Top Android Phones to Replace iPhone in 2025

The iPhone 16 series has arrived, bringing with it a host of upgrades, yet the year-to-year changes might not feel groundbreaking for everyone. It's only natural to explore other options, and trust me, there are many compelling alternatives out there. With nearly a decade of smartphone testing under my belt, I've encountered numerous devices that rival Apple's offerings, often introducing innovative features like folding phones well before Apple. My experience with iPhones has taught me to appreciate their enduring appeal, but it also highlights where alternative devices shine.

For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision. Even the budget-friendly iPhone 16e starts at $599, while the rest of the series begins at $799. Fortunately, the Android market offers plenty of quality alternatives that match many of the iPhone's best features, aside from iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets.

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 exploring beyond Apple, you can discover advanced camera systems, designs that compete with Apple's best, unique form factors like foldables, more budget-friendly options, and specialized gaming models. Rather than choosing which iPhone tier suits you, consider the mix of features, build quality, performance, and price that best fits your needs. Whether you're after a top-tier device that isn't an iPhone or one that matches Apple's renowned 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 great design, excellent display, superb performance, and impressive cameras combine in a discounted flagship that deserves 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 SeflieBattery6,000mAhWeight210g (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 what lies beyond iOS, the OnePlus 13 stands as a formidable challenger to the iPhone.

This generation, the OnePlus 13 has made significant strides. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite's eight-core CPU, it nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and surpasses it in multi-core tasks. In graphics, the OnePlus 13 outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 3DMark's gaming benchmarks, making it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts and ensuring smooth daily operations.

The OnePlus 13 boasts an elegant design with flatter sides and rounded corners, echoing the iPhone's aesthetic, yet it stands out with its distinctive camera ring and back designs. It supports Qi2/MagSafe charging with first-party cases and features a three-way alert slider, offering an edge over the iPhone's alert toggle. Its water and dust resistance further enhances its appeal.

The camera system on the OnePlus 13 is a match for Apple's, featuring a triple-sensor array with 50MP resolutions across ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto lenses, delivering stunning photos and videos.

At $900, the OnePlus 13 offers excellent value, especially when compared to the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max. It comes with 256GB of storage as standard, more than Apple's 128GB on most models, and a brilliant 6.82-inch OLED display with a 1-120Hz refresh rate. The OnePlus 13 isn't just the best iPhone alternative; it's one of the best smartphones available today.

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 standout 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 series has always been renowned for its photography prowess, and the Pixel 9 Pro continues this tradition. This device combines great looks with exceptional photographic capabilities, thanks to its three-camera setup that offers versatile shooting options.

Unlike many phones with one standout camera and weaker supporting sensors, the Pixel 9 Pro's three sensors work seamlessly together. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail, the 50MP ultra-wide provides a broad field of view with consistent color, and the 48MP telephoto offers a 5x optical zoom, allowing close-up shots without moving. This camera system is a worthy rival to the iPhone's.

The Pixel 9 Pro runs on the new Tensor G4 SoC, improving speed and reducing heat issues from previous models. It handles most tasks well and can maintain 60fps in demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero. While it may not match the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip in raw power, the Tensor G4 excels in AI capabilities, supporting features like a natural-sounding 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 software support. The phone's compact 6.3-inch display is sharp and bright, with a 120Hz refresh rate. 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

2A big, vibrant display and potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip form the core of this value-focused Android phone.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 and the iPhone 16e starting at $599, the $499 OnePlus 12R offers a compelling alternative for budget-conscious consumers seeking modern features.

OnePlus delivers a stylish phone with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front. The 6.78-inch display is sharp and supports a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, matching the quality of more expensive phones.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8GB of RAM, the OnePlus 12R offers robust performance for gaming and daily use, with 128GB of base storage. OnePlus promises three major Android updates and four years of security patches, extending the phone's value over time. If you're looking for a budget-friendly phone with a display that rivals Apple's best, the OnePlus 12R is a smart choice.

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 is a powerhouse smartphone despite its compact size when folded.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 design features a flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back. When closed, the 3.4-inch AMOLED cover display allows quick access to notifications and apps, fitting easily into pockets or bags.

Unfolding the Z Flip 6 reveals a stunning 6.6-inch AMOLED internal display with rich colors and a 120Hz refresh rate, ideal for gaming and media consumption. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB of RAM, it handles demanding games and AI tasks effortlessly.

Though not equipped with Samsung's top camera systems, the Z Flip 6's setup captures quality photos with wide and ultra-wide sensors. The internal selfie camera is handy for video calls, but you can also use the rear cameras for selfies, using the external display as a viewfinder.

The Z Flip 6's folding design offers unique features that set it apart from any iPhone, making it a versatile and stylish choice.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers top-tier gaming performance, a sleek design, and long battery life at a competitive 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 gaming enthusiasts, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a revelation. Priced at just $649, it offers exceptional performance without compromising on features, including 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM.

The RedMagic 10 Pro's performance is remarkable, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip delivering near-iPhone 16 Pro Max single-core performance and superior multi-core results. Its GPU outshines the iPhone in gaming benchmarks, and active cooling ensures sustained high performance during long gaming sessions. The massive 7,050mAh battery supports extended playtime.

The 6.85-inch OLED display is a standout, with its hidden selfie camera maximizing screen real estate. The phone's design is surprisingly elegant, distinguishing it from other gaming phones.

While the RedMagic 10 Pro has its drawbacks, including a less robust camera system and shorter software support, it's an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize performance and don't need the fastest 5G connections.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

With over half of the world's smartphones running on Android, users appreciate its open platform and customization options. Android offers more apps through the Google Play Store and other marketplaces, providing a richer app ecosystem.

When choosing an iPhone alternative, consider these key factors:

Phone Size and Design

Android phones come in various sizes, from compact 4-inch models to expansive 7-inch devices, catering to different preferences. Foldable smartphones, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, offer the convenience of a small device that can expand into a full-sized screen.

Storage Capacity

Most Android smartphones start with 128GB of storage, matching the iPhone 16, but many offer expandable storage via microSD cards, up to 1TB. Android devices often provide more value, with better specs at lower prices.

Price

Android phones can be significantly cheaper than iPhones, with budget options starting as low as $50. High-quality yet affordable models like the Poco X5 5G start at $220, while premium devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 1TB storage reach $2,160.

Ultimately, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro stand out as top choices for most users, offering a blend of performance, design, and features that rival the iPhone. Samsung's devices excel in premium design and speed, while Google's focus on cameras ensures sharp, natural photos.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

New Android phones are released annually, but you don't need to upgrade every year. With smartphones becoming increasingly advanced, 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.