Top Android Phones to Replace iPhone in 2025

The iPhone 16 series has arrived, but the year-to-year changes may not feel as thrilling as expected. It's natural to explore other options, and there are plenty of compelling alternatives. As someone who has tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I've seen many devices that rival the iPhone in performance and innovation, including folding phones that Apple has yet to explore. My experience with iPhones has given me a deep appreciation for their strengths, which makes it easier to identify where other phones excel.

For many, opting for an iPhone might not be the most practical choice, especially considering the high cost. Even the budget-friendly iPhone 16e starts at $599, while the rest of the series begins at $799. Fortunately, the market is filled with Android alternatives that offer many of the same benefits, minus iOS and Apple's proprietary 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 expanding your search, you can discover advanced camera systems, designs that rival Apple's finest, unique form factors, more affordable options, and gaming-focused models. Instead of choosing between iPhone tiers, consider the mix of features, build quality, performance, and price that suits your needs. Whether you're seeking a top-tier phone that isn't an iPhone or a device that matches Apple's photographic capabilities, you'll find a suitable alternative here.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7A stellar design, outstanding display, superior performance, and impressive cameras make this discounted flagship a top contender. 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)PROSExceptional valueHigh-speed performanceCONSShorter software support compared to rivalsWhen I mention the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, they often look puzzled. However, for those curious about alternatives, the OnePlus 13 stands as a formidable challenger to the iPhone.

This generation's OnePlus 13 has made significant strides with its upgrades. Powered by 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 performance. In graphics, the OnePlus 13 consistently outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 3DMark's gaming benchmarks, making it a powerhouse for gaming and ensuring smooth daily operations.

OnePlus has encased this performance in an elegant design with flat sides and rounded corners, reminiscent of the iPhone, yet distinguished by a large camera ring and unique back designs. The phone supports Qi2/MagSafe charging with OnePlus's first-party cases and features a three-way alert slider, offering an edge over the iPhone's alert toggle. Its water and hot water jet resistance adds to its durability.

The OnePlus 13's camera system rivals Apple's, with a triple-sensor setup featuring 50MP ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto cameras. It captures stunning photos and videos, making it a strong contender in the photography department.

At $900, the OnePlus 13 isn't as affordable as the iPhone 16, but it competes effectively with the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max, offering more memory and storage. Its 6.82-inch OLED display is as impressive as the iPhone 16 Pro Max's, with a variable refresh rate from 1-120Hz. The OnePlus 13 isn't just the best iPhone alternative; it's one of the best smartphones you can buy today.

Pixel 9 Pro – Photos

9 Images2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Cameras in an iPhone Alternative

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

5A sleek design, exceptional cameras, a quality display, and long-term 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)PROSSleek and compact designSuperb camera systemExtended software supportCONSGaming performance not on par with competitorsBase storage could be largerGoogle has always excelled in smartphone photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro showcases this expertise. Its three-camera setup on the back offers versatility, with each sensor delivering high-quality images.

Unlike many phones where one camera stands out while others merely complement it, the Pixel 9 Pro's 50MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom all work seamlessly together. The main sensor captures ample light and detail, the ultra-wide offers a broad field of view with consistent color, and the telephoto allows for close-up shots without moving. This camera system is a worthy alternative to the iPhone's.

The Pixel 9 Pro runs on the new Tensor G4 SoC, which improves upon its predecessor with enhanced speed and reduced heat during everyday use. While it may not match the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip in raw performance, Google's focus on AI capabilities with the Tensor G4 enables features like AI generation and a natural conversational virtual assistant.

Google has also committed to 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 design is stunning, featuring a sharp 1280x2856 display that reaches up to 3,000 nits of brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. This compact 6.3-inch screen is nearly perfect, though those seeking a larger display can opt for the Pixel 9 Pro XL with its 6.8-inch screen.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images3. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 12R

2A large, vibrant display and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip are 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, bright displayImpressive battery lifeGood primary cameraCONSNo wireless chargingOnly IP64 water and dust resistanceWith the 2022 iPhone SE discontinued after the iPhone 16e's release, no iPhone now costs less than $500. In contrast, the OnePlus 12R at $499 offers a near-flagship experience.

