Smartphone in your pocket
The small phone fits comfortably in your hand and comfortably in your pocket. We tested and compared 10 compact smartphones for you.
table of Contents
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Screen size is no longer important
- Which small phone is best?
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First place: Apple iPhone SE (2020)
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Second place: Samsung Galaxy S10e
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Third place: Google Pixel 4
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Fourth place: Samsung Galaxy S20
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Fifth place: Sony Xperia 5
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Sixth place: Samsung Galaxy A41
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Seventh place: Google Pixel 3a
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Eighth place: Samsung Galaxy A40
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9th place: Unihertz Atom
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Tenth place: Palm Pepito
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This is how we make this comparison
- Test domain overview
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Other options
In 2020, it is not easy to find a small mobile phone-at least along the diagonal. Dimensions are measured in inches. So far, it is a good guideline for the size of smartphones. Mobile phones under 5 inches are generally considered small, while smartphones under 6 inches are considered compact, and everything above is often referred to as a tablet-a mixture of smartphones and tablets. If this classification is followed, then small phones will no longer be available these days.
At the same time, the screen diagonal of most devices exceeds 6 inches, as shown in an evaluation of the popular benchmark test tool AnTuTu in the first quarter of 2020. 19% of users are using 6.4-inch devices, of which 17% are equipped with 6.3-inch devices, while mobile phones equipped with 6.5-inch devices still account for 11.5%. Less than 10% of people rely on smartphones with screen sizes less than 6 inches. AnTuTu no longer lists devices under 5 inches in its statistics.
Screen size is no longer important
Fortunately, the diagonal of the picture hardly indicates the size of the smartphone. Thanks to design techniques such as notch, hole punch or pop-up camera, mobile phone manufacturers can now make better use of available space and can install large screens in a compact format-without reducing the size of the mobile phone and heightening the drive. The figure below illustrates this. It shows the iPhone 8 Plus with a 5.5-inch display from left to right. In the middle, you can see the iPhone X with a 5.8-inch screen and the iPhone 8 with a 4.7-inch screen on the right.
Although the iPhone X offers the largest screen size, it is significantly smaller than the iPhone 8 Plus and almost as small as the iPhone 8. This is mainly because it no longer has wider edges above and below the display screen. The size of the current smartphone and the width (especially the width) here are more important than the display size. This largely determines the feel of the phone. Mobile phones with a width of less than 70 mm are considered compact by most users, so they can be safely held. On the other hand, for users whose palm width exceeds 72 mm, this becomes crucial.
We checked the latest smartphone models of Apple, Samsung, Huawei and other manufacturers and started looking for compact smartphones. We also encountered a device that is not only small in screen size and size, but also small. We are showing the smallest smartphone in the world.
Which phone is the smallest smartphone?
Unihertz Jelly Pro measures 92 x 43 x 13 mm and is almost no larger than a matchbox. Nevertheless, it provides almost all the features you expect from an Android phone, and even has a built-in camera and LTE. However, Mini Android is only suitable for use as a second phone, because the battery here is of course very small, only 900 mAh. In addition, typing on a small screen is boring in the long run.
If you are looking for a small mobile phone that is suitable for use as a main device without compromise, you should check out the models below. Apple iPhone SE 2 is a brand new product on the market. Among all the small phones displayed here, it is the closest to what people usually think of as small smart phones. The screen size is 4.7 inches smaller than the 5 inch limit, and the size is 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm. The iPhone SE 2 can be comfortably placed in a shirt and pants pocket without having to look out.
Which small phone is best?
Apple iPhone SE 2 is small, but the device is still impressive. The Apple A13 Bionic processor is taken from the iPhone 11 (Pro). Every Android smartphone has powerful computing power. The small iPhone also supports wireless charging and Apple Pay-in addition, according to IP67, it can prevent dust and water from entering. You only need to reduce the amount of camera usage. Apple did not use three lenses, but only used one camera on the back. Our comparison of the iPhone 11 (Pro) and iPhone SE 2 cameras shows that this is only a disadvantage in some cases. Therefore, there is no doubt that our number one is Apple iPhone SE 2.
First place: Apple iPhone SE (2020)
By the way, the price is surprisingly small: the suggested retail price of the 64 GB version is 479 euros, which is relatively low compared to the Apple standard. The surcharge for the second largest storage type is around 50 Euros. In the past, Apple usually paid this fee at 100 euros. iPhone SE 2 will be available in stores on April 24, and can be pre-ordered from Apple.
