The best compact phones of 2025: the perfect balance between performance and convenience.
Phones that are not very common.
Today, "compact" has become a relative term. Smartphones that were once considered large and took up an entire pocket are now the norm. But which compact phones should you consider if you want a mobile phone that is more comfortable to carry than today's flagships?
Although smartphones have grown in size significantly in recent years, some devices are using technology to reduce screen bezels, making them more comfortable and portable than the typical flagship device. An alternative is the next generation of foldable phones, which take up little space in your pocket when folded and offer all the features of a standard device when unfolded.
If you're looking for a compact and easy-to-use device, you'll find some great options below.
The best small phones 2025:
Best compact phone overall. The Samsung Galaxy S24 is, in our opinion, the best compact smartphone. It's a full-fledged Galaxy flagship but with a simplified feature set. Better AI features, a larger battery and a more minimalist design make it ideal for those looking for a compact device without sacrificing performance.
The best compact phone for photography. The Google Pixel 8a is a great all-round phone with a high-end camera that continues the tradition of the Pixel range, combining many of the features of the older models in a compact size.
Best foldable compact phone. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 may seem big with its 6.7-inch screen, but its foldable design makes it easy to transform into a handy pocket-sized device.
Best ultra-compact phone. The Asus Zenfone 10 is one of the smallest phones with a 5.9-inch screen, while still offering the same performance and functionality as the larger models.
Best compact phone for content creators. The Sony Xperia 5 V combines all the advantages of the older Xperia 1 IV model and offers great multimedia features at a more affordable price.
These compact phones offer the perfect combination of convenience and performance.
The best compact phones available to buy today
Samsung Galaxy S24
Overview:
Even though the updates in this generation are not as drastic, improvements in artificial intelligence and high performance make the Galaxy S24 one of the best compact flagships.
Advantages:
- The design is slimmer and the display now has better specs than last year.
- The integration of artificial intelligence brings real benefits.
- The device is powerful but compact enough to fit in your pocket.
Disadvantages:
- The cameras are worse than those of the competition.
- The Exynos processor does not offer outstanding performance in terms of autonomy.
Specifications:
- Screen: 6.2 inches, 2340×1080, 1-120Hz AMOLED
- Processor: Exynos 2400 (for Europe) / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (for the USA)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128/256 GB
- Operating system: Android 14 with OneUI
- Cameras: 50MP + 10MP + 12MP main camera , 12MP front camera
- Battery: 4000 mAh
- Dimensions: 147x71x7.6mm, weight 167g
The Galaxy S24 is slightly larger than the iPhone 13 Mini, but considering the Mini series has been discontinued, it is one of the few compact flagships left on the market.
Samsung has managed to fit a 6.2-inch display into a body the same size as its predecessor, the Galaxy S23, which was already one of the smallest flagships. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S24 is in no way inferior in terms of features. Its high-end chipset, improved battery and elegant design make it a versatile and powerful device. The bright and sharp LTPO screen displays the image perfectly in all lighting conditions.
Although the camera is inferior to the S24 Ultra and is not among the best in its class, it takes excellent pictures in both daylight and nightlight. Also worth mentioning are the advanced artificial intelligence features that greatly improve the interaction with the device. Overall, the Galaxy S24 remains one of the best compact flagships on the market.
Google Pixel 8a: Review
The Google Pixel 8a is a device that makes up for the improvements that were missing from its predecessor, while being fast, reliable and capable of taking great photos. This smartphone rightfully deserves the title of the best mid-range Android device.
Advantages:
- Great photos for a mid-range phone.
- Performance that far exceeds expectations for this class.
Disadvantages:
- The loading speed is slower than the competition.
Specifications:
- Display : 6.1-inch OLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and up to 120 Hz.
- Processor : Google Tensor G3.
- RAM : 8 GB.
- Built-in memory : 128/256 GB.
- Operating system : Android 13.
- Cameras : Main camera 64MP, f/1.9 with optical stabilization, ultra wide angle 13MP, f/2.2, front camera 13MP, f/2.2.
