5 Android smartphones that can compete head-to-head with the iPhone 17 Pro
The iPhone 17 Pro may be getting all the attention, but the Android world isn't far behind. There are plenty of high-end Android smartphones that offer powerful performance, refined design, and a superior experience, making them perfect alternatives to the iPhone 17 Pro.
Last week, the tech world focused almost entirely on the launch of the iPhone 17 series, and it's no wonder. Apple cleverly created attraction with a series of highlights, from the 120Hz screen on the standard version, the super-thin design of the iPhone Air to the bold improvements on the iPhone 17 Pro.
In the high-end iPhone 17 Pro version, the Google Pixel-inspired camera cluster opens a new direction, the telephoto sensor promises to bring an impressive photography experience, while the A19 Pro chip combined with a heat dissipation vapor chamber turns the device into a top-performance machine.
It can be said that the iPhone 17 Pro is one of the best smartphones today. However, if you think that the only choice is Apple, you may miss out on many outstanding Android models, both powerful and valuable, capable of competing with this "super product".
1. Google Pixel 10 Pro
If the iPhone 17 Pro is considered the new standard in the world of high-end smartphones, then the Pixel 10 Pro is a strong response from Google. This is a rare Android phone that can compete directly with Apple's latest flagship, in terms of design, features and user experience.
Like Apple, Google offers two size options: the Pixel 10 Pro with a compact 6.3-inch screen, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL with a large 6.8-inch screen. Both use LTPO AMOLED panels with outstanding brightness, even better than the iPhone 17 Pro. In terms of hardware, the Pixel 10 Pro has a market-leading configuration and is especially the only Android smartphone to support wireless charging with a magnetic accessory attachment system, similar to Apple's MagSafe.
The biggest highlight is of course the camera. If the iPhone 17 Pro is highly appreciated with its new sensor cluster, the Pixel 10 Pro is not far behind. In fact, during the test, the Pixel also proved to be superior thanks to its optical and digital zoom capability of up to 100x, while the iPhone only stopped at 40x. Google's AI-based Help Me Edit feature also became a "secret weapon", continuing the tradition of making Pixel the best camera phone on the market.
In terms of performance, Apple's A19 Pro chip is still considered the "speed king", but Google's Tensor G5 has made a big step forward. For most users, the Pixel 10 Pro offers a smooth, stable experience, especially cooler than previous generations of Pixel.
Not stopping there, Google is committed to supporting Android updates for 7 years, an advantage that even Apple must be wary of. Compact, powerful, top-notch camera, smart software and fully compatible with the MagSafe accessory ecosystem, the Pixel 10 Pro is really the ideal alternative if you don't want to "close the order" for the iPhone 17 Pro.
2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
If the Pixel 10 Pro isn’t enough to convince you, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is definitely a more worthy Android option. It’s not a complicated folding phone, but a traditional flagship that Samsung has “put all its efforts” into creating a worthy rival to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The first highlight is the screen. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED panel, the size and display quality are almost the same as the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Both are coated with anti-reflective coating to enhance visibility in bright light, but the S25 Ultra has the advantage of being 15 grams lighter and slightly thinner, providing a more comfortable grip experience.
In terms of performance, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, outperforming the Google Tensor G5 in benchmark tests and even approaching Apple's A19 Pro in many real-world tasks. Combined with a 5,000 mAh battery and energy optimization, the device can last up to two days on a single charge.
The camera is another important weapon with a 200MP main sensor, accompanied by two dedicated telephoto cameras, allowing for up to 100x spatial zoom. This is a leap over the 48MP camera on the iPhone 17 Pro. Add to that a rich ecosystem of features such as the integrated S Pen, Samsung DeX that turns the phone into a mini computer, up to 16GB of RAM and starting internal storage from 256GB.
