Compact and pocket-friendly, browse the best small phones of 2026.
Compact, sleek, and seriously powerful: whilst phones today are getting bigger and bigger, if you’re after a phone that fits effortlessly into your pocket without compromising on performance, our round-up of the best small phones is for you.
Today’s small smartphones pack all the same cutting-edge technology, AI features, and powerful cameras into a more manageable package that's built for life on the go. So, whether you’re team Android or iPhone, looking for the best phone for battery life or for your budget, our experts have pulled together all their top picks of the best small phones on the market.
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Best all-rounder: Samsung Galaxy S25
The Samsung Galaxy S25 takes our top spot as the best all-rounder for small smartphones, proving bigger isn’t always better.
Samsung have really refined their design with the S25, giving you the feel of more screen without any extra bulk. There's 5g shaved off the weight compared to the S24, and it’s 0.4mm thinner, too. Paired with a sleek matte aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, you get flagship premium quality that feels strong and sturdy despite its smaller size.
This phone fits effortlessly into your everyday life. At just 7.2mm thick and coming in at a super-light 162g, it’s pocket-friendly and fits comfortably in one hand. You could be scrolling on your commute or trying to send a reply whilst multitasking, each action feels natural; you don’t need to stretch to swipe, tap or pull down notifications.
With the same top-tier speed and gaming performance as the S25 Ultra thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, you get all the flagship power in a sleeker, more compact size. Apps launch instantly, complex games run lag-free and with software updates promised until 2032, the S25 will keep you going for the long haul.
- Release date: February 2025
- Dimensions: 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm
- Weight: 162g
- Display size and resolution: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (2340 x 1080)
- OS: Android 15
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB or 512GB
- CPU: Snapdragon 8 Elite
- RAM: 12GB
- Battery: 4,000mAh
- Rear cameras: 50MP + 10 MP + 12MP
- Front camera: 12MP
- IP rating: IP68
- Lightweight at 162g, this handset is perfect for on-the-go users
- Snapdragon 8 Elite processor delivers fluid, responsive performance
- 7-year software update promise, ensuring your handset stays up to date and secure
Best Android: Google Pixel 10 Pro
The Google Pixel 10 Pro is Google’s answer to what a compact handset should be, taking first place as our best Android small smartphone. Impeccably designed, there’s top-quality cameras, cutting-edge AI features and a powerful next-generation processor to boot, all wrapped up behind a palm-sized 6.3-inch Super Actua display.
Squeezing in a triple camera system with a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide lens, and 48MP telephoto lens, Google does an excellent job in packing professional-grade camera technology into a more compact Android phone. There’s no need to choose between portability and high-end camera hardware; powered by the excellent Google Tensor G5 chip, the Pixel 10 Pro delivers top-tier shots without any compromise. Once you’ve set up your photo, AI capabilities like Camera Coach use contextual cues to guide you towards the best framing, lighting and angles to make it frame-worthy. Another clear winner in our book, the 100x Pro Res Zoom uses AI to sharpen images and remove any noise, offering ground-breaking quality for a handset this size.
Alongside sleek AI features, that powerful custom-made Google Tensor G5 chip also means you can handle multitasking smoothly, letting you jump between apps, fire off texts, and stream music all without any noticeable lag. Amplifying that smooth, responsive feel, the adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate works to deliver stutter-free frames that help you save on battery life, while the 3,300 nits peak brightness makes your screen easy to read even in bright midday sun.
- Release date: August 2025
- Dimensions: 152.8 x 72 x 8.6mm
- Weight: 207g
- Display size and resolution: 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED display (1280 x 2856)
- OS: Android 16
- Refresh rate: 1-120Hz
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
- CPU: Google Tensor G5
- RAM: 16GB
- Battery: 4,870mAh
- Rear cameras: 50MP + 48MP + 48MP
- Front camera: 42MP
- IP rating: IP68
- Advanced AI capabilities powered by the Google Tensor G5 processor
- Professional triple camera set-up with enhanced 100x Pro Res zoom
- Super Actua display with 3,300 nits brightness, ensures peak visibility outside
As this is a flagship phone, it comes at a more premium price point; for a more budget-friendly handset, we’d recommend the Google Pixel 9a instead.
