The most effective small smartphones you should buy in 2022

Whereas the largest smartphones can nonetheless slot in our again pockets (barely), there are many smaller smartphones that operate as nicely, if not higher, than their behemoth counterparts. Smaller cell telephones are simpler to hold and have easy-to-navigate screens that solely want one hand. Fortunately, you don’t must sacrifice efficiency with a smaller cellphone. Should you’re on the hunt for the smallest smartphones that pack the largest punch, then you definately’re in the fitting place.

The most effective small smartphone is now the iPhone 13 Mini. Apple’s return to a smaller sized iPhone is a triumph, and it’s completely the cellphone to begin with if smaller is your high precedence. However, whereas it’s removed from the costliest cellphone round, $600 continues to be a tough promote for a lot of, and that’s why we now have a lot of different nice smartphones on the smaller facet, so you could find the right smartphone for you.

We’ve examined tons of of smartphones at Digital Traits and we all know that some individuals want a cellphone they will comfortably handle one-handed. All of the diminutive units that made our record have been completely put by way of their paces. Listed here are among the finest small smartphones we now have discovered.

Apple iPhone 13 Mini

The most effective total small cellphone

Why you can purchase this: It’s the most effective small smartphone on the planet, proper now, bar none.

Who it’s for: Anybody who desires the most effective efficiency from a small smartphone, no matter whether or not it’s iOS or Android.

Why we picked the iPhone 13 Mini: Apple’s iPhone 12 Mini rocked our world, so it is smart to place its successor — the iPhone 13 Mini — on the high of this record. The brand new iPhone Mini is filled with the identical energy as the larger iPhones however in a a lot compact type. The iPhone 13 Mini shares lots of the key specs with its larger siblings, together with the highly effective A15 Bionic processor, which pits it towards the heavyweights within the smartphone trade.

The iPhone 13 Mini continues to make use of just about the identical design because the iPhone 12 Mini, though with a tweaked digicam module. There are, nevertheless, a number of upgrades within the bundle different than simply the A15 Bionic chip. The 5.4-inch show stays the identical, however the notch on the iPhone 13 Mini is narrower than its predecessor. The Tremendous Retina XDR OLED show can be a lot brighter, with 800 nits of claimed most brightness measured utilizing the Excessive Brightness Mode (HBM) technique.

With the brand new technology of the iPhone Mini, Apple has additionally eliminated the 64GB storage variant, and the minimal storage possibility is now 128GB. As well as, the very best storage possibility has additionally been elevated from 256GB to 512GB. Just like the iPhone 13, the Mini additionally encompasses a bigger major digicam sensor than the earlier technology, together with sensor-shift optical picture stabilization (OIS) by which the sensor strikes to compensate for any modifications within the cellphone’s orientation, to keep away from shakes and blurs whereas taking photographs or movies.

The iPhone 12 Mini had a weaker battery than most of its bigger siblings, and that put it to a significant benefit towards different flagship telephones. The iPhone 13 Mini is barely improved on this respect and now encompasses a 2,438mAh battery, which is about 10% larger than the earlier technology. For many informal customers, this battery ought to be sufficient to final a few day if no more. The small battery, nevertheless, does enable for sooner charging with claims of fifty% cost in simply half-hour of being plugged right into a Lightning connector utilizing an 18W (or increased) energy brick. The smartphone additionally helps quick wi-fi charging at 15W utilizing MagSafe and at 7.5W utilizing different common wi-fi chargers.

The iPhone 13 Mini is on the market ranging from $600 for the 128GB variant and is our decide for the most effective small cellphone.

Apple iPhone 13 Mini

The most effective total small cellphone

Asus ZenFone 8

The most effective small Android cellphone:

Why you can purchase this: It is essentially the most highly effective small Android cellphone, providing a feature-packed digicam, relentless efficiency, and lengthy battery life — all crammed right into a compact type.

Who it is for: Anybody who is not an iPhone fan, or somebody who loves having a small however very highly effective cellphone that does not compromise on efficiency.

