The Best Compact Smartphones
Smartphone with screens smaller than 5.5 inches were standard a short while ago, but devices with 6.3 inches or more are dominating the market right now. This is a a result of the popular aspect ratios 2:1, 19:9 or even 21:9. Then we have a new category of foldable smartphones, so devices with screens bigger than 7 inches will not be unusual in the near future.
Compact devices are still popular, so we want to present the best compact smartphones in the following ranking. The display size ist not as important as the actual size of the smartphone, so devices with a good screen-to-body ratio will benefit. The contenders must not surpass a length of 150 millimeters, but we will also sort out very bulky devices.
The following smartphone ranking might be interesting as well:
The Best Compact Smartphones
Position | Total Rating | Date | Image | Model | Width | Height | Weight | Screen-to-Body | Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 90.5 % | 03/2023 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy Qualcomm Adreno 740 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | 146.3 | 7.6 mm | 167 g | 88 % | 6.10" | 2340x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 13 | |
2 | 89.8 % | 10/2021 | Apple iPhone 13 mini Apple A15 Bionic Apple A15 GPU 4-Core 4 GB Memory, 128 GB NVMe | 131.5 | 7.65 mm | 140 g | 85 % | 5.40" | 2340x1080 | 060 Hz | Apple iOS 15 | |
3 | 89.3 % | 05/2022 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Samsung Exynos 2200 Samsung Xclipse 920 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | 146 | 7.6 mm | 167 g | 89 % | 6.10" | 2340x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 12 | |
4 | 89.2 % | 10/2022 | Apple iPhone 14 Apple A15 Bionic Apple A15 GPU 5-Core 6 GB Memory, 128 GB NVMe | 146.7 | 7.8 mm | 172 g | 86 % | 6.10" | 2532x1170 | 060 Hz | Apple iOS 16 | |
5 | 89.1 % | 02/2023 | Xiaomi 13 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Qualcomm Adreno 740 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 152.8 | 7.98 mm | 189 g | 89 % | 6.36" | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 13 | |
6 | 88.7 % | 07/2023 New! | Asus Zenfone 10 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Qualcomm Adreno 740 16 GB Memory, 512 GB | 146.5 | 9.4 mm | 172 g | 82 % | 5.90" | 2400x1080 | 144 Hz | Android 13 | |
7 | 87.9 % | 10/2022 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Qualcomm Adreno 730 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | 165.2 | 6.9 mm | 187 g | 85.4 % | 6.70" | 2640x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 12 | |
8 | 87 % | 06/2023 New! | Motorola Razr 40 Ultra Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Qualcomm Adreno 730 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 170.8 | 7 mm | 188.5 g | 89 % | 6.90" | 2640x1080 | 165 Hz | Android 13 | |
9 | 86.1 % | 04/2022 | Apple iPhone SE 2022 Apple A15 Bionic Apple A15 GPU 5-Core 4 GB Memory, 64 GB SSD | 138.4 | 7.3 mm | 144 g | 67 % | 4.70" | 1334x750 | 060 Hz | Apple iOS 15 | |
10 | 85.8 % | 09/2022 | Google Pixel 6a Google Tensor ARM Mali-G78 MP20 6 GB Memory, 128 GB | 152.2 | 8.9 mm | 178 g | 82 % | 6.10" | 2400x1080 | 060 Hz | Android 12 |
The table above contains an overview over the best compact smartphones reviewed by Notebookcheck over the course of the past 12 months as well as still relevant and available older products. In cases of identical score the more recent device is listed first. All prices in above table and price comparisons are updated daily and can thus differ.
Editors' Comments
Two smartphones from the last quarter make it into this list. We primarily say goodbye to older models: the Zenfone 9 and the Galaxy Z Flip3. The Google Pixel 7a does not make it into the top 10 because it is considerably heavier than its predecessor with 193.5 grams
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1st – Samsung Galaxy S23
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display that can get enormously bright and supports a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The display-surface ratio is also very appealing. The S23 is powered by the fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, which has 8 GB of RAM. Both a 128 GB and a 256 GB storage solution are available.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is one of the best compact smartphones of 2023.
