The Best IPhone 13 Alternatives: 7 Phones To Consider Before You Buy

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MobileiPhone and iPadThe best iPhone 13 alternatives: 7 phones to consider before you buyLooking for a reason to skip the iPhone 13 series? We've got a few.By Hadlee Simons•

February 15, 2024

•0•Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraMSRP: $1,299.99Check priceProsConsPositivesPowerful, flexible camerasExcellent update commitmentBrilliant flat displayTitanium build and Gorilla Armor durabilityLoud, punchy speakersNegativesExpensiveHit-or-miss on some AI featuresCameras struggle with motionAI features only guaranteed to be free through 2025Read more...The Bottom Line.The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has it all and then some. It offers a class-leading update promise, flexible high-resolution cameras, and Galaxy AI features to make every aspect of your life easier (or so they say). Samsung's updated titanium frame feels excellent in the hand, though its new $100 price increase doesn't feel quite as good on the wallet.Read full review...Apple iPhone SE (2022)MSRP: $429.00Check priceProsConsPositivesA15 Bionic chipsetTouch IDImproved battery lifeNegativesExtremely dated designCramped, low-res displayInflexible cameraRead full review...OnePlus 12MSRP: $799.00Check priceProsConsPositivesEye-catching green colorwayBright, sharp displayBlistering-fast chargingLargely excellent performanceApproachable priceNegativesHit-or-miss low-light camerasNo AI features at launchLimited water resistanceGood but not great software supportRead more...The Bottom Line.The OnePlus 12 is a more refined OnePlus 11 in all the right ways. It hangs onto the unique design of its predecessor, but throws in a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a massive 5,400mAh battery, and adds 50W wireless charging to the equation. The OnePlus 12 is a pro phone without the pro name, and it manages all this without pushing up against the $1,000 barrier.Read full review...Asus ZenFone 10MSRP: $699.00Check priceProsConsPositivesCompact designGreat build qualityRobust performance and batteryUseful software gesturesWireless charging supportNegativesUpdate pledge could be betterNo telephoto cameraHot while gamingRead more...The Bottom Line.ASUS raises the bar for compact flagships with the Zenfone 10. Brilliant gestures, solid build quality, and the addition of wireless charging make this a tough little phone to beat.Read full review...Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5MSRP: $999.99Check priceProsConsPositivesHuge new Flex WindowExcellent build qualitySolid rear camerasWater protectionClass-leading software supportNegativesJust-okay battery lifeNo dust protectionGood Lock can be confusingIffy sustained performanceRead more...The Bottom Line.The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is Samsung's thinnest and most refined clamshell yet. It still has the best hardware around, and the new Flex Window opens up a world of possibilities once you've tackled all of Good Lock's quirks. Fresh competition in foldable flip phone space is keeping the heat on Samsung, but the Z Flip 5 shows there's still room for the Galaxy Z Flip series to grow.Read full review...Sony Xperia 1 VMSRP: $1,399.99Check priceProsConsPositivesExcellent battery lifeGreat buildImproved camerasSolid performancePrice cut over previous genNegativesNo update commitmentOlder display techMediocre chargingStill expensiveRead more...The Bottom Line.The Sony Xperia 1 V refines a tried and tested formula, boasting improved cameras, multi-day battery life, and a revamped design. The expensive price tag, a handful of aging specs, and lack of long-term update commitment prevent it from being competitive with the very best, but Sony's selection of niche features and pro-friendly cameras will continue to appeal to Xperia fans.Read full review...Google Pixel 8 ProMSRP: $999.99Check priceProsConsPositivesExcellent camerasImproved wired chargingPremium buildFun, exclusive Android 14 customizationsIndustry-leading update promiseNegativesTensor G3 still benchmarks behind the bestGimmicky temperature sensorSome features not available at launchRead more...The Bottom Line.The Pixel 8 Pro is Google's most complete smartphone to date, using an improved Tensor G3 chipset to power on-device AI models, more incredible image (and soon video) processing tricks, and a software commitment that tops every rival on the market. It does cost $100 more this year, but the Pixel 8 Pro is as close to a true realization of Google's smartphone dreams as we've ever seen.Read full review...

It feels like just the other day that Apple revealed the iPhone 12 range, expanding its flagship range to four models for the first time. At launch, there was no shortage of options, from the tiny iPhone 12 Mini to the top-end iPhone 12 Pro Max. Now, we have the iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series, and even the iPhone 15 series, and they all look like pretty solid smartphones. What if you wanted something a little different, though? We’ve got you covered with our rundown of the best iPhone 13 alternatives.

Looking for something more up-to-date? Check out our picks for the best iPhone 15 alternatives, too.

