What comes to your mind when you hear about the best small phones? One-handed use, a compact design, lightweight, and obviously cheaper than a bigger phone in the same lineup.
Sadly, in 2023 the most hyped smartphones are those having large but high-end displays, big batteries, and multiple camera modules. It seems that the category of best small phones has eloped, but that’s not true.
This article will discuss the nitty-gritty of the best small phones and a bonus recommendation list. All the small phones mentioned have a few things in common – They support 5G.
In This Article
5 Best Small Phones With Specs and Features
I have listed all the best small with screen sizes not larger than 6.1” and not weighing more than 178g. Not only that, all the best small phones on my list support 5G. Only because the best small phones are less popular in the market, you need not compromise in terms of performance, UI, or camera quality. I have ensured you get bang for the buck in this recommendation list.
1. Pixel 6a | $446.54 | 3.7 out of 5 stars
Pixel 6a is a 5G smartphone and a toned-down version of Google’s latest flagship Google Pixel 6, the former launched recently in 2023. It comes with a 6.1” OLED display with 1080p resolution. Pixel 6a has one of the best displays and cameras in the best small phone segment and weighs 178g.
What’s good?
- Google’s very own Octa-core Tensor Chip
- IP67 rating
- The large battery capacity of 4100 mAh with 18W fast charging
- Top Notch camera performance
- Promised 3 years of Android updates and 5 years of Security updates
What’s not?
- 60Hz display
- Mediocre haptics
- Inconsistent in-display fingerprint reader
- No charger in the box
2. Apple iPhone 13 mini | $599 | 4.6 out of 5 stars
Apple iPhone 13 Mini was launched in the Q4 of 2021 however is still a great choice in the best small phones category. Its contender Apple iPhone SE is a toned-down but cheaper model which comes at $479. In my comparison, iPhone 13 mini has made this list as it offers more value for money for the price as compared to iPhone SE.
What’s good?
- Apple’s cutting-edge A15 Bionic Chip
- IP68 rating
- The large battery capacity of 5000 mAh
- Records 4K@60fps from the main camera and 1080p@60fps from the front camera
- Super lightweight at 141g with 7.7mm thickness
What’s not?
- Slow charging
- Discontinued but available as a renewed
- 60Hz display
3. SAMSUNG Galaxy S22 | $749 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Samsung Galaxy S22 flagship was launched in early 2023, and it greatly impacted Samsung evangelists in a positive way. It sports a 6.1” Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Victus+ protection. Samsung has promised 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of Security updates, weighing 168g.
What’s good?
- Cutting-edge Qualcomm SD 8 Gen 1 processor
- Flagship camera performance
- Supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
- Best-in-class stereo speakers
What’s not?
- Weak heat dissipation because of the compact design
- Occasional camera stuttering
- Slow charging and no power adapter in the box
- 4-5 hours of Screen On Time
4. Asus Zenfone 9 | $785 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Asus Zenfone 9 is the most well-rounded phone in the best small phones category, not only launched in 2023 but among all the others. It has a 5.9” Super AMOLED display with 800 nits brightness and a corner camera cutout weight of 169g. This small phone is the most unique and valuable for money, from battery backup to its performance and quality photos. With heavy usage, this best small phone lasts atleast 6-7 hours.
What’s good?
- The latest and the mighty Qualcomm SD 8+ Gen 1 Chip
- IP68 rating
- The large battery capacity of 4300 mAh with 30W fast charging
- Power brick included in the box
- Exceptional rear camera performance with gimbal OIS
- 3.5mm Audio Jack
What’s not?
- The plastic back is soft but may wear quickly
- The screen looks dull in direct sunlight, at times
- The speakers are not super loud but okay
- Does not support wireless charging
5. Sony Xperia 5 III | $799 | 4.1 out of 5 stars
Sony Xperia 5 III has solid ergonomics due to its 21:9 aspect ratio and sports a super sharp 6.1” OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate but weighs only 168g. Sony Xperia 5 III is one of those best small phones, all thanks to its unique design and a two-step camera shutter key.
What’s good?
- Powered by 2021 flagship Qualcomm SD 888 Chip
- IP68 rating
- The large battery capacity of 4500 mAh with 30W fast charging
- Flawless fingerprint reader performance
- 3.5mm Audio Jack
What’s not?
- Launched with Android 11 and not updated later than Android 13
- No wireless charging
- No accessories are available in the market, except for Aliexpress
Why Do People Still Need The Best Small Phones?
The smartphone market in the 21st century is all about bigger and brighter displays. Sure it looks gorgeous but at the cost of the phone’s weight and overall form factor. Irrespective of the brand, flagships are getting better but also bigger in size. That’s the whole story behind the hype of big phones.
Apple is one of those brands launching its mini phones yearly to fill the gap and perhaps to capture the market for the best small phones. Following Apple, Samsung also targets the best small phone segment with its flagship S series. Besides that, Google is also persistently launching its Pixel phones in the best small phones category providing the flagship camera experience.
Wrapping up
This completes my recommended list of the Best small phones under the budget of $800. For more buck-saving tips, keep scrolling PathofEx.