The 3,900 mAh battery helps the Samsung smartphone achieve long runtimes and the triple camera takes really good photos as well as videos. The compact phone is rounded off by an IP68 certification and a long update supply. Only UWB and Wi-Fi 7 have to be waived.
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2nd – Apple iPhone 13 mini
If you are looking for a compact high-end smartphone the Apple iPhone 13 mini is your best bet. System performance, camera quality, and battery life are second to none other in its class. Of all the phones reviewed in the most recent past only the Asus Zenfone 8 gets even close in terms of size. It is very fast yet not as fast as the iPhone 13 mini, and its 5.9-inch display is quite a bit bigger than the iPhone 13 mini’s 5.4-inch display.
The iPhone 13 mini’s Performance and connectivity are second to none.
Apps are running smoothly and without any problems. The system is very snappy and fast, which is at least partly courtesy of the iPhone 13 mini’s great touchscreen. It gets very bright and is thus well usable outdoors. Given that the entry-level models have now been bumped to 128 GB of storage the woes of the past should be just that: of the past.
The Apple iPhone 13 mini is available through Apple as well as the usual retail channels, such as Amazon.
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3rd – Samsung Galaxy S22
The Samsung Galaxy S22 marks the most affordable entry into the Korean manufacturer's premium model range. It has a 6.1-inch OLED screen, 8 GB of RAM and either 128 or 256 GB of internal storage. The heart of the powerful triple camera is a 50 MP sensor, which is supplemented by an ultra-wide-angle and a triple optical zoom. The 3,700 mAh battery enables the Samsung smartphone to have appealing runtimes.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 convinces with its high value, long update supply and strong features.
The S22 also has a very long update supply and is also protected against dust and water penetration (IP 68). There are no major compromises compared with the heavier siblings; only a lower maximum charging performance, a missing UWB chip, and the lack of Wi-Fi 6E can be criticized here.
Users can find the Samsung Galaxy S22 on Amazon US. Currently, the Phantom black variant with 128 GB memory is available at $632.
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4th – Apple iPhone 14
The Apple iPhone 14 relies on a 6.1-inch 60 Hz OLED panel and has a display surface ratio of 86 percent. The fast Apple processor with 6 GB RAM ensures high system performance, and the internal memory varies between 128 and 512 GB, depending on the equipment variant.
The iPhone 14 is a strong smartphone, but only has minor differences compared to the predecessor.
In the review, the iPhone knows how to convince with its good dual camera, long battery runtimes and an IP68 certification. The iPhone does not really have to put up with much criticism. Considering the price range, a macro function for the camera or even an additional telephoto lens would have been desirable. The frame rate could have been higher as well.
The Apple iPhone 14 is available through Apple's official online store as well as the usual retail channels.
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5th - Xiaomi 13
The Xiaomi 13 offers a 6.36-inch LTPO OLED display that resolves at Full HD+ and operates at up to 120 Hz. The display-to-surface ratio (89%) is very good. The Xiaomi smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with 8 GB of working memory. Only a 256 GB model is offered as storage options. The triple camera was developed in cooperation with Leica and takes good pictures, but sometimes overdoes it with the contrast.
The Xiaomi 13 is a real power dwarf, with few equipment gaps.
There are only a few gaps in the equipment, even UWB is included. However, the Xiaomi 13 still only uses USB 2.0, cannot use an eSIM and the front-facing camera only offers Full HD video. In return, the smartphone is dust- and waterproof (IP68), shows super battery runtimes in the test and can also be charged quickly.
At the time of writing, the Xiaomi 13 is only available as an import device, for instance from TradingShenzhen (who kindly loaned us the review unit).
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6th – Asus Zenfone 10
The Asus Zenfone 10 offers a 5.9-inch AMOLED display that works with up to 144 Hz and has a good brightness, but it cannot keep up with current high-end competitors in this respect. Three storage options are offered: 8/128 GB, 8/256 GB and 16/512 GB. The smartphone is powered by a fast Qualcomm SoC.
Those looking for a compact power smartphone with Android will be right at home with the Zenfone 10.
