Top Android Phones to Replace iPhone in 2025

The iPhone 16 series has arrived, bringing with it a range of upgrades, yet the year-to-year changes might not always feel revolutionary. It's only natural to explore other options, and trust me, there's no shortage of compelling alternatives. With nearly a decade of smartphone testing under my belt, I've encountered numerous devices that rival Apple's iPhones, often introducing innovative features ahead of Apple—such as folding phones. My experience with iPhones has only deepened my appreciation for their enduring qualities, making it easier to identify where alternatives shine.

For many, choosing an iPhone may not be the most practical decision. Even the most affordable option in the new iPhone lineup, like the newly introduced iPhone 16e starting at $599, leans towards the pricier side of the market. The rest of the iPhone 16 series starts at $799 and goes up from there. Fortunately, many of the best attributes of iPhones, aside from iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets, are available on Android devices.

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 horizons, you can discover advanced camera systems, designs that rival Apple's best, unique form factors like foldables that Apple has yet to explore, more budget-friendly options, and specialized models focused on gaming. There's a wealth of choices, allowing you to select the perfect blend of features, build quality, performance, and price to suit your needs. Whether you're seeking the best non-iPhone smartphone or a device that matches Apple's photographic capabilities, 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

7A sleek design, excellent display, superb performance, and impressive cameras come together in a discounted flagship that's worth considering. 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 slightly shorter than rivalsWhen I mention the OnePlus 13 to iPhone users, I often get puzzled looks. But for those curious about what lies beyond iOS, the OnePlus 13 is a prime example and a fierce competitor to the iPhone.

This generation's OnePlus 13 has made significant strides. With only a few changes from its predecessor, these upgrades have propelled it to the forefront. The OnePlus 13 features the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite's eight-core CPU, nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max's single-core performance and surpassing it in multi-core performance. In graphics, the OnePlus 13 outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 3DMark's gaming benchmarks, making it a formidable gaming device and ensuring smooth everyday operations.

OnePlus has encapsulated this power in an elegant design. With flatter sides and rounded corners, the OnePlus 13 echoes the iPhone's aesthetic, yet stands out with its distinctive camera ring and back designs. OnePlus's first-party cases support Qi2/MagSafe charging, and the phone includes a three-way alert slider, offering a unique feature over the iPhone. Additionally, its water and hot water jet resistance makes it robust.

The OnePlus 13's camera system is on par with Apple's, boasting a triple-sensor array with 50MP ultra-wide, wide, and 3x telephoto capabilities, delivering stunning photos and impressive videos.

The OnePlus 13 offers tremendous value, starting at $900, which is more affordable than the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max. It comes with 256GB of storage as standard, compared to Apple's 128GB on most models. Its 6.82-inch OLED display is sharp, bright, and smooth with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate. The OnePlus 13 isn't just the best iPhone alternative; it's the best smartphone you can buy right now.

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 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 been renowned for its photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro epitomizes this prowess. This phone combines stunning looks with exceptional photo capabilities, thanks to a versatile three-camera setup on the back.

Unlike many phones with a dominant main camera and less capable supporting sensors, the Pixel 9 Pro's three powerful sensors work harmoniously. The 50MP main sensor captures ample light and detail with a wide angle. The 50MP ultra-wide expands your field of view while maintaining color consistency with the main sensor. The 48MP telephoto sensor offers 5x optical zoom, allowing you to get close to subjects without moving. This camera system is a strong contender against Apple's.

The Pixel 9 Pro runs on the new Tensor G4 SoC, which improves upon its predecessor, boosting speed and reducing heat during use. It handles most tasks efficiently and can run demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero at 60fps. 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 advanced AI features, including a natural conversational virtual assistant.

Google has also set a new standard for Android phones by offering seven years of OS updates and security patches for the Pixel 9 Pro, aligning its support more closely with Apple's.

This comes in a beautifully designed package with a sharp 1280x2856 display that reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate. The compact 6.3-inch display is top-notch. For those desiring 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 the 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 discontinuation of the 2022 iPhone SE after the launch of the iPhone 16e, no new iPhone costs less than $500, and even then, you compromise on features. On the Android side, however, you can find something close to a modern flagship for $499 with the OnePlus 12R.