Second place: Samsung Galaxy S10e
The Samsung Galaxy S10e is the most suitable model for the Apple iPhone SE 2 in the Android warehouse. Although the screen size is 5.8 inches, the phone measuring 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9 mm is as compact as the Apple phone. Samsung has achieved this goal by minimizing the edges around the display. The fingerprint sensor has been outsourced to the switch in the rack. The home button will be replaced with a virtual button, and the front camera is hidden in a small hole in the upper right corner of the display-also known as punching in the circle of professionals.
Equipment and operation
Yesterday ’s appearance, today ’s hardware
If you are looking for a smartphone that can be operated with one hand but do not want to compromise computing power and equipment, you can find it in the Galaxy S10e. Mobile phones are almost no larger than the smartphones of a few years ago. Compared with the more expensive S10 models, the reduction is controllable and the advertising prices are reasonable. Battery life and voice quality are only average.
- Compact format
- Can be operated with one hand
- Compared with the more expensive S10 model, there is almost no compromise
- Average battery life
- No telephoto lens
- Heat under load
- Medium voice quality
The Samsung Galaxy S10e is not new, but it has been on the market for almost a year. Samsung avoids making mobile phones the successor to the Galaxy S20 series. Despite the age, the device can still be seen. There is a dual camera on the back of the Samsung phone. In addition to the main camera, you have a super wide-angle lens on the side. For daily tasks and games, computing power is still more than enough. Using a microSD card can also expand 128 GB of device memory inexpensively. IP68-compliant wireless charging and dustproof and waterproof features complete the device list. The dsa S10e can now be purchased online for less than 500 euros.
Third place: Google Pixel 4
With the Pixel 4, Google also has a "small flagship" in its product portfolio. Compared to the Galaxy S10e, the Pixel 4 ’s screen size is only 5.7 inches, but the phone is 147.1 x 68.8 x 8.2 mm larger than Samsung ’s. This is because Google still uses many sensors at the top of the screen. Among them, these are used for 3D facial recognition. Google phones can collect bonus points through software support. Google guarantees a fast Android update within three years-as long as no other Android phone manufacturer supports its device for version update.
Equipment and operation
Not bad, but wasted too much potential
Google hopes to provide Android with iPhone replacement products-software and hardware coordination through pixel smartphones. It sounds good in theory, but in fact it has not worked. The development and promotion of certain functions is too ambitious, and important aspects of the device are ignored. Apple's "less is more" strategy has caused Google to have too many hardware errors and some semi-familiar software features. Although the Pixel 4 model shines in some places, the overall packaging imbalance at these prices is not convincing. Overall, smartphones cannot compete with other high-profile competitors.
- Good feeling and workmanship
- OLED display with 90 Hz
- Very good photo quality
- Motion sensing has almost no function
- Only 64 GB of RAM in the basic model
- Battery life is relatively short
The installed hardware is at the same level as the Samsung Galaxy S10e-just different. Google has installed a display in the Pixel 4 with a refresh rate of up to 90 Hz. This display will be fully available in 2020. The retail price of the Pixel 4 is 469 euros.
Fourth place: Samsung Galaxy S20
The Samsung Galaxy S20 ranks fourth in our small cell phone overview. The screen size of the phone is 6.2 inches, but the size is still 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm. In fact, the Galaxy S20 was almost no bigger than the Galaxy S7 at the time. It can be made possible by design techniques similar to the Galaxy S10e.
Equipment and operation
Convenient top-level smartphone with weaknesses
In the test, the Galaxy S20 particularly liked its format. Samsung has managed to pack the 6.2-inch screen together. In addition, the annoying Bixby button was eventually deleted. The cameras of the new Samsung phones are at a competitive level, but no new standards have been set. Battery life may also be better. You must also pay a surcharge for the new 5G mobile communication standard, which is already a standard among competitors, which is a shame.
- format
- No more Bixby button
- Voice quality
- Only 128 GB of storage
- USB C to USB-A cable not included
- Average battery life
- No headphone jack
- 5G only costs extra
Although the S10e has been used for a year, the Samsung Galaxy S20 has only been available on the controller for a few weeks. Compared with the Galaxy S10e, the disadvantage of the larger Galaxy S20 + is also very small. The S20 offers the same triple camera as the larger model. The Galaxy S20 can be purchased online from 750 Euros.
Fifth place: Sony Xperia 5
The Sony Xperia 5's hand shape is also lighter than the appearance in the data sheet. It is a successor to the popular XZ Compact model. The width of the phone is 68 mm, which is as narrow as the iPhone SE 2, but the height is 158 mm, which is significantly longer.
