The Best Compact Smartphones
Smartphone with screens smaller than 5.5 inches were standard a short while ago, but devices with 6.3 inches or more are dominating the market right now. This is a a result of the popular aspect ratios 2:1, 19:9 or even 21:9. Then we have a new category of foldable smartphones, so devices with screens bigger than 7 inches will not be unusual in the near future.
Compact devices are still popular, so we want to present the best compact smartphones in the following ranking. The display size ist not as important as the actual size of the smartphone, so devices with a good screen-to-body ratio will benefit. The contenders must not surpass a length of 150 millimeters, but we will also sort out very bulky devices.
The following smartphone ranking might be interesting as well:
The Best Compact Smartphones
Position | Total Rating | Date | Image | Model | Width | Height | Weight | Screen-to-Body | Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 90.5 % | 03/2023 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy Qualcomm Adreno 740 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | 146.3 | 7.6 mm | 167 g | 88 % | 6.10" | 2340x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 13 | |
2 | 89.2 % | 10/2022 | Apple iPhone 14 Apple A15 Bionic Apple A15 GPU 5-Core 6 GB Memory, 128 GB NVMe | 146.7 | 7.8 mm | 172 g | 86 % | 6.10" | 2532x1170 | 060 Hz | Apple iOS 16 | |
3 | 86.9 % | 08/2023 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy Qualcomm Adreno 740 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 165.1 | 6.9 mm | 187 g | 86 % | 6.70" | 2640x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 13 | |
4 | 87.9 % | 10/2022 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Qualcomm Adreno 730 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | 165.2 | 6.9 mm | 187 g | 85.4 % | 6.70" | 2640x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 12 | |
5 | 89.1 % | 10/2023 | Apple iPhone 15 Apple A16 Bionic Apple A16 GPU 5-Core 6 GB Memory, 128 GB NVMe | 147.6 | 7.8 mm | 171 g | 85 % | 6.10" | 2556x1179 | 060 Hz | Apple iOS 17 | |
6 | 90.3 % | 01/2023 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Apple A16 Bionic Apple A16 GPU 5-Core 6 GB Memory, 256 GB NVMe | 147.5 | 7.85 mm | 206 g | 87 % | 6.10" | 2556x1179 | 120 Hz | Apple iOS 16 | |
7 | 86.4 % | 04/2023 | Xiaomi 13 Lite Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Qualcomm Adreno 644 8 GB Memory, 256 GB UFS 2.1 | 159.2 | 7.23 mm | 171 g | 89 % | 6.55" | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 12 | |
8 | 83.6 % | 10/2022 | Motorola Edge 30 Neo Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G Qualcomm Adreno 619 8 GB Memory, 128 GB UFS 2.1 | 152.9 | 7.75 mm | 155 g | 88 % | 6.30" | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 12 | |
9 | 87.4 % | 10/2022 | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Plus 5G Qualcomm Adreno 660 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | 158.48 | 7.45 mm | 172 g | 91 % | 6.55" | 2400x1080 | 144 Hz | Android 12 | |
10 | 82.9 % | 09/2022 | Sony Xperia 10 IV Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G Qualcomm Adreno 619 6 GB Memory, 128 GB UFS 2.1 | 153 | 8.3 mm | 161 g | 82 % | 6.00" | 2520x1080 | 060 Hz | Android 12 |
The table above contains an overview over the best compact smartphones reviewed by Notebookcheck over the course of the past 12 months as well as still relevant and available older products. In cases of identical score the more recent device is listed first. All prices in above table and price comparisons are updated daily and can thus differ.
Editors' Comments
Two smartphones from the last quarter make it into this list. We primarily say goodbye to older models: the Zenfone 9 and the Galaxy Z Flip3. The Google Pixel 7a does not make it into the top 10 because it is considerably heavier than its predecessor with 193.5 grams
1st – Samsung Galaxy S23
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display that can get enormously bright and supports a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The display-surface ratio is also very appealing. The S23 is powered by the fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, which has 8 GB of RAM. Both a 128 GB and a 256 GB storage solution are available.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is one of the best compact smartphones of 2023.
