Apple's iPhone 17 Pro is a solid device with its aerospace-grade aluminum unibody, A19 Pro chip, and 48MP telephoto lens.
However, the smartphone market in 2026 offers many compelling options outside iOS.
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If you're planning to spend around $1,000, Android manufacturers have made significant strides in battery technology, camera systems, and displays.
Here are five alternatives that deliver excellent value.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a direct competitor to the iPhone Pro lineup.
It features a slim 7.9mm design and a unique Privacy Display that restricts viewing angles for privacy.
Samsung's Agentic AI powers an updated Bixby assistant that can navigate phone settings and complete tasks through conversational requests.
The camera system includes a 200MP main sensor and a 50MP periscope lens with 5x optical zoom.
With seven years of OS updates, it offers long-term value similar to the iPhone.
Oppo Find X9 Ultra
The Oppo Find X9 Ultra focuses on photography, thanks to its partnership with Hasselblad. It has an eco-leather back inspired by the Hasselblad X2D 100C Earth Explorer.
A 7,050mAh Glacier Battery with silicon-carbon anode technology provides exceptional endurance. It supports 100W wired charging, far outpacing the iPhone 17 Pro's 40W limit.
The camera array includes six lenses, including a 10x optical zoom Hasselblad telephoto and a 200MP main sensor.
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Dual-satellite communication is available for areas without cellular service.
For roughly the same price as the base iPhone 17 Pro, the Find X9 Ultra prioritizes battery life and photographic flexibility.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Xiaomi's collaboration with Leica continues with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. It features a 6.9-inch flat OLED LTPO display with a peak brightness of 3500 nits.
The camera system uses a 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor and a Leica 200MP optical zoom telephoto.
The full 1/1.4-inch sensor is used across the 75mm-100mm equivalent range, enabling native 200MP images without digital cropping.
An optional Photography Kit Pro adds a two-stage shutter button, zoom lever, and an extra 2000mAh battery for a more traditional photography experience.
