In a market dominated by ever-expanding smartphone screens, there’s a resurgent demand for compact, easy-to-handle devices that don’t compromise on performance. The past few years have brought a range of stellar options for those who prefer a smaller footprint without giving up flagship features. Models like the Pixel 6a and 7a, iPhone 13 Mini, and iPhone SE 2022 are leading the pack in this category, matching top-notch specifications with pocket-friendly dimensions.
Compact smartphones are easier to operate with one hand, fit snugly in pockets and purses, and often retain most of the high-end features of their larger counterparts. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or simply prefer the ergonomic advantages, these small-screen powerhouses offer the perfect solution.
Our guide on the Best Compact Smartphones of 2023 will give you some of the best flagship smartphones featuring a small form factor.
Google Pixel 6a
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Packed with an array of cutting-edge features, the Google Pixel 6a is designed to enhance your mobile experience. The standout feature of the phone is its compact 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display, which offers stunning visuals and vibrant colors. With a 90Hz refresh rate, you can enjoy smooth and seamless scrolling, making it perfect for gaming and multimedia consumption. The display is also protected by scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring durability against everyday wear and tear.
Powering the Google Pixel 6a is the Google Tensor Titan M2 processor, which delivers impressive performance and efficient multitasking. Coupled with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM capacity, you’ll have plenty of space for all your apps, photos, and videos. Capture breathtaking photos and videos with the dual 12MP rear camera sensors, while the 8MP front-facing camera sensor lets you take stunning selfies. With 4K video recording capabilities, you can shoot high-quality videos like a pro.
The phone runs on the latest Android 13 operating system, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience. It also features an under-screen fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking, along with a fingerprint-resistant coating to keep your phone looking its best. With 5G internet connectivity, you can enjoy blazing-fast download and streaming speeds. The phone also supports Wi-Fi 6E technology for seamless connectivity.
Equipped with a 4300 mAh battery capacity, the Google Pixel 6a ensures all-day usage, and with fast charging support, you can quickly get back to full power. It also supports Qi-certified wireless charging for added convenience. Designed to withstand the elements, the phone is IP67 dust and water-resistant. So you can use it worry-free in any environment.
With its upgradability to the latest Android version, as well as guaranteed 5-year Pixel software and security upgrades, you can stay at the forefront of technology.
Key Features:
- Full-screen 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display.
- 90Hz refresh rate.
- Scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass.
- Google Tensor Titan M2 processor.
- 128GB worth of storage and 6GB RAM capacity.
- Dual 12MP rear camera sensors.
- 8MP front-facing camera sensor.
- 4K video recording on the rear cameras.
- Runs on Android 13.
- 3D thermoformed composite back with tactile alloy frame.
- 5G internet connectivity.
- Google Tensor and Titan M2 processor for performance and security.
- Under-screen fingerprint sensor.
- Fingerprint-resistant coating.
- Wi-Fi 6E technology.
- 4300 mAh battery capacity with fast charging support.
- Qi-certified wireless charging.
- IP67 dust and water resistance.
- Impressive color options.
- Upgradable to the latest Android version and get 5-year Pixel software and security upgrades.
Google Pixel 7a
The Google Pixel 7a smartphone is packed with exciting features to elevate your mobile experience. The full-screen yet compact 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display offers stunning visuals and vibrant colors, ensuring a captivating viewing experience. With a 90Hz refresh rate, scrolling through your favorite apps and websites will be seamless
The Google Tenso processor ensures smooth performance and top-notch security with Titan M2. You’ll have ample storage space with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM capacity, allowing you to store all your photos, videos, and apps without worry. Capture stunning photos with the dual 64MP and 13MP rear camera sensors, and take beautiful selfies with the 13MP front-facing camera sensor. The Super Res Zoom feature allows you to zoom in up to 8x without sacrificing image quality.