Of course, the Galaxy S25 Ultra isn't cheap, but for all that it offers, it's Samsung's most comprehensive and premium smartphone of 2025, a worthy alternative for anyone considering the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
3. OnePlus 13
If you’re looking for a big-screen smartphone with top performance, a long battery life, and a great camera, but don’t want to shell out the big bucks for Apple or Samsung, the OnePlus 13 is definitely a strong contender. At $899, it’s $300 cheaper than the iPhone 17 Pro Max and $400 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but still manages to be among the best Android flagships of 2025.
The first convincing point is the 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a brightness of up to 4,500 nits, far exceeding the 3,000 nits on the iPhone 17 Pro, ensuring clear display even under harsh sunlight. In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip puts the OnePlus 13 on par with high-end competitors, while the 6,000 mAh battery provides a comfortable two-day usage time. Not stopping there, 80W fast charging technology allows the battery to be fully charged in a short time, far surpassing the limited charging speed on the iPhone.
The camera is also a notable strength. The OnePlus 13 is rated to have an excellent sensor system and image processing capabilities, providing sharp photos and balanced colors. In fact, this is one of the camera clusters that many technology reviewers love the most this year.
Of course, the attractive price comes with some trade-offs. OnePlus is only committed to four major Android upgrades, significantly fewer than the seven years of support Apple, Google, or Samsung offer. The phone's AI features aren't exactly stellar either.
But if you need a “true” flagship that is powerful, durable, has a big battery, fast charging, and a reliable camera while still saving hundreds of dollars compared to the latest iPhone, then the OnePlus 13 is definitely the choice not to be missed.
4. Motorola Razr Ultra
The last two options on this list may not be for everyone, but if you’re willing to leave the comfort zone of your iPhone 17 Pro and explore the wide world of Android, they’re definitely worth considering. And the first name is the Motorola Razr Ultra.
In terms of specifications, the Razr Ultra is not inferior to flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra or OnePlus 13. It has a 7-inch LTPO AMOLED main screen with 3,000 nits brightness, a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 16GB RAM, 512GB internal memory, a 4,700 mAh battery and 68W fast charging. Those are all factors you expect from a flagship smartphone.
The difference that makes the Razr Ultra attractive is its folding design. When opened, it looks exactly like a traditional high-end Android phone, but when folded, you have a compact device half the size. Motorola also added a convenient 4-inch secondary screen so you can continue using it without opening the device. This is an experience that the iPhone 17 Pro absolutely cannot bring.
In addition, the Razr Ultra impresses with a range of unique colors and finishes, from delicate wood panels to high-end Alcantara. It's clear that Motorola wants to turn this device into a fashion accessory in addition to its role as a technology device.
With a starting price of $1,299, the Razr Ultra is more expensive than many other models. However, Motorola has now reduced the price to $1,099, equivalent to the iPhone 17 Pro. When faced with two options in the same price range, many people will probably agree that the new Razr Ultra is the more interesting and worth the money.
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Closing the list is the name for those who want to experience the future of smartphones - Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. If Razr Ultra focuses on compactness and fashion, Fold 7 brings a completely different approach, turning the phone in your pocket into a real mini tablet.
In its folded state, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 looks like a traditional smartphone with a 6.5-inch outer screen. But once opened, users will be greeted by a spacious 8-inch AMOLED screen, ideal for multitasking, watching movies or even playing games.
What's impressive is that Samsung has tweaked the design to make the device significantly thinner and lighter: when folded, the Fold 7 is roughly the same width as the iPhone 17 Pro Max but 18 grams lighter, a feat considering it houses both devices in one.
In terms of configuration, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is not inferior to any flagship, from the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 200MP main camera similar to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, impressive battery life and a series of AI features typical of Samsung. All integrated in a sophisticated folding body.
Of course, this breakthrough comes at a hefty price tag of nearly $2,000. But for those willing to invest, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the clearest demonstration of Samsung's innovation, a phone-tablet hybrid that offers an experience the iPhone 17 Pro can't compete with. If you want a truly different smartphone, this is an unbeatable choice./.