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Where did all the cute little smartphones go? Remember "big" 5-inch phones when they first came out? People thought they were huge! The screen size started to crawl up slowly but surely, and nowadays we have these 7-inch monstrosities we still call phones (they used to be called phablets back in the day).
Then what is a compact phone in 2025? Does it still exist? And most importantly, what is the best compact smartphone you can buy in 2025?
As a compact phone aficionado (rocking the iPhone 12 mini for the longest time, and lamenting the untimely demise of the Zenfone compact line) I've compiled a list of the best small and compact phones in various categories based on our extensive experience and industry insight, as well as thorough testing in our secret lab.
Screen-to-body ratio: ~86.8% Dimensions: 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm Weight: 170 grams
What we like
Awesomely powerful chipset
Great and reliable video quality
Great-sounding speakers
What we don't like
Outdated display specifications
New camera control button is uncomfortable
Wired charging is still slow
The iPhone 16 offers great set of features in a compact package | Image by PhoneArena
The iPhone 16 is Apple's take on the vanilla compact flagship phone. Granted, the company now has the 16e model, but it serves a different purpose (you can find this model further down in this pick).
Why I Picked It?
I found the iPhone 16 lightweight and compact on top of the flagship hardware it sports. It might not be the lightest or the most compact (the S25 wins on both of these fronts), but it's a great package for iOS users who want a compact flagship with minimum compromise.
The phone comes with a fast chipset, two capable cameras, and Apple Intelligence on board. I think the 60 Hz screen might be a drawback for some, but other than that, the iPhone 16 offers a lot for its very attractive price tag.
Who's It For?
I've always been a fan of small phones, and the discontinuation of the iPhone 13 mini was a serious blow. Well, the iPhone 16 is its modern substitute.
If you're into the Apple ecosystem and want a compact phone that's powerful and modern, the iPhone 16 is the right one for you. If you prefer fast screen refresh rates, you should look elsewhere.
Get the iPhone 16 for up to $600 off with trade-ins
$199
$799
$600 off (75%)
Get the iPhone 16 to experience Apple Intelligence and save up to $600 with eligible trade-ins. The promotion is available at the official Apple Store.
Add a new line, opt for an unlimited plan, and trade in an eligible device to get up to $830 in bill credits over 36 months. This way, you have the opportunity to get the new iPhone 16 for free.
Get the iPhone 16 Pro with a new line, an eligible unlimited data plan, and trade-in to score up to $1,000promo credits over 36 months. This way, you could get the new iPhone 16 Pro for free.
Add a new line, opt for an eligible unlimited plan, and trade in an eligible device to score up to $1,000 in promo credits over 36 months. This way, you could get the top-of-the-line iPhone 16 Pro Max for just $5.55 a month.
The Galaxy S25 is the most compact and lightweight flagship out there | Image by PhoneArena
The Galaxy S25 is one of the most compact phones you can get in 2025 and my best very small phone pick. During my testing I found the S25 very easy to use with one hand, and it was also very pocketable. Coming form phones such as the Asus Zenfone 10 (which is no longer available), I felt at home with the S25, which is almost the same size.
Why I Picked It?
While many other "compact" phones have a 6.3-inch screen and a weight close to 190 grams, the S25 feels featherweight at just 162 grams. That's nearly 20% lighter! In my hand the phone weighed almost nothing when I took it for a spin.
You're also getting the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a super-bright screen, and AI integrated deep into the system. The only downside is that the battery life is somewhat mediocre. PhoneArena's battery test put the S25 in 62nd place of all phones tested in the past 2 years, which is not great, not terrible.
When it comes to cameras, most of the compact flagships offer only two—a wide and ultrawide—but the Galaxy S25 comes with one additional telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Even though I'm far from a photography enthusiast, I was impressed by the camera package and furthermore, the S25 scored a very respectable 147 out of 158 in PhoneArena's camera benchmark.
I also love the fact that Samsung promises seven years of software and security updates for the Galaxy S25, making it very future-proof.
Who's It For?
If you want the smallest Android flagship that's also featherweight, the Galaxy S25 is the right choice for you. For people who lament the untimely demise of the compact phones, this one will heal your wounds. You should look elsewhere if you want a big screen and great battery life.
Same triple camera hardware, but new camera processing
4000mAh battery
$800 starting price
Galaxy S25: Save up to $246 with a trade-in!
$553
99
$799
99
$246 off (31%)
Right now, Samsung sells the Galaxy S25 for up to $246 with eligible device trade-ins. If you don't have a device to spare, you can buy the phone for $80 off, no trade-ins required.
Trade in your old phone to save up to $480 on the exciting Galaxy S25+. There are no free storage upgrades or savings without a trade-in right now, so keep that in mind.
