The best small smartphones 2024
Finding the perfect smartphone isn’t just about bigger screens and higher resolutions; for some handset owners, balancing performance and portability can be a higher priority. Whether you’re after a small iPhone, Android, or just in the market for a top compact smartphone, we’ve rounded up the best small phones you can buy.
Find your ideal pocket-friendly handset below, or explore our wider collection of contract and refurbished options.
Why choose a small smartphone?
It’s common for phone owners to value the convenience of a slim and small handset that doesn’t compromise on performance. From the iPhone 16 (the smallest in its series), to the foldable Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, compact smartphones can deliver flagship-level power in a petite form factor. These devices are ideal for travellers, multitaskers, or anyone who wants to downsize their handset without losing out on features.
Our best small smartphone pick
iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Specifications:
• Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm
• Weight: 144g
• CPU: A15 Bionic
• Display size: 4.7”
• Battery size: 2018mAh
Standout features:
• Compact and lightweight design
• A15 Bionic chip for excellent performance
• iOS support ensures longevity and regular updates
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is the ideal compact iPhone. With a classic design reminiscent of earlier iPhones, it combines modern hardware with a pocket-friendly 4.7” display. Its compact size and lightweight build make it a top choice for users who prefer one-handed use.
Whilst it lacks some of the advanced features of Apple's flagship models, the iPhone SE remains a strong contender for those prioritising simplicity, portability and cost.
Powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) delivers exceptional performance in a smaller package. This chip ensures smooth multitasking, reliable gaming performance, and great camera processing.
Speaking of cameras, the iPhone SE boasts a single 12MP rear camera with good photography capabilities, which can produce high-quality photos and videos. It also possesses software features like Portrait Mode, Smart HDR, and Deep Fusion.
Battery life on the iPhone SE is also efficient for such a small device. It offers enough power to last through a typical day of moderate use, and with fast-charging capabilities, you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
Things to consider:
Whilst the iPhone SE produces good quality photos, it is older than some of the other models on this list and the camera does reflect that. So, if phone photography is one of your priorities, it might be worth checking out a slightly newer model such as the iPhone 16.
Google Pixel 8a
Specifications:
• Dimensions: 153 x 73 x 9mm
• Weight: 188g
• CPU: Google Tensor G3
• Display size: 6.1”
• Battery size: 4492mAh
Standout features:
• 6.1” OLED display
• Tensor G3 chip
• 64MP camera with Google’s photography software enhancements.
The Google Pixel 8a is a great small Android phone that has Google’s signature AI-driven features and user-friendly. It is slightly larger than the iPhone SE with a 6.1” OLED display, but its slim bezels ensure it looks sleek from every angle. The Pixel 8a is easy to hold for operating with one hand and, despite its small size, it retains the vibrant visuals and seamless scrolling experience expected from a flagship Pixel device.
Google’s commitment to software updates keeps the Pixel 8a secure and up-to-date. This phone is also powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, offering strong performance for multitasking, app usage and gaming. Its AI features really shine, particularly the on-board translation, voice recognition, and smart photography tools.
For users seeking a compact, feature-rich Android phone, the Pixel 8a is a standout choice that combines small size with big features.
Things to consider:
The plastic build of the Pixel 8a does make it feel slightly less premium, but it provides excellent resistance against scratches.
iPhone 16
**Specifications: **
• Dimensions: 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm
• Weight: 170g
• CPU: A17 Bionic
• Display size: 6.1”
• Battery size: 3561mAh
**Standout features: **
• A17 Bionic chip and a 48MP camera
• Premium build
• Improved battery life
The iPhone 16 is the smallest of the ‘16’ series, offering flagship features in a compact form. For anyone seeking a premium Apple experience, the iPhone 16 stands out as one of the best small smartphones of 2024.
Sporting a 6.1” Super Retina XDR display, it provides a fantastic balance between size and immersion. Colours are exceptionally vivid and every detail pops, whether you’re gaming or watching a film. Apple’s A17 Bionic chip powers the iPhone 16, granting it lightning-fast performance across all apps and tasks. Taking photos with the 48MP main sensor or shooting 4K videos is also incredibly fast.
The iPhone 16 delivers improved battery life compared to previous iPhones, lasting comfortably through a day of regular use. Combined with its smaller size, it’s an excellent travel companion and ideal for taking on the commute. There are few better ways to enjoy an iPhone without struggling to get it in your pocket.
Things to consider:
Apple improved battery life from the iPhone 15 to the 16, but we recommend picking up a wireless charger for days when travelling.
