Top Android Phones to Replace iPhone in 2025

The iPhone 16 series has arrived with its usual array of upgrades, yet the incremental changes may not feel groundbreaking to everyone. It's only natural to explore other options, and the market is brimming with compelling alternatives. With nearly a decade of smartphone testing under my belt, I've seen plenty of devices that not only rival Apple's iPhones but often introduce innovative features well ahead of Apple's timeline—think folding phones. My experience with iPhones has given me a deep appreciation for their enduring qualities, which makes it easier to spot where alternatives shine.

For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision, especially considering the cost. Even the budget-friendly iPhone 16e starts at $599, while the rest of the lineup is priced significantly higher, beginning at $799. Fortunately, the core strengths of iPhones, aside from iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets, are readily available in the Android ecosystem, which offers a wide array of quality 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 broadening your horizons, you can discover advanced camera systems, designs that compete directly with Apple's finest, unique form factors that Apple has yet to explore, more affordable options, and specialized models focused on gaming. Instead of choosing between iPhone tiers, you can select the perfect blend of features, build quality, performance, and price that suits your needs. Whether you're seeking the best non-iPhone flagship or a device that matches Apple's photographic excellence, you'll find an excellent alternative here.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

1. OnePlus 13

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7A stellar design, top-notch display, outstanding performance, and impressive cameras all 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 SeflieBattery6,000mAhWeight210g (0.46lb)PROSGreat valueFast performanceCONSSoftware support a little shorter than rivalsWhen I mention OnePlus to iPhone users, I often get puzzled looks. Yet, for those curious about what lies beyond iOS, the OnePlus 13 stands out as a formidable competitor to the iPhone.

This generation, the OnePlus 13 has made significant strides. With only minor tweaks from its predecessor, these upgrades have propelled it to the forefront. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite's eight-core CPU, nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core performance and surpassing it in multi-core tasks. In gaming benchmarks like 3DMark, the OnePlus 13 significantly outpaces the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it a powerhouse for gaming and ensuring smooth daily operations.

OnePlus has encased this power in an elegant design. With flatter sides and rounded corners, it evokes the iPhone's aesthetic, yet the distinctive camera ring and unique back designs set it apart. It supports Qi2/MagSafe charging with OnePlus's first-party cases and features a three-way alert slider, offering a slight edge over the iPhone's alert toggle. Its water and hot water jet resistance add to its durability.

The OnePlus 13's camera system rivals Apple's, boasting a triple-sensor array with 50MP resolutions across ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto lenses, delivering stunning photos and videos.

At $900, it's not as budget-friendly as the iPhone 16 but competes directly with the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max, offering better value. You get more memory and storage for the price—a standard 256GB compared to Apple's 128GB for most models. The 6.82-inch OLED display is bright, sharp, and smooth with a 1-120Hz refresh rate, making the OnePlus 13 not just the best iPhone alternative but one of the top 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 champion 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 excelled in photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro represents the pinnacle of this expertise. It's a beautifully designed phone with a versatile three-camera array that allows for varied photographic approaches.

Unlike many phones with a dominant main camera flanked by less capable sensors, the Pixel 9 Pro's three powerful sensors work harmoniously. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail, the 50MP ultra-wide offers a broad field of view with matching color, and the 48MP telephoto provides 5x optical zoom for close-up shots. This camera system is a formidable alternative to the iPhone's.

The Pixel 9 Pro runs on the new Tensor G4 SoC, enhancing speed and efficiency while reducing heat from daily use. It performs well for most tasks and handles demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero at 60fps. Though it may not match the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro in raw performance, Google's focus on AI with the Tensor G4 enables advanced features like natural conversation with a live virtual assistant.

Google also offers seven years of OS updates and security patches, aligning closely with Apple's long-term support.