The Pixel 9 Pro ranks among the top phones when it comes to camera score | Image by PhoneArena
The Pixel 9 Pro may not be the most compact flagship out there with its 6.3-inch display (actually, it's right on the limit), but Google has managed to produce one amazing small flagship that's also the best small phone for photography enthusiasts.
I've always been a fan of the Pixel series but the Pro model was always too big for my taste. Well, Google read my thoughts and shrunk the Pixel 9 Pro to make room for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. A win-win situation.
Why I Picked It?
The versatile triple camera system scored very high in PhoneArena's composite camera benchmark, with one of the highest results for the main camera (159 out of 165). There's also a high-pixel-count ultrawide camera and a 5x periscope zoom lens in this compact package.
Even though this phone comes with a 6.3-inch screen, the overall dimensions are not far off from much more compact phones, especially when we look at the width (much more important for subjective feel in the hand, I personally didn't have any troubles with one-handed operation).
While the weight is quite hefty at nearly 200 grams, you get a massive, 4700mAh battery in exchange. Not bad!
The latest Google Tensor G4 chipset is the beating heart of this little beast. The screen can go over the 2,500-nit brightness mark in real-life conditions (I've tested this and it's one of the brightest phones I've ever held in my hand), and you get all Android updates first for seven long years.
Who's It For?
The Pixel 9 Pro is probably the best package Google has ever produced, and its sub-$1000 price is also a nice surprise. This phone is for everyone who wants a compact flagship with a great camera system. If you're like me, wishing the Pixel Pro was a tad smaller, now your wish has been granted! Get the Pixel 9 Pro.
The Pixel 9 Pro can be yours at Amazon. The sleek smartphone with advanced Gemini AI features and 16GB of RAM arrives. You can now buy it for $200 off in select colors at Amazon. This is a limited-time sale.
Pixel 9 Pro at Verizon: Save $1,000 with a new line
$2
77/mo
$27
77
$25 off (90%)
The Pixel 9 Pro has received a generous promo at Verizon as well. Over here, you can get the phone for $0.00/mo. instead of $27.77/mo. To get the discount, you must activate a new line on the Unlimited Ultimate plan. The device is only available for Express Pickup.
Dimensions: 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm Weight: 186 grams
What we like
Birght and vivid Actua display (OLED, 120 Hz)
Same processor as other Pixel 9 phones
Camera quality is close to the mainline Pixels
What we don't like
Doesn't have the full AI model (uses Gemini Nano XXS)
Plastic back gets smudgy, feels warm
Big, big bezel
The Pixel 9a continues Google's tradition to offer great flagship features at a very affordable price | Image by PhoneArena
The Pixel 8a was great (actually, I remember using the Pixel 8a for about a year, and it was great) and now Google has came up with another bargain in the face of the Pixel 9a. Granted, it's not as compact as the previous model, but with its 6.3-inch screen it makes it into my list .
Why I Picked It?
At 186 grams, the Pixel 9a is not the lightest out there, and it's not the most compact, but in my hand it feels amazing thanks to the nice curvature on the back. I've never had any issues with one-handed operation, no hand-gymnastics required.
This phone brings a lot of bang for your buck as well, which is the Google A-series main thing. For just $499 you're getting the latest Tensor G4 silicon, a pretty decent dual camera system, all Google AI tricks, and seven years of software support, just like on the flagship series.
If I have to point out one drawback, it'd be the bezel around the screen. For people sensitive to big bezels the Pixel 9a might be an eyesore. But then again, the display is super-bright, and the price is unbeatable for what this phone has to offer.
Who's It For?
The Pixel 9a is for everyone who wants a definitive Android experience without the premium price tag. The Pixel 9a will get you there for just $499. I recommend this phone also as the best budget Android phone on the market at the moment.
Google's latest mid-range option, the Pixel 9a, is available fully unlocked at Amazon. It packs a serious punch, too. Right now, you can save $100 on the device. This is a limited-time sale.
The Pixel 9a is available at Best Buy without any discounts. However, you can save $100 on it with immediate activation. On top of that, trade-ins can help you unlock extra savings.
Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm Weight: 167 grams
What we like
Powerful processor
Apple Intelligence support
Powerful single camear
What we don't like
60 Hz display!
No MagSafe
No ultra-wide camera
Apple transformed the SE line into the iPhone 16e - a compact powerhouse for not a lot of money | Image by PhoneArena
Apple surprised everybody with a new addition to its iPhone 16 series and a spiritual successor to the iPhone SE. Enter the iPhone 16e! This affordable iPhone device is now an integral part of the iPhone 16 lineup and comes with some really cool bells and whistles.
And while I would've welcomed a new iPhone Mini model, it wasn't meant to be. The iPhone 16e is the next best thing - as compact as the iPhone 16 but costing a lot less money.