Why we picked the ASUS ZenFone 8: The ASUS ZenFone lineup has garnered loads of curiosity because of the ZenFone 6 and the ZenFone 7’s flipping cameras, and whereas the ZenFone 8 doesn’t characteristic such a digicam, it as an alternative has a small type issue that’s ideally suited for single-handed utilization. The ZenFone 8 makes use of Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 888 processor and has as much as 16GB of RAM for completely stellar efficiency. Consumers can even select between 128GB and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

In contrast to its siblings that flip a single digicam module to make use of it because the again and the entrance digicam, the ASUS ZenFone 8 has fastened cameras. On the again, you may get a 64MP major wide-angle digicam and a 12MP ultrawide-angle digicam. It produces robust outcomes, with maybe a contact an excessive amount of HDR, however on the entire, optimistic. Across the entrance, there is a 12MP digicam, and the cameras on each side can report 4K movies with the rear digicam supporting 4K recording at as much as 60fps.

On the entrance, the ASUS ZenFone 8 has a 5.9-inch AMOLED show with a tiny hole-punch cutout. Defending this show is essentially the most sturdy model of Gorilla Glass, Gorilla Glass Victus. The again of the cellphone can be product of glass and guarded by Gorilla Glass 3, and connecting the 2 glass panels on each side is an aluminum body. Regardless of the cellphone’s compact type, ASUS doesn’t compromise on security; the ZenFone 8 comes with an IP68 ranking, making it water and mud resistant. Nonetheless, it’s actually on the boring facet the place design is worried, so it is not the cellphone for you in the event you like your coronary heart to skip a beat once you take a look at it.

You would possibly anticipate the ZenFone 8 to final a very long time because it comes with a 4,000mAh battery — however that is sadly not the case. Use this cellphone loads and it is unlikely to final till the tip of the day, which is a giant disappointment. Charging is quick although, with a full recharge taking 90 minutes. There isn’t any wi-fi charging both, which is one other disappointment on a flagship cellphone. By way of the person expertise, Android 11 runs out of the field, and the corporate claims it is going to present two extra years of software program updates.

The ASUS ZenFone 8 hits a candy spot with its efficiency and its dimension, even when there are some issues with its battery and design. Should you’ve been looking out for an Android flagship that’s highly effective however suits within the palm, then the ZenFone 8 is likely to be the most effective small cellphone for you.

Asus ZenFone 8

The most effective small Android cellphone:

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

The most effective small folding cellphone

Why you can purchase this: It presents spectacular efficiency with a cutting-edge foldable glass show and an improved secondary display.

Who it is for: Anybody who desires to expertise the most recent applied sciences with out making compromises in efficiency.

Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3: Samsung has patched loads of free ends with the Galaxy Z Flip 3. The cellphone now will get a way more sturdy foldable show, a stable hinge, and the peace of mind of security with water resistance. These options make the Galaxy Z Flip 3 a tool for a bigger viewers than simply early adopters.

The first show measures 6.7 inches, so you do not compromise on actual property. Samsung achieves an even bigger show dimension through the use of a longer-than-usual 22:9 facet ratio, and which means that it is going to nonetheless be pretty simple to make use of with a single hand regardless of its massive show. Apart from including consolation and suppleness, the show makes use of an AMOLED panel inside with a peak brightness of over 1200 nits. The show has a refresh price of 120Hz, which suggests you possibly can see a substantial distinction in scrolling in comparison with shows with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh price. Apart from utilizing the Z Flip 3 utterly open or utterly shut, it may be opened partially at 90 levels. This splits the show into two halves, permitting customers to make use of two apps concurrently.

In the meantime, the show on the skin measures 1.9 inches with a decision of 260 x 512 pixels. Whereas the show is not as large because the Motorola Razr 5G, the Galaxy Z Flip will get a coloured Tremendous AMOLED show, which is a substantial improve over the tiny monochrome show of the earlier technology. Being a colour show, it may be used for viewing notifications, caller ID, battery standing, music controls, or another options. Samsung additionally presents varied widgets so that you can management a number of apps proper from this tiny display, although its makes use of are considerably restricted. One other profit is that you need to use this show as a viewfinder for the rear cameras.