The phone has been on the market since October 2019, so the hardware is still up to date. The 6.1-inch display is almost as large as the Galaxy S20. In contrast, you must not use wireless charging. For Sony phones, you must estimate nearly 600 Euros.
So far, the prices of these models have fluctuated between 500 and 1,000 euros. Are there cheaper and more compact smartphones? Yes, there is. The second half of our top 10 is dedicated to small smartphones that cost less than 400 euros!
Sixth place: Samsung Galaxy A41
The Samsung Galaxy A41 will be available for less than 300 Euros this month. It measures 149.9 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm and is similar in appearance to the Galaxy S20, but at a much cheaper price. Nonetheless, you have unexpectedly reduced the reduction in equipment. For example, the phone provides a decent triple camera, a 6.1-inch Super AMOLED display, and a fingerprint sensor integrated in the screen.
Seventh place: Google Pixel 3a
With the help of Pixel 3a, Google brought compact but cheap phones into the testing field. It has been less than a year for mid-range smartphones, but cameras and computing power can also meet higher requirements. In this price range, especially the camera is above average. However, the 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2 mm format is not as compact as the Pixel 4. The diagonal screen is only 5.6 inches. Similar to Pixel 4, you can rely on long-term software support.
Google Pixel 3a
Note: We only tested the Pixel 3a XL. Since these devices are almost the same except for size, the test also reflects the advantages and disadvantages of the Pixel 3a.
Eighth place: Samsung Galaxy A40
Samsung has not provided the Galaxy S Mini for many years, and no longer offers the small Galaxy A3. The new compact model for beginners is called Samsung Galaxy A40. The phone has been used for almost a year, but it is already available for 200 Euros.
Equipment and operation
Compact smartphone with Super AMOLED display
The Galaxy A40 is a rugged smartphone, and the current market price seems reasonable. In addition to the compact format, the advantages of mobile phones obviously include a bright Super AMOLED screen. For this, you must accept a compromise between performance and language quality. Anyone who wants a compact smartphone to write some messages while traveling or surfing the Internet is still satisfied with the Galaxy A40 today. If you have higher requirements for cameras and computing power, you must find alternatives.
- Compact
- Super AMOLED screen
- Separate slot for second SIM card and SD card
- Medium voice quality
- Moderate performance
If you do not use your phone to play Fortnite or PUBG Mobile, you will be satisfied with the computing power in daily life, and even during the day, the camera can provide excellent photos. One advantage is the bright Super AMOLED display, which is certainly not a problem in this price range.
9th place: Unihertz Atom
If you do n’t like any of the provided smartphones, and in some cases you only need a compact smartphone, you can buy a mini smartphone. The Chinese manufacturer Unihertz specializes in these models. Unihertz Atom is an outdoor smartphone with a size of 2.45 inches! This means that atoms can easily d isappear into your pockets during movement.
Equipment and operation
The powerful Atom only lacks battery power
Unihertz Atom shines in tests with its compact format, rugged craftsmanship and extensive equipment. However, for outdoor mobile phones in miniature format, a more powerful battery will be a good choice. For this type of mobile phone, we can also not use a fingerprint sensor. In addition to Atom, anyone who can use mobile power will find a sturdy and compact companion on the mobile phone for field exploration.
- Compact format
- Rugged housing
- Extensive equipment
- Moderate battery life
- The battery is not replaceable
- Long charging time
The fully functional old version of Android can run on the device itself, and has 64 GB of device memory, and you even have enough space to store music and applications. Unihertz Atom can be purchased through the manufacturer's online store or through Amazon.
Tenth place: Palm Pepito
Palm Pepito is as compact as Unihertz equipment. The 3.3-inch smartphone is only a little larger than the lipstick and is designed as the second phone. Only when the regular smartphone is too big for you, you can bring the mobile dwarf. For example, during exercise.
Order Palm Pepito
However, the battery is relatively small at 800 mAh, and after a few hours, the handheld computer usually runs out of air. In Germany, you can only buy mobile phones from Vodafone.
This is how we make this comparison
In this comparison, we tried to give an up-to-date market overview on the topic of "small cell phones". As a result, we have missed equipment that is no longer in production or significantly more than two years old. We listed them for you in the "Other Alternatives" section. The ranking of the equipment under consideration is based on its performance on the one hand and its external dimensions on the other. The more powerful and compact the model, the higher its ranking.
You can find who we are, how to obtain test equipment and how to fund the online world on the transparency page. Below, you will find a clear list of all models and their most important data considered for comparison.
