5-6 inch smartphones are on the way out, but there are still a few that barely exceed 5 inches. Here are our recommendations.
The best compact smartphones
Nowadays, smartphone screens have almost erased their borders in order to have ever larger LCD or OLED panels. Previously intended for the tablet world, 6-7 inch screens are now the norm.
If you like being able to handle your phone with one hand or just slip it into a pocket without blowing your skinny jeans, don’t despair! Some diehard brands resist the temptation of large screens with excellent compact models that are not ridiculous from a point of view of characteristics, quite the contrary.
Here you will find our selection of the best compact smartphones of the moment. For an overview, you can read our comparison of the best smartphones.
Apple iPhone 13 mini The best compact smartphone
8 / 10
- Improved autonomy
- Very convincing in photo
- Small and complete
Available at € 799 on RED by SFR
Despite rumors about a possible retirement of the format, the iPhone mini 13 was finally announced by Apple. As for the previous generation, we remain on an almost carbon copy of the iPhone 13 in a more compact format. And despite a 5.4-inch screen, larger than that of the iPhone SE 2020, the 13 mini manages to be more compact thanks to its thinner edges.
And even if it gets a little thicker, the phone is still just as pleasant to use with one hand, in addition to fitting comfortably in a pocket.
It uses exactly the same components as its big brother, the iPhone 13. We are thus entitled to the overpowering Bionic A15 processor accompanied by a larger battery. And we have to admit that the latter works wonders since we gain 1 hour 30 minutes of autonomy on a charge. In practice, this means that the iPhone 13 mini is now able to last a day of use without having to refuel.
The last part of improvement, the phone inherits the sensors of the iPhone 12 Pro, which results in significantly improved low-light performance.
Apple therefore corrects with this generation the rare defects of the previous generation and firmly installs iPhone 13 mini on the first step of the podium. For all the details, head to our iPhone 13 Mini test.
Asus Zenfone 8 Android (almost) without concessions
8 / 10
- Very powerful (but it gets hot)
- Comfort of use and good finish
- But a recessed photo part
Available at € 542 on Cdiscount
After the arrival of the iPhone 12 mini, there was hope that some Android manufacturers would try to offer their own high-end compact smartphone. Asus is therefore the first to respond with a Zenfone 8 with a screen of “only” 5.9 inches.
And we must admit that despite relatively present edges, the Zenfone 8 is particularly compact and pleasant to use. With its dimensions of 68.5 x 148 x 8.9 mm, it is easily handled with one hand and will fit without worries in the most slim jeans. Among the details that we appreciate, we note the IP68 certification a notification LED and even a jack (which shows that this is possible even on a small smartphone…).
The 5.9-inch OLED panel offers a nice density and high brightness, but the colors are lacking in accuracy, drawing towards the blue. Going through the settings corrects this fault. 120 Hz is present and is automatically activated in compatible apps. However, we do not have the right to a real adaptive mode. As for the processor, Asus didn’t skimp and selected the Snapdragon 888, the most powerful SoC currently available on Android.
If the chip is still as powerful, integrating it into a compact chassis at a cost: it gets hot, and not just a little! A gaming session pushes the phone over the uncomfortable 60-degree mark. No miracle either on autonomy. We’re having a good day, but not much more. The Zenfone 8 skips wireless charging and is content with a very average fast charge (1 h 22 to refuel).
The photo module is satisfied with only two sensors, including an ultra-wide angle. If it is not catastrophic, the latest addition to Asus is struggling against the big names in the sector. If photography is your priority, a Pixel 5 will probably be a better choice.
Despite this weak point, the Zenfone 8 turns out to be a good smartphone in general and the best option at the moment for fans of small smartphones allergic to apple.
We tell you more in our test of the Asus Zenfone 8.
Apple iPhone SE 2020 The nostalgic iPhone
7 / 10
- A 4.7-inch screen
- The performance of the Apple A13 Bionic
- But light on autonomy
Available at € 489 on Amazon
Apple is also where you’ll find the latest under 5-inch phone with the 2020 iPhone SE, which has a 4.7-inch screen. Despite its small size, it has the merit of being particularly efficient thanks to the integration of the A13 Bionic processor of the company, the same as on the iPhone 11 Pro, but in an iPhone 8 body.
Due to its thick borders, we save little space compared to an iPhone 11 Pro: about 6 mm less in height and 4 in width. On the other hand, you gain noticeably in thickness and weight. Remember that it is also the cheapest iPhone currently marketed and the last iPhone to have a button “home»Physical.
You will only be able to rely on a single photo sensor on the back. Forget the versatility, but it still does well in most situations. Note that the smartphone is IP67 certified, which makes it the smallest waterproof smartphone at the moment. On the other hand, it leaves something to be desired on the autonomy. For the full test of the iPhone SE 2020, it goes this way!
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 To choose is to renounce
8 / 10
- A big screen in a small format
- Finally waterproof
- Very powerful
Available at € 999 on RED by SFR
With its 6.7 inches, one might wonder what this Galaxy Z Flip 3 is doing in this selection. But we have to admit that the arrival of flexible screens blurs what can be described as compact. Folded up, the Z Flip 3 is indeed very small and will fit without too much trouble even in the worst slim jeans in your wardrobe.
Samsung continues to take care of the design and especially the finish, the phone being finally waterproof. Progress continues on the screen whose bending is always more discreet and which now displays 120 Hz. The hinge is very pleasant to use and the passage open / closed is painless. If the Snapdragon 888 is a racehorse, the battery on the other hand does not follow. Count on a short day of use and almost 1 hour 30 minutes to refuel with the fast charge …
By offering a large screen in an ultra compact package, the Z Flip 3 is a phone apart, with its share of imperfections, but an overall pleasant experience. We tell you more in the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 test.
Google Pixel 4a The good price-performance ratio
- Very good in photo
- Android 11
- Compact and efficient
Available at € 195 on Amazon Marketplace
Along with Apple, Google is one of the only major manufacturers to offer relatively compact, quality smartphones.
The Pixel 4a is, however, more affordable than the Apple models. If its Snapdragon 730G is not a power monster, the optimization of Android 11 by Google allows to obtain a very comfortable user experience. Work that translates in passing into improved autonomy that allows you to finish the day without fear.
But it is especially in photos that the 4a shines. It’s simple: it stands out without worry as one of the most gifted smartphones that we have tested in photos.
And all this with a single sensor on the back! Google is therefore signing a masterstroke with a phone with unbeatable value for money. With the retirement of the Pixel 5, it is the last small-sized Pixel available. Be careful though if you are interested, its stocks are becoming increasingly rare. To find out more, find our full review of the Pixel 4a.
Sony Xperia 10 III For small budgets
- IP68 certification
- The design and the finish
- Comfortable in hand
Available at € 429 at Darty
Sony continues to decline its 21: 9 format even on the rest of its range, attacking the mid-range with the Xperia 10 III. As always, Sony therefore finds a sober design, a neat finish as well as an unusual seal at this price level. Last detail that will appeal to amateurs, a jack is in the game.
The 6-inch OLED panel, on the other hand, is quite average. Admittedly, its definition (2520 x 1080 pixels) is high, but it lacks brightness and the reflections are too present. The Snapdragon 690 used is a solid processor, the operating system is perfectly fluid and you can even play in good conditions. The autonomy of the phone is passable, in the order of a good day, but the charge is extremely slow with the supplied block. Investing in a faster charger (30 W) will therefore be essential.
The main weakness of the phone is its photo module: the shots are too smooth and shooting in low light does not really hold up. Too bad, because the Xperia 10 III is not without arguments, such as its finish and its waterproofness and its more than correct performance.
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