Top Android Phones to Replace iPhone in 2025

The iPhone 16 series has arrived with its array of upgrades, yet the year-over-year changes might not feel as thrilling as before. It's only natural to explore other options, and let me assure you, there are plenty of compelling alternatives. As someone who has tested smartphones for nearly a decade, I've encountered numerous devices that not only rival Apple's iPhones but often introduce innovative features like folding phones well before Apple does. My experience with iPhones allows me to appreciate their enduring strengths, making it easier to identify where alternative devices truly shine.

For many, choosing an iPhone might not be the most practical decision. Even the budget-friendly iPhone 16e, which starts at $599, remains on the pricier side. The rest of the 16 series starts at a steeper $799. Fortunately, many of the iPhones' best attributes—excluding iOS and Apple's powerful chipsets—are available on the Android market, offering a wealth 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 expanding your horizons, you can discover advanced camera systems, designs that rival Apple's finest, unique form factors that Apple has yet to embrace, more budget-friendly options, and specialized models focused on gaming. Instead of choosing which iPhone model suits you, you can select a device that perfectly blends features, build quality, performance, and price to meet your needs. Whether you're seeking the top non-iPhone smartphone or a device that matches Apple's renowned photographic capabilities, 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 compelling design, stellar display, top-notch performance, and impressive cameras converge in this discounted flagship, making it a worthy 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)PROSGreat valueFast performanceCONSSoftware support a little shorter than rivalsWhen I mention "OnePlus 13" to iPhone users, they often seem puzzled, as if it's a riddle. However, for those exploring the Android ecosystem, the OnePlus 13 stands out as a formidable challenger to the iPhone.

This generation, the OnePlus 13 has made significant strides. With minimal changes from its predecessor, the upgrades were substantial enough to make it a standout. Equipped 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 terms of graphics, the OnePlus 13 consistently outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max across 3DMark's gaming benchmarks, making it an excellent choice for gaming and ensuring smooth everyday operations.

OnePlus encases this powerhouse in an elegant chassis with flatter sides and rounded corners, reminiscent of an iPhone, yet distinguished by its large camera ring and unique back designs. The phone supports Qi2/MagSafe charging with 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 further enhances its appeal.

The OnePlus 13's camera system, with its triple 50MP sensors, rivals Apple's, capturing stunning photos and videos. Priced at $900, it's not as affordable as the iPhone 16 but competes favorably with the iPhone 16 Plus or Pro Max. For the price, you get more memory and storage, starting at 256GB, and a 6.82-inch OLED display that rivals the iPhone 16 Pro Max's in sharpness, brightness, and smoothness with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate. The OnePlus 13 isn't just a top 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

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 line has always excelled in photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro represents the pinnacle of this expertise. It boasts a stunning design and delivers exceptional photo quality, thanks to its versatile three-camera setup on the back.

Unlike many phones with a single standout camera, the Pixel 9 Pro's three powerful sensors work in harmony. 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 close to your subjects without moving. This camera system is a compelling alternative to the iPhone's.

The Pixel 9 Pro runs on the new Tensor G4 SoC, which offers improved performance and better thermal management compared to its predecessors. It handles most tasks with ease and supports gaming at 60fps. While it may not match the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip in raw power, Google's focus on AI capabilities enhances its functionality, including a natural conversational virtual assistant.

Google sets a new standard for Android with seven years of OS updates and security patches for the Pixel 9 Pro, closely aligning it with Apple's long-term software support. The phone's 6.3-inch display is sharp, bright, and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate, and for those wanting a larger screen, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch alternative.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images3. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 12R

2A vibrant, large display and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip form the core of this value-driven 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 and the introduction of the iPhone 16e, no iPhone is available for less than $500. In contrast, the Android market offers the OnePlus 12R at $499, providing a near-flagship experience at a budget-friendly price.

OnePlus crafts a sophisticated phone with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The 6.78-inch display is exceptionally sharp at 1264x2780 and features a 1-120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and high brightness levels. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 8GB of memory, it delivers robust performance suitable for gaming and everyday use, with a base storage of 128GB.

While OnePlus's software support doesn't match Apple's longevity, it offers three major Android updates and four years of security updates, enhancing the phone's value over time. For those seeking a sleek, efficient phone with a display rivaling Apple's best at a price that competes with Apple's cheapest, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice. For more options, explore 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 a 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 phoneSo far, iPhones don't fold. If they did, they'd face stiff competition from the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. This device combines style with performance, whether open or closed. Its flat-edged aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back are complemented by a 3.4-inch AMOLED cover display that offers quick access to notifications and apps.

When a larger screen is needed, simply unfold the Z Flip 6 to reveal its 6.7-inch internal AMOLED display, which boasts rich contrast and vibrant colors with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, coupled with 12GB of RAM, ensures it can handle demanding games and AI tasks with ease.

Although the Z Flip 6's camera system isn't the top-tier offered by Samsung, it features 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 a selfie-shooter, thanks to the external display acting as a viewfinder.

The Z Flip 6's folding design offers unique advantages that no current Apple device can match, making it a compelling alternative.

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 an impressive 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 supportFor gamers, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a revelation. At just $649, it offers performance that rivals far more expensive devices. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip delivers impressive CPU and GPU performance, nearly matching the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core tasks and surpassing it in multi-core and gaming benchmarks. Active cooling allows for sustained high performance, ensuring smooth gameplay over extended periods, supported by a massive 7,050mAh battery.

The RedMagic 10 Pro's 6.85-inch OLED display is a visual treat, with the selfie camera hidden beneath the screen for an uninterrupted viewing experience. The phone's design is surprisingly elegant, setting it apart from typical gaming phones.

While the RedMagic 10 Pro has its drawbacks, including a less polished Android skin and shorter software support compared to other flagships, its performance and value make it an unbeatable choice for gamers who don't require the fastest 5G connections and tend to upgrade every few years.

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 various themes, wallpapers, launchers, and apps.

The Google Play Store hosts more apps than the Apple App Store, and you're not limited to it; alternatives like the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Aptoide provide additional options.

With the growing popularity of Android, 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 their diverse range of shapes and sizes. While Apple sticks to a roughly 6-inch format, Android phones can range from 4 to 7 inches. Foldable smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series offer the convenience of a compact device that expands into a full-sized screen, a feature unavailable on iPhones.

Storage Capacity

Most Android smartphones start with 128GB of storage, matching the iPhone 16, but many also offer microSD card slots for up to an additional 1TB. Android typically offers more for less, providing better value in terms of storage, memory, power, screen size, features, and cameras compared to iPhones.

Price

Android smartphones are often more affordable than iPhones, with prices starting as low as $50 for basic models like the BLU C5L. Quality budget options like the Poco X5 5G start at $220, while Apple's cheapest option, the iPhone 16e, begins at $599. On the higher end, a fully equipped Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 1TB of storage costs $2,160, yet offers more features than an equivalent iPhone, providing better value overall.

In summary, there are numerous excellent Android smartphones catering to different needs and preferences. For most users, the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro stand out as top choices, with Samsung offering premium design and speed, and Google excelling in camera quality.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

There's no need to upgrade your phone annually, given the rapid advancements in smartphones. Upgrading every two to three years is sufficient to keep up with processing power and battery life improvements. If your current phone meets all your needs, there's no rush to upgrade.