See price at Best BuyApple iPhone 13 MiniPowerful processor • Compact form factor • Solid cameras and videoMSRPSAVE$629.99$30.00See price at Best BuySee price at Best BuyApple iPhone 13Top-notch build quality • Unparalleled performance • Solid camera and video experienceSee reviewMSRPSAVE$799.99$100.00See price at Best BuySee reviewSee price at Best BuyApple iPhone 13 ProExcellent performance • Robust and consistent camera setup • Unmatched software supportSee reviewMSRPSAVE$1,250.00$100.00See price at Best BuySee reviewSee price at Best BuyApple iPhone 13 Pro MaxExceptional battery life • Top-tier performance • Robust and consistent camera setupSee reviewMSRPSAVE$1,450.00$100.00See price at Best BuySee review

The best iPhone 13 alternatives

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 series

Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority

Samsung’s phones have always gone toe-to-toe with Apple’s devices when it comes to flagship wares. So, is it any surprise that the Galaxy S24 family is easily one of the best iPhone 13 alternatives on the market? At this point, Samsung is playing with house money, having two years of progress on Apple’s flagships.

One of the most significant selling points is that Samsung promises seven years of OS updates and security patches for the S24 series (among other device lines). It’s finally to the point where Samsung is matching Apple blow for blow and easily exceeding other Android OEMs.

All three phones offer 120Hz OLED panels, 5G connectivity, 12MP ultrawide cameras, and 8K video recording. The Galaxy S24 is the cheapest and smallest model, packing an expanded 4,000mAh battery, a solid triple camera system, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 all around. The Galaxy S24 Plus keeps many of the same specs but bumps up the screen size and charging speed to match the Galaxy S24 Ultra at 45W. Meanwhile, the S24 Ultra is the largest and most expensive entry, featuring a 5,000mAh battery, two telephoto cameras (3X and 5X), a brand-new Gorilla Armor material, and a QHD+ panel.

See price at AmazonSamsung Galaxy S24 UltraPowerful, flexible cameras • Excellent update commitment • Brilliant flat displayMSRP: $1,299.99See reviewSee price at AmazonSee price at Amazon256GBSee price at Samsung512GBSee price at Samsung1TBSee reviewSee price at AmazonSamsung Galaxy S24 PlusBright, sharp 1440p display • Excellent update commitment • Handy Galaxy AI featuresMSRP: $999.99See reviewSee price at AmazonSee price at Amazon256GBSee price at Samsung512GBSee reviewSee price at AmazonSamsung Galaxy S24Seven-year update commitment • Neat AI features • Robust battery lifeMSRP: $799.99See reviewSee price at AmazonSee price at Amazon128GBSee price at Samsung256GBSee review

2. Apple iPhone SE 2022

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Like the idea of getting an iPhone but want something much cheaper than the flagship devices? That’s where the iPhone SE 2022 comes in, serving as the smallest, most affordable iPhone on the market, though it’s far from the newest at this point.

The wallet-conscious iPhone SE (2022) now comes in at $429 in the US, making it the cheapest new iPhone you can get by a large margin. And you’re getting some solid specs for the price, such as a 5G-ready A15 Bionic processor, IP67 water/dust resistance, and wireless charging.

That being said, you do miss out on iPhone 13 features like multiple rear cameras, higher resolution screens, and newer designs. The iPhone SE 2022 doesn’t carry an updated refresh rate, either, though that’s still reserved for the iPhone 13 Pro lineup. Still, it’s one of the cheapest ways to hop aboard the Apple train.

Apple iPhone SE (2022)See price at Best Buy

3. OnePlus 12

Ryan Haines / Android AuthorityOnePlus 12

The OnePlus 12 feels, in many ways, like what the OnePlus 11 was meant to be. It carries 80W wired charging in the US with 50W wireless charging worldwide, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, a 50MP primary camera, and a 48MP ultrawide snapper.

This is also the second year of OnePlus launching a single flagship device, which is a good sign of consistency for the brand. It’s technically paired with the more affordable OnePlus 12R, but it’s hard to call that a true flagship launch. The OnePlus 12 is slightly larger than its predecessor, packing a 6.82-inch curved display and an expanded camera bump that swaps its 32MP telephoto sensor for a 64MP periscope option.

OnePlus has also upgraded its software commitment to four years of Android versions with a fifth year of security support. It’s a nice bump for fans of the brand, but it still lags well behind Apple’s support.

See price at AmazonOnePlus 12Bright, sharp display • Blistering-fast charging • Approachable priceMSRP: $799.00See reviewSee price at AmazonSee price at OnePlusSee price at OnePlusGlacial White - IndiaSee review

4. ASUS Zenfone 10

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The Zenfone 10 continues the trend of ASUS nailing the small Android phone, and it’s certainly worth considering if you want to carry on the iPhone 13 Mini’s legacy. Yes, the ASUS device is one of the few compact Android flagship phones this year.

It’s a pretty solid device overall, as you’re getting a 5.92-inch 144Hz OLED panel, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, a dual rear camera system (50MP main and 13MP ultrawide), and a 4,300mAh battery with 30W charging. Two more notable features are an IP68 rating and a 3.5mm port — yes, a headphone jack in 2023.

