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The best Apple iPhone 15 alternatives
Samsung
The Apple iPhone 15 and its adjacent models have finally been announced. The newest Apple smartphone has plenty of interesting features, like faster charging via USB-C and enhanced optical zoom. But it’s not the only new phone in town: There are plenty of Android smartphones that deliver fantastic user experiences that Apple simply can’t match, often at a lower price.
There are viable Apple iPhone 15 alternatives from Samsung, Google and OnePlus, to name a few. But it can be difficult to choose which one will work best for you. These phones all take excellent photos, provide top-notch call quality and play your favorite games just like the new iPhone can. Some of these Android smartphones even fold into smaller form factors.
Check out our picks below for some of the best Apple iPhone 15 alternatives available today.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: $1,200
Samsung
Display Size: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery: 5,700mAh | Dimensions: 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 inches | Weight: 6.6 ounces | Charging Options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: No | Front Camera: 12MP | Rear Cameras: 200MP with 30x digital zoom
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is effectively the main Android phone that acts as an equivalent to the iPhone 15, though it’s more in line with the iPhone 15 Pro lineup given what’s under the hood.
Powered by the fastest mobile processor currently available, it’s not only sufficiently zippy and powerful, but it can handle multiple tasks thrown at it so you can get on with your day.
It takes great photos, too, thanks to its 200MP camera, capturing sharp images even in challenging lighting with its advanced Night Mode feature. It can shoot great video too, with built-in Video Stabilization that ensures your clips are free from the dreaded not-on-purpose shaky cam.
The built-in S Pen is also a great addition to the package, letting you convert handwritten notes to digital, sketch photos, and use it as a stylus to navigate the phone.
The Adaptive Display adjusts to different lighting conditions for optimal viewing. With a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery and a base storage of 256GB, it’s both powerful and spacious. In short, the S23 Ultra sets a new standard for Android phones.
The phone will run for quite a while too, on its 5,000mAh battery, which means you don’t have to spend all day charging it. Paired with a spacious starting storage of 256GB, the S23 Ultra is both a powerhouse and a reliable daily companion. It’s also our pick for a must-have Android smartphone.
Key features of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- It’s equipped with the fastest mobile processor of 2023.
- Its camera boasts a remarkable 200MP resolution, complemented by an advanced Night Mode feature.
- Video Stabilization on the device ensures recordings are steady and smooth.
- There’s a built-in S Pen that serves for both note-taking and as a camera shutter.
- One of its standout features is the Adaptive Display, which adjusts automatically for the optimal viewing experience.
- The device is powered by a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: $1,000
Samsung
Outside Display Size: 3.4-inch Super AMOLED | Inside Display Size: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x Infinity Flex display | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB or 512GB | Battery: 3,700mAh | Dimensions: 3.25 x 2.83 x 0.59 inches (closed), 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 inches (open) | Weight: 6.6 ounces | Charging Options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: No | Front Camera: 10MP | Rear Cameras: 12MP (wide), 12MP (ultra-wide) with 10x digital zoom
Apple doesn’t make a phone that flips yet. Stay ahead of the curve with the most popular flip-style smartphone on the market right now. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 comes equipped with a new Flex Window that keeps it on the cutting-edge of what’s cool. It’s a 3.4-inch AMOLED screen (748 x 720) on the outside of the phone that you can use one handed when the phone is snapped shut.
The other main upgrade here is the processor — the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 are both powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. That means better performance when using the phone over previous generations.
It may be easy to confuse this model with the Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 given their somewhat similar names, but keep in mind that this model is one that folds vertically like a classic flip phone and doesn’t fold open like the other phone in Samsung’s lineup.
The outside window that’s available to use when the phone is closed is one of the best gimmicks about this smartphone, and useful for several reasons, as it gives you a way to check messages, use apps, and interact with others without having to open and close your phone too much.
Beyond the bells and whistles that make this smartphone unique, it’s an interesting piece of tech with plenty of power behind it that feels like true innovation, even if it isn’t a completely different upgrade from its predecessor. And it can certainly hang in there with what the iPhone 15 has to offer.
Key features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5:
- It has an exterior 6.7″ AMOLED FHD+ screen with 120 Hz refresh (425 ppi) and interior 3.4″ AMOLED Flex Window screen with 60 Hz refresh rate (306 ppi).
- It comes in 256 GB and 512 GB storage options.
- It comes with 8 GB RAM.
- It boasts a large 3,700 mAh battery.
- Its camera array includes a 12MP wide camera and 12MP ultrawide camera with 10x digital zoom.
