What does compact smartphone mean?
A compact smartphone means a phone with a screen size under 6.1 inches. You can hold it easily in one hand and slide it into small pockets. It suits you if you prefer a lightweight phone that doesn’t take much space and feels more comfortable during long use.
Most compact models still include high-end specs. You can get fast processors, solid cameras, and AMOLED displays even in phones below 6.1 inches. iPhone 13 mini, Asus Zenfone 10, and Galaxy S24 are some examples that combine small size with strong performance. Compact size does not mean weak hardware, so you can still enjoy gaming, multitasking, or content watching.
The best available compact smartphones (with the highest overall score) are as follows:
* Samsung Galaxy S23 (8GB + 128GB) (Overall score: 7.93 points)
* Sony Xperia 5V (8GB + 256GB) (Overall score: 7.92 points)
* Apple iPhone 14 Pro (256GB) (Overall score: 7.82 points)
Who should consider buying a compact smartphone?
You should consider buying a compact smartphone if you want a smaller device that fits easily in your pocket, hand, or bag. A compact phone gives you full smartphone features but in a size that suits one-handed use and daily portability.
Are compact smartphones worth buying?
Yes, compact smartphones are worth buying if you want a smaller device that still performs well. They fit in one hand, weigh less, and slide easily into your pocket. These phones now come with flagship-level specs, so you no longer trade performance for size.
You get top-tier processors, sharp displays, and fast refresh rates in a smaller form. Apple’s iPhone 13 mini and ASUS Zenfone 10 are good examples—they pack strong internals in small bodies.
Are compact phones cheaper than normal phones?
Compact phones are not always cheaper than normal phones. You might expect smaller phones to cost less, but price depends more on specs, brand, and design than just size.
Compact phones often target premium users who want high-end performance in a smaller form. For example, the iPhone 13 mini and ASUS Zenfone 10 come in small sizes but include flagship features like fast processors, OLED displays, and wireless charging. These phones can cost £550-£800, same as or more than larger models with similar specs. Brands price them high because they use the same advanced hardware in a smaller, more complex design.
Which brands make the best compact smartphones?
The brands with the best compact smartphones are as follows:
- Samsung (Overall score: 7.5 points)
- Apple (Overall score: 7.5 points)
- Asus (Overall score: 7.4 points)
Note: Only brands with at least 3 smartphone models in our database, released since 2022, were considered.
Compact smartphone brands are ranked by overall score in the following chart.
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What to consider while choosing the best compact smartphone?
You should focus on the following key hardware specifications, as they directly affect speed, daily performance, storage capacity, and camera quality. These are the most relevant specs to compare:
- CPU: Choose a processor like the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, A17 Pro, or Dimensity 8200. These chips run apps fast, handle multitasking well, and keep lag low even with demanding games.
- RAM: You need at least 8 GB of RAM for smooth performance. With less than that, the phone might slow down when you switch between apps or run heavier tasks.
- Storage: Go for 128 GB or more. Some compact phones do not support microSD cards, so you should check this detail if you store many photos, videos, or apps.
- Camera: Look for a main camera with at least 50 MP and good sensor size (1/1.56" or larger). Optical image stabilization improves photo sharpness and helps in low light. Ultra-wide and telephoto lenses are rare in compact models.
- Display: Choose a phone with a screen under 6.2", Full HD+ resolution, and OLED or AMOLED technology. This gives better contrast, colors, and viewing angles.
- Battery: Pick a model with a battery of at least 4000 mAh. Some compact phones balance smaller size with good battery life thanks to efficient processors and software. Fast charging support (25 W or higher) is also useful.
- Build: Many compact phones use aluminum frames and Gorilla Glass. IP68 protection means resistance to water and dust, which adds durability.
- Weight and size: Check both height and width, not just screen size. Some phones have narrow bezels, so they stay compact even with larger displays. Anything under 145 mm height and 70 mm width fits easily in hand or pocket.
