Top Android Phones to Replace iPhone in 2025

The iPhone 16 series has arrived, bringing with it several upgrades, yet the year-to-year improvements can feel less exciting. It's only natural to explore other options, and there are plenty out there. With nearly a decade of experience testing smartphones, I've encountered many devices that not only rival Apple's iPhones but also introduce innovative features like foldable designs. My familiarity with iPhones allows me to appreciate their strengths while recognizing where alternatives shine.

For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision. Even the entry-level model in the new iPhone lineup, the iPhone 16e, starts at a steep $599, while the rest of the series climbs significantly higher, starting at $799. Fortunately, the core features that make iPhones great, aside from iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets, can be found in the Android market, offering 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 superior camera systems, designs that match Apple's best, unique form factors, budget-friendly options, and specialized gaming models. Instead of choosing which iPhone model suits you, consider which mix of features, build quality, performance, and price meets your needs. Whether you seek the best non-iPhone device or one that rivals Apple's photographic excellence, you'll find a suitable alternative here.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

1. OnePlus 13

Best All-Around iPhone Alternative

Our Top Pick### OnePlus 13

7The OnePlus 13 offers a compelling package with its sleek design, exceptional display, top-notch performance, and impressive cameras. It's a discounted flagship that deserves serious 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 SelfieBattery6,000mAhWeight210g (0.46lb)PROSGreat valueFast performanceCONSSoftware support a little shorter than rivalsWhen mentioning the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, they often look puzzled, as if I've presented them with a riddle. Yet, for those curious about what lies beyond iOS, the OnePlus 13 stands out as an exemplary and fierce competitor to the iPhone.

This generation, the OnePlus 13 has made significant strides with minimal changes from its predecessor. It boasts the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core performance and surpassing it in multi-core performance. In gaming benchmarks, the OnePlus 13 consistently outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it an excellent choice for gamers and ensuring smooth daily operations.

The OnePlus 13's design is both elegant and functional, with flatter sides and rounded corners reminiscent of the iPhone, yet it maintains its unique identity with a large camera ring and distinctive back designs. It supports Qi2/MagSafe charging through OnePlus's first-party cases and includes a three-way alert slider, offering a slight edge over the iPhone's alert toggle. Additionally, its water and hot water jet resistance is a significant advantage.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the OnePlus 13's camera system, which rivals Apple's with a triple-sensor setup, including ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto cameras, all at 50MP resolutions. The phone also offers excellent value, starting at $900, which places it in competition with the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max. With a default storage of 256GB and a high-quality 6.82-inch OLED display featuring a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate, the OnePlus 13 stands out not just as the top iPhone alternative but as 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

5The Google Pixel 9 Pro combines elegant design, exceptional camera capabilities, a high-quality display, and extensive software support, making it a top contender in the smartphone market. 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 long been celebrated for its photography prowess, and the Pixel 9 Pro takes this to new heights. It's not just a beautiful device; it's also a photography powerhouse, thanks to its versatile three-camera array.

Unlike many phones where one camera stands out while others play a supporting role, the Pixel 9 Pro boasts three powerful sensors that work harmoniously. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail with a wide angle, while the 50MP ultra-wide offers a broad field of view with excellent color accuracy. The 48MP telephoto sensor provides a 5x optical zoom, allowing you to get up close without moving, making it a formidable alternative to the iPhone's camera system.

Powered by the new Tensor G4 SoC, the Pixel 9 Pro enhances speed and manages heat better than its predecessors. While it may not match the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip in raw performance, it excels in AI capabilities, enabling features like a natural conversational virtual assistant. Google's commitment to seven years of OS updates and security patches aligns closely with Apple's long-term support.

The Pixel 9 Pro's compact 6.3-inch display is both sharp and bright, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. For those seeking a larger screen, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch display, catering to all preferences.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images3. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 12R

2The OnePlus 12R offers a large, vibrant display and a potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, making it an excellent 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 launch of the iPhone 16e, no new iPhone model is available for under $500, and those at this price point come with significant feature compromises. In contrast, the OnePlus 12R, priced at $499, offers a near-flagship experience on the Android side.

