Best compact phone to buy in 2023; The surge in larger phone displays seems to have hit a plateau. However, in today’s landscape, many phones remain too cumbersome for convenient one-handed use. That’s why we appreciate stumbling upon a well-designed compact phone from time to time. Therefore, if you’ve got little hands or you’re tired of phones that peek out of your jeans or get lost in your handbag, we’ve narrowed down the Best compact phones for you to consider.
In this segment of our buyer’s guide, we’ll highlight the ones we believe are worth your consideration.
Top best compact Phones to buy in 2023.
iPhone 13 mini:
If you’re in search of a compact phone, look no further than the iPhone 13 Mini. It’s the tiniest smartphone available and offers incredible value. Equipped with Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, it delivers ample power to handle your daily tasks, gaming, and even video editing for your TikTok adventures.
The iPhone 13 Mini boasts a compact 5.4-inch OLED display with a crisp 1080p resolution. It’s fueled by the robust Apple A15 chip, ensuring seamless 5G connectivity. In the camera department, it shares the same dual-camera setup as the standard iPhone 13, featuring sensor-shift stabilization, Night Mode, and the ability to capture videos in Dolby Vision. Additionally, it delivers impressive audio through its loud stereo speakers and offers improved battery life. Notably, the iPhone 13 Mini stands out for its durability, thanks to the inclusion of Ceramic Shield and IP68 water resistance, matching the standards in this aspect.
Currently, it stands as the most compact phone on the market. While dedicated Android fans may hesitate to switch, the iPhone 13 Mini proves itself as a superb and potent device, promising extensive software updates in the future.
Specs:
| Display size | 5.4-inch OLED |
| Display resolution | 2340 x 1080 |
| CPU | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage / Expandable | 128, 256, 512 GB |
| Rear cameras | 2MP main (f/1.6), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.4) |
| Front camera | 12MP (f/2.2) |
Reasons to buy:
- Have dual rear cameras.
- Comes with a Power A15 bionic chipset.
- Supports a 5G connection.
Reasons to avoid:
- You have to buy a charger separately.
- Somehow a costly compact phone.
Asus Zenfone 10:
Amidst the prevailing trend of larger smartphones, Asus has chosen to march to a different beat by consistently producing compact phones, a decision we truly appreciate. In the year 2023, the Zenfone 10 emerges as not only the finest offering within the Zenfone lineup but also stands out as one of our cherished compact smartphones. In fact, it claims the title of being the premier small Android flagship available in the market.
This smartphone boasts the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, delivering impressive power efficiency despite its compact battery. You can count on excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day of active use.
The vibrant OLED display measures 5.9 inches and offers a punchy visual experience with a 144Hz high refresh rate for gaming (maxing out at 120Hz for regular use). On the back, you’ll find a textured plastic finish that provides a secure grip. Interestingly, there’s no fragile glass back, allowing you to confidently use the phone without a case, though one is included in the package if you prefer extra protection.
While the dual-camera setup on the rear of the Asus Zenfone 10 may not be the most impressive we’ve come across in the smartphone world, it does a decent job of sharing images on your social platforms. The 50MP primary sensor, particularly in full-resolution mode, performs well in capturing most scenes, essentially serving as a capable point-and-shoot camera.
However, it’s worth noting that receiving only two years of full Android updates is somewhat underwhelming for a device in this price range. Despite this, the Zenfone 10 takes the lead among compact Android smartphones.
Specs:
| Display size | 5.9-inch AMOLED |
| Display resolution | 2400 x 1080 |
| CPU | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB, 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear cameras | 50MP (f/1.56) main, 13MP (f/3.06) ultrawide |
| Front camera | 32MP (f/2.5) |
Reasons to buy:
- The most compact phone compared to other premium Android phones.
- Top-class chipset.
- Have longer battery life.
Reasons not to buy:
- Two rear cameras are not enough to take quality pictures.
- Have a guarantee of only three years of software updates.
iPhone SE (2022):
In 2022, Apple introduced the new iPhone SE, which has earned a prominent spot in our selection of compact smartphones due to its remarkably small and lightweight design. While it’s not without its flaws. Apple offers the iPhone 13 Mini and 12 Mini for those who prioritize perfection.
Both the recent iPhone 13 Mini and the newly released iPhone SE (2022) maintain screen sizes well below six inches. In the case of the SE, it boasts a modest 4.7-inch LCD screen. While it may not win any beauty contests and doesn’t boast high resolution, its diminutive size makes it a perfect fit for smaller hands and pockets.
