New Phone Challenge – the shortlist…and a winner?
Welcome back!? If you’ve not read last week’s Byte then I’d suggest having a quick scan there as I don’t intend to repeat myself as to the what and why of this little challenge…?
So, I need a new phone….and I have shortlisted some Android alternatives.? Before I go through the shortlist, there are some rules I have set myself:
So, point number 2 is where the challenge gets a bit harder, as the iPhone 16 Pro ships with Apple’s A18 Pro CPU, which is a bit of a beast when it comes to mobile processing power.? The only CPU in the Android ecosystem that compares with it appears to be Qualcomm’s latest and greatest CPU – the Snapdragon 8 Elite.? In benchmarking tests it’s pretty neck and neck with the A18 Pro, with each CPU beating the other in Single Core and Multi-Core tests.? It’s basically a dead heat, or as close as we’re likely to get.?
Sadly, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is still pretty new, and consequently the device choice is therefore a little limited, but I have managed to come up with a choice of 6 Android alternatives to the iPhone.? It’s not a great surprise that Samsung features in this list, but we also have a number of Chinese & Taiwanese alternatives as well.? I’ve been saying for years that the Chinese are coming for Samsung in the Android space…let’s see how they stack up!
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The Shortlist
In the Apple Corner we have the iPhone 16 Pro as the benchmark we will measure against.
Android options to be considered are:
Ideally I’d have liked to have options that perhaps came in a form factor other than the black slab of glass, but the CPU limitation means the folding phones are either not yet available with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, or even if they were, they’d be considerably over budget.? Last year’s Galaxy Fold 6 is about ￡1800 so would blow the budget.? The only other folding option that would be close to budget would be the Galaxy Flip 6, but again the CPU precludes it and, to be honest, I don’t miss my Motorola StarTAC enough to want one of these!
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The Comparison
I have tried to apply a bit of ‘science’ here!? So I have created a number of categories and I have colour coded the comparison table as well.? The Legend is a simple RAG.
Which gives us a table that looks like this:
Findings
There is quite a bit of detail here – let’s break it down by manufacturer.
Apple
The first thing to say is that Apple still remains the best for Software Updates, with 7 years for both Feature and Security Updates.? But Android has massively improved in this area now, and there are options I would happily consider for my usual 3-4 year device ownership window.??
Sadly the other thing to note is that Software Updates is the only thing that Apple wins on in this comparison.? We’ve always known that you pay a premium for Apple hardware, but it’s noticeable how outgunned the iPhone 16 Pro is based on my (admittedly simple) criteria here.
Samsung
Samsung come closest on Software Updates, but their hardware is lagging behind the Android competition now.? It’s impressive that they can undercut Apple to the point where you can get the larger Galaxy S25+ for the same money, or you can save 20% on the purchase price by going for the Galaxy S25 (which still beats the iPhone in many areas).
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The problem is simply that the Chinese have overtaken them – in particular only Chinese devices are shipping with the latest Silicon Carbon battery technology which leaves Samsung for dust on battery size/life.
Asus
The worst results for Software Updates by a long way preclude it sadly.
Honor
The Magic 7 Pro has some flaws compared to the competition.? The UK devices have a smaller battery than the competition.? It’s also over budget.? It’s good, but there is better it seems.
Xiaomi
Ok this one looks to good to be true!? There has to be a catch I hear you say….and sadly there is.? The Xiaomi 15 is currently only available in the UK as a Grey Import from China which leaves the price debatable - I’d worry there is a risk of Customs imposing a 20% VAT charge on top.? Even allowing for VAT it would be cheaper than the iPhone by some way, but it also has this worrying wording on the eBay(!) listing:
“Chinese Version, Google play store has been installed, support system OTA upgrade, but only has Chinese/English langauges (Support full google play service and perfect English menu! ).”
I’m just not that brave!? Especially for a device I’ll use for work.
OnePlus
When you ask how much more can you get for the same price as an iPhone 16 Pro, it would seem that the OnePlus 13 is the answer.? It is class leading for the majority of areas.? The only relative weakness is the Software update window, but even this is comfortably at the point where I would be happy with it.
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Conclusion
I have to admit that I have been stunned at what you can get for your money if you’re prepared to leave the warm embrace of the Apple ecosystem.? On paper the OnePlus 13 appears to comprehensively win. ?Checking reviews confirms this view also….most reviewers are raving about the OnePlus 13.
And on the subject of Ecosystem, I’m not too deeply embedded in the world of Apple to be unable to get out.? I don’t have an Apple Watch, or any other Apple tech in my home.? My car supports Android Auto these days as well as CarPlay.? The main thing I’m going to ‘miss’ out on is Facetime with my family (who are all Apple it seems), but there are plenty of other ways to video call so that’s not a dealbreaker for me.
At work, Kocho has a BYOD policy that can support Android so I should be good to go…
So….I think I’m going to do it!? The OnePlus 13 (with the Blue ‘Micro Fibre Vegan Leather’ back) is the device I’d choose.
What do you think then?? Agree with my thoughts, or am I mad??? Please do chip in with your comments…I’m interested to see what the consensus is with this.? Maybe I’ll do a poll on Linked In!
And, as always, here at Kocho we’re happy to advise on Device Strategy (for all endpoints).? Feel free to get in touch if you’d like some guidance in this area:
#brownsbytes #ios #android #newphonechallenge
Highly experienced Channel leader and strategist. Delivering successful business outcomes at Censornet through Strategic Alliances.
2 周Insightful, great post Andy Brown ??
Senior Security Specialist, EMEIA at Jamf
2 周Mad! ?? Albeit I'm probably biased considering who I work for and how much I utilise the macOS/iOS integration ??. Be interesting to see how you find the performance of Snapdragon 8 vs A18 as I can't see the iPhone 16 Pro's UX being bettered ??♂?.