In only a few brief years, huge telephones have gone from being an outlier to the norm within the smartphone trade. Just about each main gadget launched as of late has a bigger bodily measurement, and whereas that is nice for watching films and taking part in video games, it may be a problem for many who choose telephones to be small and compact. Thankfully, there are nonetheless loads of choices, together with the Google Pixel 6a as our prime general decide.You will not should squint to see the very best small phonesWhy you possibly can belief Android Central
Our skilled reviewers spend hours testing and evaluating services and products so you possibly can select the very best for you. Find out extra about how we take a look at.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Best general small phoneReasons to purchase+Android 13 with Material You is fabulous+Outstanding cameras+IP68 mud and water resistance+Works with all U.S. carriers+Google Tensor at an ideal value+Best haptics aroundReasons to avoid-No telephoto lens-No wi-fi charging-No headphone jack-60Hz showGoogle’s Pixel A-series has lengthy been a worth chief for the reason that collection was launched. While most A-series telephones have been on the smaller aspect, they usually pair the diminutive measurement and value with equally diminutive specs. This time round, nonetheless, the Pixel 6a might be thought of a “value flagship” cellphone that additionally doubles as the very best small cellphone you should purchase.While telephones just like the Asus Zenfone 9 provide higher efficiency and battery life, no cellphone on this checklist provides the digicam high quality or high quality haptics of the Google Pixel 6a. It’s additionally received probably the most distinctive construct, and design of any cellphone on the checklist, and solely Samsung provides an extended software program help promise.Every time I decide the cellphone up and use it, I marvel at how this cellphone solely prices $450 and but feels so darn premium in each method. The processor inside is identical one within the dearer Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, providing the identical superior digicam options from these Pixel telephones.While the Pixel 6a makes use of the identical digicam {hardware} because the Pixel 5a, that Tensor processor inside ensures that the images you seize are crystal clear each time. Google has lengthy been a grasp at this however took it to the subsequent degree with Tensor, which provides Face Unblur expertise, routinely capturing crisp faces even when there’s motion. It’s one of many many causes the Pixel 6 collection is the very best cellphone for fogeys (opens in new tab).Google outfitted the Pixel 6a with a distinct fingerprint sensor than the Pixel 6, and though there have been some points at launch, Google fastened these points with the discharge of Android 13 final month. The cellphone additionally options no wi-fi charging or headphone jack, and the show is simply 60Hz, and that is in contrast with many different telephones on this checklist that provide 90Hz or 120Hz shows.But, actually, how will you argue with this value? It may not have each flagship characteristic however, in my view, sacrifices the fitting ones to suit the very best elements in a small bundle whereas nonetheless sustaining an unimaginable value. It’s a little bit of give and take, however, finally, it is the very best general small Android cellphone you should purchase.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Samsung Galaxy S22Best small flagship phoneReasons to purchase+120Hz AMOLED show is unimaginable+Amazing efficiency with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+Great triple-camera system+IP68 ranking+Promised 4 years of software program updatesReasons to avoid-Menial battery-Gets sizzling whereas gamingThe child Samsung Galaxy S22 is the proper small cellphone by way of measurement alone, touting an lovely 6.1-inch Dynamix AMOLED 2X show. In addition to the petite dimensions, it is also a critically nice bundle that you simply will not wish to overlook.The Galaxy S22’s small display and general slim construct make it extraordinarily comfy to make use of in the actual world. With tight bezels, a flat show, and a light-weight design because of the matte glass again, the Galaxy S22 is likely one of the most user-friendly flagships we’re certain to see in 2022. The show can be top-notch, with a fluid 120Hz refresh fee for buttery easy animations, and spectacular brightness underneath the solar.Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is on the coronary heart of the S22, and as you’d anticipate, this permits for among the greatest efficiency at present accessible in a smartphone (along with sub-6 and mmWave 5G help). There’s additionally 8GB of RAM and your alternative of 128 or 256GB of inside storage. The triple-camera system is dependable and versatile. Between the 50MP major digicam, 12MP ultra-wide digicam, and 10MP telephoto digicam, you’ll take some good pictures with the S22.The largest draw back to the S22 is, sadly, battery life. It’s removed from unusable, however for those who’re rocking the 120Hz refresh fee and have an lively 5G connection, do not anticipate to make it by one entire day of use.