Is the iPhone the only smartphone worth considering buying for the holidays or new year? Not at all! While Apple’s flagship device offers a premium experience, there are several outstanding Android alternatives powered by the Snapdragon Mobile Platform, offering comparable or even superior features at competitive prices.
These alternatives combine cutting-edge technology, innovative designs, and powerful performance, giving the iPhone a run for its money. Let’s dive into some of the top contenders:
iQOO 13
The iQOO 13 is a gaming powerhouse that rivals the iPhone’s performance. It’s equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, offering blazing-fast speeds, advanced AI capabilities, and exceptional power efficiency. This chipset ensures smooth gameplay, rapid app launches, and stunning visuals on the device’s vibrant 2K 144Hz AMOLED display.
There is Q2 Self-developed chip, which promises PC-level 2K texture super-resolution, and native 144FPS frame rate for the best mobile gaming experience. To fuel its performance, the iQOO 13 packs a massive 6000mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting usage throughout the day, and supports 120W fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery in no time.
realme GT 7 Pro
The realme GT 7 Pro is a budget-friendly flagship that punches above its weight. It features the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, delivering impressive performance, AI-powered features, and 5G connectivity.
This chipset allows the GT 7 Pro to handle demanding tasks with ease, from gaming to multitasking. The device also boasts a stunning 6.78-inch 1.5K 8T LTPO Eco² OLED Plus micro-curved AMOLED display, a capable camera system, including 3x periscope telephoto sensor and fast charging technology.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The S24 Ultra is a powerhouse, rivaling the iPhone in nearly every area. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy Mobile Platform, designed with enhanced AI capabilities, offering improved power efficiency and faster performance, perfect for multitasking, gaming, and advanced photography.
Its 5G connectivity is upgraded for faster downloads and lower latency. The device features a stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a versatile quad-camera setup, with a 200MP main camera, 10x optical zoom, and S Pen support—making it a top pick for creatives and photographers.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
The Galaxy Z Fold6 is a foldable masterpiece powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy Mobile Platform. This chipset enables faster processing speeds, superior graphics, and improved power efficiency, perfect for handling the large 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display and 6.2-inch cover screen.
It’s ideal for users who value productivity and multitasking. The AI-powered camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor, benefits from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s advanced AI processing, making it easier to capture high-quality photos in challenging conditions.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
For a stylish and compact option, the Galaxy Z Flip6 stands out. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy Mobile Platform, the Z Flip6 offers blazing-fast performance in a small form factor.
The chipset supports seamless multitasking, and its enhanced AI capabilities optimize the camera system, which includes a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide sensor, allowing for great photos in low light. The clamshell design features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display and a 3.4-inch cover screen, making it a chic and powerful choice.
OnePlus Open
OnePlus has been making a name for itself with its affordable flagship smartphones, and the OnePlus Open is no exception. Offering a premium foldable experience at a more competitive price point, it’s a compelling choice for those looking for value.
The OnePlus Open features a large foldable display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, offering robust AI features, lightning-fast 5G connectivity, and an optimized power management system. This chipset makes the foldable experience smoother and more energy-efficient, ideal for its large foldable display.
It has a capable camera system that includes 3X telephoto sensor with 6x in-sensor zoom and up to 120x digital zoom. Plus, its Flexion hinge design reduces bulk, making it slim and lightweight.
vivo X Fold3 Pro
The vivo X Fold3 Pro stands out as another impressive foldable, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, making it one of the first foldable phones in India to launch with this chip.
This enhances the phone’s performance with AI-based improvements for image processing, delivering sharper, more vibrant photos, particularly with its 50MP main sensor and 64MP telephoto module. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also boosts 5G capabilities and power efficiency, allowing users to enjoy the large foldable screen and long battery life without compromise.
The carbon fiber hinge makes it significantly lighter than a metal hinge, and the phone is just 5.2mm thick when open and is just 11.2mm when closed. With a 5,700mAh battery and 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, it’s built to last.
motorola razr 50 Ultra
The motorola razr 50 Ultra is a modern reimagining of a classic design, powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform. The chip enhances its performance with fast 5G speeds, improved graphics, and AI-assisted camera processing for its 50MP main camera and 50MP telephoto lens.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 enables a smoother foldable experience on its 6.9-inch FHD+ LTPO pOLED display and 4-inch outer screen. The phone support for IPX8 underwater protection, Gorilla Glass Victus protection and has been successfully tested for over 600,000 folds.
Which one should you choose?
These are some of the best alternatives to the iPhone to buy for the new year. Thanks to the flagship Snapdragon Mobile Platform, these devices offer high-end performance, exceptional AI features, and 5G connectivity, providing a seamless user experience.
Whether you’re after a flagship powerhouse, a versatile foldable device, or a more affordable option, there’s an Android option that suits your needs perfectly.