaming. Instead of merely choosing among different iPhone tiers, you can select a device that perfectly aligns with your desired features, build quality, performance, and price. Whether you're seeking the top non-iPhone smartphone or one that rivals Apple's photographic capabilities, there's an excellent alternative for you.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

1. OnePlus 13

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7A sleek design, impressive display, robust performance, and excellent cameras come together in this discounted flagship, making it a compelling choice. 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 a little shorter than rivalsWhen I mention the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, they often look puzzled, but for those curious about Android, this phone stands out as a formidable competitor to the iPhone.

The OnePlus 13 has made significant strides over its predecessor with its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. It matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core performance and surpasses it in multi-core capabilities. In gaming benchmarks like 3DMark, the OnePlus 13 leads by a wide margin, making it a powerhouse for gaming and ensuring smooth everyday operations.

OnePlus has crafted an elegant design with flat sides and rounded corners reminiscent of an iPhone, yet it distinguishes itself with a large camera ring and unique back designs. It supports Qi2/MagSafe charging and features a three-way alert slider, offering a tactile advantage over the iPhone's alert toggle. Its water and dust resistance further enhances its appeal.

The OnePlus 13's camera system is on par with Apple's, featuring a triple 50MP sensor array. It delivers stunning photos and robust video capabilities.

Priced at $900, the OnePlus 13 is a bargain compared to the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max, offering more memory and storage as standard. Its 6.82-inch OLED display is bright, sharp, and smooth with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate, making it not just the best iPhone alternative but arguably the best smartphone you can buy today.

Pixel 9 Pro – Photos

9 Images2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

5Elegant design, exceptional cameras, a quality display, and extensive software support make the Pixel 9 Pro a standout smartphone. 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. Its three-camera setup offers versatile shooting options, with each sensor contributing significantly to the overall quality.

Unlike many phones with a dominant primary camera and less capable secondary sensors, the Pixel 9 Pro's 50MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto sensor work harmoniously to deliver excellent results. The main sensor captures ample light and detail, the ultra-wide maintains color consistency, and the telephoto offers a 5x optical zoom, making it a strong rival to iPhone cameras.

The Pixel 9 Pro runs on the Tensor G4 SoC, enhancing performance and reducing heat issues from previous models. While it may not outpace the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip, it excels in AI capabilities, powering features like live virtual assistants.

Google promises seven years of OS and security updates for the Pixel 9 Pro, aligning it closely with Apple's long-term support.

The design is sleek and the 6.3-inch display is sharp, bright, and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate. For those preferring a larger screen, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch option.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images3. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 12R

2A vibrant, large display and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip make this Android phone a great value option. 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 following the iPhone 16e's launch, no iPhone is available for under $500 without significant feature compromises. However, the $499 OnePlus 12R offers a near-flagship experience on the Android side.

The OnePlus 12R boasts a premium look with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Its 6.78-inch display is sharp and supports a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, delivering a high-quality viewing experience.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8GB of memory, the OnePlus 12R provides robust performance suitable for demanding tasks and gaming. It comes with 128GB of base storage.

While it doesn't match Apple's long-term support, OnePlus offers three major Android updates and four years of security updates, enhancing its value over time. For those seeking a sleek, capable phone with a top-notch display at a budget-friendly price, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice. For more options, check out 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 packs powerful performance into 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 is a little less durable than a traditional phoneWhile iPhones don't fold, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a compelling alternative. Its sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back enhance its aesthetic appeal. The 3.4-inch AMOLED cover screen provides quick access to notifications and apps when closed, fitting easily into pockets or bags.

Unfold the Z Flip 6 to reveal a 6.6-inch AMOLED inner display with vibrant colors and a 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for gaming and smooth interactions. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB of RAM ensure high performance for gaming and AI tasks.

While not equipped with Samsung's top camera system, the Z Flip 6's dual rear cameras produce quality images. The external display doubles as a viewfinder for selfies using the main cameras.

The Z Flip 6 offers unique folding capabilities that set it apart from any iPhone, providing versatility and convenience.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional gaming performance, a stunning display, 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 SelfieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportIf gaming is your top priority, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a revelation. Priced at just $649, it offers incredible performance without compromising on features, including 256GB of storage and 12GB of memory.

The RedMagic 10 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Elite chip delivers impressive performance, closely matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core tasks and surpassing it in multi-core and gaming benchmarks. Its active cooling system ensures sustained performance, ideal for long gaming sessions, supported by a massive 7,050mAh battery.

The phone's 6.85-inch OLED display is immersive, with the selfie camera hidden beneath the screen for uninterrupted viewing. The design is sleek and elegant, distinguishing it from typical gaming phones.

While its Android skin may be a bit flashy and software support shorter than some rivals, the RedMagic 10 Pro offers unmatched gaming performance for those willing to compromise on camera quality and 5G connectivity.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

While the iPhone remains a top choice, over half of the world's smartphones run on Android, appreciated for its customizable platform. Android users enjoy a variety of themes, wallpapers, launchers, and a wider selection of apps from the Google Play Store and other marketplaces like the Amazon Appstore and Samsung Galaxy Store.

Choosing an iPhone alternative involves considering several factors:

Phone Size and Design

Android phones offer a variety of sizes, from compact 4-inch models to expansive 7-inch screens, unlike the more uniform 6-inch iPhone. Foldable options like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip line provide the convenience of a small device with the functionality of a larger screen.

Storage Capacity

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

Price

Android smartphones are generally more affordable, starting as low as $50 for basic models. Quality mid-range options like the Poco X5 5G start at $220, compared to the iPhone 16e's $599. High-end models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 1TB of storage cost $2,160 but offer more features for the price.

Overall, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro stand out as top iPhone alternatives, offering premium design and camera capabilities, respectively.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

New Android phones are released annually, but upgrading every year isn't necessary. With smartphones becoming increasingly capable, upgrading every two to three years is sufficient to keep up with advancements in processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.