I’ve found that the best small phones are the perfect mix of being small and having great performance. Their size is smaller than those of their competitors, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on features. If you have small hands or just want a phone that isn’t the size of a dinner plate, these little powerhouses are a great choice. If you use one of these small phones for a few days, you might start to wonder why you need a bigger one.
The maximum screen size for our guide to the best tiny phones was set at 6.1 inches. This means that while not every phone in this collection is ultra-compact, they are all smaller than the current 6.7-inch-screen-sized huge flagships from the major companies. We also have in-depth recommendations to the best phones of any size in case you decide that the best little phones are actually a touch too small. Below, we have mentioned the best Small Phones.
Benefits of Small Phones
Users can get a lot out of small phones, which are also called compact or mini smartphones. Some of these benefits depend on the person and their needs, but here are some general benefits of small phones:
???? Attraction: Small phones are easy to carry around in your hand, in your pocket, or even in your purse. Because they are small, they are easy for people who want a light and portable device to use.
???? Attraction: Small phones are usually easier to use with one hand because you can reach all parts of the screen without having to stretch your fingers or change how you hold the phone. This can be very helpful for things like texting, calling, and checking your notifications while you’re out and about.
???? Attraction: Comfortable Handling: Small phones are often easier to hold for long periods of time, which makes them a good choice for people who use their smartphones a lot during the day.
???? Attraction: Not drawing attention to yourself: Small phones are less noticeable than bigger ones, so they’re good for when you want to be discreet, like in meetings or quiet places.
???? Attraction: Longer Battery Life: Small phones with smaller screens and parts that use less power may have longer battery lives than big phones with bigger screens and more demanding hardware.
Best Small Phones Comparisons Table
Check out our full table of comparisons of the best small phones. These carefully chosen choices are the best small smartphones on the market right now. Their features, specs, and user reviews will help you make an informed choice when picking out your perfect small device.
Asus Zenfone 10
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.92-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Rear cameras | 64MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 8MP telephoto (10x optical zoom) |
| Front camera | 13MP |
| Battery | 4300 mAh |
| Check Price |
The Asus Zenfone 10 could have easily stayed one of the best small phones in the world without making any major changes from the Zenfone 9. We’re lucky that Asus made enough changes to make the new version a worthwhile upgrade on its own, while keeping it competitive with other phones that are bigger. When it comes to how much a smartphone can do per square inch, Asus is still the best.
The same is true for battery life, even though it’s a shame that photography and software updates aren’t as good as on Samsung and Google’s top phones. Still, if you read this Asus Zenfone 10 review, you’ll see that our overall impression is very good, and we’re sure that this would be a great purchase for any Android phone buyer, whether you want a small phone or not. Still, this is one of the best smartphones you can buy right now.
Pros
- Powerful Snapdragon 888 processor
- Impressive 108MP main camera
- Large AMOLED display for an immersive experience
- Generous RAM and storage options
Cons
- No wireless charging
- Quite bulky and heavy
iPhone SE (2022)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | SE 3rd Gen |
| Operating System | iOS |
| Cellular Technology | 5G |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Screen Size | 4.7 Inches |
It’s too bad that Apple seems to be the only company still making small phones. The screen size on both the new iPhone SE (2022) and the old iPhone 13 mini is well under six inches. The SE’s screen is a tiny 4.7-inch LCD. We don’t think it’s the most beautiful or has the best resolution, but it’s small enough to fit in any pocket or hand.
This thing is also pretty good when it comes to performance. With the same A15 Bionic chip that powers the iPhone 13 series, there isn’t a faster phone under $500. In some places, even the most expensive Android phones can’t keep up.
Pros
- Affordable price with powerful performance.
- Access to Apple’s ecosystem and updates.
- Compact size for one-handed use.
Cons
- Design is somewhat outdated.
- Limited camera capabilities compared to flagship iPhones.
iPhone 12 mini
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | iPhone 12 Mini |
| Operating System | iOS 14 |
| Cellular Technology | 5G |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Screen Size | 5.4 Inches |
The new iPhone 13 mini is better, but the 2020 iPhone 12 mini is still a great small phone. The iPhone 13 mini is still the little phone that could, with its small 5.4-inch screen and two cameras. If we had to say something bad about it, it would be that the battery life is short. Also, the storage space is only 64GB.
