If you’re tired of phones that barely fit in your hand or pocket, you’re not alone. With screen sizes growing larger every year, finding a truly compact smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance has become a challenge. Fortunately, there are still a few excellent small phones out there that deliver flagship-level performance and modern features in a palm-friendly size.
TLDR
Compact phones are getting rarer, but there are still some excellent options for those who prefer smaller devices. The iPhone 13 mini and iPhone SE (2022) provide top-tier Apple experiences in compact form factors, while the Asus Zenfone 10 offers flagship Android performance in a small footprint. For more budget-conscious users, older models like the Google Pixel 5 or iPhone 12 mini remain relevant choices.
Why Compact Phones Still Matter
Although smartphones have trended toward larger displays in recent years—some now exceeding 6.8 inches—many users still crave a device that can be easily operated one-handed, fits in jeans pockets, and doesn’t cause wrist fatigue after extended use. A compact phone doesn’t necessarily mean limited functionality anymore. The best small phones pack advanced cameras, OLED screens, lightning-fast processors, and full-day battery life into sizes that would have been considered ‘standard’ just a few years ago.
What Defines a Compact Phone?
While there’s no strict industry standard, a phone can generally be considered “compact” if its screen size is in the 5.4 to 6.1-inch range and it has a small overall footprint and light weight. Many define compact phones by:
- Display size: Typically under 6.0 inches.
- One-handed usability: Easily operable without re-adjusting grip.
- Form factor: Slim design with manageable weight (around 140 to 170 grams).
Best Compact Phones Still Worth Buying in 2024
1. iPhone 13 mini
Screen Size: 5.4 inches
Dimensions: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm
Weight: 140 grams
The iPhone 13 mini remains Apple’s most recent “mini” variant and one of the most well-rounded compact phones ever made. Despite a small footprint, it carries the same A15 Bionic chip as in the iPhone 13, ensuring blazing-fast performance. It features dual rear cameras, great OLED screen brightness, and excellent software support that will last for years to come.
Its excellent battery life (better than the iPhone 12 mini) and flagship-level capabilities make it a top pick for compact phone enthusiasts. Keep in mind, though, Apple discontinued the “mini” line after this model, so stock may become limited in the coming years.
2. Asus Zenfone 10
Screen Size: 5.92 inches
Dimensions: 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm
Weight: 172 grams
For Android lovers unwilling to compromise on power or portability, the Asus Zenfone 10 is as good as it gets. Sporting a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, this phone performs like a flagship while being truly compact. It also features a 120Hz AMOLED display, wireless charging, and a headphone jack—something even larger phones often lack.
Add to that a 4300mAh battery and a surprisingly good camera system, and the Zenfone 10 makes a compelling case for itself as one of 2024’s best compact Android phones.
3. iPhone SE (2022)
Screen Size: 4.7 inches
Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight: 144 grams
Want an affordable iPhone that fits in one hand? The third-generation iPhone SE continues Apple’s tradition of compact designs with updated internals. It features the A15 Bionic chip—the same found in the iPhone 13 lineup—making it incredibly powerful for its size and price.
The design is a throwback to older iPhones, with Touch ID and noticeable bezels, but it excels in performance and reliability. It’s the ideal choice for those who value practical everyday use without spending a fortune.
4. Google Pixel 5
Screen Size: 6.0 inches
Dimensions: 144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm
Weight: 151 grams
Though it’s a few years old, the Pixel 5 offers a refined, compact Android experience with Google’s signature clean UI and regular updates (until 2025). Its OLED screen, solid camera performance, and compact build make it a low-key favorite among small phone fans.
It’s not the fastest, but it balances usability, battery life, and ergonomics in a way few recent phones do. Plus, it has an aluminum body and IP68 water resistance, making it quite durable.
5. Samsung Galaxy S10e (Honorable Mention)
Screen Size: 5.8 inches
Dimensions: 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9 mm
Weight: 150 grams
Though it’s a bit dated now, the Galaxy S10e remains one of Samsung’s best compact devices ever. It has a fast Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820), a great AMOLED screen, and expandable storage—something fewer phones offer today.
If you can find one in good condition or refurbished, it still holds its own for general smartphone tasks, especially at its reduced resale price.
What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Compact Phone
While compact phones bring many ergonomic and usability advantages, they also come with some limitations. Here are key considerations:
- Battery Life: Smaller phones typically have smaller batteries, so endurance may not match larger models.
- Screen Size: Limited display space might hinder multimedia consumption or productivity tasks.
- Availability: Many compact models are no longer in production, so availability might be limited to used or refurbished units.
- Software Support: For older phones, check how long the manufacturer will continue offering updates.
Will Compact Phones Become Extinct?
With the popularity of large-screen phones and foldables growing, truly small smartphones may continue to decline in availability. That said, consumer demand for one-handed usability hasn’t vanished completely. Brands like Asus have shown that compact doesn’t have to mean compromised, and Apple’s previous commitment to the iPhone mini proves there’s still a market for smaller phones.
It’s unlikely we’ll see many new compact models going forward, but the ones that do exist might become cult classics for those who know exactly what they want in their tech.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to ditch bulky phones and return to a more pocketable experience, you’re not out of luck. Whether you’re in Apple’s ecosystem or prefer Android, there are still a few compact devices that punch well above their weight. From the powerful iPhone 13 mini to the Android gem Asus Zenfone 10, these phones prove that great things really do come in small packages.