The 3,900 mAh battery helps the Samsung smartphone achieve long runtimes and the triple camera takes really good photos as well as videos. The compact phone is rounded off by an IP68 certification and a long update supply. Only UWB and Wi-Fi 7 have to be waived.
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2nd – Apple iPhone 14
The Apple iPhone 14 relies on a 6.1-inch 60 Hz OLED panel and has a display surface ratio of 86 percent. The fast Apple processor with 6 GB RAM ensures high system performance, and the internal memory varies between 128 and 512 GB, depending on the equipment variant.
The iPhone 14 is a strong smartphone, but only has minor differences compared to the predecessor.
In the review, the iPhone knows how to convince with its good dual camera, long battery runtimes and an IP68 certification. The iPhone does not really have to put up with much criticism. Considering the price range, a macro function for the camera or even an additional telephoto lens would have been desirable. The frame rate could have been higher as well.
The Apple iPhone 14 is available through Apple's official online store as well as the usual retail channels.
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3rd – Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G
The foldable Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G has a 6.7-inch LTPO main display that can use an adaptive refresh rate of 1 to 120 Hz. The fast processor has 8 GB of RAM and there is a choice of 256 or 512 GB of internal memory. The highlight, however, is the large external display (3.4 inches, 60 Hz), which clearly displays information and selected apps.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is a really good foldable smartphone that hardly demands any compromises from its owner.
The Flip5 also has a lot else to offer: a good dual camera, Wi-Fi 6E with 6 GHz support, dual-band GNSS, a long update supply and fast USB 3.2. Only Wi-Fi 7 and more audio codecs for Bluetooth would certainly have been desirable.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 is available directly from Samsung, but can also be purchased from most retailers such as Amazon.
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4th – Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G
With the Galaxy Z Flip4 5G, Samsung once again only makes small changes to its most compact foldable smartphone. Especially the main sensor of the dual camera is now much faster. The good speakers and IX8 certification are also real plus points.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is very similar to the predecessor and has only been partially improved.
The Flip4 has also become a bit more compact, which is mainly due to the smaller hinge, but it still does not close flush. It is also a pity that Samsung only installs a single-band GNSS solution and forgoes premium features like UWB, USB 3.2 and Wi-Fi 6E.
The Galaxy Flip4 can be purchased directly from Samsung. Amazon also lists the smartphone for $950.
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5th – Apple iPhone 15
The Apple iPhone 15 (82.4 ml) has a 6.1-inch display, which unfortunately only works at 60 Hz. The battery has a capacity of 3,349 mAh and allows very good battery life. It is powered by a fast SoC and has 6 GB of RAM. There is a choice of 128, 256 or 512 GB of storage. The dual camera relies on a 48 MPix sensor, which is designed to enable a dual, almost lossless digital zoom and is supplemented by an ultra-wide-angle lens. The Apple smartphone is equipped with MagSafe, UWB and wireless charging and is protected against dust and water in accordance with IP68.
The iPhone 15 is characterized by excellent workmanship, a good dual camera and bright display, but we also miss some features that are otherwise common in this price range.
In the review, the iPhone is convincing, but also has to put up with criticism for the fact that, among other things, the display only works at 60 Hz, only slow USB 2.0 is installed and no 6 GHz WLAN is supported.
The Apple iPhone 15 is available through Apple as well as the usual retail channels.
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6th – Apple iPhone 14 Pro
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro (82.8 ml) offers a 6.1-inch OLED display that works at up to 120 Hz and supports Dolby Vision. Apple also provides a triple camera with a 48 MPix sensor at its heart. It is also available with at least 128 GB of memory and can be equipped with model variants with up to 1,024 GB. UWB, wireless charging, MagSafe and IP68 certification are also on board.
Apple's iPhone 14 Pro may not be the latest generation, but it will still be a very good smartphone in 2024.
The iPhone 14 Pro still relies on the Lightning port, while the 15 models are already all equipped with USB. In addition, the Apple smartphone does not support 6 GHz Wi-Fi.
