These are the smallest smartphones you will ever find
Key things
- Despite the trend towards larger smartphones, there are still compact options available that offer powerful features in smaller packages.
- They come in a variety of sizes, from ultra-small 3-inch devices like the Palm Phone to more modest 4.7-inch models like the iPhone SE.
- These smaller smartphones offer a host of features, including decent cameras, long battery life, and even a rugged design, proving that size doesn’t necessarily have to compromise functionality.
Many new smartphones are closer to being tablets than mobile phones. Still, not all of us feel like carrying around a phone that acts like a dinner plate.
Whether you prefer smaller and simpler gadgets or just need a backup smartphone, there are still compact smartphones available that are handy.
A Palm Phone is a good choice if you want something really small. With a 3.3-inch HD display and a weight of just 62.5 grams, it’s like holding a feather – but more durable. This little guy is waterproof (IP68), so he can take a trip to the beach or the slopes without breaking a sweat.
It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 chip with 3GB of RAM, which is perfect for light tasks like texting, using apps to track your daily activities, or taking quick snapshots. Speaking of photos, its 12MP rear and 8MP front cameras do a decent job of casual shots. Just don’t expect it to replace your high-end DSLR. It has 32GB of storage, but unfortunately no microSD slot – so you’ll have to be careful about how many photos of your cat you store.
The Palm Phone runs Android 8.1, which isn’t the latest version (Android 14 is the latest), but it’s still functional. Additionally, its minimalistic interface is designed to minimize distractions. Originally priced at $350, it can now be had for around $200 on Amazon.
This phone prides itself on being the smallest phone running Android 13. It’s small at 3 inches, but don’t let the size fool you. With a transparent back with LED backlight and a weight of only 116 grams, it is as eye-catching as it is functional.
Powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 chip and 8GB of RAM, this little phone can handle everyday tasks with ease. Plus, it offers 256GB of storage – yes, you read that right. If that wasn’t enough, you can get additional storage with a microSD card, but that will lose you one of the two SIM slots.
The Unihertz Jelly Star’s 48MP rear camera and 8MP front camera deliver surprisingly solid shots, especially for something so small. And the 2000mAh battery will keep you going even with light use. You can get one for around $200.
Slightly lighter than the Jelly Star, the Unihertz Jelly 2 offers a similarly compact 3-inch screen and weighs 106.5 grams. It’s the perfect size to slip into your pocket for a night out or to the gym.
With a MediaTek Helio P60 processor and 6GB of RAM, Jelly 2 handles basic tasks like a champ. There is 128GB of internal memory and you can expand it with a microSD card – again for the price of one SIM slot. Its camera setup won’t win awards (16MP rear and 8MP front), but it’s fine for casual shots.
The Jelly 2’s 2000mAh battery should last a full day of light to moderate use. The phone runs on Android 11, which provides a smooth, relatively bloat-free experience (although it’s a few versions past Android 14, the latest version).
At around $190, the Jelly 2 is a great and affordable option for you if you need a compact phone that doesn’t skimp on the basics.
The Oukitel K16 stands out with a 3.5-inch display and a design inspired by Lamborghini sports cars. With a leather back and sleek finish, it looks as good as it works.
This phone is powered by a MediaTek MT8788 processor and 8GB of RAM, so it’s no slouch when it comes to working with apps. With 128GB of storage (expandable up to 1TB), you won’t have to worry about running out of space soon. The 48MP rear and 8MP front cameras are great for casual shots, but if you’re after fancy smartphone camera features like night mode, you might want to look elsewhere.
The K16’s 3050mAh battery will easily last a day even if fast charging isn’t available. Priced around $210, it’s perfect for outdoor adventurers who want a stylish yet functional small phone.
The Doogee Smini isn’t just a small phone – it’s a small and durable phone. With a 4.5-inch display, it’s a little bigger than the others here, but it makes up for it with a rugged build that’s perfect for outdoor use.
What really sets it apart is the rear display, which gives you quick information like battery status, date/time, and even environmental data (like temperature and humidity). It’s powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 chip with 8GB of RAM, so it’s fast enough for most tasks. You also get 256GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to a whopping 2TB using a microSD card.
The dual 50MP AI camera on the back of the Smini is surprisingly great for such a compact device, making it one of the best small Android phones for photography. The front camera is a standard 8 MP, which is enough for video calls and selfies.
With a 3000mAh battery and 18W fast charging, the Smini can easily last a full day of moderate use. Running Android 13, it’s a modern and capable device in a durable and compact package. Price? Around $250.
If you’re an iPhone enthusiast but want something smaller, the iPhone SE is the answer. With a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, it’s bigger than most phones on this list, but still small by today’s standards.
The SE retains the classic iPhone design, complete with the beloved home button and Touch ID, making it a nostalgic choice if you’ve been an iPhone devotee for some time. It’s powered by the same A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13, meaning it can handle almost anything you throw at it – from gaming to multitasking.
It’s available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB storage options, though there’s no microSD expansion option – but that shouldn’t surprise you if you’re a true iPhone fan. The 12MP rear and 7MP front cameras are top notch for casual photography and have great features like portrait mode, Smart HDR 4 for live images and 4K video recording. Plus, with 5G support, it’s ready for the future.
The phone’s battery life is solid, offering up to 15 hours of video playback. It also supports 20W fast charging and Qi wireless charging.
The iPhone SE is on the pricier side, starting at $429, but if you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem and want something compact, it delivers.
With a 5-inch screen, the Unihertz Jelly Max is the biggest phone on this list, but it’s still compact by today’s standards. Despite its small size, it packs top-notch specs, including a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip, a hefty 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage expandable via microSD if you’re okay with sacrificing a SIM slot.
The Jelly Max’s camera setup includes a 100MP main sensor and an 8MP telephoto lens with a 32MP front-facing camera for high-quality selfies. A 4000mAh battery and 66W fast charging means you’ll be able to use it all day – it charges to 90% in just 20 minutes.
Priced at just over $300, this 5G-enabled Android 14 phone brings serious performance to the mini smartphone category.
With these compact smartphones, you no longer need to carry a bulky tablet to stay connected. Whatever your preference, these little devices prove that bigger isn’t always better.