Speaking of cameras, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 comes with a 12MP major and a 12MP ultrawide-angle digicam. There’s a 10MP digicam once you flip the cellphone open for larger selfies and video calling. These cameras take good footage in well-lit eventualities and don’t require loads of handbook tweaking. You can too fold the display partially and use the angled cellphone to safe the cellphone sideways on a flat floor with none extra stand or tripod. The selfie digicam on the Z Flip 3 can be used for face unlocking. For safety, Samsung has additionally provisioned the Galaxy Z Flip 3 with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

Inside, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC in all areas worldwide. With the chipset, you get 8GB of RAM as customary on the cellphone, however Samsung presents choices between 128GB and 256GB for storage. You additionally get a 3,300mAh battery with a few single day’s use and a slightly gradual charging price at solely 15W. You possibly can cost the Galaxy Z Flip 3 wirelessly, however as soon as once more, the speed is proscribed to 10W, which can solely be ideally suited in the event you both at all times have a wi-fi charger at your disposal or want charging your smartphone in a single day.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

The most effective small folding cellphone

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

The most effective midrange small cellphone

Why you can purchase this: It is small, highly effective, and packs Apple’s A15 Bionic chip.

Who it is for: Anybody searching for a smaller, extra compact cellphone that also packs a punch within the efficiency stakes.

Why we picked the iPhone SE (2022) It was an in depth contest between the iPhone SE (2022) and Google’s Pixel 4a, however the brand new iPhone SE received in the long run, not solely as a result of it is getting tougher to seek out the Pixel 4a on sale, but in addition as a result of the iPhone is a robust, pocket-friendly handset that is glorious worth for cash.

There isn’t any denying the iPhone SE (2022) has a small display. Coming in at simply 4.7 inches, the Liquid Retina show has a 1334 x 750 decision (326 ppi) with a 60Hz refresh price. The cellphone appears good, although its conventional type, paying homage to the iPhone 8, won’t be to all tastes. That diminutive display makes it simple to function the cellphone one-handed although, and also you get Contact ID built-in into the Residence button slightly than the now-more-common Face ID — nice information for masks wearers.

Below the hood, you may discover Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, with 4GB of RAM and 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of non-expandable storage. Although we do not but have affirmation of the battery dimension from Apple, it does declare the brand new iPhone SE’s battery lasts as much as two hours longer than its predecessor, which gave us a stable eight hours of video streaming in exams. You additionally get 18W quick charging to get you juiced up once more fairly shortly, plus Qi wi-fi charging too — however there is not any charger within the field.

Although the iPhone SE (2022) has only a single rear 12MP digicam and 7MP entrance digicam, Apple’s software program ensures this cellphone takes glorious, well-balanced photographs in most lighting. Options like Good HDR 4, Deep Fusion know-how, and Photographic Kinds make capturing with the brand new iPhone SE loads of enjoyable, although keep in mind there is not any Night time mode, one thing to contemplate in the event you take loads of low-light or after-dark photographs.

Throw in sub-6GHz 5G connectivity and Apple’s regular 5 to 6 years of updates, and it is easy to see why the iPhone SE (2022) is so interesting. You possibly can decide it up ranging from $429 for the 64GB variant, $479 for the 128GB mannequin, and $579 for the 256GB model. Should you’re searching for an reasonably priced cellphone with a robust processor and first rate battery life, the iPhone SE (2022) is tough to beat.

Do not fancy Apple? The Google Pixel 4a can be a wonderful mid-range alternative, with its Snapdragon 730G chip, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and glorious cameras for a bit over $500. Observe although, Google has formally discontinued the cellphone, so whilst you can nonetheless purchase it, as soon as inventory sells out, it is going to now not be out there.

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

The most effective midrange small cellphone

Moto G7 Play

The most effective funds small cellphone

Why you can purchase this: It is a small cellphone you will get for a fraction of the value of an iPhone.

Who it is for: Anybody who loves a small cellphone, however actually does not wish to pay some huge cash for one.