The iPhone SE 2022 offers a standout feature, aside from its remarkably compact and lightweight design: its powerful chipset. This phone is equipped with the Apple A15 Bionic chip, the same one found in the latest iPhone 13 series, and boasts 5G capabilities. This A15 chip surpasses even the most robust Android processors in terms of performance, ensuring its longevity for years to come. Additionally, it will continue to receive software updates, following the iOS tradition. Furthermore, the iPhone SE 2022 provides an affordable gateway into the world of iOS.
| Display size | 4.7-inch LCD |
| Display resolution | 1344 x 750 |
| CPU | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear cameras | 12MP (f/1.8) |
| Front camera | 7MP (f/2.2) |
Reasons to buy:
- Features a durable design.
- Give a quality photography experience at a reasonable price.
- Comes with an excellent performance.
Reasons to avoid:
- Features no night mode in the camera.
- No availability of a 5G connection.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5:
To create a compact phone effectively, a clever approach is to enable it to fold in half. This is precisely why, despite featuring a sizable 6.7-inch screen, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 stands out as one of the top compact smartphones.
It’s truly delightful to have a smartphone that isn’t oversized. What sets the Flip apart is its ability to transform into a standard-sized phone when necessary. The inner screen boasts a vivid and crisp 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display. On the outside, the screen is notably larger than in previous iterations, providing more space to display information and even run full-fledged apps without the need to open the phone.
What’s even more impressive is the new Flex Window located on the exterior, which surpasses the functionality of the previous external display found on the Galaxy Z Fold 4. While it doesn’t boast extensive app compatibility, you can still swipe through various widgets, aiding in quick access to essential information without the need to unfold the phone.
Furthermore, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset ensures outstanding performance. The camera capabilities meet the high expectations one would have for a top-tier Samsung phone. Additionally, the updated design allows for a tighter fold, resulting in a more streamlined and compact overall look.
Specs:
| Display size | 6.7-inch AMOLED (inner) 3.4-inch AMOLED (outer) |
| Display resolution | 2640 x 1080 (inner) 720 x 748 (outer) |
| CPU | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear cameras | 12MP (f/1.8) main, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide |
| Front camera | 10MP (f/2.2) |
Reasons to buy:
- Larger display in compact size.
- Good cameras.
- A cheap foldable smartphone.
- Extremely pocket-friendly
Reasons to avoid:
- Expensive compared to other non-foldable compact phones.
- Battery life is not good.
Samsung Galaxy S23:
The Samsung Galaxy S23 boasts a 6.1-inch flat screen in its full rectangular glory. Yet, when you round off the corners, it trims down to a more manageable 5.9 inches. This design tweak ensures that the upper corners of the screen are easily accessible when you’re using the phone with just one hand, reducing the need to slide your palm upwards. While the phone’s compact feel may vary depending on your hand size, for most people, it should fit snugly and comfortably in your palm.
This phone boasts a fantastic 6.1-inch OLED display that’s both brilliantly bright and adapts its refresh rate. It’s powered by the most robust chipset in the Android market, and it features an exceptional set of four cameras that consistently capture stunning photos of whatever you place before them.
The 50MP primary camera does an impressive job, ensuring most shots turn out well, except in low-light conditions with motion, which can challenge many smartphone cameras. To compensate for this, it’s accompanied by capable secondary cameras. While the 3X telephoto lens may not match the quality of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, it still allows you to zoom in on your subject with minimal loss of image quality, adding versatility to your photography.
We were genuinely impressed by the Galaxy S23’s battery performance during our review, especially when compared to the underwhelming Galaxy S22. Samsung has not only increased the battery size to 3,900mAh in the S23 but has also incorporated the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip instead of Gen 1. These enhancements ensure that your Galaxy S23 will comfortably last you all day long.
Specs:
| Display size | 6.1-inch AMOLED (inner) 3.4-inch AMOLED (outer) |
| Display resolution | 2640 x 1080 (inner) 720 x 748 (outer) |
| CPU | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear cameras | 12MP (f/1.8) main, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide |
| Front camera | 10MP (f/2.2) |
Reasons to buy:
- Gives you a quality photography experience.
- It features the fastest Android chipset, which boosts its performance.
- Comes with a good IP68 rating.
Reasons to avoid:
- Low-light camera performance is not very good.
- Charging speed is slow.
Which compact phone is right for you?
When it comes to choosing a compact smartphone, our top recommendation is the iPhone 13 Mini. However, if you’re looking for a more recent option and are open to Android, the Asus Zenfone 10 is also an excellent choice.