As much as you love the best small phones out there, we promise you to love them even more. This is why we have compiled a list of the seven best small smartphones that may have you chant ‘Shut up, and take my money.’
It is because these small phones accommodate high-end specs, and make them available to you in an extremely compact design. You’d be able to hold these small phones within the palm of your hand, and still have space left to carry out complementary tasks like grabbing a key out of your pocket while you hold your phone, etc.
However, it sounds weird to proceed with the list here before discussing their criteria, which is quite a subjective topic. But like always, we have got you covered. Here are some numbers that may help you get more specific with your choice when looking for some top small phones.
How Small Should a Phone Be to Fall Under the Best Small Phones?
There is nothing like a concrete ‘small phones’ criteria, as it can really depend on the person using it. To be more particular though, the average width of a hand has a lot to do with it. People who have smaller hands will even find a 4.7” smartphone larger for their use, but it will be absolutely opposite for the people possessing larger palms or hands.
Of course, there is also the length factor, which is also subjective but also partially decided by the length of your thumb. The taller your thumb, the higher you can reach on your smartphone’s screen. Now, under the light of these factors or numbers, you should be able to crack on the best small phone of your choice.
Read more: Best Cheap Phones
Also, you don’t have to look elsewhere to find one, our compilation of the best small phones will suffice for you.
7 Best Small Phones of 2022
That’s right! This list of ours comprises phones that were launched not so long ago yet still get the job done for you. Let’s get started.
1. Google Pixel 4a
Pros
- Extremely Lightweight
- Remarkable display
- Worthwhile Performance
- Exceptional Camera
Cons
- Plastic Build
- Could support more fast charging
The first on our list and that was obvious, is Pixel 4a from Google, which is setting new standards for smartphones right from its launch of Google Pixel. Since we are more focused on screen sizes, let’s talk about that first.
The Google Pixel 4a packs a 5.81” screen size that seems way comfortable for both short and tall-handed people. It doesn’t carry thicker bezels, which gives you more room on the screen to watch, play, and socialize.
Not to forget, Google Pixel 4a was launched in two variants. The first supports only 4G, and the latter is equipped with 5G connectivity. The latter also has a bit bigger screen size at above 6”, and is a bit pricier than its predecessor.
Anyways, now that you know about the screen size of this smartphone, it’s time we talk about the internals, which played a vital role in making this smartphone an unstoppable storm. Starting with the processor, it has the Snapdragon 730G based on 8nm technology which is lightning-fast in performance.
It is paired with 6 gigs of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Also, if you own this pixel, you will be included among those receiving the latest Android updates earlier than the owners of other smartphone brands.
The camera, like always, produces quite detailed and toned images that you will love if you are an influencer or an avid photographer. The battery size is 3140 mAh, which will do fine if you don’t have much heavy usage of your smartphone throughout your routine.
It does support 18W fast-charging but could support more provided the price tag. However, it makes for a good small phone, good enough to feature in our list of the best small phones of 2022.
Check out our unbiased Google Pixel 4a and Google Pixel 5 comparison.
Check out the full specs here.
2. Google Pixel 5
Pros
- Lightweight
- Solid Build Quality
- 5G connectivity
- 90Hz OLED display
- Good battery life
Cons
- Could support fast charging
Another smartphone from Pixel is on our list, and right after the first place holder Google Pixel 4a. But since it launched a month later than its predecessor, it is a bit better than Pixel 4a. And how it is better reflects in its pros.
Now for its screen size, the Google Pixel 5 measures an absolute 6.0 inches. It is a boundary where most people fear the smartphone might be too big to handle and access. But it is not like that, 6-inch smartphones are handy for most people.
You should first give it a try at Google’s flagship store, and then make the decision if you want to proceed with it. However, only if you are not that much of a smartphone geek as us, you’d find this smartphone catering to every need of yours in the best of manners.
It has a sturdy build quality, i.e. it has a glass front, aluminum back, and aluminum frame, signifying a great deal of endurance over its competitors. Under the hood, it has a Snapdragon 765G that’s octa-core, and pairs with 8 gigs of ram and 128 gigs of storage.
There are dual cameras that allow you to record 4K videos @60fps, and a battery of 4080mAh that’s way bigger than the Google Pixel 4 and compensates for the increased price tag. To conclude it all, it is a 5G flagship that lets you do everything a 6.9-inch phone does in a 6.0-inch handy display.
You may read about Google Pixel 6 here.
Check out the full specs here.
3. iPhone 13 Mini
Pros
- Great display
- Lightweight
- Performing chipset
- Detailing cameras
Cons
- The battery might disturb you if your usage is heavy
This list wouldn’t be complete without an iPhone mention. Especially the iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini, we will cover the former after this power-performer.
Starting with the screen size, the iPhone 13 mini features a 5.4-inch screen with almost zero bezels, except for the notch. To put it simply, you are getting an 85.1% screen-to-body ratio that’s like if it is 5.4, you will have an accessible touchscreen of 5.2 inches let’s say.
Apart from the screen size, the iPhone 13 mini comes packed with an Apple Bionic A15 chipset, which is based on 5nm technology.
iPhone 13 mini-features multiple storages of up to 512GB, but it is paired with a memory of 4GB. Generally, iOS doesn’t require much memory, it is light as well as fast, and capable of handling heavier operations.
Next comes the display and cameras. The display is as usual great because the iPhone 13 mini features a super retina XDR OLED panel, which illuminates gloriously and meets your performance goals upfront.
The cameras are dual lenses, allowing you to shoot 4K recordings @60fps, and full HD recordings @240fps. As for the battery, we have said that it might turn out to be a problem if you have been a user of huge battery-packed Android smartphones, or if you have heavy smartphone usage.
And since there is no charger in the box, you will have to buy one, and per your heavy use, keep charging it frequently.