OnePlus crafts a stylish phone with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covering the front. The OnePlus 12R features a stunning 6.78-inch display, sharp at 1264x2780 resolution, with a 1-120Hz refresh rate on its LTPO AMOLED panel, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and high brightness levels with per-pixel dimming.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 8GB of memory, the OnePlus 12R delivers solid performance, easily handling heavy gaming and daily tasks. It comes with 128GB of base storage.

While OnePlus doesn't match Apple's long-term support, it promises three major Android updates and four years of security updates, enhancing the phone's value over time. If you're 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 offers incredible power in a compact form. 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 less durable than traditional phonesWhile iPhones don't fold, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 does, bringing unique competition to Apple. Whether open or closed, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 looks stylish with its flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back. When folded, the Z Flip 6 offers a 3.4-inch AMOLED display for quick access to notifications, shortcuts, widgets, and apps, fitting easily into pockets or bags.

Unfold the Z Flip 6 to reveal its 6.7-inch internal AMOLED display, boasting rich contrast and vibrant colors. With a 120Hz refresh rate, it ensures smooth interactions and gaming. The Z Flip 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, matching the performance of many flagship Android phones, and paired with 12GB of RAM for seamless multitasking and gaming.

Although not equipped with Samsung's top camera system, the Z Flip 6 offers a capable setup with wide and ultra-wide sensors. The internal selfie camera is convenient for video calls, but you can also use the main rear camera or ultra-wide as your selfie camera, using the external display as a viewfinder.

The Z Flip 6 stands ready to challenge the iPhone, offering unique folding capabilities that set it apart from any Apple device.

5. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### RedMagic 10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional 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 SelfieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportIf gaming is your top priority, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a game-changer. At just $649, it outperforms expectations, offering 256GB of base storage and 12GB of memory.

Performance is outstanding, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core performance and surpassing it in multi-core performance. In 3DMark's gaming benchmarks, the RedMagic 10 Pro significantly outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Its active cooling system sustains high performance for longer gaming sessions, supported by a massive 7,050mAh battery.

The RedMagic 10 Pro offers a stunning setup for gaming, with a 6.85-inch OLED display and a nearly invisible under-display selfie camera. The design is 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, shorter software support, and potentially weaker cellular network support in the U.S., it's an excellent choice for gamers who upgrade frequently and can manage without the fastest 5G connections.

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. Users appreciate Android's open platform and the customization options it offers, including themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps.

The Google Play Store hosts more apps than the Apple App Store, and you're not limited to just Google's store; you can use the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Aptoide, and others for diverse app experiences.

With Android's growing popularity, choosing a great iPhone alternative can be daunting, but here's what to consider.

Phone Size and Design

One of the advantages of iPhone alternatives is the variety in sizes and shapes. Apple sticks to around 6-inch phones, but Android devices range from 4 to 7 inches. You can also choose foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, which offer a compact design that unfolds into a full-sized screen—a feature iPhones don't have.

Storage Capacity

Most Android smartphones start with 128GB of storage, similar to the iPhone 16. However, many include a microSD card slot for up to an additional 1TB of storage. Generally, Android offers more features, memory, power, screen sizes, and cameras at a lower price than iPhones.

Price

Android smartphones often cost less than iPhones, starting as low as $50 for basic models like the BLU C5L. Quality budget-friendly options like the Poco X5 5G start at $220, compared to the iPhone 16e's $599. On the higher end, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 1TB of storage costs $2,160, but you get more features for your money with Android.

Overall, if you're looking for an iPhone alternative, there are numerous great Android smartphones tailored to different needs. For most, the OnePlus 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro are top picks, with Samsung offering premium design and speed, and Google excelling in camera quality.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

There are new Android phones released every year, but you don't need to upgrade annually. Smartphones have become more advanced, so upgrading every two or three years keeps you current with processing power and battery life. If your current phone still meets your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.