Samsung Galaxy S24
Specifications:
• Dimensions: 147 x 70.6 x 7.6mm
• Weight: 167g
• CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
• Display Size: 6.2”
• Battery Size: 4000mAh
Standout features:
• Triple camera system
• Galaxy AI
The Samsung Galaxy S24 offers a flagship experience in a smaller, more compact design compared to other handsets in the series. Performance-wise, the Galaxy S24 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, providing exceptional speed and efficiency. Its sleek build and high-quality materials add to its appeal for those who value portability without sacrificing style.
The impressive triple-camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens. This array delivers versatile and high-quality photos packed with vibrant colours, deep contrasts and rich detail.
One of the Galaxy S24’s standout features is Galaxy AI, which introduced tools like Live Translate and Note Assist. Galaxy handsets have long been some of the smartphone industry’s most intelligent devices, but Galaxy AI took this intelligence to another level. The Galaxy S24 is one of the best – and smallest – ways to enjoy the benefits of AI in your pocket.
Things to consider:
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is built from aluminium rather than the S24 Ultra’s titanium shell. This device is incredibly robust, but consider picking up a phone case if you’re worried about scuffs and scratches.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
Specifications:
• Dimensions: 166x72x7mm
• Weight: 187g
• CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
• Display Size: 6.7” (main), 3.4” (secondary display)
• Battery Size: 4000mAh
Standout features:
• Ability to fold and easily be stored
• Cover Display
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 continued the brand’s run of excellent flip phones, and its folding form factor earns it a rightful place on this list. When folded, it fits easily into your pocket or bag, easily making it one of the slimmest and smallest mobile phones available. Unfolded, its 6.7” AMOLED 2X display provides amazing clarity paired with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals and reduced lag. Its external 3.4” cover display is also handy for quick notifications, selfies, or checking the weather without unfolding the phone, and is supported by even stronger hinges than its predecessor.
Samsung equipped the Z Flip6 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which grants this phone flagship-level performance for all tasks. The battery life is also a very respectable 4000mAh, so you can use throughout the day before needing to think about recharging it.
Flex Mode adds unique functionality, allowing you to use the phone hands-free for video calls, photography or multitasking. The Z Flip6 is undoubtedly one of the most flexible (pun intended) small smartphones around.
Things to consider:
Small smartphones sometimes have equally small battery lives, so take this into account when deciding which handset to buy. If long usage periods are important to you, consider pairing the Galaxy Z Flip6 with a wireless charger.
Motorola Razr 50
Specifications:
• Dimensions: 171 x 74 x 8mm (open); 88 x 74 x 16mm (closed)
• Weight: 188g
• CPU: Mediatek Dimensity 7300X
• Display Size: 6.9” (internal); 3.65” external
• Battery Size: 4200mAh
Standout features:
• One of the smallest smartphones available
• Larger external display
• Fast charging
The Motorola Razr 50 combines nostalgia with modern innovation, offering a slim foldable design that’s ideal for users seeking portability and versatility. It’s one of the smallest smartphones around, but unfolding it reveals a huge 6.9” OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The external 3.6” display is larger than most foldables, offering more screen space for quick tasks like responding to texts, checking notifications, or taking forward-facing pictures.
The dual-camera system includes a 12MP main sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide lens, offering great photo quality in various conditions. Motorola’s intuitive software adds to the experience, with features like gesture controls and a beautiful Android interface. Battery life is also superb, and the 30W fast charging ensures you can quickly top up when needed.
With its sleek design, customizable cover screen and nostalgic appeal that harkens back to iconic Motorola phones of old, the Razr 50 is a great option for those who want a compact smartphone with a unique twist.
Things to consider:
Intelligent software additions help significantly improve image detail on the Razr 50, but the raw quality of photos isn’t the very best on the market. However, it’s still an excellent choice if photography isn’t one of your priorities on a mobile phone.
Those are our picks for the very best small smartphones. Whether you opt for an iPhone or an Android device, learn how to easily move your old data across with our step-by-step guides.
FAQs
Do small smartphones have good battery life?
Modern small smartphones are designed to optimise battery life despite their size, often thanks to battery-saving features provided by the CPU. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 and Motorola Razr 50 offer impressive battery management to keep them powered throughout the day.
What if I currently have an Android and want to swap to a small iPhone?
Swapping over contacts from an Android phone can feel like a huge task, but it’s actually pretty simple and easy. We’ve put together a guide for that here.