Why I Picked It?
It's important to mention the exact price too. The base 128GB variant starts at $599, and it's currently the cheapest iPhone you can get directly from Apple. For that amount of money, you're getting a 6.1-inch screen and a very lightweight device at just 167 grams.
I love the fact that the phone also features the same chipset as the regular iPhone 16 (minus one GPU core), and a pretty powerful 48MP main camera. The caveat here is that this is the ONLY camera the device has; there's no ultra-wide or telephoto to accompany the main wide lens.
There's also no MagSafe onboard and no mmWave support, but those are pretty much all the compromises Apple had to make to arrive at this price point. It's a great little phone that will work fast and smooth in the years to come.
Apple Intelligence is supported, and thanks to the modern chipset, the iPhone 16e will receive all the software magic Apple has planned for the other kids in the iPhone 16 family.
Who's It For?
If you want the core iPhone experience in a small package with the latest powerful hardware and all this at an affordable price, the iPhone 16e is your best bet. Missing the iPhone Mini, the iPhone 16e might be your best bet.
The latest budget-friendly iPhone model, the iPhone 16e, is here! You can buy a unit at the Apple Store for up to $600 off with eligible device trade-ins. Minimum savings amount to $45 with trade-ins.
Verizon's current iPhone 16e promo lets you get the latest iPhone 16e for $0.00/mo. instead of $16.66/mo. with Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan. You must activate a new line to take advantage.
Screen-to-body ratio: ~84.1% Unfolded: 171.5 x 74 x 7.2 mm Folded: 88.1 x 74 x 15.7 mm Weight: 199 grams
What we like
Gorgeous design
Fast charging
Great audio quality
What we don't like
Questionable use of new button
Iffy software update situation
You can make a phone compact by folding it in half - enter the Motorola Razr Ultra | Image by PhoneArena"
Flexible display tech brought back flip phones in a very different flavor. We can now have a big 7-inch screen and at the same time fold it into a compact square to go inside our pocket. As a big fan of the original Motorola Razr and flip phones in general (there's something cool in flipping a phone open), the resurgence of the flip form factor warms my heart.
Why I Picked It?
The Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) stands at the top of the flip phone food chain, and it also makes historical sense. Motorola's first Razr phone was very successful back in the day, some might even say iconic (I still have one purple V3 laying around in perfect working order).
The latest iteration of the modern flip phone comes with a big and bright 7-inch display coupled with a 4-inch cover screen that's actually pretty useful. This phone is a full-fledged flagship.
The Motorola Razr (2025) comes equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, it has two potent 50MP cameras, and a large 4,700 mAh battery. It's one of the best flip phones period, and also a very good way to go compact, especially if you like flip phone design.
I also tested the hinge mechanism and it felt pretty solid. In my opinion, Samsung has some work to do to catch up with Motorola when it comes to flip phones.
The drawbacks are tied to the form factor - the phone gets pretty thick when folded, and unfolding it on a regular basis might annoy some people. Plus the price is a bit on the steep end.
Who's It For?
The Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) is for people who like the flip form factor and want the absolute best in terms of hardware and software. The price tag might be a little high, but it's the best flip phone out there currently.
The Motorola Razr Ultra is here, and the official store has a splendid deal to help you save big on this ultra-powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite phone. The model with massive 1TB of storage is $200 off right now, and the official store gives you a free Moto Watch Fit ($199.98 value) with your smartphone purchase.
Amazingly, Motorola still sells its Razr Ultra (2025) for $200 off its original price in the form of a free storage upgrade on the 1TB model. The bargain might expire any minute, though, and there's just one color option left in stock: PANTONE Rio Red. Act fast and save before it's too late.
Unfolded: 171.3 x 74 x 7.3 mm Folded: 88.1 x 74 x 15.9 mm
Weight: 188 grams
What we like
Bright and vivid screen
Friendly user interface with some useful AI sprinkled on top
Appealing design language
What we don't like
Camera is just okay, but videos aren't good
Performance isn't a strong aspect of this phone
UFS 2.2 storage in 2025?
The Motorola Razr (2025) will get you the compact flip experience for just $699 | Image by PhoneArena
Foldable phones used to be a peculiarity and an expensive one at that. The Motorola Razr first changed the game back in 2023 with the affordable flip phone the company launched at $699. Now, two years later and several iterations in, the Motorola Razr (2025) is the best affordable flip phone you can get.
Why I Picked It?
This is the best bargain flip phone out there. There are some compromises to get the price that low, but we're all in for a budget foldable device to help with wider adoption.
You get a slightly smaller inner and outer screens in comparison with the Ultra, as well as a slightly less powerful MediaTek chip, a slightly less capable ultrawide camera and slower charging. Nothing major, though.