An audio jack is also on board again and the Zenfone is capable of fast charging via cable as well as wireless charging. The 4,300 mAh battery enables very good runtimes and the dual camera takes appealing pictures.
The Asus ZenFone 10 is not officially sold in the US. The unlocked version is available on Amazon for $699.
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7th – Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G
With the Galaxy Z Flip4 5G, Samsung once again only makes small changes to its most compact foldable smartphone. Especially the main sensor of the dual camera is now much faster. The good speakers and IX8 certification are also real plus points.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is very similar to the predecessor and has only been partially improved.
The Flip4 has also become a bit more compact, which is mainly due to the smaller hinge, but it still does not close flush. It is also a pity that Samsung only installs a single-band GNSS solution and forgoes premium features like UWB, USB 3.2 and Wi-Fi 6E.
The Galaxy Flip4 can be purchased directly from Samsung. Amazon also lists the smartphone for $959.9.
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8th – Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
The foldable Motorola Razr 40 Ultra has a main display measuring 6.9 inches and a smaller panel measuring 3.6 inches on the outside. The large display operates at up to 165 Hz and gets a bit brighter, while the smaller one can use a refresh rate of 144 Hz. The storage configuration (8/256 GB) is on a class-standard level. An expansion via microSD is not possible, but an eSIM can be used.
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is a stylish foldable that overcomes former weaknesses of the concept in some points.
The dual camera allows decent pictures, but only offers an additional ultra-wide-angle. The battery runtimes are also quite good. However, it is a shame that many premium features are missing despite the high price.
The device is available through the usual retail channels, such as for example Amazon with prices starting at around $1,050.
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9th – Apple iPhone SE 2022
The Apple iPhone SE 2022 is merely a very gentle model update on the part of the manufacturer from California. The display only has a diagonal of 4.7 inches, but this contrasts with the old-fashioned display-surface ratio.
The Apple smartphone is powered by the fast A15 SoC, which is also used in the Pro models from 2021. Updates and a high system speed should thus be guaranteed for many years. The single camera looks a bit lonely on the back, but it still takes decent photos and can even record videos in Ultra HD with up to 60 FPS.
The iPhone SE 2022 relies on a classic design, but houses plenty of modern hardware.
In addition, Apple again gives its cheapest smartphone an IP certification, 5G with a broad frequency coverage, and Touch ID. Compromises only have to be made in terms of the refresh rate, the maximum storage size, and the flexibility of the camera system.
The Apple iPhone SE 2022 can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Users can purchase the smartphone on Amazon, starting at $479 as well.
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10th – Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a is comparatively compact and has a 6.1-inch OLED display that only works with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. It is powered by the fast Tensor SoC, which is supported by 6 GB of working memory. 128 GB are available for the user's own data.
The Google Pixel 6a offers a good dual camera and a long update warranty.
The IP67 certification and the USB 3.2 port are also particularly positive. Unfortunately, the Pixel smartphone does not support wireless charging, and the charging speed is not particularly high when using a cord.
The Pixel 6a can be ordered directly from Google's store, but it is cheaper at Amazon.
