When I wrote a column a few weeks ago about how the Apple iPhone had stagnated and was falling behind some Android phones, several readers asked for examples. So I did a bit of research as if I was looking to purchase a new Android phone and see what I could find. I didn’t have to go far.
2025 Android phones from Samsung, Google, and Motorola significantly outperform the iPhone 16 in real-world usability. These phones aren’t just less expensive, their batteries last considerably longer on a charge, often recharge faster, and deliver performance that meets or exceeds everyday needs at less cost than an iPhone 16. Now the only edge the Mac has is a bit better usability, but it’s easy to get used to Android and find a lot of similarities. I just don’t see how Apple can command a premium much longer, once the word gets out.
I compared the iPhone 16 to three recent Android phones, the Google Pixel 9a (I own a Pixel 9), Samsung Galaxy S25+, and the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. I looked at 2025 models, but if you consider lesser models and others from 2023 or 2024, the pricing disparity between Android and iPhone models is even greater, with the Android as low as one third the price for similar performance. For example, you can buy a fully equipped top of the line 2023 Motorola model for $250 to $300.
2025 Phone Comparison: Android vs iPhone 16
| Feature | Google Pixel 9a | Samsung Galaxy S25+ | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | May 2025 | Feb 2025 | April 2025 | Sept 2025 |
| Starting Price (USD) | $499(often $449) | $999 | $699 | $799 |
| Battery Capacity | 5,100 mAh | 4,900 mAh | 4,500 mAh | ~3,349 mAh |
| Battery Life (Est.) | ~2 days | ~1.5 days | ~1.5 days | ~1 day |
| Fast Charging | 23W wired, 7.5W wireless | 45W wired, 15W wireless | 125W wired, 50W wireless | 20W wired, 15W MagSafe |
| Display | 6.3” OLED, 120Hz | 6.7” AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.7” pOLED, 144Hz | 6.1” OLED, 60Hz |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Apple A18 |
| RAM / Storage | 8GB / 128–256GB | 12GB / 256–512GB | 12GB / 512GB | 6GB / 128–256GB |
| Camera (Main) | 48MP | 50MP | 50MP | 48MP |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| OS Updates | 7 years (Google) | 7 years (Samsung) | 3 years (Motorola) | 6+ years (Apple) |
Battery Life Is the New Differentiator
Apple continues to lag behind when it comes to battery size, and some of their 2026 models will have even smaller ones. The iPhone 16 has a modest ~3,349 mAh battery, while every Android phone in this comparison offers at least 4,500 mAh. The Pixel 9a, in particular, gives users nearly two full days on a single charge. For comparison sake I use an iPhone 15 Pro Max with a 4422 mAh battery, and I find it does not always make it through the evening. And can you believe the new iPhone 17 Air, as it’s rumored to be called, has a 2800 mAh battery!
Price and Value favor Android
At $499, the Pixel 9a is very good value, and it’s often on sale for $449. It gives users a high-quality camera, long battery life, and the best version of the Android OS without any of the bloatware Samsung includes. By contrast, the iPhone 16 starts at $799, making it 60% more expensive.
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, priced at $699, offers a solid enclosure, the highest display refresh rate of 144Hz, and overall excellent performance for under $700.
Performance and Longevity
While Apple’s A18 chip remains the benchmark for performance, Android processors — like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Google’s Tensor G4 — are more than capable for the average user, offering smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and gaming without overheating. While Apple promotes their fast, efficient in-house chips, few will see any difference when using their phone. Most slowdowns or pauses are not chip releated, but caused by wirelss connections and web traffic.
Considering the edge Android phones offer without comparing their AI capabilities, when we add in AI comparisons, Androids leap way ahead of the iPhones. Apple’s iPhones, including the iPhone 16, have yet to take advantage of AI and are probably a year behind Google’s efforts to embed generative AI deeply into the smartphone experience. If you want AI on an iPhone, you need to use a 3rd party software from Google or OpenAI.
Phones like the Pixel 9a and Galaxy S25+ now feature on-device AI capabilities that enable real-time transcription, intelligent photo editing, AI-powered call screening, and contextual voice assistance — all without needing a cloud connection. Google’s Gemini and Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite offer functions like summarizing articles, composing emails, translating phone calls live, and even generating custom wallpapers or messages based on user preferences.
While Apple is expected to introduce new AI capabilities sometime in the next year or two, its approach is scattered and way behind. SIri does a few things well, but still does too many things poorly, making one reluctant to depend on it.
The Bottom Line
If you want the best all-around phone for AI, battery life, price, and daily usability, you can get a lot more phone for the money with Google Pixel 9a, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, or the Galaxy S25+. Android phones in 2025 are not only keeping up with Apple — they’re beating them in most respects.
