7 Android phones to buy instead of the iPhone15 Pro Max
We understand the excitement of a new iPhone launch. Apple's latest releases, the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max, have generated a lot of interest. Yes, ultimately, spending your money on what you like makes sense! But most users still seek a different experience or a more budget-friendly option.
If you prioritise affordability and the ability to personalise your phone, then Android could be the perfect match. Before we take a look at the top 7 alternatives to the iPhone 15 Pro Max specifically, let's discuss, first, the reasons why many users prefer the freedom and value offered by Android devices.
Read Also: The Best Android Phones to Buy in 2024
Why consider Android over the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Opting for an Android phone instead of an iPhone 15 boils down to value and customisation.
Android flagships/mid-rangers often provide superior features at a lower cost, such as high-resolution displays, powerful processors, and ample storage, with many starting at 256GB and offering expandable options.
Android also thrives on personalisation. Sure, the iOS 18 software update will bring about some of these experiences, but Android’s openness allows for a richer and more diverse ecosystem of customisation options. With launchers, themes, widgets, and more, Android lets you comfortably choose a unique home screen layout, experiment with different fonts, or even create custom widgets, making your device yours truly.
Apple’s iPhones are known for their camera quality, and many Android phones use the same high-quality Sony sensors, capturing stunning visuals at a lower price. Moreso, Android's open ecosystem allows for a streamlined integration across different platforms and a broader app selection on the Google Play Store.
With that in mind, here are some top Android phones to consider instead of the iPhone 15:
Top 7 alternatives for iPhone 15 Pro Max
All these phone models are not equal but offer compelling features and performance in their own right to stand in place of the 15 Pro Max:
- One Plus 12 - ₦1,043,700 / $610
- Google Pixel 8a 5G - ₦665,000 / $427
- Nothing Phone 2a 5G - ₦600,000 / $385
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 - ₦950,000 / $610
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G - ₦770,000 / $495
- Honour Magic 5 Pro - ₦1,250,000 / $803
- Samsung Galaxy S24 5G - ₦950,000 / $610
One Plus 12 - ₦1,043,700 / $671
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display: 6.82-inch OLED; 1,600 nits; 4,500 nit, 120 Hz | Camera: 50MP wide; 48MP ultra wide; 64MP 3X zoom, Front - 32MP | Battery: 5400 mAh | RAM: 12GB / 16GB | ROM: 256 GB, 512 GB | OS: Android 14; Oxygen OS 14 | Weight: 220g / IPX4
The OnePlus 12 cuts a striking figure, easily the most stylish phone on the market. Its impressive specs are good enough to go toe-to-toe with the latest iPhone 15 in games and some productivity tasks. It offers a smooth performance, excellent battery life, and a bright display—all at a price that undercuts rivals' top models. Plus, it throws in unique features like super-fast charging and an IR blaster.
Some compromises were made though. Durability isn't its strong suit; the OnePlus 12 lacks the water resistance of competitors and its build quality isn't as robust. Additionally, software updates may be about three years or less compared to Apple’s renowned relevance score for its phones. So, if long-term software support or water resistance are dealbreakers, you might want to look elsewhere.
The OnePlus 12 has only been available to buy for a few months, so it's no surprise that the phone's sub $800 launch price remains unchanged at the time of writing. You can get this phone on One Plus’s official website and on Jumia.
Why we like One Plus 12:
- Impressive battery life and stellar performance
- Top-notch build and design
- Good portrait and selfie cameras
What to Consider:
- Only splash-resistant
- Fewer years of updates compared to Samsung, Google, and Apple
- Lacks new AI features
Google Pixel 8a 5G - ₦665,000 / $427
Processor: Google Tensor G3 | Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 1080x2400 pixels | Camera: Dual 64 MP (wide) + 13 MP (ultrawide) | Battery: 4492 mAh | RAM: 8GB | ROM: 128GB, 256GB | OS: Android 14; Oxygen OS 14 | Weight: 188g / IP67 (dust/water resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
The Pixel 8a emerges as another alternative to the iPhone 15 Pro Max and champions for budget-minded Android users. It delivers Google's cutting-edge mobile AI features and a lengthy seven-year update commitment, all wrapped in a vibrant and durable design. You won't find this level of future-proof technology at such an affordable price anywhere else.
Sure, other phones might offer slightly better hardware for the cost, but they can't match Google's innovative software experience and guaranteed updates. The Pixel 8a lets you experience the latest Tensor G3 chipset (with the Pro model boasting more RAM), the coolest new Android and Gemini AI features without breaking the bank. You even get the same cool AI wallpapers you love, plus built-in Gmail AI that can compose emails directly within the app.
You can shop the Google Pixel 8a here.
Why we like Google Pixel 8a:
- 7 years of software support
- Clean, smooth Android experience with AI features
- IP67 dust and water resistance
- Multiple colour options
What to Consider:
- Slow charging
- Cameras are better on more expensive Pixels
- Big bezels around the screen
- Not the best for gaming
Nothing Phone 2a 5G - ₦600,000 / $385
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro | Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 1080x2412 pixels | Camera: Dual 50 MP (wide) + 13 MP (ultrawide) | Battery: 5000 mAh | RAM: 8GB / 12GB | ROM: 128GB, 256GB | OS: Android 14, Nothing OS 2.5.5 | Weight: 190g / IP54 splash and dust resistance
The Nothing Phone 2a is a reliable and refreshing mid-range option for an iPhone 15 Pro Max, building upon the original Phone 1 with a more affordable price tag.