- It’s IPX8 waterproof, which means it’s protected against continuous submersion.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: $1,800
Samsung
Outside Display Size: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display HD+ | Inside Display Size: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x Infinity Flex Display | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Battery: 4,400mAh | Dimensions: 6.24 x 5.06 x 0.26 inches (open), 6.24 x 2.66 x 0.52 inches (closed) | Weight: 8.9 ounces | Charging Options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: S Pen included | Front Camera: 10MP (cover screen), 4MP (under display, main screen) | Rear Cameras: 50MP (wide), 12MP (ultra-wide), 10MP Tele 2x optical zoom (30x space zoom)
Apple doesn’t make a flip phone, and it certainly hasn’t released a folding phone — yet. If you’re ready for something large and in charge, try the inimitable Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, which boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for better-than-ever performance.
It comes packing a stunning 7.6″ AMOLED QXGA+ display that refreshes at a120 Hz rate with 374 ppi. While there is a small fold line visible down the middle, it’s barely noticeable and folds out to make a gorgeous way to view TV shows, movies, and plenty of TikToks if that’s your thing. Combined with a formidable 12 GB RAM, this device promises swift multitasking with enough screen real estate to handle anything.
For photography hobbyists, this is a great model for doing just that with a 50MP wide camera, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens that offers 3x optical and up to 30x space zoom.
It can also help you power through your day with a 4400 mAh battery. Plus, you won’t have to fear the occasional dip with its IPX8 waterproof rating.
For those looking for a good reason to opt for this phone beyond its stunning foldable screen, consider the S Pen. The thinner S Pen stylus, upgraded from the previous model, can be used for jotting notes, sketching, or simply navigating the phone. It feels silky smooth to use, with no noticeable lag or trouble processing input.
Key features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5:
- It has a 7.6″ AMOLED QXGA+ screen with 120 Hz refresh (374 ppi).
- Its models come in 256 GB and 512 GB storage options (free upgrade to 512 GB is available).
- It features 12 GB RAM.
- Its large 4400 mAh battery is great for all-day use.
- Its camera array includes a 50MP wide camera and 12MP ultrawide camera with 10MP tele 3x optical zoom.
- Its IPX8 waterproof protection means it’s protected if you submerge it.
Google Pixel 7 Pro: $650
Amazon
Display Size: 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED | Processor: Google Tensor G2 | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Dimensions: 6.41 x 3.02 x 0.35 inches | Weight: 7.48 ounces | Charging Options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: No | Front Camera: 10.8MP | Rear Cameras: 50MP with 30x digital zoom, 5x optical zoom
It’s not just Samsung that holds down the fort when it comes to great Apple iPhone 15 alternatives. The Google Pixel 7 Pro, powered by the updated Tensor G2 silicon processor, impresses not just in raw speed similar to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in performance, but its wide scope of features. It includes innovative options like Photo Unblur and enhanced Night Sight, both unique additions exclusive to the Pixel 7 lineup.
But its hardware is equally as awesome. The phone boasts a 6.7-inch OLED display with QHD+ resolution. The Pixel 7 Pro has a noticeably brighter screen than the Pixel 7 model, and it looks great in just about any situation.
Battery-wise, the Pixel 7 Pro packs a substantial 5,000 mAh capacity. Despite the Pixel 6 Pro’s similar battery not meeting some users’ expectations, it’s interesting to note the performance of its successor. It can last about 10 hours per charge even with heavy use, which is close in performance to most other models on the market.
It’s more than its processor and battery size, though. the Pixel 7 Pro also includes an enhanced three-camera system with a 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and 48-megapixel telephoto lens.
The ultra-wide lens is 20% wider than the prior model and offers stronger autofocus. The smartphone includes enhanced zoom capabilities for clearer photos up to a 30x zoom, all of which makes it an ideal option for aspiring shutterbugs or anyone who plans on using it as a mobile selfie station.
Key features of the Google Pixel 7 Pro:
- It’s powered by a formidable Tensor G2 silicon processor.
- Exclusive features like Photo Unblur and enhanced Night Sight enhance pictures.
- It has a crisp 6.7-inch OLED QHD+ display.
- The robust 5,000 mAh battery means longer use time than others on the market.
- Its 50MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide camera options are complemented by a 48MP telephoto lens.