OnePlus has crafted a sophisticated phone with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The 6.78-inch display is stunning, boasting a resolution of 1264x2780 and a 1-120Hz refresh rate thanks to its LTPO AMOLED panel. It supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, making it a great choice for multimedia consumption.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 8GB of RAM, the OnePlus 12R delivers robust performance, handling even demanding games with ease. It comes with 128GB of base storage.

While OnePlus's software support doesn't match Apple's, it promises three major Android updates and four years of security updates, enhancing the phone's longevity. For those seeking a budget-friendly phone with a top-tier display, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice. For more Android options, see 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 combines powerful performance with a compact 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 14PROSPowerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Stunning displaysCONSLess durable than traditional phonesWhile iPhones don't fold, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 brings this innovative design to the market. Its sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back add to its premium feel. When closed, the 3.4-inch AMOLED cover display allows quick access to notifications and apps, fitting easily into any pocket.

Unfold the Z Flip 6 to reveal its 6.7-inch internal AMOLED display, which offers rich colors and contrast. With a 120Hz refresh rate, it ensures smooth interactions and gaming. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, supported by 12GB of RAM, making it capable of handling demanding tasks and games.

Though not equipped with Samsung's top camera system, the Z Flip 6's dual rear cameras deliver quality photos. The internal selfie camera is convenient for video calls, but the rear cameras can also be used for selfies, with the external display serving as a viewfinder.

The Z Flip 6's folding design provides unique functionality that sets it apart from any iPhone, making it a compelling alternative.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro offers exceptional gaming performance, a sleek design, and long battery life at an 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 SelfieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSOutstanding gaming performanceSuperb displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasLimited software supportIf gaming is your top priority, the RedMagic 10 Pro at $649 is a surprising contender. Despite its affordable price, it offers few compromises, including 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM.

Performance is exceptional, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip delivering near-identical single-core performance to the iPhone 16 Pro Max and superior multi-core performance. The GPU significantly outperforms the iPhone in gaming benchmarks, aided by active cooling that sustains high performance during extended gaming sessions. The 7,050mAh battery further enhances its gaming capabilities.

The RedMagic 10 Pro's 6.85-inch OLED display is ideal for gaming, with the selfie camera hidden beneath the screen for an immersive experience. Its design is sleek and elegant, distinguishing it from other gaming phones.

While the RedMagic 10 Pro has its drawbacks, such as a busy Android skin and shorter software support, it excels in performance and value, making it a top choice for gamers who upgrade frequently and don't require the fastest 5G connections.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

While the iPhone remains a popular choice, more than half of the world's smartphones run on Android, offering a more open platform. Android users enjoy greater customization through themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps, and have access to a broader range of apps via the Google Play Store and other app stores like the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Aptoide.

With the growing popularity of Android, selecting an iPhone alternative can be challenging. Here are key factors to consider:

Phone Size and Design

Android phones offer a variety of sizes, from compact 4-inch models to large 7-inch screens, allowing you to choose what fits your needs. Foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series provide the convenience of a small device that can expand into a full-sized screen, a feature unavailable on iPhones.

Storage Capacity

Android phones typically start with 128GB of storage, similar to the iPhone 16, but many offer expandable storage via microSD cards up to 1TB. Android generally provides more features and options at a lower cost than iPhones.

Price

Android smartphones are often more affordable, with prices starting as low as $50 for basic models like the BLU C5L. Budget-friendly 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 can reach $2,160, but still offer more features for the price.

Overall, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro are excellent choices for most users, with the OnePlus offering superior all-around performance and the Pixel excelling in photography. Samsung's foldable design adds a unique touch, while the RedMagic 10 Pro is ideal for gamers.

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