- Battery : 4,492 mAh.
- Dimensions : 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm, 188 g.
The Google Pixel 8a is a beautiful and versatile device that continues the Pixel family's tradition of excellent cameras. It also has a few improvements carried over from the older models. While this phone isn't always the most cost-effective choice, it can hold its own against flagships that cost twice as much. For its price, it offers excellent image quality.
If you're looking for alternatives with faster charging, there are such devices on the market, but if compactness and ease of use with a 6.1-inch screen are important to you, the Pixel 8a remains one of the best choices.
Asus Zenfone 10: Review
The Asus Zenfone 10 continues the company's successful strategy of offering improvements such as wireless charging support and more powerful specifications. Could this be the latest model in this range?
Advantages:
- Excellent performance and storage space.
- Excellent video stabilization.
- Custom interface settings.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of a telephoto lens.
- Aggressive image processing by the cameras.
Specifications:
- Display : 5.9-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 2640×1080 pixels.
- Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
- RAM : 8/16 GB.
- Built-in memory : 256/512GB.
- Operating system : Android 13.
- Cameras : Main camera 50 MP + 13 MP ultra wide angle, front camera 32 MP.
- Battery : 4300 mAh.
- Dimensions : 147 x 68 x 9.4 mm, 172 g.
The question of the possible release of the Zenfone 11 can be answered both yes and no. Asus has decided to present its latest model with a more powerful display and battery in the Ultra variant, but the “normal” version of the Zenfone 10 also remains on the market and continues to offer great performance in a compact body.
The phone is 9.1 mm thick and fits well in the hand. The plastic-coated back gives the device a high-quality look. A 5.9-inch OLED display with bright colors, support for HDR10+ and an adaptive refresh rate of 120 Hz takes up the entire front.
The main cameras include a 50MP Sony sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera. Photos are always good, sometimes even great, but the automatic processing doesn't always match the hardware's capabilities. Still, videos shot in 8K at 30fps look impressive.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 used in gaming devices makes the Zenfone 10 a powerful compact smartphone. During the time we used the device, there were no crashes or overheating. Wired charging speed is limited to 30W, but the 4,300mAh battery is enough for a full day of use - as long as you don't charge the device over 5G. Wireless charging, added on this model, was missing on the Zenfone 9, which is a significant improvement.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Review
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is the best foldable phone out there, and it clearly underlines that the future of foldable devices is here.
Advantages:
- Great design and a fully coverable screen.
- flagship performance.
Disadvantages:
- The title screen is still focused on widgets rather than full-fledged apps.
- Competitors offer similar features at a lower price and outperform it in some aspects.
Specifications:
- Display : 6.7 inches, 2640×1080 resolution, 1-120Hz refresh rate, AMOLED (main screen); 3.4 inches, 720×748 resolution, AMOLED (title screen).
- Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy.
- RAM : 12 GB.
- Built-in memory : 256/512GB.
- Operating system : Android 14 with OneUI.
- Cameras : 50MP + 12MP + 10MP.
- Battery : 4000 mAh with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging.
- Dimensions : 72 x 85 x 14.9 mm (folded), 72 x 165 x 6.9 mm (unfolded), 187 g.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 takes foldable smartphones to the next level by offering small but important improvements. It's almost as good as the Galaxy S24. While there are no radical changes, Samsung continues to refine the Flip's already impressive design. One of the key additions is the 50-megapixel main camera, which has been needed for a long time, as well as an improved 4,000 mAh battery that now allows you to use the device for a full day. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip delivers excellent performance, outperforming the competition in terms of artificial intelligence and power efficiency.
However, there are some drawbacks too. The cover display, while bright, is still mostly widget-focused, which limits functionality. Unlike rivals like the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra, Samsung doesn't offer full-fledged apps on this screen. Also, despite the high price, rivals offer similar features at a more affordable price.