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Best foldableReasons to purchase+Fantastic efficiency+Cover Display is superior+One UI 4.1 is glossy+Good cameras+Convenient design that matches wherever+Great software program replace policyReasons to avoid-No telephoto lens-Visible creaseIf there’s anybody particular cause to get a foldable cellphone, it is to suit an even bigger show in an precise pocketable kind issue. That’s exactly why the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is the very best foldable cellphone for followers of smaller telephones.Case in level, it might need an enormous 6.7-inch show on the within — which is something however “small” or pocketable — however the Flip 4 folds in half once you’re finished with it, providing you with the comfort of a small cellphone measurement and an enormous display once you want it.With the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Samsung upgraded the battery measurement and added in a extra highly effective and power-efficient processor, which means you may simply get all-day battery life on a single cost. The charging was additionally upgraded from 15W on the Flip 3 to 25W on the Flip 4, which means it will not take greater than 20 or 30 minutes to juice it up sufficient to get you thru a very busy day.The digicam expertise has additionally been upgraded, as I identified in our Galaxy Z Flip 4 digicam assessment (opens in new tab). It now takes higher low-light pictures quicker than the Flip 3, and Samsung’s software program has gotten smarter, too, dealing with issues like movement higher than ever.On the software program entrance, the Z Flip 4 launched with One UI 4.1, which is constructed atop Android 12 and is slated for 4 main Android updates earlier than the tip of its help life. That’s greater than every other main Android producer, and Samsung’s common cadence of characteristic additions solely provides to the worth you get with this wonderful cellphone.Ready to leap to the subsequent huge, small factor? A Flip needs to be in your future, then.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Best small fanatic phoneReasons to purchase+Designed for one-handed use+Incredible efficiency+Sublime 120Hz display+Vanilla Android UI with zero bloatware+Great cameras+IP68 mud and water resistance+Loud stereo sound, 3.5mm jack+Battery lasts two days with easeReasons to avoid-Only 2 Android updates-No wi-fi charging-Doesn’t work on Verizon-Only 3G/4G help within the U.S.Asus’ Zenfone 9 is an unimaginable cellphone that may have simply gained the very best general if it weren’t for 2 huge issues: no 5G bands or Verizon help within the U.S.It’s a horrible disgrace to begin with such a adverse — as a result of we completely adore what Asus did right here — nevertheless it’s the factor that’ll preserve most U.S. patrons from ever experiencing the cellphone. If you are on T-Mobile, AT&T, Mint Mobile, or one other supported provider (opens in new tab) and do not thoughts solely 4G protection — or, higher but, are situated outdoors of the U.S. — the Zenfone 9 is the very best small cellphone you should purchase.It all begins with the dimensions. Most small Android telephones cannot be referred to as small by the identical definition we had simply 5 years in the past, however the Zenfone 9 eschews that thought and delivers a real one-handed expertise. Even the side-mounted fingerprint sensor can be utilized to scroll content material on the display, enabling new methods of one-handed use that are not usually seen.In addition to that, Asus packed an enormous, big battery inside in addition to the newest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. That means you are going to get the very best efficiency from an Android cellphone proper now and battery life that’ll make you surprise what kind of voodoo magic Asus labored on the cellphone. 2-day battery life is regular with the Zenfone 9, and that is virtually exhausting to imagine when a cellphone is that this quick.Asus additionally packed in some really very good cameras, as Harish identified in his assessment right here on Android Central. There’s even a 3.5mm headphone jack onboard, making us surprise why different OEMs cannot get their act collectively and embody one. It’s an ideal general expertise that is actually solely hampered by provider compatibility within the U.S.