The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max aren't expected until late 2023, but hype is already building for what upgrades Apple might have in store. The iPhone 14 Pro models were game-changers with features like the Dynamic Island, Always-On display and 48MP camera. So anticipation will be high for the iPhone 15 Pro series.
But savvy shoppers should also consider what the Android competition has to offer. There are several flagship smartphones that can go head-to-head with the iPhone 15 Pro while offering their own unique benefits. In this blog post, I’ll explore some of the best iPhone 15 Pro alternatives coming out in 2023 that you should have on your radar.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung’s next flagship phone is shaping up to be the iPhone 15 Pro’s biggest rival. Rumors indicate the Galaxy S23 Ultra will pack some major hardware upgrades when it launches in January 2023. This includes a new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset that benchmarks even faster than the A16 Bionic.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is expected to have a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with variable 120Hz refresh rate, up to 12GB RAM, 200MP main camera, 40MP selfie camera, and a 5,000 mAh battery. Design-wise, it should be similar to the S22 Ultra with subtle refinements.
As an iPhone 15 Pro alternative, the S23 Ultra will offer incredible performance that rivals or even beats Apple’s best. The 200MP camera could raise the bar for mobile photography. Samsung’s S Pen stylus support provides unique functionality for artists, creatives and business users. And Android 13 paired with One UI 5.0 brings hundreds of customization options.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google just launched its new Pixel 7 Pro in October 2022, so it will still be a strong competitor when the iPhone 15 drops. The Pixel 7 Pro's standout features include Google’s exceptional cameras, the quirky Pixel design, clean Android UI and impressive performance.
It has Google’s custom Tensor G2 chip, a polished aluminum/glass construction, 6.7-inch QHD+ 120Hz screen, 12GB RAM, 5000 mAh battery and 50MP triple camera system. Photo and video quality are amazing with new techniques like Photo Unblur.
As an iPhone alternative, the Pixel 7 Pro offers arguably the best smartphone cameras via Google’s computational photography. The clean Android 13 interface many prefer over iOS. And unique capabilities like speech transcription, live translation and Direct My Call leveraging Google's AI. Solid performance, stylish design and face unlock biometrics complement the experience.
OnePlus 11
OnePlus is prepping to release its new OnePlus 11 flagship in early 2023, likely before the iPhone 15 arrives. Leaks point to powerful specs including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, up to 16GB RAM, 5,000 mAh battery, 120W charging and refined Hasselblad camera system.
The OnePlus 11 is set to have a 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO 3.0 display with dynamic 120Hz refresh rate. The 50MP main camera will feature a larger 1-inch sensor for vastly improved light capture. OxygenOS 13 based on Android 13 offers deep customization options.
As an iPhone alternative, the OnePlus 11 should deliver blazing performance that matches or beats the A16 chip. Rapid charging provides a full day’s power in minutes. OxygenOS offers more personalization than iOS. The alert slider and modem switching are handy unique features. At a lower price point than Apple, it will appeal to budget-conscious buyers seeking premium performance.
Xiaomi 13 Pro
Xiaomi’s next flagship is also coming in early 2023 to compete with the iPhone 15. Expected specs for the Xiaomi 13 Pro include the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, 6.7-inch QHD+ OLED LTPO display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 50MP triple camera setup, 120W fast charging and IP68 water resistance.
The phone should flaunt a refined design with curved display edges and punch-hole front camera. MIUI software will be based on Android 13. Lei Jun has hinted the Xiaomi 13 series will “exceed expectations” for camera and charging tech.
As an iPhone 15 Pro alternative, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is set to deliver robust flagship performance and photography at hundreds less than Apple's premium pricing. Rapid charging is unmatched by any iPhone. MIUI offers deep Android customization and useful features like Dual Apps. Xiaomi also has a broad ecosystem of AIoT products.
Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro
For mobile gamers seeking a pro-level gaming experience, the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro is the finest Android alternative to the iPhone 15 Pro. It has a big 6.78-inch 165Hz AMOLED display with 720Hz touch sampling for incredibly fluid graphics. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip and up to 18 GB RAM provide desktop PC-level performance.
Triple rear cameras with a 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor take fantastic shots. The massive 6000mAh battery lasts over a day even with heavy gaming. And convenient side-mounted ports make gameplay more comfortable while live streaming.
Gaming-centric features like the customizable RGB light bar, ultrasonic AirTrigger buttons and retractable kickstand make the ROG Phone 6 Pro a uniquely addictive iPhone alternative for avid mobile gamers. It outshines the iPhone for graphics, amenities and software geared specifically for gaming usage.
Vivo X90 Pro+
Vivo doesn’t get as much limelight in the West but produces some highly compelling high-end phones. Its upcoming X90 Pro+ flagship for 2023 is shaping up to be an impressive iPhone 15 Pro rival based on leaked details. Rumored specs include the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chip, 6.78-inch QHD+ LTPO display with 120Hz refresh rate, 50MP triple camera with new Sony IMX989 1-inch sensor, and 80W fast charging.
The X90 Pro+ should flaunt a refined design in premium leather and glass. Vivo is promising breakthrough photography capabilities thanks to partnerships with Zeiss and Samsung Semiconductor. FunTouch OS based on Android 13 offers deep personalization.
As an iPhone alternative, the X90 Pro+ brings unique leather styling that’s more distinctive than regular glass slabs. The new Sony sensor could redefine mobile camera quality. Performance should rival Apple's finest based on benchmark leaks. And fast charging is an advantage over iPhones. Thrifty buyers get great value at an affordable price point compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.
Key Factors to Consider
When comparing iPhone 15 Pro alternatives, here are some key factors to weigh:
- Performance - The latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip coming in Android flagships promises processing power on par with Apple’s A16 Bionic. Many also offer more RAM than base iPhone configs.
- Camera quality - Pixel and Samsung phones are top contenders here against Apple's excellent photographic prowess. Larger sensors and AI photography are leveling the playing field.
- Design and display - Premium materials like metal/glass and dynamic 120Hz displays are common across both platforms now. Styling preferences will come down to personal taste.
- Battery life and charging - Most Android flagships have batteries equal to or larger than iPhones and some support much faster charging.
- Ecosystem integration - Apple still leads here with tight syncing between iPhones, Macs, Apple Watch etc. But Google and Samsung are expanding ecosystem interconnectivity.
- Software experience - iOS vs Android is largely based on which interface you prefer. But both offer high performance, extensive features and great app selection.
- Cost - Android phones are generally a few hundred dollars cheaper than iPhones for similarly specced models. Worth considering for budget-minded buyers.
| Phone Model | Expected Starting Price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro | $1099 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | $1199 |
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | $899 |
| OnePlus 11 | $769 |
| Xiaomi 13 Pro | $999 |
| Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro | $1299 |
| Vivo X90 Pro+ | $1099 |
Key Takeaways:
- The iPhone 15 Pro is expected to start at $1099, which is Apple's usual pricing for the base Pro model.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is likely to match or slightly exceed the iPhone 15 Pro's pricing at around $1199.
- Google's Pixel 7 Pro at $899 and OnePlus 11 at $769 provide more affordable alternatives with flagship-level specs.
- Gaming-focused phones like Asus ROG 6 Pro are premium-priced for the specialized hardware.
- Xiaomi and Vivo flagships will be competitively priced in the $999-$1099 range.
- Android alternatives provide more choice at a wider range of price points versus iPhones.
The iPhone 15 Pro will no doubt be an exceptional flagship. But competition is closing the gap fast. Any of these Android alternatives can satisfy iPhone users looking for fresh features, aesthetics and spending less while still getting elite performance.