The under-screen fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock feature provide convenient and secure access to your device. The Pixel’s 3D thermoformed composite back with a tactile alloy frame and visor exudes a premium feel. With IP67 dust and water resistance, you can confidently use your phone in various environments. Stay powered all day long with the 4300 mAh battery capacity and benefit from fast charging support. Additionally, the phone supports Qi-certified wireless charging, making it effortless to recharge. With its upgradable software to the latest Android version and guaranteed 5-year Pixel software and security upgrades, you can enjoy the latest features and stay protected.
Key Features:
- Full-screen 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display.
- 90Hz refresh rate.
- Scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass.
- Google Tensor G2 Titan M2 processor.
- 128GB worth of storage and 8GB RAM capacity.
- Dual 64MP and 13MP rear camera sensors.
- 13MP front-facing camera sensor.
- Super Res Zoom up to 8x.
- Runs on Android 13.
- 3D thermoformed composite back with tactile alloy frame and visor
- 5G internet connectivity.
- Google Tensor and Titan M2 processor for performance and security.
- Under-screen fingerprint sensor.
- Face Unlock.
- Fingerprint-resistant coating.
- Wi-Fi 6E technology.
- 4300 mAh battery capacity with fast charging support.
- Qi-certified wireless charging.
- IP67 dust and water resistance.
- Impressive color options.
- Upgradable to the latest Android version and sure of getting 5-year Pixel software and security upgrades.
iPhone 13 Mini
The iPhone 13 Mini is an incredible smartphone that delivers a top-notch user experience. With its 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, you can expect stunning visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks in a tiny form factor. The HDR10 and Dolby Vision technology further enhance your viewing experience by providing incredible contrast and dynamic range. One of the standout features of this device is its durability. The Corning-made glass and fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating ensure that your screen stays protected from scratches and smudges. Additionally, the IP68 rating means that it is dust and water-resistant, so you can use it worry-free in various environments.
Powered by the Apple A15 Bionic processor and 6GB of RAM, this smartphone offers impressive performance for all your daily tasks, from browsing the web to gaming. With up to 256GB of storage capacity, you’ll have plenty of space to store your photos, videos, and apps. The dual 12MP camera setup, along with the 12MP front-facing camera, allows you to capture stunning photos and videos. You can record 4K videos with Dolby Vision HDR and even use the Cinematic mode for professional-looking videos.
In terms of security, the biometric face unlock feature ensures that your device is secure, and the NFC allows for seamless wireless connectivity. The 2438mAh battery offers a decent amount of battery life, and it supports fast wired charging, as well as 15W MagSafe fast charging and 7.5W Qi wireless charging.
Key Features:
- 5.4-inch screen size.
- Super Retina XDR OLED screen display with HDR10 and supports Dolby Vision technology.
- Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.
- Corning-made glass for durability and protection.
- IP68 dust and water-resistant.
- Apple A15 Bionic processor.
- Offers 6GB RAM as standard.
- Up to 256GB worth of storage capacity is the highest option.
- Upgradable to the iOS 16 software (upgradable).
- Dual 12MP camera setup.
- 12MP front-facing camera.
- Supports 4K video recording on both the rear and front cameras.
- Features Dolby Vision HDR and Cinematic mode video recording technology.
- Stereo speakers.
- Biometric face unlock for security.
- Comes with NFC for wireless connectivity.
- Considerable 2438mAh battery capacity.
- Supports fast wired charging.
- Supports 15W MagSafe fast charging (wireless).
- Supports 7.5W Qi fast charging (wireless).
- Impressive performance.
iPhone SE (2022)
The iPhone SE (2022) features a compact 4.7-inch Retina HD Multi‑Touch display, providing stunning visuals with its IPS technology and Corning-made glass for durability and protection. The phone is also IP68 dust and water-resistant, ensuring that it can withstand the elements and accidental spills. You can confidently take it with you on your outdoor adventures without worrying about damage.