OnePlus 11: $599
OnePlus
Display Size: 6.7-inch LTPO3 Fluid AMOLED | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Dimensions: 6.42 x 2.92 x 0.33 inches | Weight: 7.23 ounces | Charging Options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: Yes | Front Camera: 16MP | Rear Cameras: 50MP
Don’t sleep on OnePlus’ flagship phone. Like Apple’s latest line, the OnePlus 11 comes equipped with high-end hardware that should be more than capable of handling your needs.
There’s plenty of screen real estate to play with, for one thing. It has a massive 6.7-inch display, which rivals the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s screen, Under the hood is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 8GB RAM, and a triple camera array. There’s an impressive 50 MP main camera, a telephoto lens, and an Ultra-wide camera for crisp selfies, great background shots, and 4K video footage.
Instead of traditional Android, the OnePlus 11 uses an operating system called Oxygen OS. It’s a bit different from the vanilla version you’re likely used to with Samsung and Google phones, but it’s well worth getting familiar with, especially with a phone at this price.
Of course, there’s the lack of brand recognition that might put you off — but don’t let it. OnePlus is well-known in many tech circles for its great phones, extensive feature selection, and low-priced, high performance smartphones. You’re going to get a great device here, and some fun, unique perks like a phone that doesn’t look like anyone else’s, for one thing.
Key features of the OnePlus 11:
- Its Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 2 processor is fast and furious when it comes to multitasking.
- Its 6.7″ display is crisp, colorful, and bright — perfect for browsing, reading, or texting with friends.
- The 16MP selfie camera and 50MP rear camera work in tandem to create fantastic photos.
- You’re covered all day with long-lasting battery life thanks to its 5,000mAh pack.
- It’s attractively priced for budget-conscious buyers.
Related content from CBS Essentials
The number of people killed and/or wounded in shootings over the Fourth of July week in the U.S. dipped this year, making it the fourth year in a row gun violence around July 4 has dropped, according to a tally by the Gun Violence Archive.
From July 1 to July 7, 340 people were killed and 756 were wounded for a total of 1,096 shooting victims across the U.S., according to the Gun Violence Archive. In 2023, the week of July 4 in the U.S. saw 451 people shot and killed and another 1,130 wounded. These numbers exclude those who died by suicide.
The archive also recorded 20 mass shootings —which it defines as a shooting in which four or more people are shot and/or killed, not including the shooter— over Fourth of July week this year. That was down from 28 a year ago.
Chicago, which saw a spike in gun violence this year, had the most shootings and deaths over the 2024 holiday, with more than 100 shot and 19 killed since Wednesday, according to the Chicago Police Department. That was a 91% increase in shooting victims compared with last year.
In 2022, the Illinois suburb of Highland Park was the site of a devastating mass shooting in which seven people were killed and dozens more were wounded when a gunman opened fire on the city’s Fourth of July parade. That parade returned this year for the first time since the shooting.
Gun violence in Chicago made Illinois have the most individual shooting incidents of any state over the holiday week this year. California also saw a fairly high number of shooting incidents this year, which is unsurprising given that it is the nation’s most populous state.
The number of shooting victims over the Fourth of July week has been dropping every year since 2020, but they still remain above 2019 levels. That year, there were 1,177 total victims, with 318 deaths and another 859 people wounded. The numbers then spiked in 2020, when 536 people were killed and 1,172 were wounded, for a total of 1,708 gunshot victims.
The Gun Violence Archive also recorded 34 mass shootings in 2020, the highest number over the last six years and a leap up from 18 in 2019.
The U.S. has also seen a slight dip in gun violence overall in the first half of 2024 compared with last year. From Jan. 1 through June 30 of last year, 9,683 people were killed and 18,630 people were wounded in shootings. Over that same period this year, 8,539 were killed with another 16,192 were wounded.
— Erin Cauchi and Anna Schechter contributed reporting.
CBS News
The best Apple AirPods deals ahead of Prime Day 2024 offer great audio at record low prices
Apple
When it comes to headphones, Apple AirPods are massively popular. These crowd-pleasing earbuds pair easily with Apple devices (like your iPhone) and sound great, too. If you’re ready to see what all the fuss is about, you can save some serious cash on each model of the customer-loved earbuds right now, thanks to some must-see early Amazon Prime Day deals.
The second-generation AirPods Pro are Apple’s premium earbuds, with excellent noise cancellation, spatial audio, and waterproofing that makes them ideal candidates for wearing at the gym. There are also the more affordable AirPods that are great for casual listening. For Apple users wanting high-end over-ear headphones, AirPods Max are great for immersive sound.
Not sure which type of AirPods will work best for you? Be sure to check out our in-depth AirPods buyer’s guide for all the info you need to make a purchasing decision before these pre-Prime Day deals go away.