Asus ZenFone 10Asus ZenFone 10See price at AmazonMSRP: $699.00See reviewSee review

5. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

The foldable phone segment is heating up in a big way, but Apple still hasn’t taken the bait. Samsung keeps refining its design, and the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is its most advanced flip phone yet.

Samsung’s most affordable foldable in 2023 adds major changes to the classic clamshell design. Open the phone, and a 6.7-inch main display will greet you, while closing the device lets you tap into the newly expanded Flex Window. The smaller screen is used for everything from notifications and selfies to running full-featured apps through Good Lock.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 also sports flagship silicon, a water-resistant design, and dual 12MP rear cameras (main, ultrawide). The only real downsides to the device are that the $1,000 price tag is still pretty expensive (although it’s cheap for a foldable), the cameras aren’t amazing, and the 3,700mAh battery is on the small side for an Android phone.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5See price at SamsungSee price at AmazonSave $0.99MSRP: $999.99See reviewSee review

6. Sony Xperia 1 V

Harley Maranan / Android Authority

Sony has quietly been producing flagship phones for years now, but 2023’s phone might be the best device the brand has ever made. The Xperia 1 V leads the charge, delivering a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, a 5,000mAh battery, 30W wired charging, and wireless charging. But it also packs a few extraordinary innovations.

For one, the Sony device still has a 6.5-inch 4K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate — so you don’t have to choose between a pixel-dense screen and a high refresh rate. Sony’s phone also sports an updated variable telephoto camera, delivering the ability to take shots across 3.5x to 5.2x optical zoom. A 48MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide shooter, IP68 rating, and a headphone port round out the package. However, the main camera is permanently binned to 12MP to keep your files small.

Like the idea of the Xperia 1 V but want something smaller? That’s where the Xperia 5 IV comes in. You lose out on a 4K display resolution but gain a 6.1-inch FHD+ screen instead. Sony’s smaller flagship also slows the charging speed, but you’ve still got almost everything else, including the 3.5mm jack.

Sony Xperia 1 VSony Xperia 1 VSee price at AmazonSave $1.99MSRP: $1,399.99See reviewSee review

7. Google Pixel 8 series

Robert Triggs / Android AuthorityPixel 8

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro arrived in October 2023, and they built on the success of the Pixel 7 series. While the designs might be similar, the upgraded internals give Google’s new flagships more punch than ever. You get a powerful Tensor G3 chip on both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, as well as a refined Gorilla Glass and aluminum design.

Google equipped both models with crisp, flat OLED panels, though the Pixel 8 Pro offers the larger 6.7-inch 120Hz unit. You still get a 90Hz, 6.2-inch option on the Pixel 8, which is more than enough for most people. Google’s revamped camera bar keeps the same high-powered lenses on the Pixel 8, with 50MP wide and 12MP ultrawide lenses. The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, bumps its ultrawide shooter to 48MP and keeps its 48MP telephoto lens in the mix for up to 5x optical zoom.

Google Pixel 8Google Pixel 8See price at AmazonSee price at Google StoreSee price at Best BuySee price at VerizonSee price at T-MobileSee price at AT&TMSRP: $699.00See reviewSee reviewGoogle Pixel 8 ProGoogle Pixel 8 ProSee price at AmazonSee price at Google StoreSee price at Best BuySee price at VerizonSee price at T-MobileSee price at AT&TMSRP: $999.99See reviewSee review

iPhone 13 alternatives: honorable mentions

• Google Pixel 7a ($477 at Amazon): Can’t afford the Pixel 7 series but want a pure Android experience with plenty of updates? That’s where the Pixel 7a comes in. It’s closer to a full-scale flagship than ever, with IP67 water/dust resistance and good cameras. You’re also getting Pixel features like Call Screening, astrophotography, and astrophotography timelapse.
• Xiaomi 13 Pro (£1099.99 at Amazon): If you’re intrigued by Apple’s Pro devices but want to know what else is out there, then the Xiaomi 13 Pro is a good starting point. Xiaomi’s premium flagship is expensive, but you get high-end silicon, a hefty 4,820mAh battery, 120W wired/50W wireless charging for super-fast charging, and a 120Hz QHD+ screen. The phone also packs an impressive camera system (50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto) and a Gorilla Glass Victus display.
• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE ($599.99 at Amazon): Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE may not have blown us away quite like its predecessor, but the Galaxy S23 FE hopes to get back on track. The phone will cost you $699, but it still ticks plenty of boxes, with a 4,500mAh battery, wireless charging, an IP68 rating, a flexible triple rear camera system (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto), and a 120Hz OLED screen. Toss in three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, and you’ve got a very enticing proposition.

These have been our best iPhone 13 alternatives. Are there any devices you’d recommend? Then let us know via the comments section below.

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