The OnePlus 12R is elegantly designed with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability. Its 6.78-inch display is impressively sharp and bright, featuring a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and per-pixel dimming for an exceptional viewing experience.

Performance is robust, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 8GB of memory, capable of handling heavy gaming and daily tasks. While it may not offer the latest flagship processor, its performance remains competitive. The OnePlus 12R also includes 128GB of base storage and promises three major Android updates and four years of security updates, enhancing its long-term value.

For those seeking a sleek, high-performing phone with a display rivaling Apple's best 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 is a powerful smartphone with a unique 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 phoneThe iPhone doesn't fold, but if it did, it would face stiff competition from the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. This device is crafted to rival Apple's offerings, boasting an attractive design both when open and closed. The flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back add to its appeal. When closed, the Z Flip 6's 3.4-inch AMOLED cover display provides quick access to notifications and apps, fitting easily into pockets or bags.

Unfold the Z Flip 6 to reveal its 6.7-inch inner AMOLED display, which offers vivid colors and high contrast. With a 120Hz refresh rate, it ensures smooth interactions and gaming experiences. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, the Z Flip 6 is well-equipped for demanding tasks and gaming.

While the camera system may not be Samsung's top-tier, it still delivers quality photos with both wide and ultra-wide sensors. The internal selfie camera is handy for video calls, but the external display can also serve as a viewfinder for using the main cameras for selfies.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 brings unique functionality to the table with its foldable design, offering features that no current Apple device can match.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro offers exceptional gaming performance, an outstanding display, and long battery life at a surprisingly 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)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportIf gaming is your top priority, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a revelation. Priced at just $649, it delivers top-tier gaming performance without significant compromises. It comes with 256GB of base storage and 12GB of memory, offering excellent value.

The RedMagic 10 Pro's performance is remarkable, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. It nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core performance and exceeds it in multi-core performance. Its GPU performance in 3DMark benchmarks surpasses that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and active cooling ensures sustained high performance during extended gaming sessions. A 7,050mAh battery further supports long gaming marathons.

The phone's 6.85-inch OLED display is ideal for gaming, with a hidden under-display selfie camera maximizing screen real estate. The display is bright, sharp, and fast, enhancing the gaming experience. The RedMagic 10 Pro's design is also sleek and elegant, distinguishing it from other gaming phones.

While the RedMagic 10 Pro has its drawbacks, such as an over-the-top Android skin and shorter software support compared to leading brands, it remains an unbeatable choice for gamers seeking high performance at a reasonable price.

What to Look for in an iPhone Alternative in 2025

While the iPhone remains a popular choice, Android devices account for more than half of the world's smartphones. Android's open platform appeals to users who prefer customization over Apple's more controlled environment. The Google Play Store offers a wider variety of apps, and additional app stores like the Amazon Appstore and Samsung Galaxy Store provide even more options.

When choosing an iPhone alternative, consider the following factors:

Phone Size and Design

Android phones offer a range of sizes and designs, from compact 4-inch models to larger 7-inch devices. Foldable phones, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, provide the convenience of a small device that expands into a full-sized screen, a feature not available with iPhones.

Storage Capacity

Android smartphones often start with 128GB of storage, similar to the iPhone 16, but many models include expandable storage via microSD cards, offering up to an additional 1TB. Android typically offers more features and better value for money compared to iPhones.

Price

Android phones can be significantly cheaper, with entry-level models starting at $50. Quality budget-friendly options like the Poco X5 5G begin at $220, while high-end models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 can reach $2,160. This range of pricing and features makes Android a compelling choice for many consumers.

In summary, the Android market offers numerous excellent alternatives to the iPhone, catering to various needs and preferences. For most users, the OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro are standout choices, offering the best overall value and performance.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

There's no need to upgrade your phone annually. With smartphones becoming increasingly advanced, upgrading every two to three years is sufficient to keep up with technological advancements. If your current phone meets all your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.