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation: $169 ($80 off)
Apple
With up to 30 hours of battery life via their charging case, the sleek Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation wireless earbuds deliver exceptional listening time.
These upgraded earbuds surpass the original AirPods Pro in every way. An improved wireless chip and enhanced active noise cancellation give you an immersive listening experience, and their attractive curves make them even more pleasing to the eye.
For anyone who appreciates lengthy battery life and the very best sound quality, these are a fantastic choice. With all the upgrades over the previous model, the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation represent Apple’s most advanced earbuds yet.
This version of the AirPods now comes with a USB Type-C charging case that also supports wireless charging. Another feature we love: the touch controls built into the stems.
Regularly $249, you can score Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $169 at the Walmart Deals sale or at Amazon as an early Prime Day deal.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation): $69 ($60 off)
Apple
Though not the newest model, the second-generation Apple AirPods are still a popular choice when it comes to earbuds. Keep in mind, these are not the Pro model, but they’re still worth grabbing.
For Apple users, these are the most seamless earbuds around. They connect effortlessly whenever you need them. While they work with any Bluetooth device that generates audio, they function at their best when they’re paired with an Apple device, such as an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iMac or MacBook.
With a wireless charging case providing more than 24 hours of battery life, one-tap setup for Apple devices, and a low-latency wireless connection for immersive entertainment, it’s easy to see why these earbuds are a hit and continue to sell out.
If you want an affordable option with broad appeal, this version of the AirPods make an excellent everyday wireless earbud option.
Right now, you can grab a pair of AirPods (2nd Generation) for just $69, one of the lowest prices we’ve seen.
Apple AirPods (3rd generation): $129 ($74 off)
Apple
If you don’t need the fanciest AirPods, but still want something new, check out the third generation of the original AirPods. These are perfect for staying current and for everyday use — without breaking the bank.
These AirPods come packed with features like spatial audio, dynamic head tracking and longer battery life. You can get about 30 hours with the included MagSafe charging case. They’re not as advanced at the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, but they generate really impressive audio.
These AirPods still receive regular Apple updates, so you’ll still get most of the new goodies the other newer models get.
Apple AirPods Max (Pink): $450 ($99 off)
Amazon
If you want to indulge in a luxurious pair of premium quality headphones and you’re already an Apple user, look no further than the AirPods Max. These headphones look just as good as they sound. And in our coverage of the 11 best spatial audio headphones and earbuds for 2024, these were a top pick.
With lavish cushioned ear cups, booming audio, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and absolutely fantastic active noise cancellation, the AirPods Max make a bold statement. Everyone will know what you’re wearing — and they’ll probably be jealous, because these things absolutely bump.
Plus, transparency mode lets you tune into your surroundings when needed. And at 15 hours of playtime, these headphones keep your music flowing all day. Beyond performance, the AirPods Max make a fashion statement with a range of stylish color options.
These are the perfect option for anyone looking for a pair of excellent over-the-ear headphones who also wants something stylish.
Currently, only the Pink AirPods Max colorway is on sale at Amazon for $450, so keep an eye out for the other models if you’re hoping to get another kind.
Target tells its customers to expect more while paying less — but soon, its shoppers won’t be able to purchase anything at all with a once-popular form of payment.
The retail giant said in a statement that it will stop accepting personal checks as payment starting July 15. The change, which was earlier reported by Minneapolis TV station KARE, will take place after Target’s Red Circle week, a sales event that ends on July 13.
The change comes amid waning use of personal checks, a form of payment that 9 in 10 consumers used at least once a year as recently as 2009, according to research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. But today, only about half of Americans write checks at least once a year, with many shifting to digital payments such as Venmo, Zelle or PayPal, GoBankingRates found.
Target pointed to the shift in consumer preferences as its reason to stop accepting personal checks as payment.
“Due to extremely low volumes, we’ll no longer accept personal checks starting July 15,” a Target spokesperson said in an email. “We have taken several measures to notify guests in advance to aid an easy and efficient checkout experience.”
Target will continue to accept cash; digital wallets; buy now, pay later services; and credit and debit cards as well as SNAP/EBT cards, it said.
A few other retailers don’t accept personal checks, including Aldi’s and Whole Foods, with the latter saying it doesn’t allow checks in order to speed up the checkout process.
Even though fewer Americans are writing checks today, they remain popular with older consumers, GoBankingRates found in its survey. About 1 in 5 people over 66 write several checks each month, while about half of people under 55 don’t write a single check the entire year.
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