This phone, however, has a powerful A14 Bionic chip that powers the whole thing, making it faster than many Android phones. Apple has done a great job with computational photography, and we think the main wide-angle and secondary ultrawide-angle can take some beautiful pictures.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design.
- High-quality OLED display.
- Strong overall performance.
Cons
- Smaller battery results in shorter battery life.
- Limited camera features compared to larger iPhone models.
Apple iPhone 13 Mini
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | iPhone 13 Mini |
| Operating System | iOS 15 |
| Cellular Technology | 5G |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Screen Size | 5.4 Inches |
The iPhone 13 Mini enhances its diminutive predecessor to provide a portable device that mainly avoids trade-offs. When compared to its contemporaries, the Mini is almost absurdly small. You can use it without any difficulty with one hand, and its flat-panel design is as neat as that of a current iPhone. The 5.4-inch OLED screen is more detailed, sharp, and dazzling than before. The notch is now smaller, but it still protrudes at the top. For now, this is one of the best Small Phones you can consider.
Although refresh rates are still limited to 60Hz, iOS is fast enough that this rarely affects users. The main 12MP sensor gives great results with the aid of optical image and improved light gathering, so the shooting specifications are very strong. Mind you, a telephoto lens would have been more useful than an ultra-wide. Apple’s A15 chipset allows the Mini to outperform other smartphones despite its little size.
Pros
- Compact form factor with top-tier performance.
- Excellent camera system with advanced features.
- Access to iOS ecosystem and updates.
Cons
- Slightly higher price compared to other small phones.
- Battery life may not be as long as larger iPhone models.
Asus Zenfone 9
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | ZenFone 9 |
| Operating System | android |
| Cellular Technology | 5G |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Screen Size | 5.9 Inches |
| Check Price |
For such a compact phone, the Asus Zenfone 9 has a lot of power. It makes advantage of the powerful Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip, which is excellent for video editing or gaming. As opposed to some other tiny phones, you won’t need to worry about speed here. This is one of the best Small Phones.
The Asus Zenfone 9 boasts a respectable 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 12MP selfie camera, and other cameras, but it doesn’t have a third lens. Additionally, some ingenious navigational shortcuts are available by double-tapping the back or swiping the power button. The 3.5mm headphone jack would be appreciated by audiophiles as well.
Pros
- Competitive pricing for the specifications.
- Powerful processor and versatile camera system.
- Stock Android-like software experience.
Cons
- Potentially bulky compared to other small phones.
- Availability and support may vary by region.
Google Pixel 6a
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Pixel 6a |
| Operating System | Android |
| Cellular Technology | 5G |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Screen Size | 6.13 Inches |
| Check Price |
The Pixel 6a is taller than the iPhone 13 mini thanks to its 20:9 6.1-inch AMOLED screen, but it’s still a tolerable size compared to most contemporary smartphones. Similar to the iPhone, it has a 60Hz panel, while some tiny phones have screens with higher refresh rates.
The Google Tensor processor, which also powers the larger and more costly Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, makes the Pixel our favorite smaller Android phone thanks to its top-notch performance. The 12.2Mp main camera is also among the finest in the game because of Google’s innovative HDR engine, which masterfully handles image processing. Thus, this product is one of the best Small Phones available right now.
Pros
- Excellent camera quality and software enhancements.
- Timely Android updates and support.
- Compact and ergonomic design.
Cons
- Availability and pricing may vary by region.
- May not have as much processing power as some competitors.
iPhone SE
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | iPhone SE2 |
| Operating System | iOS 16 |
| Cellular Technology | 5G, 4G LTE |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Screen Size | 4.7 Inches |
Easily one of the best Small Phones available on the market, We regret to report that Apple appears to be the remaining stronghold for tiny phones. Both the new iPhone SE and the recently released iPhone 13 mini preserve the screen size well under six inches. It is a tiny 4.7-inch LCD for the SE. Although it doesn’t have the highest resolution or the finest design, it can fit in small palms and pockets. Furthermore, it is not lacking in terms of performance.
