At some point in our lives, we all have to wave goodbye to that once-trusty smartphone. It’s inevitable that the device which stayed by our sides no matter the occasion and entertained, plus informed us will one day falter. So when that day comes, will you follow the crowd and opt for that fashionable Apple smartphone? Or will you choose one of the many iPhone 7 alternatives? If you fall into the latter category, here are our top five options for you to examine.
Five iPhone 7 alternatives
Now before we move forward with this article, we should be clear. We don’t dislike the iPhone 7; it is, by its very nature, a good example of 21st century technology. However, we prefer to cover all the bases and consider those of you who dislike iPhones in general, don’t want an iPhone 7, or just want something that is cheaper.
So here are the five iPhone 7 alternatives we suggest, in no order of preference. Each handset is here due to its overall popularity, price, and specifications.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Due to the recent Galaxy Note 7 scandal, this handset is once again at the top of the Samsung smartphone tree. Yes, this handset was launched in February, meaning that it’s nearly 10 months old. But we can assure you that it is a respectable first on our list of iPhone 7 alternatives because Samsung and Apple both pride themselves on both looks and build quality. The S7 Edge is one of the most beautiful handsets you will ever hold in your hand.
Even though so much time has passed since its launch, the handset is still adored by many, but it isn’t a one-trick-pony. It’s also packing some serious technology underneath its shiny hood. Here’s a quick specification breakdown:
- 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with 534ppi
- Android 6.0
- Snapdragon 820 quad-core CPU
- 32/64GB internal storage options
- MicroSD card support up to 256GB
- 4GB of RAM
- 12MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus, OIS, LED flash
- 5MP front camera with Auto HDR
- Fingerprint sensor
- Li-ion 3,600mAh non-removable battery
Google Pixel
If you’re looking for iPhone 7 alternatives to save money, unfortunately, this handset is around the same price, and unlike the S7 Edge, we can’t suggest that it can match the iPhone in the looks department. However, what it lacks in looks, it does a good job of making up for in specifications.
Released in October, the Pixel and its larger sibling, the Pixel XL, have replaced Google’s Nexus range. They benefit from being the first Android handsets to have access to Google’s latest software. Here’s a quick specification breakdown:
- 5.0-inch AMOLED display with 441ppi
- Android 7.1
- Snapdragon 821 quad-core CPU
- 32/128GB internal storage options
- MicroSD card support up to 256GB
- 4GB of RAM
- 12.3MP rear camera with EIS (gyro), phase detection & laser autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash
- 8MP front camera with 1080p video recording
- Fingerprint sensor
- Non-removable Li-ion 3,770mAh battery
LG G5
Somewhat different to the iPhone and the other iPhone 7 alternatives on this list is the modular LG G5. Being modular means you can plug in accessories like a camera grip or audio enhancement module, and they will give extra functionality, but at an additional cost.
LG is not known for its stylish handset designs, but if you ignore the rear fingerprint sensor and camera positioning, it seems as though LG has tried to deliver something much better looking this year. Again this is an Android handset, and it can compete with the best. Here’s a quick specification breakdown:
- 5.3-inch IPS LCD with 554ppi
- Running on Android 6 and upgradable to 7.0
- Snapdragon 820 quad-core CPU
- Single 32GB internal storage option
- MicroSD card support up to 256GB
- 4GB of RAM
- Dual 16MP rear camera with laser autofocus, OIS (3-axis), LED flash
- 8MP front camera with 1080p video recording
- Rear fingerprint sensor
- Removable Li-ion 2800mAh battery
OnePlus 3T
OnePlus is a Chinese manufacturer that has managed to make a name for itself with Android purists. Earlier this year, it delivered the OnePlus 3 to mixed reviews, and then last month, it launched the 3T. Maybe it did so because just like its “Never settle” motto, it decided to deliver some quick/much-needed upgrades.
If you hate bloatware, the 3T is almost as stock Android as you can get. Even compared to Google’s own Pixel handsets, it is a little barer, which is something that some people prefer due to the system resource-hogging nature of some pre-installed apps/software. Here’s a quick specification breakdown:
- 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED display with 401ppi
- Running on Android 6.0 and upgradable to 7.0 Nougat
- Snapdragon 821 quad-core chipset
- 64/128GB internal storage options
- 6GB of RAM
- 16MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus, OIS, LED flash
- 8MP front camera with 1080p recording
- Fingerprint sensor
- Non-removable Li-ion 2,300mAh battery
Huawei Mate 9
This is the second handset from a Chinese manufacturer on this list. However, Huawei is no tiny company like the previous. Instead, it is a tech giant with years of smartphone manufacturing experience.
The Mate 9 is made entirely from metal, so it can give Apple’s devices a run for their money in the looks department. It can also easily compete with other iPhone 7 alternatives such as the S7 Edge. However, looks aren’t everything when it comes to choosing a handset, and Huawei knows this. So that’s why the company equipped the Mate 9 with a massive battery. At 4,000mAh, it is one of, if not the biggest on the market, meaning that along with its huge display and other impressive specs, this handset is certainly one you should consider. Here’s a quick specification breakdown:
- 5.9-inch IPS LCD with 373ppi
- Android 7.0 Nougat
- Octa-core Hisilicon Kirin 960 chipset
- Single 64B internal storage option and 4GB of RAM
- Dual 20MP +12 MP rear camera with 2x zoom, Leica optics, phase detection & laser autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash
- 8MP front camera with 1080p video capture
- Fingerprint sensor
- Non-removable Li-Po 4000mAh battery
Each of these respectable Android handsets could be one of the best iPhone 7 alternatives available.
