If you’ve been living under a rock, Apple has released its latest batch of iPhone’s for 2018: the XS and XS Max, and XR. But with a starting price tag of around $1,229AUD for the cheapest and compromised XR, soaring to an astonishing $2369AUD for the top XS Max, which other phones can give you a similar (or even better) experience without tarnishing your precious wallet?
1. Google Pixel 3/3XL – from $1,199Google’s latest flagship smartphone, the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, are one of the best Apple alternatives on the market. With simplistic and always up-to-date Android software – much like iOS; an industry leading 12MP camera with wide-angle selfie shooter – better than the iPhone XS; fast wireless charging; and the brand recognition, the Pixel 3 is the best Android alternative to an iPhone. Most importantly, it can also be had with a notch or lack thereof.
2. Oppo R17/R17 Pro – from $699
Want a smaller fabled notch? Want the look and feel of Apple’s iOS without the high cost? Well, the Oppo R17 and R17 Pro might be the answer, packing a large bezel-less display with a minuscule teardrop notch; ‘AI’ enhanced cameras; Oppo’s iOS-like ColorOS 5.2 skin on top of Android software; an under-the-display fingerprint scanner; rapid fast charging standard; 6GB of RAM with 128GB storage; an affordable mid-range price tag; and a range of gradient colours. It’s reminiscent of the OnePlus 6T – on which it is based on – and simply is the best iPhone imitation on a budget.
3. Samsung Galaxy Note 9 – from $1499
If your lust is a big screen and big power, the Galaxy Note 9 from Samsung is one of the better Android options. It packs a large and long-lasting 4000mah battery; outstanding dual rear-camera’s; an S-Pen stylus for writing notes and casual drawing; and a large 6.4-inch quad-HD near bezel-less display. Available in a variety of colours, no notch in sight, and 128GB or 512GB storage options, the Note 9 is a beastly iPhone alternative.
4. Motorola Moto G6 Play – from $329
It’s arguably the underdog in the smartphone market, but with a budget price tag, it’s hard to contend the Moto G6 Play’s value. The handset features a 4000mah battery – same as the far more expensive Note 9; 5.7-inch display; premium glass back; a single 13MP camera; fingerprint scanner; and most importantly, bloat-free simple Android software. If you’re not looking to waste money but still want a decent smartphone, the Moto G6 Play is the answer. For a better dual camera system and processor, the Moto G6 is also available, albeit at a higher price tag – but minuscule compared to the latest iPhone’s.
5. Apple iPhone 7/7 Plus – from $749
If you still want the ‘Apple’ experience and stick with iOS, the iPhone 7 and larger 7 Plus are still available from the Cupertino company as the cheapest smartphone in their current line-up. Featuring water and dust resistance; dual cameras on the 7 Plus model; fast second-generation Touch ID fingerprint scanner; and iOS 12, the iPhone 7’s are the last phone’s to be built in an aluminium body and be finished in the ‘rose gold’ pink colour. Likewise with the latest iPhone’s, the 7 doesn’t have a headphone jack, and doesn’t have an adapter, either. Yet, it’s the cheapest iPhone, so it may be a good alternative to its latest siblings.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is inherently evident that there are countless phones on the Android side that cost less with a comparable – or even better specifications – than the latest iPhone XR and XS.
Additionally, with flagship smartphone prices soaring, there has never been a better time to enter the budget/mid-range tiers of smartphones, promising great value without tearing your wallet. This goes to show that you don’t need an expensive phone to get a good one.
The Connected by Henry Man 