There is no quicker phone under $500 that has the same A15 Bionic technology as the iPhone 13 series; even the most expensive Android phones struggle to stay up in some situations. Of course, this device lacks the Night mode that the similarly little iPhone 13 mini possesses. Once more, the iPhone 13 mini has that convenience. But you can’t have everything for $429.
Pros
- Affordable entry point to the iOS ecosystem.
- Compact and easy to handle.
- Reliable performance.
Cons
- Older design and display technology.
- Limited camera features compared to higher-end iPhones.
Sony Xperia 10 IV
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Xperia 10 IV |
| Operating System | Android 13.0 |
| Cellular Technology | 5G |
| Storage | 6 GB |
| Screen Size | 6 Inches |
| Check Price |
Like you would anticipate from an Xperia handset, the Sony Xperia 10 IV has a beautiful design. It has a beautiful structure that feels strong yet slim. Even though a 6-inch OLED panel only has a 60Hz refresh rate, the images seem fantastic and are colorful. The Sony Xperia 10 IV’s performance is average at best, but its triple-lens rear camera configuration produces stunning images.
Although it doesn’t excel at low-light shooting, a 2x optical zoom and a triple-lens rear camera with 12MP wide, 8MP telephoto, and 8MP ultrawide lenses give you lots of alternatives. Anyone looking for a more versatile device without making too many compromises can consider the Sony Xperia 10 IV. So, if you want one of the best Small Phones, we highly recommend this product.
Pros
- Unique 21:9 aspect ratio display for multimedia.
- Good battery life.
- Stock-like Android experience.
Cons
- Mid-range performance may not satisfy power users.
- Camera quality may not match other small phone options.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Galaxy Z Flip4 |
| Operating System | Android |
| Cellular Technology | 5G |
| Storage | 256 GB |
| Screen Size | 6.7 Inches |
| Check Price |
Due to its ability to collapse into a space the size of many stacked coasters, this phone is actually the smallest on this list. Remember there’s a noticeable crease in the middle you can feel under your finger and it’s covered with a plastic sheet rather than glass while looking at the interior folding screen, which is a 6.7in x. However, it still has a premium vibe.
This is the greatest method to acquire a tiny phone with a large screen if you don’t mind the trade-off. Next to the dual cameras is a charming 1.9-inch screen that you can use as a viewfinder for selfies or to check notifications and messages when the phone is closed. The Z Flip 4 is the first Flip in the series that, if you use it frequently, you won’t need to charge during the day because of its superior battery life compared to the Flip 3. Currently, this is one of the best Small Phones that you can buy right now.
Pros
- Innovative foldable design for compactness.
- High-quality AMOLED display.
- Good overall performance.
Cons
- Higher price point due to foldable technology.
- Durability concerns associated with folding screens.
- Bulkier when folded compared to traditional small phones.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Small Phone
There are a few things you should think about when picking out a small phone to make sure it fits your needs and tastes. People like small phones because they are easy to carry around and don’t take up much space. However, they may not have as many features or be as easy to use. Here are some things to think about:
???? Size of the screen: Screens on small phones are usually smaller, which can make it harder to see and type. Think about whether the screen size is right for what you want to do, like reading, surfing the web, or watching videos.
???? How it works: Check out how well the phone works by looking at its processor, RAM, and storage. Make sure it can handle the apps and tasks you use often without any lag or slowdowns.
⏰ Length of Time: Batteries in smaller phones may not last as long because they are smaller. Check the phone’s battery life and think about how you normally use it to see if it meets your needs.
???? Notes on the camera: If you’re interested in photography, check out what the camera can do. Think about your photography needs and preferences before buying a smaller phone with a camera.
???? System of operation: Please check to see if the phone has the most recent operating system. Updates can add new features, make your device safer, and make apps work better together.
???? Being connected: Make sure the phone has the connectivity options and network bands you need, like 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.
FAQs
The Apple iPhone SE, which came out last year, has a good single camera, a powerful A15 Bionic chip, and support for 5G all in a body that’s only 4.7 inches thick. When compared to the huge iPhone 15 Pro Max, that’s a huge difference in size.
You can only get the coolest features from Samsung on the bigger Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and its foldable phones, like the one below. Even so, this is the best standard small flagship phone that Samsung has ever made, and it’s also one of the best small Android phones.
