A small smartphone is practical because you can quickly pull it out in everyday life and use it with just one hand. Unfortunately, current smartphones are rarely available with a display diagonal of less than 6.1 inches. Nevertheless, we have found some top and mid-range models for you in the 5-inch range. With the following list, we give you an overview.
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Small Smartphones: That’s What You Can Expect
As a shame, compact smartphones are currently not in vogue, and the industry is primarily oriented towards the most significant sales group, which is at home in the Asian market. They like their smartphones as big as possible, so 6.8 inches or even more are now the standards – especially among flagships. From this perspective, a Galaxy S21 with a 6.2-inch display could almost pass as a small smartphone. In this text, we want to concentrate on “really” compact models.
From our point of view, small smartphones are pretty acceptable. Cell phones now have such a high screen resolution that you cannot count pixels even if you hold the device close to your face. In addition, the high pixel density ensures that enough content fits on the screen without the display being annoyingly massive or too small. We go into detail here on the topic:
But you should also be aware that the flagships with the best equipment currently available from all manufacturers are well beyond the 6-inch limit. If you are looking for a small smartphone, you have to be prepared for at least a few compromises.
Google Pixel 4a: Inexpensive Android Phone
If you are looking for a small smartphone that you can use with one hand, the Google Pixel 4a is recommended. Here you can use your thumb to make it to the ledge above. In terms of equipment, you benefit from successful photos and a high-resolution OLED display. Since Google provides you with updates for at least three years with the Pixel 4a, you are on the safe and up-to-date side with the software. You can find out more about the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5 cameras in our comparison with a professional camera.
Warning: The Pixel 4a is available twice. There is also a 5G version. However, it has a larger 6.2-inch display and, unlike the smaller 4G version, has an ultra-wide-angle camera.
- Display size: 5.8 inches
- Dimensions: 144.2 mm x 69.4 mm x 8.2 mm
- Weight: 143.0 grams
- Price for release: approx. 349 euros
- Camera: 12.2 MP
- Front camera: 8 MP
- Storage: 128 GB internal storage
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G
Google Pixel 5: Compact And With a Top Camera
Are you looking for a small smartphone with a good camera? Even if you have to dig a little deeper into your wallet for the Google Pixel 5 (our test) than for the Pixel 4a: It’s worth it! Although it barely passes as a compact mobile phone at 6.0 inches, it has an ultra-wide-angle lens, slightly better performance, and a 90 Hz display ahead of the cheaper model.
- Display size: 6 inches
- Dimensions: 144.7mm x 70.4mm x 8.0mm
- Weight: 151 grams
- Price for release: approx. 629 euros
- Dual camera: 12 MP (main lens), 16 MP (ultra wide angle)
- Front camera: 8 MP
- Storage: 128 GB internal storage
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
iPhone 12 Mini: Great Performance In Mini Format
The chic iPhone 12 mini (here with contract) measures a handy 5.4 inches and impresses with its high performance. As usual from Apple, the display impresses with its intense colors. This small smartphone also takes excellent photos. There is a drawback in terms of battery life. The iPhone 12 mini (our test) is not quite as durable as the larger iPhone 12, but the stamina is still in the green and can be 1.5 days or more – depending on usage.
- Display size: 5.4 inches
- Dimensions: 131.5mm x 64.2mm x 7.4mm
- Weight: 133 grams
- Price for release: approx. € 779
- Camera: 12 MP (main lens) / 12 MP (ultra wide angle)
- Memory: no manufacturer information
- Chipset: A14 Bionic
Also Read: Apple Innovations For 2021 At A Glance: iPhone 13, Apple Watch 7, And Much More
iPhone 13 Mini: Best Small Smartphone
Apple remained loyal to compact smartphones in 2021. The iPhone 13 mini (here with a contract) corresponds almost precisely to the dimensions of its predecessor. It only differs by 0.3 mm from the iPhone 12 mini in terms of thickness. In return, Apple was able to accommodate a slightly larger battery in the handy case. As a result, the iPhone 13 mini does not reach the runtime of the larger models, but the predecessor’s criticism has largely been eliminated here. If you want a small smartphone from 2021 and can also make friends with iOS, you can hardly ignore this device.
- Display size: 5.4 inches
- Dimensions: 131.5mm x 64.2mm x 7.7mm
- Weight: 144 g
- Price for release: € 799
- Camera: 12 MP wide-angle, 12 MP ultra-wide-angle
- RAM: no manufacturer information
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic
iPhone SE (2020): The Smallest Smartphone
At just 4.7 inches, the iPhone SE 2020 (our test) is the smallest smartphone on our list. It’s small, but it’s still fast. The high performance is due to the integrated processor: The Apple A13 Bionic was still intended for flagships in 2019 and is still one of the fastest drives on the market.
The iPhone SE 2020 is available at an RRP of 479 euros, cheap for Apple standards. The iPhone SE with a contract is a little more affordable. In return, you get a small smartphone with high-quality artistry, excellent battery power, and good camera quality. Minor drawbacks: the sharpness of the display could be higher and the loading time shorter. In addition, there is only one LC screen, and there is only a camera lens on the back.
- Display size: 4.7 inches
- Dimensions: 138.4mm x 67.3mm x 7.3mm
- Weight: 148 grams
- Price for release: approx. € 479
- Front camera: 7 MP
- Rear camera: 12 MP
- Storage: 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB
- Chipset: A13 Bionic
Asus Zenfone 8: Compact Smartphone With A Lot Of Performance
With the Zenfone 8, Asus has set itself to launch a small smartphone among the current giants. Admittedly, the Zenfone 8 is not a design miracle. The 5.92 inches are easy to hold and fit perfectly in your pocket. In return, the lightweight conceals a lot of power and a 120 Hz display. Unfortunately, the camera cannot convince in poor lighting conditions. Therefore, the Zenfone is more suitable for smartphone gamers (without sausage fingers) than for passionate photographers.
- Display size: 5.92 inches
- Dimensions: 148mm x 68.5mm x 8.9mm
- Weight: 169 grams
- Price for release: approx. € 599
- Dual camera: 64 MP + 12 MP
- Storage: 256 GB
- Chipset: Snapdragon 888
Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G: Smallest Samsung Phone?
But there is a trick hidden behind these numbers. We cheated a bit here, but with dimensions of 86.4 x 72.2 mm, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G (here with a contract) is the smallest smartphone in our lineup. Because the phone is only that small when it is folded up and stowed in the pocket.
Unfolded to its full size, you have a 6.7-inch screen at your disposal. So if you are looking for a small smartphone because of the space it takes up in your pocket, you can take a closer look at the foldable. However, if you are looking for a model for everyday one-hand operation, then the Z Flip 3 (our test) is unfortunately not a suitable device.
- Display size: 6.7 inches
- Dimensions: 86.4mm x 72.2mm x 17.7mm (folded), 166mm x 72.2mm x 6.9mm (unfolded)
- Weight: 183 g
- Price: 1049 € MSRP
- Camera: 12 MP wide angle, 12 MP ultra wide angle
- RAM: 8 GB
- Chipset: Snapdragon 888
Also Read: Android 12L Introduced: iPadOS For Android
