Small Smartphones: 7 Top Picks for 2024

Although many phone manufacturers boast about the sizes of their phone screens, some people prefer the charm of smaller smartphones. Why? They offer a comfortable grip, ease of use with one hand, and compactness.

We have sifted through the latest offerings to bring you the very best small smartphones for 2024. 

Our top picks are based on a few non-negotiable criteria:

• Compact Size: We’re looking at devices that are easy to hold and navigate.
• Stellar Reviews: Only the best-rated phones make our list.
• Latest and Greatest: We focus on the newest models available.

As you scroll through this list, you might wonder what we mean by “small” smartphones since most of our top picks are at least six inches, which may not feel incredibly small to some. However, it’s important to note that in 2024, top-of-the-line phones just come in larger sizes than they did 10 years ago. 

We’ve picked seven relatively small smartphones that offer great functionality to boot. We’ve also included details on battery life, processing power, and camera specs so you can compare phones across multiple categories.

 1. iPhone 15 

The Apple iPhone 15 is Apple's latest flagship phone release, once again proving Apple specializes in simple engineering excellence. This phone brings the powerful A16 Bionic chip and a sleek, compact design, making it the best small phone for Apple enthusiasts. And if you're new to the Apple world? The intuitive, user-friendly Apple iOS will have you accessing apps and making calls in no time.

This phone boasts a 6.10-inch display, perfect for those looking for a smaller phone amongst some of the larger recent models. Featuring a dual camera setup with ultrawide and telephoto lenses, this phone is alsogreat for video and photography lovers. 

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2. iPhone 15 Pro

If you want to take it up a notch without going bigger, the iPhone 15 Pro has a better main camera system that delivers stunning images, whether a landscape or a selfie. But this phone also has the same screen size as the standard iPhone 15 — a 6.1-inch display.

With an impressive battery life of up to a full day of use, this phone helps you make sure your day isn’t interrupted by constant charging. The wireless charging feature adds a layer of convenience, letting you charge at a wireless charger port without needing a cable. 

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3. iPhone 14

The iPhone 14 remains a strong contender for the ideal smallest smartphone with a 6.10-inch display. Its OLED display delivers vibrant colors and sharp details, while its compact form makes it easy to handle. The A15 bionic chip helps your phone handle an impressive number of tasks per second, so you can multitask through multiple apps without suffering performance issues.

With a high-quality rear camera and dependable software support, the iPhone 14 is a reliable, compact device. Since it’s not the latest model, you can often find better deals on the price – but it offers almost as many great features as the latest iPhone. In short, it’s a great smaller phone you can often find at lower prices.

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4. Google Pixel 8

The Google Pixel 8 is a standout Android phone, offering a compact smartphone experience without sacrificing power. Its 6.2-inch screen size is a touch smaller than its predecessor, the Pixel 7, which offers 6.34 inches of screen. However, it’s still powerful. Running on Android 13, it’s an excellent choice for those who prefer Google’s clean and efficient software approach.

The Pixel 8’s camera system captures detailed and vibrant photos, backed by Google’s computational photography expertise. The AMOLED display ensures that every image and video looks fantastic.

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5. Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a compact phone at 6.20 inches that doesn’t skimp on specs. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers smooth performance, and the phone maintains an excellent battery life with a 4000mAh battery.

The S24’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen is a visual treat, providing deep blacks and vivid colors for impressive contrast. The camera system, including telephoto and ultrawide lenses, captures great photos in various lighting conditions.

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6. Samsung Galaxy S23

Though it’s last year’s model, the Galaxy S23 remains on our list of best buys for a compact smartphone. It uses the One UI operating system that offers solid performance, a great camera system, and a beautiful display, featuring the same AMOLED screen technology as its newer counterpart. This device is a great choice if you’re looking for something simpler with fewer bells and whistles than the S24. Note that this phone is slightly smaller, too, with a screen size of just 6.10 inches.

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7. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Flip phones give you the best of both worlds. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 folded phone is on the smaller side when in its folded state, just 3.35 inches. But you can unfold it to get a much larger screen size – a full 6.7 inches. 

The flex mode functionality adds unique use-case scenarios, especially for taking photos and videos.

The AMOLED display shines when unfolded, offering a larger screen should you need it. Like most modern-day smartphones, it also includes water resistance to add durability.

Again, if you’re looking for a phone that does the job nearly as well, but isn’t the latest and greatest model, the Galaxy Flip4 has similar dimension specs and many of the same functionalities.

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What Should You Look For in a New Phone?

You may notice that many of the phones here are of a similar screen size. So how can you decide between them? Beyond a smaller size, when venturing into the market for a new phone, you should also take into account several other key features like battery life, screen quality, and durability. 

Want to consider all your options in one place? Try our free, unbiased Phone Deal Finder below. With some basic info – like your current model and your carrier – we can find the latest and best phone deals to fit your needs.

Operating System

Choose between iOS and Android based on your preference for user interface, app availability, and ecosystem integration. iOS is known for its seamless integration with other Apple products, while Android offers greater customization and a wider variety of devices.

Storage Capacity

Consider how many GB you’ll need on your phone. If you take many photos, download movies, or play games, opt for a higher storage capacity. Remember, some phones don’t offer expandable storage, so choosing a model with enough internal storage is key.

Processor Performance

A good processor ensures your phone runs smoothly without lag, which is especially important for gaming, video editing, or running multiple apps simultaneously. Look for terms like Qualcomm Snapdragon, Apple’s Bionic chips, or Samsung’s Exynos to indicate high performance.

Screen Quality

In addition to size, pay attention to resolution and panel type (like LCD, OLED, or AMOLED). Higher resolution and OLED/AMOLED screens offer better color accuracy and sharper images.

Durability

If you’re prone to dropping your phone, consider its build quality and whether it has features like water and dust resistance. Check the phone’s IP rating for its ability to withstand these elements.

Battery Usage

Look at the battery size (mAh rating) and user reviews on battery life under normal conditions. If you find you often forget to charge your phone, prioritize a phone with a longer battery life or fast charging capabilities. 

Connectivity Options

Most phones offer these as a given nowadays. However, it’s still worth ensuring your phone supports the latest connectivity standards like 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0 or higher. These features will ensure your phone remains compatible with evolving network technologies.

Minimal Bezels for Maximum Display

Bezels, the borders surrounding the screen, should be minimal. Slimmer bezels offer a more immersive display, giving you more screen real estate for your viewing pleasure. This feature is particularly important for those who enjoy streaming videos or playing games on their phones.

High Refresh Rate for Smooth Performance

A high refresh rate is important for a smooth visual experience. A higher rate means smoother scrolling and better performance, especially in fast-paced applications or while playing graphic-intensive games.

Widgets

The best Androids and iPhones will have a variety of widgets to choose from. These widgets can include a shortcut to the main camera, a weather app, news feeds, and more. You can even customize your widgets to tailor your phone to your liking.

Camera Quality

For photography enthusiasts, the best camera is a must. Look for phones with advanced camera systems that offer versatility and high-quality image capture.

Audio Jack for Convenience

Lastly, don’t overlook the headphone jack. While many users prefer wireless options, a traditional headphone jack offers convenience and compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories.

The Bottom Line

The compact phone market has never had more options. Whether you prefer the classic Apple iPhone, the versatility of an Android phone like the Google Pixel 8, or the innovation of a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, we’ve got you covered. 

Try the Navi Phone Deal Finder to find the perfect compact smartphone that suits your lifestyle.