Best iPhone: Apple iPhone 16e
It feels like iPhones have only gotten bigger and bigger over the years, so the Apple iPhone 16e is a welcome change, especially if you’ve been waiting for a more compact, modern handset.
This more affordable, high-efficiency option is designed specifically for users who prioritise battery life and value, and it absolutely delivers on both fronts. According to Apple, there’s 26 hours of battery life on offer – almost double the 15 hours available with the iPhone SE. The secret lies in the custom C1 modem, which manages power far more efficiently than previous generations to help see you through your busiest days. It easily lasted an average day of use, including a delay-heavy commute and a good few hours of listening to podcasts.
At just 167g, it’s noticeably lighter than most other small phones in our roundup, slipping comfortably into your pocket or bag without weighing you down. But don’t be fooled: despite the streamlining on offer, the 16e shares the same powerful A18 chip as the standard iPhone 16. This means you’ll be getting top-end performance across all everyday tasks like browsing and streaming, plus seamless Apple Intelligence features, all without the more premium price tag.
- Release date: February 2025
- Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80mm
- Weight: 167g
- Display size and resolution: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display (2532x1170)
- OS: iOS 26
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB or 512GB
- CPU: A18 chip
- Battery: Up to 26 hours of video playback
- Rear cameras: 2-in-1 camera system: 48MP Fusion Main
- Front camera: 12MP TrueDepth
- IP rating: IP68
- With an aerospace-grade aluminium frame and IP68 rating, Apple haven’t skimped on durability
- Boosted efficiency and faster Apple Intelligence thanks to the A18 chip
- Ultra-light design, weighing a pocket-friendly 167g
In keeping with its more budget-friendly price point, this handset has a slightly lower refresh rate than some others on this list. If you want super-fast responsiveness to keep up with heavy-duty gaming or multitasking, go for the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra instead.
Best for packing in battery life: Xiaomi 15
If you’re always on the go and need a bag-friendly smartphone that can keep up with you, look no further than the Xiaomi 15.
For a phone this compact, the Xiaomi 15’s battery performance is exceptional. The secret to this lies in the massive 5,240mAh battery, all packed into a pocketable 6.36-inch frame. This means you can enjoy up to 25 hours of video playback, ideal for weekend trips or busy commutes. With a battery this capacity, you’d usually see much longer charging times, but this is where the Xiaomi 15 really shines. It doesn’t take long to get to 100%, a gamechanger for getting out the door quickly on busy mornings.
With a 6.36-inch display, you’d be forgiven for mistaking this handset for a much bigger phone thanks to a miniscule 1.38mm bezel. Paired with a CrystalRes screen, colours feel bright and vibrant, while even everyday tasks like texting feel deep and immersive. If you’re new to Xiaomi, this beautifully-designed phone is a great place to start.
Flip the handset over, and you’ll see Xiaomi’s square-shaped camera panel, boasting a triple rear 50MP camera system. Standing out as a top feature, Xiaomi’s partnership with high-end camera brand Leica means you’re getting first-class image quality. Combining Xiaomi’s cutting-edge technology with Leica’s photographic excellence, this phone includes specially designed Leica software, so you can add more warmth, vibrancy, and depth into each photo. You also get the same brilliance in the camera hardware too, with the Leica main camera featuring a f/1.62 large aperture for dazzling high-resolution, a telephoto lens for detailed macro shots, and a dynamic ultra-wide lens.
- Release date: March 2025
- Dimensions: 152.3 x 71.2 x 8.08mm
- Weight: 191g
- Display size and resolution: 6.36-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display (2670 x 1200)
- OS: Xiaomi HyperOS 2
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB
- CPU: Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform
- RAM: 12GB
- Battery: 5,240mAh
- Rear cameras: 50MP Leica main camera + 50MP Leica floating telephoto lens + 50MP Leica ultra-wide camera
- Front camera: 32MP
- IP rating: IP68
- Massive 5,240mAh battery lets you scroll, stream and browse for as long as you like
- Studio-quality 50MP camera system co-engineered with Leica
- Nature-inspired colourways make for a beautifully fluid design, complete with a slightly curved frame for a firm grip in the hand
The rear cover of this device is made from standard glass, so it’s worth getting a protective case. Browse our case and screen protector bundles to go the extra mile to keep your phone safe.