Nonetheless, the Samsung Z Flip 6 is a significant step forward for fans of foldable devices. It offers flagship features in a foldable form, an improved hinge, a refined design, and a great camera that is now as good as the non-foldable competition. If you're looking to try out a foldable smartphone, this device is worth considering.
Sony Xperia 5 V: Review
A device that combines the best features of the Xperia 1 IV in a more affordable format, the Sony Xperia 5 V is a great choice for anyone who is creative.
The advantages:
- Manual modes for photos and videos that are perfect for professionals.
- Excellent screen and sophisticated design.
Disadvantages:
- The previous generation processor can get hot and consume a lot of power.
- The basic camera mode is inferior to the automatic systems of the competition.
Specifications:
- Display : 6.1-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 2560×1080.
- Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
- RAM : 8GB.
- Built-in memory : 128 GB (expandable).
- Operating system : Android 13.
- Cameras : Main camera 48 MP + 12 MP, front camera 12 MP.
- Battery : 5000 mAh.
- Dimensions : 154 x 68 x 8.6 mm, 183 g.
Despite the compact 6.1-inch screen, which makes the Xperia 5 V one of the largest among compact phones, the device is much narrower than most similar models thanks to Sony's unique aspect ratio. This makes things like tapping and scrolling with one finger easier, although you do have to stretch a little further to access the top notification bar. However, this doesn't really affect the overall usability.
There is a powerful dual camera on the back of the smartphone, but the best results can only be achieved in manual pro mode. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor has excellent performance and outperforms many competitors in terms of battery life. However, the 30W wired charging speed is not particularly powerful.
While other Xperia series have already reached the sixth version, there are no signs of a new version being developed for the Xperia 5, which is currently the best in Sony's lineup. Like other Xperia smartphones, the Xperia 5 V is aimed at a specific audience, but it is a great device for fans of the brand and for anyone looking for a high-quality phone with creative possibilities.
How to choose the best small smartphone
When choosing a compact smartphone, the most important factor is the size of the screen. Ideally, the device's screen should be 5.5 inches or less - this will ensure ease of use and compactness. However, do not forget about the quality of the display: the minimum resolution should be Full HD (1080p). This resolution is sufficient for most tasks, and a higher resolution will provide sharper display of text, videos and photos.
The performance of the device is equally important. Even a small smartphone should be able to handle everyday tasks such as browsing the Internet, watching videos and working with applications. Therefore, choose phones with modern and powerful processors so that the device does not let you down.
The battery life of small smartphones can be limited due to the smaller battery size. However, thanks to modern power management technologies, such devices can have quite a decent power reserve. Look for models with a battery of at least 2500 mAh - this is usually enough for a whole day with moderate use. It is also worth reading reviews to make sure that the chosen smartphone uses the charge efficiently.
Finally, another important aspect is the user-friendliness of the device. A small smartphone should fit well in the hand. For this purpose, it is important that the case is made of high-quality materials such as aluminum or glass, which not only give the device a high-quality appearance but also increase its durability.
How we test small phones
We thoroughly test every smartphone we include in our recommendation list so you can trust our judgment. Our extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of devices allows us to make accurate and informed recommendations. We test phones to make sure they meet the high standards we set for performance, convenience, and overall value.
The testing process usually lasts a week or more, allowing us to delve into the day-to-day use of the device. We test all the features of the smartphone, assess the build quality and performance to understand how it performs in practice. The length of the test gives us the opportunity to identify both strengths and weaknesses that may not be obvious at first glance. We go beyond superficial conclusions and conduct in-depth analysis to provide unbiased and detailed information.
Our reviews cover all the important aspects of the smartphone. We thoroughly test battery life in various usage scenarios to understand exactly how long the phone can last in real-world conditions. The display is evaluated on parameters such as brightness, color accuracy, and resolution. We also conduct extensive camera tests where we evaluate the cameras in different lighting conditions and shooting scenarios to understand exactly how well the phone handles photos and videos. This gives you a comprehensive picture of each phone's functionality so you can make an informed decision when choosing a device.