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Top 10 in Comparison
Test Results
Samsung Galaxy S23 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Apple iPhone 14 | Xiaomi 13 | Asus Zenfone 10 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G | Motorola Razr 40 Ultra | Apple iPhone SE 2022 | Google Pixel 6a | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Response Times | ||||||||||
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 1.36 ? | 5.6 ? | 8.486 ? | 5 ? | 1.67 ? | 1.7 ? | 1.41 ? | 0.9 ? | 56 ? | 1.78 ? |
Response Time Black / White * | 1.77 ? | 4 ? | 1.275 ? | 20 ? | 1.16 ? | 1.2 ? | 1.52 ? | 0.9 ? | 20 ? | 2.91 ? |
PWM Frequency | 240 | 510 ? | 239.8 | 60 | 488 | 238.1 | 120 | 103 | 240 | |
Screen | ||||||||||
Brightness middle | 1125 | 851 | 853 | 835 | 1209 | 797 | 795 | 849 | 662 | 758 |
Brightness | 1122 | 847 | 858 | 841 | 1208 | 789 | 800 | 830 | 647 | 767 |
Brightness Distribution | 96 | 98 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 93 | 97 | 96 | 92 | 93 |
Black Level * | 0.4 | |||||||||
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 3.2 | 1 | 1.9 | 1.05 | 1.2 | 3.64 | 1 | 3.02 | 1.44 | 0.9 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 4.9 | 2 | 3.2 | 2.81 | 3 | 1.92 | 2.5 | 7.61 | 4.74 | 2.5 |
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 3.3 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 2.6 | 2.1 | 3.1 | 1.5 | 5.3 | 1.7 | 1.6 |
Gamma | 1.97 112% | 2.21 100% | 2.07 106% | 2.034 108% | 2.26 97% | 2.238 98% | 2.37 93% | 2.198 100% | 2.179 101% | 2.2 100% |
CCT | 6504 100% | 6423 101% | 6460 101% | 6616 98% | 6504 100% | 6531 100% | 6466 101% | 6338 103% | 6746 96% | 6599 98% |
Contrast | 1655 | |||||||||
Heat | ||||||||||
Maximum Upper Side * | 30.6 | 34.6 | 33.7 | 39.7 | 30.9 | 55.8 | 33.4 | 54.6 | 40.5 | 38.2 |
Maximum Bottom * | 30.2 | 34.9 | 35 | 41.7 | 29.8 | 57.9 | 32.7 | 48 | 44.4 | 38.4 |
Idle Upper Side * | 25.2 | 33.3 | 28.6 | 23.3 | 25.7 | 27.9 | 25.7 | 26.9 | 29.4 | 29.9 |
Idle Bottom * | 24.2 | 31.6 | 27.2 | 23.4 | 24.3 | 28.1 | 25.4 | 27.3 | 29.9 | 28 |
Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
Reader / Idle | 2249 | 3107 | 2182 | 2689 | 2983 | 1864 | 1422 | 2049 | 1878 | |
H.264 | 1255 | 1043 | 887 | 1266 | 1221 | 1352 | 1013 | 797 | 1318 | |
WiFi v1.3 | 926 | 849 | 675 | 1010 | 1021 | 837 | 657 | 669 | 769 | 768 |
Load | 370 | 302 | 324 | 289 | 423 | 406 | 259 | 164 | 360 | |
Power Consumption | ||||||||||
Idle Minimum * | 0.57 | 0.57 | 0.69 | 0.6 | 0.76 | 0.9 | 0.56 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.68 |
Idle Average * | 0.74 | 1.38 | 1.19 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 0.71 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 1.56 |
Idle Maximum * | 0.83 | 1.41 | 1.26 | 1 | 1.13 | 1.5 | 0.79 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.58 |
Load Average * | 4.26 | 2.65 | 6.97 | 5.4 | 2.99 | 7.6 | 3.59 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 5.37 |
Load Maximum * | 6.16 | 3.56 | 8.85 | 9.2 | 6.63 | 11 | 6.45 | 10.3 | 11 | 8.74 |
* ... smaller is better
Benchmarks
PCMark for Android - Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value) | |
Samsung Galaxy S22 |
3DMark | |
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value) | |
Apple iPhone 13 mini | |
Samsung Galaxy S22 | |
Apple iPhone 14 | |
Google Pixel 6a | |
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value) | |
Apple iPhone 13 mini | |
Samsung Galaxy S22 | |
Apple iPhone 14 | |
Google Pixel 6a | |
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value) | |
Apple iPhone 13 mini | |
Samsung Galaxy S22 | |
Apple iPhone 14 | |
Google Pixel 6a |
WebXPRT 3 - --- (sort by value) | |
Apple iPhone 13 mini | |
Samsung Galaxy S22 | |
Apple iPhone 14 | |
Asus Zenfone 10 | |
Motorola Razr 40 Ultra | |
Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
Google Pixel 6a |
Networking | |
iperf3 transmit AX12 (sort by value) | |
Apple iPhone 13 mini | |
iperf3 receive AX12 (sort by value) | |
Apple iPhone 13 mini |