Powered by the Apple A15 Bionic processor and 6GB of RAM, this phone delivers incredible performance. Multitasking and running demanding applications are seamless and smooth. Capture every moment in stunning detail with the single 12MP camera setup and 7MP front-facing camera. Both cameras support 4K video recording and feature Dolby Vision HDR and Cinematic mode video recording technology, ensuring that your memories are captured with the highest quality.
The phone features Touch ID and biometric face unlock for convenient and secure access. With a considerable battery capacity of 2018mAh, you can enjoy all the amazing features of this phone for an entire day. It supports fast wired charging, as well as 20W MagSafe fast charging and 7.5W Qi fast charging for wireless convenience. Overall, the iPhone SE (2022) offers impressive performance, stunning visuals, and advanced features that make it a top choice for smartphone users.
Key Features:
- 4.7-inch screen size.
- Retina HD Multi‑Touch display with IPS technology.
- Corning-made glass for durability and protection.
- IP68 dust and water-resistant.
- Apple A15 Bionic processor.
- Offers 6GB RAM as standard.
- Up to 256GB worth of storage capacity is the highest option.
- Runs on the iOS 16 software (upgradable).
- Single 12MP camera setup.
- 7MP front-facing camera.
- Supports 4K video recording on both the rear and front cameras.
- Features Dolby Vision HDR and Cinematic mode video recording technology.
- Stereo speakers.
- Touch ID and Biometric face unlock for security.
- Comes with NFC for wireless connectivity.
- Considerable 2018mAh battery capacity.
- Supports fast wired charging.
- Supports 20W MagSafe fast charging (wireless).
- Supports 7.5W Qi fast charging (wireless).
- Impressive performance.
Sony Xperia 5 V
The Sony Xperia 5 V comes with a stunning yet compact 6.1-inch FHD 120Hz OLED HDR display. Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring smooth and lag-free performance. Coupled with 8GB of RAM and a spacious 256GB storage capacity, you’ll have all the power and space you need for all your apps, games, and media. The dual rear camera system on this phone is truly impressive. It features a 48MP sensor and a 12MP sensor, delivering stunning photos with incredible detail and clarity. The 12MP front-facing camera ensures you always look your best in selfies and video calls.
One of the standout features of the Sony Xperia 5 V is its native Sony Alpha camera support. This means you can connect your Sony Alpha camera to your phone and use it as a remote control or viewfinder, making it easier than ever to take professional-quality photos. But the camera is not the only highlight of this phone. It also supports 4K video recording on both the front and rear cameras, allowing you to capture videos with breathtaking clarity. The Zeiss optics and Zeiss T lens coating further enhance the image quality, ensuring every shot is sharp and vivid.
In terms of audio, the Sony Xperia 5 V doesn’t disappoint. It features High-Resolution Audio technology, providing you with an immersive audio experience. Additionally, with Bluetooth LE Audio technology, you can connect your wireless headphones and enjoy high-quality audio without any loss in sound quality. With an IP6X water-resistant rating, you can take the phone with you wherever you go, without worrying about water damage. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor adds an extra layer of security to your device, ensuring that your personal data stays safe.
The long-lasting 5000mAh battery ensures that you can go all day without worrying about running out of power. And when it does eventually need a recharge, the 30W wired fast charging support means you can get back to full power in no time. Plus, with the reverse wireless charging feature, you can even use your phone to charge other compatible devices.
Key Features:
- 6.1-inch FHD 120Hz OLED HDR display.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
- 8GB of RAM and 256GB worth of storage.
- Dual rear camera sensor packing a 48MP sensor and a 12MP sensor.
- 12MP front-facing camera.
- Native Sony Alpha camera support.
- Supports 4K video recording on both rear cameras.
- Zeiss optics and Zeiss T lens coating.
- Videography Pro and Sony Alpha camera technology.
- High-resolution audio technology and Bluetooth LE Audio technology.
- IP6X water resistant rating.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- 5000mAh battery capacity.
- Supports 30W wired fast charging.
- Features reverse wireless charging.
- Runs on Android 13.
- Impressive camera features and technology.
- Impressive color options.
