iPhone 17 Pro Max is a solid flagship, no argument there. But it’s not for everyone: for some it’s too big, some don’t like the orange color, some find Apple’s ecosystem alien, and for others it’s simply unaffordable. Meanwhile, in the Android camp in 2026, there are so many worthy alternatives that it’s hard to choose. I’ve gathered eight models for every taste: the best camera phone of 2026, an orange smartphone in Apple’s style, and even a smartphone that looks like an iPhone for a third of the price — some are so well disguised that no one would notice from a distance.

Choosing the best alternative to iPhone 17 Pro Max

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — Android Flagship with the Best Camera

If you want a no-compromise Android flagship in the same weight class as the Pro Max — this is it. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 6.9-inch AMOLED with anti-glare coating and the signature Privacy Display feature that hides screen content from prying eyes on the subway. Inside — Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, a main 200 MP camera with f/1.4 aperture and three telephoto lenses: 3x, 5x, and 10x hybrid.

Samsung’s new flagship received minimal updates — you can safely go with last year’s model

When it comes to low-light photography, this is one of the best options on the market. The price in Russia is around 87,000 rubles. The main downside is the battery at only 5000 mAh, which in 2026 looks modest for a flagship. And honestly: this is a rare case where you can grab last year’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, since the difference from the new model is practically nonexistent.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra — Best Camera Phone of 2026

This isn’t even a smartphone with a camera, but rather a camera with a smartphone. Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a 1-inch Light Fusion sensor, Leica Summilux optics on all modules, and a 200-megapixel periscope with continuous optical zoom 3.2–4.3x (75–100 mm).

Xiaomi’s flagship will pleasantly surprise you with its photo quality

Professional photographers in reviews compare it to the compact Leica Q3 camera, and the comparison isn’t in favor of the latter. It packs a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 6.9-inch AMOLED at 3500 nits, and a 6000 mAh battery in the global version (6800 mAh in the Chinese version). This is the best smartphone for photography right now, if your priority is capturing great shots.

Xiaomi 17 Pro Max — iPhone Lookalike with an External Screen

The fun part is that Xiaomi also has a direct iPhone 17 Pro Max lookalike — it’s virtually identical to the Apple flagship on the outside. Xiaomi 17 Pro Max has the same massive rectangular camera plateau, flat edges, and overall silhouette. The only difference is that a 2.9-inch AMOLED with 3500-nit brightness is built right into the camera plateau.

Telling the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max apart from an iPhone won’t be easy at first glance

You can display clocks, widgets, a virtual cat, or use it as a viewfinder for selfies with the main camera. Inside is the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 50 MP cameras with a 5x periscope, and a 7500 mAh battery. There’s one downside: it’s not officially sold in Russia, only through gray market imports from China.

OnePlus 15 — Best Smartphone of 2025

Few people know, but essentially this is the answer to the “orange iPhone”: OnePlus 15’s Sand Storm version features MAO technology coating, which according to OnePlus is 3.4 times stronger than regular aluminum. Inside — Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a 6.78-inch AMOLED LTPO with a 165 Hz refresh rate, and a triple 50+50+50 MP camera setup with a 3.5x telephoto.

OnePlus 15 truly became a hit, beloved by many

But the main feature of the OnePlus flagship is its massive 7300 mAh battery with 120W charging and IP68/69/69K protection. The price starts at 56,000 rubles for the 16/512 GB version, which is almost three times cheaper than the iPhone 17 Pro Max with comparable internals. The only “but” — the plastic back panel in Sand Storm scratches more easily than glass on other color options.

Honor Magic 8 Pro — Flagship with Great Camera and Powerful Battery

If the orange color isn’t critical and what matters is maximum battery life in a smartphone combined with a top-tier camera — this is your pick. Honor Magic 8 Pro has been officially sold in Russia since February 17, 2026.