Google Pixel 10 Pro – Apple’s rival, but with a few clever tricks
Cameras, of course, are where the Pixel shines. While the iPhone 17 Pro caps out at 40x zoom, the Pixel can push all the way to 100x. Add in Google’s AI editing tools — like “Help Me Edit,” which can fix a photo in seconds — and it becomes clear why many reviewers call it the smartest camera phone out there.
Apple still wins on raw processing speed. The A19 Pro chip will outrun Google’s Tensor G5 in benchmarks. But unless you spend your evenings gaming for hours, you won’t notice much difference in day-to-day use. What you will notice is that the Pixel runs cooler, and Google now matches Apple with seven years of updates.
For anyone who values photography and long-term support, the Pixel 10 Pro is a rock-solid alternative.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – The “all-in” phone
Its 6.9-inch screen is almost identical to the iPhone 17 Pro Max in size but is a touch lighter and thinner. Inside, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip drives performance, and paired with a 5,000mAh battery, this phone easily lasts two full days on a charge.
The real showstopper? Cameras. Samsung fitted the Ultra with a 200MP main sensor plus two telephoto lenses. Combine that with 100x “Space Zoom” and the included S Pen stylus, and you’ve got a device that does far more than a phone normally should.
It’s pricey — starting at $1,299 — but for power users who want every tool in one package, it’s hard to beat.
OnePlus 13 – Flagship experience without the Apple price
It also charges at 80W — something Apple still refuses to match. The cameras hold up impressively well, too, considering the lower price.
There are downsides. OnePlus only guarantees four years of major updates, compared with seven years from Apple, Samsung, and Google. And its AI features feel less polished than the competition. Still, if you want flagship performance without dropping over a grand, the OnePlus 13 is the obvious pick.
Motorola Razr Ultra – A foldable that feels fresh
Remember when flip phones were cool? Motorola does, and the Razr Ultra brings that spirit into 2025. Folded, it’s compact. Opened, it reveals a full 7-inch AMOLED screen. And thanks to a 4-inch cover display, you can still check messages and use apps without opening it up at all.
Specs-wise, it’s no slouch: Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB of storage, and 68W charging. Where it really stands out, though, is personality. Motorola offers finishes in Alcantara, wood, and bold Pantone colors — designs that make the iPhone’s limited palette look tame.
At $1,299, it’s expensive, but frequent discounts drop it closer to iPhone territory. If you’re tired of the same old slab phones, the Razr Ultra is one of the few devices that feels genuinely different.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 – A phone and a tablet in one
It packs the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip as Samsung’s Ultra line, plus a 200MP main camera and all the company’s AI tools. For multitaskers and productivity fans, it’s the closest thing to carrying a phone and a tablet in your pocket.
Of course, it’s expensive — almost $2,000. But for people who want to try something Apple doesn’t offer, the Fold 7 delivers a unique experience.
Final thoughts
The iPhone 17 Pro is an excellent device, no question. But in 2025, Android phones are doing more, and in some cases doing it better.
If you’re open to exploring outside Apple’s ecosystem, the Android world has never looked more exciting. This year, it’s not about catching up to the iPhone — it’s about moving past it.