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1. Apple iPhone SE 2 (2020) |
2. Samsung Galaxy S10e 8.0 (out of 10 points) |
3. Samsung Galaxy S20 8.4 out of 10 |
4. Google Pixel 4 6.8 (out of 10 points) |
5. Sony Xperia 5 |
6. Samsung Galaxy A41 |
7. Google Pixel 3a |
8. Samsung Galaxy A40 6.8 (out of 10 points) |
9. Unihertz atom 6.4 (out of 10 points) |
10. Palm Pepper |
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Discount |
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RAM |
3 GB |
6, 8 GB |
8 GB, 12 GB |
6 GB |
6 GB |
4GB |
4GB |
4GB |
4GB |
3 GB |
battery capacity |
1821 mAh |
3100 mAh |
4000 mAh |
2800 mAh |
3140 mAh |
3500 mAh |
3000 mAh |
3100 mAh |
2,000 mAh |
800 mAh |
Device memory |
64, 128, 256 GB |
128, 256 GB |
128 GB |
64, 128 GB |
128 GB |
64 GB |
64 GB |
64 GB |
64 GB |
32 GB |
Main camera image sensor |
12 MP |
12.19 miles |
12 MP |
12 MP |
12.19 miles |
48 MP |
12 MP |
15.93 miles |
16 MP |
12 MP |
Show diagonal |
4.7 inches |
5.8 inches |
6.2 inches |
5.7 inches |
6.1 inches |
6.1 inches |
5.6 inches |
5.9 inches |
2.45 inches |
3.3 inches |
Front |
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negative number |
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Other options
In addition to the smartphones mentioned, there are many other compact models, but these models are usually available for several years (Apple iPhone 8) or no longer in production (Google Pixel 3). Therefore, we have omitted them in the comparison. However, if we have tested it, we will list these models below.
- Powerful processor
- camera
- Wireless charging
- Memory cannot be expanded
- Thick edge
- Performance
- Camera (including 4K video)
- Battery Life
- Memory cannot be expanded
- Very expensive in Germany
- (The power button is played)
- Stereo speakers
- Dual SIM
- convenient
- IP68
- Fingerprint sensor is hard to feel
- Smart scanning is still too much trouble
- Use dual cameras only on Galaxy S9 +
- No more Android updates
- camera
- Voice quality
- Guaranteed three years of Android updates
- The top shot function is not intuitive
- Only 64 GB of memory
- Memory cannot be expanded
- The charging cable cannot be used as a data cable
- No dual SIM card
Device memory
64, 256 GB
Device memory
16, 32, 64, 128 GB
Device memory
64, 128, 256 GB
Device memory
64, 128 GB
Main camera image sensor
12.19 miles
Main camera image sensor
12 MP
Main camera image sensor
12.19 miles
Main camera image sensor
12.19 miles
Show diagonal
4.7 inches
Show diagonal
5.8 inches
Show diagonal
5.5 inches
New wine in old bottles
It may sound strange, but the biggest criticism is the design of the iPhone 8. By the end of 2017, the price of smartphones quickly exceeded 1,000 Euros, and the look and feel are no longer like those of 2014. Development progress is too fast. And, if you place the expensive Samsung Galaxy S8 or Note 8 next to the iPhone 8, you can clearly see the signs of the times.
A
The glass back cover can be seen as a visual highlight, but there are also two on the back of the coin. On the one hand, it makes wireless charging possible, on the other hand, it is vulnerable to expensive damage. Do not use iPhone 8 without a protective case. However, none of this can obscure the fact that it is a powerful and well-thought-out smartphone. Over the years, it has almost matured to a perfect generation. But replacing the protection device in the form of a frameless iPhone X is already in its infancy.
More mobile phones than smart phones
iPhone SE is a successful mobile phone that will definitely attract many fans. Especially those who switch from iPhone 4S / 5S, will find that the Apple devices with the latest technology in SE can still be easily put in your pocket. Those who make fewer calls, go online and play more games are better off using the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6S.
The S9 feels better and sounds better, but the fingerprint sensor is still troublesome.
The compact form factor of the Samsung Galaxy S9 is convincing in 2020. The camera and computing power are still good, but the era is slowly on the mobile phone. Especially the missing second camera hurts. The battery life is only average.
Strengthen strengths and weaken weaknesses-Google clearly took this slogan in mind when developing the Pixel 3. The biggest weakness of the predecessor has been corrected: the design is modern and the screen moves qualitatively at a competitive level. The already good camera is further improved. For some people, the price seems too high. But you will receive a mature product that will reliably provide a three-year update.
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