The core experience of a compact flip phone is still there, and at a pretty affordable price.
Who's It For?
This phone will appeal to people who prefer the flip design, and don't use telephoto cameras as much. If you don't like opening and closing a phone constantly, you should probably opt for a conventional bar-like phone.
The Motorola Razr+ (2025) is a high-end flip phone with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip and a gorgeous design. Right now, the phone sells for $150 off at the official store.
Motorola Razr (2025): Get at Motorola for $100 off
$599
99
$699
99
$100 off (14%)
Don't want to pay top dollar for your next flip phone? Consider the Motorola Razr (2025). The phone is currently available for $100 off at the Motorola Store. The handset features a MediaTek Dimensity 7400X chip and sports AI features.
Trade in an eligible device with a minimum trade-in value of $95, upgrade your existing plan, or activate a new line, and you can score big savings on the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025). Meeting those requirements lets you purchase the smartphone for as low as $0.00/mo. instead of $36.67/mo.
The Motorola Razr+ (2025) is also available with a plan from AT&T. The carrier lets you buy the handset for $8.99/mo., saving you up to $676.36 over 36 months. The deal requires a new line activation on an eligible unlimited plan.
Right now, you can buy the Motorola Razr (2025) with a Verizon plan and a pretty tempting discount. The carrier lets you save as much as $600 with Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plan. New line activation is required.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a compact phone is its size. This is baked in the definition itself—compact. The height, width, and thickness of the phone govern how it would feel in your hand, but there are specifics.
If you want to be able to use your phone with one hand, the width plays an important role. The narrower the phone, the more thumb reach you will get and the easier it will be to operate it with one hand.
The weight of the phone is another key ingredient in this recipe, as a lightweight phone will be easier to carry and also less taxing on your hand when using it for long periods of time.
Unfortunately, you can't trick physics, and a smaller size and weight often come with compromises. Compact phones often come with smaller batteries, humbler camera systems, and not always the fastest chipsets out there.
And then there's the durability factor, especially if you go down the foldable route. Making a phone fold in half comes with an intrinsic compromise in durability. The screen has to be soft in order to bend, and this means it scratches much easier. The hinge where the phone is bending is a mechanism that might also fail, especially if it accumulates dust and dirt.
How PhoneArena Rates Smartphones
The primary metric is the overall phone rating. This score is a composite of 12 different factors that define the smartphone experience, including Battery Life, Camera Quality, Design, Performance, and more. Each factor is rated on a scale from 0 to 10, but their contribution to the final score varies—Battery Life, for instance, holds more weight than Design.
The "Price Class Average" metric is another very important part of the rating system, it compares the phone in question to other phones with similar specifications and price points. This gives additional context to the mean score, as it helps you quickly assess how a particular model stands within its category.
There have been changes to the way PhoneArena rates phones. As of now, most top Android phones score around 7.5, leaving room for future devices to improve and push boundaries. If you want more detailed insights, there are category-specific ratings, such as the Battery Score and Camera Score, which break down performance even further.
Of course, when we talk about compact phones, the main criterion is the size and weight. These don't negate the overall ratings for the models, just put an upper limit on the size of the screen.
The definition of a small phone has been constantly shifting in the past couple of years. Every year smartphones grow bigger, and there are fewer and fewer models in the screen sizes we used to think of as being compact.
Choosing a threshold is arbitrary to some extent, but I needed to do it in order to create this list in the first place. This year I chose 6.3 inches as a screen diagonal limit. Everything equal to or below this screen size qualifies for the compact moniker.
In terms of weight, things are even more complicated. Normally, I would put the weight limit at 180 grams max, but there are exceptions. Flip phones, for example, can be heavier because of the hinge mechanism and the overall size of the phone when unfolded.
Found Your Perfect Small Phone?
So, there you have it. The best compact and small phones, neatly arranged and classified. You have options in every important category. If you want the smallest and lightest Android flagship, that's the Galaxy S25.
In the small phone for photography category your best bet is the Pixel 9 Pro, and if you want to go affordable, both the Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e offer a lot of compact bang for your buck.
If you're into flip phones, the latest Motorola Razr models are great - the Razr Ultra (2025) is a true flagship that will get you everything a normal candy bar phone has but with the additional option to fold it in half. If you want to save some money, the vanilla Razr (2025) will give your the flip experience for just $699.
Be sure to also check out the Best Phones pick to see what the bigger picture is. If you're in the Android camp, head to the Best Android Phones, and if you want to save some cash and get the best bang for your buck, check out the Best Budget Phones article as well.
Grab the Galaxy S25 + 2 Yrs Unlimited – only $30/mo from Mint Mobile
Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.
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