The Apple's phone is only available from Amazon in refurbished versions, which are considerably cheaper.
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7th – Xiaomi 13 Lite
The Xiaomi 13 Lite (83.7 ml) presents itself with a 6.55-inch display that aims to impress with features such as a dual selfie camera and 1,000 cd/m² brightness. The Xiaomi 13 Lite is similar to the Xiaomi 12 Lite in many technical aspects and is also positioned in the mid-range. There are only a few major changes, such as the camera setup. The 108 MP main camera of the Xiaomi 12 Lite has been replaced by a 50 MP camera. The front camera now has two sensors: a 32 MP main sensor and an 8 MP depth sensor, which should enable better bokeh effects. The battery has also been slightly improved and now has a capacity of 4500 mAh instead of the previous 4300 mAh.
The Xiaomi 13 Lite is a slim and convincing mid-range smartphone.
The Xiaomi 13 Lite has to put up with criticism for its rather weak mono speaker. It also only comes with Android 12, but has been updated to MIUI 14 (Android 13) and will also be supplied with Android 14. In the test, it also impressed with fast charging and fast Wi-Fi.
In the US, the Xiaomi's smartphone is sold out by the manufacturer, but is still in stock at Amazon.
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8th - Motorola Edge 30 Neo
With its 6.3-inch pOLED display, the Motorola Edge 30 Neo (84.4 ml) is one of the smaller smartphones. It has 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory, although the latter cannot be expanded. Although the battery is not huge, it still has good endurance and can be charged quickly at 68 watts.
The Edge 30 Neo impresses above all with its stylish design and super-bright display.
The dual camera delivers decent shots in the test, but weakens as expected in low light. The enormous brightness of the panel is impressive, which is rare in this price range. Dual loudspeakers are also anything but obligatory. However, the localization should be a little more accurate.
At the time of writing, it is seemingly hard to get a brand new Motorola Edge 30 Neo.
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9th – Motorola Edge 30 Fusion
The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion (85 ml) is a slim mid-range smartphone with good performance and features. The smartphone has IP52 certification. The Edge 30 Fusion's 6.55-inch OLED display offers perfect black levels, contrast and a pleasantly high brightness. The maximum brightness is 1,196 cd/m² with ambient light sensor and 525 cd/m² without sensor. The maximum refresh rate is 144 Hz, whereby the user can choose between various options.
The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion offers plenty of computing power and a very bright display.
The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion supports dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards, but no eSIM. It does not have a slot for a microSD card or a headphone jack, but does offer stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos certification. All buttons are located on the right-hand side, with the optical fingerprint sensor integrated into the display.
The Motorola's compact phone is only available from Amazon in refurbished versions, which are considerably cheaper.
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10th – Sony Xperia 10 IV
With its narrow 21:9 aspect ratio and a comparatively short display diagonal of 6.0 inches (85.1 ml), the Sony Xperia 10 IV fits very well in the hand. It is also quite light and slim, only the display-to-surface ratio could be better. The Sony phone also has the option of expanding the memory using a microSD card. An audio jack, IP certification and eSIM support are also on board.
If you are looking for a comparatively small smartphone with enormous endurance, the Sony Xperia 10 IV is the perfect choice.
However, the built-in processor is only mid-range and the refresh rate of the OLED panel is not particularly high at 60 Hz. Although the triple camera takes quite good pictures, it is very slow. Fast charging technology is not integrated and the scope of delivery does not include a power adapter. However, the excellent battery life makes up for this.
The device is available through the usual retail channels, such as for example Amazon US.
