Not an Apple Fan? 5 Best iPhone 16 Alternatives Worth Checking Out in 2024

5 Best iPhone 16 alternatives in 2024
By Himani Jha | Updated Sep 12, 2024, 4:48 PM IST

Are you looking for a smartphone that can compete with the iPhone 16? You're at the right place. This post will look at some top substitutes for the iPhone 16, which provide unique features, functionality, and affordability. Whether you're an Android enthusiast or just searching for something new, we have what you need. Check out our top picks here.

Like the Beatles vs the Stones, Marvel vs DC, and Star Wars vs Star Trek, the Android vs iOS battle to be the best mobile operating system has been among the most famous rivalries of recent history. With the iPhone 16 series launch on September 9, 2024, fans have again started fighting over iOS 18 vs Android 14, as both operating systems now support AI functionalities. However, if you're not an iPhone fan and have made up your mind, there are many exciting Android smartphone options. From Samsung to Google Pixel 9 and OnePlus 12, you can find iPhone 16 alternatives offering competitive features at a comparatively cheaper price.

Additionally, if you are worried about missing out on Apple's bustling and connected ecosystem – like the iPad, iMac, Apple Watch and HomePod – you don't have to sacrifice that with Google and Samsung offering smartwatches, smart speakers, displays, doorbells and laptops that work seamlessly with each other. So, what are you waiting for? We have got you the five best iPhone 16 alternatives in 2024. Check out our top picks here.

Best iPhone 16 alternatives in 2024
iPhone 16 alternativesAI features
Samsung Galaxy S24 5G Live translate, Circle search, Transcript Assist
Pixel 9 5G Integrated Gemini, Circle to search, AI-magination
OnePlus 12 AI Eraser 2.0, AI Smart Cutout 2.0, AI Clear Face (front camera only), AI Speak, AI Summary, AI Writer
Pixel 8 Pro 5G Audio Magic Eraser
Xiaomi 14 5G NA


1. Best in design: Samsung Galaxy S24 5G
₹62999.0016% off
₹74999.00

Samsung has been Apple's primary competitor in the smartphone market for a long time now. The Samsung Galaxy S24 is perhaps the closest to the iPhone 16. It is a great choice for anyone switching from iOS because it offers excellent value, a top-notch camera system, an impressive screen, quick performance, and all-day battery life. Moreover, the flat design has the same contemporary, sleek appearance as its iOS equivalent. This is the best purchase if you frequently need the 3x zoom lens, which is a feature not found in most smartphones at this price.

Users' feedback: Consumers like the phone's features for the camera, build quality, and display quality. They say the camera is its best feature, the device has an amazing appearance overall, and it's an impressive smartphone. The performance is well-liked by the audience as well.

2. Best in features: Pixel 9 5G

In 2024, the Google Pixel 9 is the best replacement for the iPhone 16. First off, it's a fantastic smartphone with one of the best cameras available; if you don't mind not having a dedicated zoom lens, its images can easily rival those taken by Apple. Second, switching to Google's version of Android will be the easiest because it is the easiest to understand, making the transition less difficult. Thirdly, it stands out from the other phone crowd thanks to its ultra-slim design and new camera island. The Google Pixel 9 has many innovative and practical Pixel-specific features that will transform the way you use your phone, giving it an advantage over the iPhone. These features include the Gemini AI chatbot, the Magic Eraser and many more.

Users' feedback: Users have shared that it has a longer-lasting battery, a better camera, strong construction, no heating problems, and fantastic photo editing software. Overall, the AI experience is fantastic and the performance seems very smooth.

3. Most value for money: OnePlus 12
₹61999.005% off
₹64999.00

With its exceptional performance, the OnePlus 12 can go Toe-to-toe with the latest iPhone 16 in terms of performance and certain productivity tasks. However, at Rs 64,999, it is significantly less expensive than the iPhone 16. The 6.82-inch 1440 x 3168 screen on the OnePlus 12 is larger, brighter, and more resolution-capable, with a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits. Additionally, a refresh rate of 120Hz makes it smoother. Together with a 3x telephoto lens, it boasts a larger 5,400mAh battery, significantly faster 100W charging (or a still-speedy 80W in the US), and a similarly high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. These features allow it to have more cameras than the iPhone 16.

Users' feedback: Buyers have appreciated the phone's speed, display quality, and camera quality. They say it's well-built, can run demanding games at 60 frames per second, and has excellent RAM management. Some value the features and long battery life.

4. Best in camera: Pixel 8 Pro 5G

Although Google has a very small market share for smartphones, the company does produce Android, so it has equal control over the software on its phones as Apple does. For this reason, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is another obvious alternative to the iPhone. The Pixel phone line isn't very well-liked, but it ought to be because these devices have amazing photo quality, unique designs, and useful software features. Notably, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts a superior 6.7-inch 1344 x 2992 screen when compared to the iPhone 16. Either way, these are great phones that are almost exactly like an iPhone running Android, with simple to use interfaces and little to no bloat.

Users' feedback: Users have shared thatthe camera simply outperforms any other premium phones and the battery lasts for a whole day even after using camera.

5. Best in performance: Xiaomi 14 5G

₹47999.0040% off
₹79999.00

Xiaomi 14 5G serves as one of the best alternative to the newly launched iPhone 16 that you can buy in 2024. From offering the tallest 6.36-inch LTPO OLED display with 3000 nits peak brightness, 1200 x 2670 resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate, it offers a great viewing experience along with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC which is as good as Apple's A18 chipset. Plus, the phone houses the a 4610mAh battery with support for 90W wired fast charging, 50W wireless fast charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging that iPhone 16 misses out on. Additionally, you will get an extra 50-Megapixel third camera for ultra-wide shots.

Users' feedback: Consumers appreciate the phone's design, high-quality display, and camera. They mention that it has a 120Hz refresh rate, fits flawlessly in the hand, and is a true flagship phone. A few people find the performance admirable.

Disclaimer: Times Shopping Guide is committed to bringing you the latest products from the best brands. Our selection is based on market research and positive consumer feedback. Times Shopping Guide is also a part of an affiliate partnership. In line with this, we may receive a portion of the revenue from your purchases. Please note that the product prices are subject to change based on the retailer's deals.