Instead of top-of-the-line specs, the Phone 2a focuses on everyday usability. It delivers vibrant visuals on a spacious display, and the custom MediaTek chip ensures swift performance for daily tasks and efficient battery consumption.
While the signature Glyph lighting system is toned down, the Phone 2a retains a sleek design. Despite facing competition with superior cameras in a slightly higher price bracket, it still captures decent photos for everyday use.
Nothing Phone 2a 5G is available on Jumia
Why we like Nothing phone 2a:
- Competitive price
- Stylised OS
- Unique design
What to Consider:
- Scaled-back Glyph lighting system
- No remarkable features from Nothing 1
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 - ₦950,000 / $610
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Display: 7.6 inch Full HD+ Display | Camera: 50MP + 12MP + 10MP, 10MP Front Camera | Battery: 4400 mAh | RAM: 12GB | ROM: 512 GB | OS: Android 12L, Samsung’s OneUI | Weight: 263g/ IPX8 water resistance
It's impossible to ignore Samsung when talking about alternatives to the iPhone.The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 aims to be your do-it-all phone, offering strong multitasking, decent cameras, and a large foldable display for entertainment. While not the absolute cheapest (especially compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max), it undercuts that phone by $700-$800.
This iteration improves on its predecessor, the Z Fold 3, with a lighter, thinner design and a more powerful processor. Consider also, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, as we have seen a ewer effort on the hinge design, and several small-but-welcome enhancements over the Z Fold 4. It even supports the S Pen stylus (though with limitations). The cameras are good but not the absolute best Samsung offers.
Battery life is decent but could be better for a phone of this size. Overall, the Z Fold 4 is a powerful and innovative phone, but be prepared for the premium price tag.
To buy this phone, use the Samsung official store or Jumia.
Why we like Galaxy Z Fold 4:
- Selfie camera design
- Optimised for multi-tasking
What to Consider:
- Crease is still noticeable
- Quite expensive
- Cameras aren’t Samsung’s very best
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G - ₦770,000 / $495
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Display: 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120 Hz | Camera: 50 MP + 8 MP + 12 MP, Front 10 MP | Battery: 4500 mAh | RAM: 8GB | ROM: 256 GB | OS: Android 13, One UI 6.1 | Weight: 209g / Corning's Gorilla Glass 5
The Galaxy S23 FE is a top choice, especially at its price point. It outshines the competition with a better price, user-friendly photo modes, and solid software support. While the newer S24 lineup exists, the S23 FE offers great specs and reliability at a competitive price.
With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, it's powerful enough for professionals, featuring DEX for a desktop experience. It also supports wireless charging and power sharing. Plus, it gets the latest Galaxy AI features with the OneUI 6.1 update, making it a well-rounded option despite being overshadowed by the S24 lineup.
Why we like Galaxy S23 FE:
- Durable build quality
- Nice colour options stand out
What to Consider:
- Heavier than the Galaxy S23
- Uneven bezels and thick frame
- Camera isn’t as good as iPhone 15’s.
Honor Magic 5 Pro - 800,000 - ₦1,250,000 / $803
Processor: Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Display: 76.7 x 162.9 x 8.77 mm | Camera: 50 MP (wide) + 12 MP front | Battery: 5100 mAh | RAM: 12GB | ROM: 512 GB | OS: Android 13, MagicOS 7.1 | Weight: 219g / IP67 water and dust resistance
Honor has created a versatile flagship with the Magic 5 Pro, capable of competing with Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and solidifying Honor's place in the high-end phone map. Its design may divide opinion, but the premium specs make it one of the year's best Android handsets.
The Honor Magic 5 Pro stands out with its powerful processor and long-lasting battery, complete with super-fast charging and an included charger—features missing in the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
However, the giant camera bump might be a turn-off for some, and while it charges quickly, it can overheat briefly. Plus, its limited global availability might exclude some buyers. The phone is available on Jumia Nigeria and Ghana.
Why we like Honor Magic 5 Pro:
- Vivid, eye-friendly display
- Impressive rear cameras
- Strong battery life and performance
What to Consider:
- Limited availability
- Camera design might not be appealing to most users
Samsung Galaxy S24 5G - ₦950,000 / $610
Processor: Exynos 2400 | Display: 6.2 inch, 1080 x 2340 pixels | Camera: 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide | Battery: 4000 mAh | RAM: 12 GB | ROM: 128 GB, 256 GB | OS: Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Weight: 167g / IP68
A strong alternative to the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the Samsung S24 5G. It offers excellent value with a top-tier camera system, impressive screen, fast performance, and all-day battery life, all at a competitive price. Its sleek flat design also rivals the iPhone's modern aesthetic.
The Samsung S24 is a gaming powerhouse with its powerful processor, outshining the iPhone 15 in gaming tests. It also offers desktop-like functionality with Samsung DeX. In the US, it comes with the latest Snapdragon chip, while other regions get the Exynos chip. This gives it better endurance than the iPhone 15. The S24's camera system, with a superior 3x zoom lens, holds its own against the Pixel and surpasses the iPhone 15, which lacks optical zoom. Despite its cluttered software, the S24 showcases the future of smartphone capabilities.
Why we like Oppo S24 5G:
- Top camera performance
- Comfortable to hold
- Long software support
What to Consider:
- Not that different from the S23
- Not many cool social features as the iPhone 15
- Not for big-screen users
Bottom line
In a nutshell, the above-discussed list concludes the top alternatives for Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you're not looking to get caught up in the hype, explore the customisable experience Android has to offer at a fraction of the cost.
Do you feel we have missed any smartphones that should have been on this list? Please let us know in the comment box below.