Compact smartphones with screens smaller than 5.5 inches used to be the standard, but now devices with a diagonal of 6.3 inches or larger dominate the market. This is due to popular aspect ratios such as 2:1, 19:9, or even 21:9. Additionally, there is a new category of foldable smartphones, so in the near future, devices with screens larger than 7 inches will no longer be considered extraordinary.
However, compact devices are still popular, so we would like to present a ranking of the best small smartphones. The screen size is not as important as the actual size of the whole device, so models with a good screen-to-body ratio are particularly valued. Competitive models should not exceed a length of 150 millimeters, but very bulky phones are also excluded.
The table below presents an overview of the best compact smartphones reviewed by Notebookcheck in the last 12 months, as well as older models still available on the market. In case of the same score, the more recent device is listed first. Prices in the table and price comparisons are updated daily and may vary.
Two smartphones from the last quarter are included in this list. We said goodbye to older models, such as the Zenfone 9 and Galaxy Z Flip3. The Google Pixel 7a did not make it to the top ten because it is significantly heavier than its predecessor, weighing 193.5 grams.
Samsung Galaxy S23, one of the best compact smartphones of 2023, features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen, which can be incredibly bright and supports a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. It is also worth noting the good screen-to-body ratio. The S23 runs on the fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with 8 GB of RAM for Galaxy. Memory options of 128 GB and 256 GB are available. This smartphone is equipped with a 3900 mAh battery, allowing for long usage times, and it also has a triple camera system that takes really good photos and videos. The S23 is IP68 certified and has long-term update support. Unfortunately, it lacks UWB and Wi-Fi 7 technology.
Samsung Galaxy S23 can be ordered directly from the manufacturer and is also available on popular online stores such as Amazon.
Apple iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch OLED panel with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a screen-to-body ratio of 86 percent. The fast Apple processor with 6 GB of RAM provides high system performance, and depending on the configuration, different internal memory capacities from 128 to 512 GB are available. The iPhone 14 is a powerful smartphone that has minor differences compared to its predecessor. In the review, the iPhone impresses with its good camera, long battery life, and IP68 certification. However, in this price range, one would expect an additional macro feature for the camera or even an additional telephoto lens. The screen refresh rate could also be higher. The iPhone 14 is available directly from Apple and in commonly available stores.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G is a foldable smartphone with a 6.7-inch LTPO display that can have an adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz. The fast processor, 8 GB of RAM, and the choice of internal memory capacities of 256 or 512 GB are other advantages of this model. The large external displays (3.4 inches, 60 Hz) are also very useful for browsing information and using apps. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is a really good foldable smartphone that does not require compromises from its owner. It also offers other features such as good photo quality, support for Wi-Fi 6E with 6 GHz, dual-band GNSS, long-term update support, and a fast USB 3.2 port. The only drawbacks are the lack of Wi-Fi 7 and a greater number of audio codecs for Bluetooth technology. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is available directly from the manufacturer and in many stores such as Amazon.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G introduced minor changes compared to the previous model. Especially the main sensor of the dual camera is now significantly faster. Good speakers and an IPX8 certificate are also major advantages. The Galaxy Z Flip4 is very similar to its predecessor and has only been partially improved. It is slightly more compact, mainly due to a smaller hinge, but it does not close perfectly flat. It is also a pity that Samsung has installed only a single-band GNSS solution and has foregone premium features such as UWB, USB 3.2, and Wi-Fi 6E. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is available directly from the manufacturer and on Amazon for $950.
Apple iPhone 15 (82.4 ml) has a 6.1-inch display that unfortunately only operates at a refresh rate of 60 Hz. The 3349 mAh battery provides very good battery life. The smartphone is powered by a fast SoC chipset and has 6 GB of RAM. The available storage options are 128, 256, or 512 GB of internal memory. The dual camera relies on a 48 MP sensor that enables double, almost lossless digital zoom and is supplemented by a wide-angle lens. Apple iPhone 15 is equipped with MagSafe, UWB, wireless charging, and is also dust and water-resistant according to IP68. The iPhone 15 stands out with excellent build quality, a good camera, and a bright display, but it lacks a few features that are commonly found in this price range. In the review, the iPhone impresses but is criticized for its 60 Hz screen refresh rate, the installation of only a slow USB 2.0 port, and the lack of support for 6 GHz WLAN networks. iPhone 15 is available both directly from Apple and in standard stores.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro (82.8 ml) offers a 6.1-inch OLED display that operates at a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and supports Dolby Vision. Apple has equipped this model with a triple camera with a 48-megapixel sensor. There is also a minimum of 128 GB of memory available, and it can be purchased both from the manufacturer and in traditional stores.
FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
1. What are the current trends in smartphone screen sizes?
Currently, devices with a diagonal of 6.3 inches or larger with popular aspect ratios such as 2:1, 19:9, or 21:9 dominate the market. There is also the emergence of foldable smartphones, which have even larger screens.
2. Is screen size the only factor that affects the size of a device?
The screen size is not as important as the actual size of the whole device. Models with a good screen-to-body ratio are particularly valued.
3. What are the criteria for choosing a small smartphone?
In the case of compact devices, competitive models should have a length below 150 millimeters and should not be too bulky.
4. What are the best small smartphones according to the Notebookcheck ranking?
According to the ranking, the best small smartphones are the Samsung Galaxy S23, Apple iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G, and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G.
The source of the article is from the blog revistatenerife.com