Why we picked the Moto G7 Play: With the highest flagships exceeding $1,400, you would possibly assume there is not any level in even a cellphone priced beneath $200. Effectively, you would be unsuitable, and the Moto G7 Play is the right cellphone to select up in the event you’re searching for a pint-sized cellphone on a budget. The 5.7-inch LCD runs a 1512 x 720-pixel decision, and you will find a Snapdragon 632 paired with 2GB of RAM on the within. Whereas that is a far cry from the costlier telephones, the Moto G7 Play showcases easy and snappy efficiency on this funds {hardware} and retains up nicely with its costlier brethren within the Moto G7 vary.

That power-sipping {hardware} means the first rate 3,000mAh lasts even longer than you’d anticipate, and when it runs out, the included 10W USB-C charger should not take too lengthy to recharge. There’s solely a single digicam lens on the again, a 13-megapixel shooter, which performs nicely sufficient so long as the lighting is sweet. You will discover compromises although: There’s solely 32GB of inner storage (although a microSD card slot helps), there is a large notch and chunky bezels, and it has a cheap-feeling plastic again.

Nonetheless, these points are pretty small when you think about the value is so low. The sub-$200 worth is loads simpler on the pockets than most telephones on the market, and this packs good efficiency, a giant battery, and a simple one-hand-friendly design.

Moto G7 Play

The most effective funds small cellphone

Unihertz Atom

The most effective small rugged cellphone

Why you can purchase this: It is a tiny titan with extra sturdiness than most flagships.

Who it is for: Anybody who wants a small cellphone that may be tucked away simply, or tossed right into a bag with out fear.

Why we picked the Unihertz Atom: Small does not must imply weak, and the Unihertz Atom is proof of that. It is sufficiently small to suit comfortably in a single hand, but it is powerful sufficient to bounce down a set of stairs with out harm. We all know as a result of we examined it. The Unihertz Atom is the small cellphone to get in the event you want one thing a bit extra stable than your common cellphone.

As a rugged cellphone, it is wrapped in protecting supplies. Rubber covers the powerful polycarbonate physique, and it is bolstered on the corners. The two.4-inch LCD is a bit disappointing, with washed-out colours and light blacks. It is surrounded by chunky bezels, and you will find a fingerprint scanner beneath the display, flanked by a pair of capacitive buttons. It is actually not trendy, however it’s not attempting to be. It is purposeful, and due to its dimension, a bit cute.

Efficiency is easy due to an octa-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of inner storage. Let’s face it — having a high quality digicam is important when you think about social media, image messaging, and the truth that just about nobody makes use of their cellphone for calls anymore. The only 16MP digicam across the again isn’t nearly as good, and whereas we bought some first rate photographs, picture high quality went down with the lights. There’s solely a 2,000mAh battery, however because of the energy-sipping {hardware} and tiny show, this is sufficient to energy the Atom by way of two days in a single cost. It additionally has IP68 Waterproof functionality and is proof against mud, vibration, excessive scorching or chilly temperatures, and shock.

For the Unihertz Atom, the draw back is that it solely runs Android 8.1 Oreo, which hasn’t had any updates — safety or in any other case — since April of 2018. It’s not the cellphone for you in the event you care about having the most recent and biggest OS.

Moreover, whereas this cellphone doubles down its small type issue, that very same small dimension makes it arduous to make use of daily. It has first rate keyboard monitoring, however it will probably nonetheless be a wrestle to do particular duties on the tiny 2.4-inch show. At that dimension, it’s no shock that the colours and graphics aren’t crystal clear, so in the event you want a formidable show, you received’t discover it right here.

Should you’re searching for a small cellphone to tote round, it’s price trying previous these destructive elements to get an ideal dimension. The Unihertz Atom begins at $230, and it could be excellent for an lively particular person who desires a small, compact smartphone on a funds and doesn’t use it for a lot throughout the day. For such a small gadget, it actually packs a punch, too.

Unihertz Atom

The most effective small rugged cellphone

Small smartphone FAQ