The Pixel 9 Pro boasts a stunning 6.3-inch display with a 1280x2856 resolution and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, complemented by a 120Hz refresh rate. For those wanting 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 large, vibrant display and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip are the heart and soul 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 discontinuation of the 2022 iPhone SE following the iPhone 16e's launch, no new iPhone is available for less than $500—and that's with significant feature compromises. On the other hand, the Android market offers the OnePlus 12R at $499, delivering a near-flagship experience.

OnePlus crafts a sophisticated phone with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front, a material found on many premium devices. The 6.78-inch display is sharp at 1264x2780 and features a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and high brightness levels, thanks to the LTPO AMOLED panel.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8GB of memory, the OnePlus 12R delivers robust performance suitable for heavy gaming and comes with 128GB of base storage. While OnePlus doesn't match Apple's extended support, it offers three major Android updates and four years of security updates, enhancing its long-term value.

If you're after a sleek, powerful phone with a display rivaling Apple's best at a budget-friendly price, the OnePlus 12R is a top pick. For more alternatives, see our overall 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 is an incredibly powerful smartphone despite its compact size. 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 stands ready to compete with Apple. With its sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back, the Z Flip 6 is stylish whether open or closed. The 3.4-inch AMOLED cover display offers quick access to notifications and apps, fitting comfortably in any pocket.

Unfold it to reveal a 6.7-inch AMOLED internal display with rich contrast and vibrant colors, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate ideal for gaming and interaction. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, it handles demanding games and AI tasks with ease.

The camera system, while not Samsung's top-tier, includes wide and ultra-wide sensors for quality shots. The internal selfie camera is convenient for video calls, but you can also use the main rear camera as a selfie-shooter, utilizing the external display as a viewfinder.

The Z Flip 6's folding design offers unique functionality that no Apple device can match, making it a compelling choice for those seeking innovative form factors.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers extreme gaming performance, a sleek design, 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 SeflieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportIf gaming is your top priority, the RedMagic 10 Pro at $649 is a revelation. It boasts the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, delivering near-identical single-core performance to the iPhone 16 Pro Max and superior multi-core performance. Its GPU outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 3DMark benchmarks, and active cooling ensures sustained high performance during long gaming sessions. A 7,050mAh battery extends those sessions even further.

The RedMagic 10 Pro features a stunning 6.85-inch OLED display, with a hidden under-display selfie camera maximizing screen space. The design is elegant, distinguishing it from typical gaming phones.

While it has some drawbacks, such as a less-than-ideal Android skin, shorter software support, and potentially weaker cellular network support in the US, the RedMagic 10 Pro is an exceptional choice for gamers seeking top performance without breaking the bank.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

While the iPhone remains the most popular smartphone brand, more than half of the world's phones run on Android. Android's open platform appeals to users who prefer customization over Apple's more controlled environment, offering themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps.

The Google Play Store hosts more apps than the Apple App Store, and you're not limited to it—you can also access the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Aptoide, and others for varied app experiences.

With the increasing popularity of Android, choosing a great iPhone alternative might seem daunting. Here's what to consider:

Phone Size and Design

Android phones come in various sizes, from compact 4-inch models to expansive 7-inch devices, offering more options than Apple's standard 6-inch phones. Foldable smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series provide the convenience of a compact device that unfolds into a larger screen, a feature iPhones lack.

Storage Capacity

Most Android smartphones start with 128GB of storage, matching the iPhone 16, but many offer microSD expansion for up to an additional 1TB. Android generally provides more features for less money, including storage, memory, power, screen sizes, and cameras.

Price

Android smartphones often cost less than iPhones, starting as low as $50 for basic models like the BLU C5L. Quality yet affordable options like the Poco X5 5G start at $220, compared to the iPhone 16e's $599. At the high end, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 1TB of storage costs $2,160, offering more features for the price.

Overall, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro stand out as the best iPhone alternatives for most users. Samsung offers premium design and speed, while Google excels in camera quality and photo realism.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

New Android phones are released yearly, but upgrading annually isn't necessary. With smartphones becoming increasingly advanced, upgrading every two to three years keeps you up-to-date on processing power and battery life. If your current phone meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.