Best flip phone: Motorola Razr 60 Ultra
If you’re trying to decide whether you want a compact or full-sized phone, why not have both with the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra.
When unfolded, the 7-inch display rivals even that of bigger flagship phones - but when folded up, it fits comfortably into your palm. The Titanium-reinforced hinge ensures the Razr 60 Ultra closes completely flat with no gap, so you can barely feel it in your pocket. With this specially engineered durability, you can trust that folding and unfolding your phone won’t damage it, and it can stay protected for years to come.
The real gamechanger for us, however, is the 4-inch external cover screen - one of the largest and most capable outer displays on any flip phone. You can pin all your essential apps to the cover screen, so when you’re on the go, you don’t even need to fully open your phone. It's ideal for checking notifications in a rush, but we also loved it for snapping candid photos and checking maps without manhandling a massive handset; you’ve got more control than ever on how you use your handset.
An honourable mention should go to Motorola’s premium design finishes; with soft Alcantara suede and smooth wood options on offer, you have the chance to get your hands on a phone that truly looks like no other.
- Release date: April 2025
- Dimensions: Open - 171.4 x 73.99 x 7.19mm, Closed – 88.12 x 73.99 x 15.69mm
- Weight: 199g
- Display size and resolution: Open - 7-inch Super HD AMOLED display (2992 x 1224), Closed – 4-inch flexible AMOLED display (1272 x 1080)
- OS: Android 15
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Storage: 512GB
- CPU: Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform
- RAM: 16GB
- Battery: 4,700mAh
- Rear cameras: 50MP main camera + 50MP ultrawide & macro camera
- Front camera: 50 MP
- IP rating: IP48
- Design-driven luxurious finishes and bold colourways
- External cover screen for checking texts or maps without unfolding
- The first of its kind on a flip phone, the powerful 50MP dual camera system delivers perfect shots every time
Best affordable Android: Google Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a strikes the perfect balance between premium features and affordability, making it the best option for anyone who wants intelligent Android technology without the hefty flagship price tag.
At 6.3-inches, it's a refreshingly manageable size that means you can reach the entire screen with one hand. The straightforward brilliance of the Pixel 9a shines; you’re getting the full Android experience without any of the ‘bloatware’ of unnecessary apps cluttering your home screen. This way you’ve only got a suite of genuinely useful apps and features that are part of your everyday usage, like Google’s unrivalled image processing and handy AI tools, like Best Take and Magic Editor. Android also promises seven years of software updates, making the Pixel 9a a great long-term investment that will stay secure and well into the future.
Unlike the slippery glass of most flagships that can make even the best of us wary of potential drops, the Pixel 9a feels secure in your hand, thanks to the thoughtful textured matte finish. It’s a small element that makes a big difference day to day, especially if you don’t like the look of a case covering your phone.
- Release date: April 2025
- Dimensions: 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm
- Weight: 185.9g
- Display size and resolution: 6.3-inch Actua pOLED display (1080 x 2424)
- OS: Android 15
- Refresh rate: 60-120Hz
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- CPU: Google Tensor G4
- RAM: 8GB
- Battery: 5,100mAh
- Rear cameras: 48MP + 13MP
- Front camera: 13 MP
- IP rating: IP68
- 7 years of software updates, improving your phone’s lifespan and speed
- Smart in-built AI capabilities for the full Google Gemini experience
- Durable IP68 water and dust resistance ratings to keep you protected
Summary
Whatever matters most to you - all-day battery life, a professional-quality camera, or a compact phone for your budget - we’ve found all the best options, so you can pick the perfect small phone for you.
Want to explore if a folding phone might be the choice instead for you? Browse our roundup of 2026’s best foldable phone for more inspiration.
FAQs
Not necessarily - eye straining from phone use depends on factors like resolution, screen brightness, and how long you’re spending looking at your phone. In this way, a small phone is no better than a larger phone if the resolution is low or the screen is too bright.
Small phones are a great option for more senior people, as they’re more manageable and compact. For more inspiration, look no further than our expert guide on the best phones for elderly users.
Whilst small phones often have smaller batteries, developments in technology in modern smartphones mean many compact phones, including those on this list, deliver an impressive battery life. If battery life is your top priority, look for higher numbers of mAhs in specifications as this shows how long the battery will last for.