(Image credit score: Source: Sony)Sony Xperia 5 IIIBest different optionReasons to purchase+Sharp and colourful show+Strong efficiency+Solid digicam output+Long-lasting battery+Good water resistanceReasons to avoid-Odd fingerprint sensor-Comes with Android 11-Outdated designThis cellphone borrows closely from the Sony Xperia 1 II, making cuts in measurement in and out. The smaller body nonetheless offers you a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED with a 120Hz refresh fee and 240Hz contact sampling fee, so visually, there’s one thing neat to take a look at. You will not be getting 4K decision on this panel, however that is high-quality for those who do not thoughts a step or two decrease at 2520×1080.The Xperia 5 III can be simpler to wield, not simply due to its smaller stature, but in addition a clever choice to go along with rounded corners. Strangely, Sony opted to go along with an enlarged lock button to double because the fingerprint sensor when simply doing an onscreen one would have most likely made extra sense. You are prone to hit it unintentionally or have hassle locking/unlocking your cellphone.In any case, there are some first rate efficiency specs, courtesy of the Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, together with 8GB of RAM and 128GB/256GB storage (there’s additionally a micro SD slot in order for you extra space). That makes it greater than able to dealing with just about any job, even when the look of the cellphone could really feel a bit aged. Streaming media is straightforward, and if you wish to do some gaming, that is simple sufficient, too. There’s even a headphone jack in case that is helpful. IP68 ranking offers the cellphone some first rate water resistance, which can compel you to take a couple of dangers when capturing with its succesful digicam. The triple digicam array within the rear can take good pictures, with extra true-to-life shade which may please your eye for those who take pictures extra critically. However, the front-facing sensor is a modest 8MP and never fairly pretty much as good as different comparable telephones.The 4,500mAh battery holds up effectively due to its bigger measurement relative to the cellphone’s slimmer body, and that is greater than sufficient to final a full day, every single day.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)iPhone SE 2022Best for Apple usersReasons to purchase+A15 Bionic is a robust chip+IP67 mud/water resistance+Qi charging and Touch ID+Great measurement for one-handed use+Up to 5 years of OS and safety updatesReasons to avoid-Chunky bezels look dated-No USB-C port-Doesn’t have Face IDCamera output goes to be pretty much as good because it will get for one thing on this value vary. Decent pictures in good circumstances and never so good when the lights dim. That’s the identical for the battery, which lasts a very long time, because of its 4,000mAh measurement and the lighter specs. So you need to breeze by a full day with a lot left to spare.It’s at all times good when {hardware} and software program can run this effectively on a tool this measurement. The A15 Bionic chip is a gentle performer, and with iOS 15 operating easily, it is as intuitive as you’d anticipate an iPhone to be. Apple’s tendency to additionally help its telephones with years of updates (assuming they will not throttle it in any method) may even preserve the iPhone SE 2022 related for a while.Trimming issues down additionally means a smaller battery. However, the two,018mAh cell retains the gadget up for an honest period of time. Unfortunately, there’s nonetheless no USB-C, so you’ll have to cost by way of Lightning or Qi wi-fi charging. The single 12MP fundamental digicam takes first rate pictures, leveraging the processing powers of the A15 Bionic and software program enhancements. You do miss out on Face ID, however there’s the throwback house button with Touch ID built-in for biometric safety.Not the whole lot’s about measurementThe marketplace for small Android telephones is not as expansive because it was, however there are nonetheless loads of decisions on the market if you already know the place to look. Among the whole lot at present accessible, we predict the Google Pixel 6a is the very best one you may get.Google discovered a strategy to excellent the small cellphone system with the Pixel 5a, which was enticing and well-built. The Pixel 6a will get larger and badder in each facet, with a flashy new design that attire to impress. It will not be what everybody considers “small” nevertheless it has wonderful specs throughout the board, is available in at a value that is greater than affordable, and may nonetheless be thought of small by fashionable cellphone requirements. Using the Pixel 6a is fairly darn nice it doesn’t matter what you are doing, usually punching above what you’d anticipate from a cellphone this low cost.What’s particular concerning the Pixel 6a is that it goes above and past concerning digicam and software program. These are two areas that the Pixel does higher than anybody else, and with the Pixel 6a, you get these advantages whereas staying inside your funds. If you want a cellphone that is really designed for one-handed use, then look no additional than the Zenfone 9. ASUS by some means managed to ship high-end {hardware}, nice cameras, and a big battery into this small cellphone, and it’s a really standout bundle. Round up of as we speak’s greatest offers