Check out full specs here.
4. iPhone 12 Mini
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great display
- Performing chipset
- Detailing cameras
Cons
- Storage
- Battery
Featuring the same screen size as the iPhone 13 mini, the iPhone 12 mini is another option from Apple to feature in our list of the best small phones. Its successor, the iPhone 13 mini, features an A15 Bionic chipset, while the iPhone 12 mini itself comes equipped with Apple’s A14 Bionic chipset.
Both perform up to the mark, they are only differentiated by a minor difference that you wouldn’t notice unless you are a smartphone pro who digs deep into exploring every single smartphone element. Now, like the iPhone 13 mini, this smartphone also features dual cameras that work exceptionally well.
You can capture your images and videos with Apple’s signature camera quality and would be able to watch them on a bright super retina XDR OLED display with great details. There is one big difference here, though the battery in iPhone 12 mini is smaller than its successor, it supports 20W fast-charging, unlike iPhone 13 mini, supporting 18W.
For now, you may not feel this difference to be huge, but as you get used to iPhones and start spending more time using and charging them, you will realize the difference. However, the iPhone 12 mini does make for an excellent small phone that’s both pocket and performance-friendly.
Check out full specs here.
5. iPhone SE 2022
Pros
- Affordable
- Exceptional performance for the money
- Ships with the latest chipset
- Produces good images and videos
- Sturdy build and design
Cons
- The camera doesn’t support night mode
- The battery isn’t that great
That’s three phones from Apple in a row! It is not a coincidence though, Apple loves giving its customers accessible options with a variety of options.
Now for the smartphone that resurrects the classics of Apple, the Apple iPhone SE 2022 is a deal-breaker for its price tag. It features a 4.7-inch screen size that brings back the nostalgia of holding an iPhone 6 in your hand, and the design is the same as well.
Anyways, this smart and small phone from Apple packs a 720p Retina IPS LCD that’s not the best, but couldn’t be better for its price tag. There are some latest developments within the device, like its chipset Apple A15 Bionic, the same as the latest flagship product from Apple.
The inclusion of 5G connectivity provides the iPhone SE 2022 with a competitive edge over its competitors. For the price tag it features, you can’t expect to see dual cameras, but the single lens that it is equipped with does enough for you to not crave one more camera.
Like all devices from Apple in this guide, this smartphone also allows you to record 4K and 1080P videos at 60 and 240fps respectively. Moreover, it’s good that iPhone SE 2022 is an affordable device, but still, it could feature more battery than it already does, which may be very less for some people.
Also, though you are getting 20W fast-charging support, you can’t always charge it. It sure is one of the best small phones, but only recommended for people who have light to mild smartphone usage.
Check out full specs here.
6. Samsung S22 5G
Pros
- Extraordinary build quality
- Great display
- Capable 3x optical zoom cameras
- Top-notch performance
Cons
- Battery life could be extended
The first option from Samsung in this guide and it is extraordinary. Samsung manufactures its smartphones within the recommended width size, which is the reason its phones are globally commended for their accessibility.
Needless to say, the same is the case with Samsung S22 5G, which includes a 6.1-inch screen size and a highly-detailed Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz display. This can be your next phone as it has everything you need from a budget-friendly smartphone.
The chipset that this smartphone feature is not here to get outdated anytime soon. You may get enough of the phone, but its speed will remain intact. It includes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the latest from Qualcomm that Galaxy S22 5G features in some regions of the world.
However, the European version of the phone is equipped with Exynos 2200, which provides more or less the same performance as the Snapdragon version of the phone. Chipset apart, another thing that makes this smartphone worth every penny is triple cameras.
You can record up to 8K videos @24fps, and 720P videos @960fps, all while you have optical zoom at your disposal, which allows you to zoom up to 3x the normal zoom and capture up to 70mm wide detailed photos.
The only downside of this one is its battery, which is quite shorter as compared to other small smartphones from different manufacturers available more or less at the same price tag.
Apart from the battery, everything that this smartphone has to offer you is worth the shot, and you will enjoy your time most with the cameras, gaming, and multi-tasking as you please.
Check out full specs here.
7. Asus Zenfone 8
Pros
- 120Hz Super AMOLED display
- Durable build quality
- Excellent camera
- Neat user interface
Cons
- It may not be for you if you wirelessly charge your phone
All right! It’s the last on this list and probably the most underrated small phone you will get your hands on. Meet the Asus Zenfone 8. A not-so-old phone from Asus that still beats numerous latest brands.
There are many things special about the device. From the chipset to the software, you won’t find a single element to complain about, let us tell you how. The screen size, which is surprisingly 5.9 inches, is backed by a 120Hz Super AMOLED panel.
For the chipset, it has a Snapdragon 888 5G under the hood, which is based on 5 nm technology and pairs with up to 16 gigs of ram and 256 gigs of storage.
The cameras comprise two lenses and let you record 8K videos @24fps, 4K @120fps, and 720P @480fps. Not to forget, even if you use this phone in all its glory, i.e. with everything at max, utilized to its full potential, you won’t be seeing its battery getting drained as fast as regular phones.
It is because the Asus Zenfone 8 packs a 4000mAh battery, which further supports 30W fast-charging, leaving frequent fuel-up advantages to your disposal. Your battery will be fully fueled up in no more than 80 minutes or sooner, and will again have you wondering how much longer it will last this time.
Check out full specs here.
Conclusion
The best small phones are derived from your preferences, but hopefully, this list will help you choose your own specific small smartphone that meets your needs.
Yes! Specifications do matter, and so does the price. You should find a small phone that while fulfilling your size requirements, also caters to your specification requirements as well. Our list makes sure to do just that for you, except for some that are priced at relatively higher price tags but with features to justify them.