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Top 10 in Comparison
Test Results
Samsung Galaxy S23 | Apple iPhone 14 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G | Apple iPhone 15 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro | Xiaomi 13 Lite | Motorola Edge 30 Neo | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Sony Xperia 10 IV | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Response Times | ||||||||||
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 1.36 ? | 5 ? | 1.42 ? | 1.41 ? | 2.7 ? | 1.81 ? | 1.25 ? | 1.31 ? | 1.19 ? | 2.93 ? |
Response Time Black / White * | 1.77 ? | 20 ? | 1.78 ? | 1.52 ? | 2.2 ? | 0.81 ? | 1.22 ? | 1.19 ? | 0.79 ? | 2.85 ? |
PWM Frequency | 240 | 60 | 120 | 120 | 306 | 240 | 120 | 730 | 753 | 253 |
Screen | ||||||||||
Brightness middle | 1125 | 835 | 836 | 795 | 1046 | 1046 | 905 | 984 | 954 | 572 |
Brightness | 1122 | 841 | 848 | 800 | 1019 | 1049 | 904 | 992 | 961 | 580 |
Brightness Distribution | 96 | 97 | 97 | 97 | 94 | 98 | 99 | 98 | 98 | 96 |
Black Level * | ||||||||||
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 3.2 | 1.05 | 2.6 | 1 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 0.9 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 4.9 | 2.81 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 2.84 | 3.1 | 3 | 3.8 | 2.5 | 1.2 |
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 3.3 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 2.4 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 3 | 1.8 | 1.4 |
Gamma | 1.97 112% | 2.034 108% | 2.22 99% | 2.37 93% | 2.158 102% | 2.19 100% | 2.23 99% | 2.14 103% | 2.24 98% | 2.29 96% |
CCT | 6504 100% | 6616 98% | 6319 103% | 6466 101% | 6410 101% | 6538 99% | 6382 102% | 6518 100% | 6254 104% | 6614 98% |
Heat | ||||||||||
Maximum Upper Side * | 30.6 | 39.7 | 56 | 33.4 | 42 | 37.6 | 34.1 | 32.3 | 34.7 | 31.4 |
Maximum Bottom * | 30.2 | 41.7 | 53.6 | 32.7 | 43.7 | 37.9 | 32.6 | 33 | 34.1 | 33.4 |
Idle Upper Side * | 25.2 | 23.3 | 26.6 | 25.7 | 24 | 28.7 | 28.8 | 28.4 | 29.4 | 29.1 |
Idle Bottom * | 24.2 | 23.4 | 26.7 | 25.4 | 23.6 | 27.6 | 27.2 | 27.2 | 27.7 | 27 |
Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
Reader / Idle | 2249 | 2689 | 2698 | 2659 | 2240 | 3760 | ||||
H.264 | 1255 | 1266 | 1305 | 1397 | 1185 | 1578 | ||||
WiFi v1.3 | 926 | 1010 | 647 | 657 | 1002 | 807 | 822 | 721 | 686 | 1168 |
Load | 370 | 289 | 306 | 351 | 321 | 429 | ||||
Power Consumption | ||||||||||
Idle Minimum * | 0.57 | 0.6 | 0.44 | 0.56 | 0.9 | 0.56 | 0.74 | 0.9 | 0.83 | 0.68 |
Idle Average * | 0.74 | 0.8 | 0.69 | 0.71 | 1 | 1.37 | 1.56 | 1.55 | 1.72 | 1.69 |
Idle Maximum * | 0.83 | 1 | 0.91 | 0.79 | 1.1 | 1.42 | 1.59 | 1.56 | 1.75 | 1.73 |
Load Average * | 4.26 | 5.4 | 6.61 | 3.59 | 6 | 3.42 | 3.33 | 2.82 | 2.76 | 2.54 |
Load Maximum * | 6.16 | 9.2 | 6.72 | 6.45 | 13.6 | 5.56 | 7.59 | 4.97 | 6.74 | 4.61 |
* ... smaller is better
Benchmarks
3DMark | |
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value) | |
Apple iPhone 14 | |
Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
Motorola Edge 30 Neo | |
Sony Xperia 10 IV | |
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value) | |
Apple iPhone 14 | |
Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
Motorola Edge 30 Neo | |
Sony Xperia 10 IV | |
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value) | |
Apple iPhone 14 | |
Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
Motorola Edge 30 Neo | |
Sony Xperia 10 IV |
WebXPRT 3 - Overall (sort by value) | |
Apple iPhone 14 | |
Apple iPhone 15 | |
Apple iPhone 14 Pro | |
Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
Sony Xperia 10 IV |