Though the marketplace for small telephones is not practically what it was once, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover a comparatively compact handset that does not compromise on prime options. PCMag has been writing about telephones for at the very least three a long time, so you’ll be able to belief that we have totally researched the few remaining telephones that meet an affordable definition of “small.” Amongst our Editors’ Alternative winners are the Google Pixel 10 Professional for its top-notch cameras and the Apple iPhone 17 for its unimaginable worth. In fact, all our suggestions are price your consideration, so remember to learn the linked critiques under for our in-depth evaluations. For extra particulars to remember whilst you store, do not miss our purchasing information on the finish.
Deeper Dive: Our High Examined Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
April 23, 2026: With this replace, we added the Apple iPhone 17e, Google Pixel 10a, and Samsung Galaxy S26. Our remaining picks have been vetted for forex and availability. Since our final replace, we reviewed and evaluated a dozen new telephones for potential inclusion on this roundup.
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Execs & Cons
Greatest worth amongst iPhone 17 fashions
Quick efficiency
Aggressive battery life
Speedy wi-fi connections
Professional-level show
Versatile cameras
Why We Picked It
At 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches, the iPhone 17 is a perfect selection for those who’re searching for a robust, premium cellphone in a (comparatively) small and cozy type issue. The iPhone 17 strikes a superb steadiness between display screen dimension and one-handed usability, making it a standout within the small cellphone class.
Who It is For
Apple followers who do not want all of it: The smallest iPhone 17 presents cameras and efficiency rivaling Apple’s earlier iPhone Professional fashions. That includes the best design among the many bunch, the iPhone 17 has two rear cameras positioned atop a comparatively small, pill-shaped digital camera bump. Its display screen can also be similar to the iPhone 17 Professional’s, with clean animations and an always-on show.
Individuals who want good battery life: In our battery rundown check, the iPhone 17 lasted 24 hours and 31 minutes. Battery life varies by utilization, however this small iPhone ought to final the workday after which some.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
iOS 26
CPU
Apple A19
Dimensions
5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches
Display screen Dimension
6.3 inches
Display screen Decision
2,622 by 1,206 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
48MP, 48MP; 18MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
24 hours, 31 minutes
Study Extra
Apple iPhone 17
Overview
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Execs & Cons
Refined and interesting {hardware}
Superior, easy-to-use AI options
Wonderful cameras
Lengthy-term help
Battery life needs to be longer
No bodily SIM card help
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 10 Professional is a wonderful possibility if you would like a premium, compact Android cellphone filled with standout AI options and glorious cameras. It delivers a whole, uncompromised Pixel expertise in a chic body that’s comfy to carry and use.
Who It is For
Shutterbugs: The Google Pixel 10 Professional produces a number of the most interesting images from a smartphone, bar none. It incorporates a 50MP essential digital camera, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 48MP telephoto digital camera with a 5x optical zoom. You get glorious colour copy and element seize for stunning photos by a cellphone that simply suits in your pocket.
The AI curious: Past its glorious cameras, the Pixel 10 Professional comes with each Google AI function out there. Magic Cue proactively offers you data earlier than you want it (for instance, a affirmation quantity for a flight). Voice Translate means that you can talk with folks in one other language utilizing your individual voice and intonation. Digicam Coach additionally teaches you easy methods to be a greater photographer. And for those who dislike all or any of those, you don’t want to make use of them.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 16
CPU
Google Tensor G5
Dimensions
6.02 by 2.83 by 0.34 inches
Display screen Dimension
6.3 inches
Display screen Decision
2,856 by 1,280 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
12 hours, 40 minutes
Study Extra
Google Pixel 10 Professional
Overview
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Execs & Cons
Excellent cameras for the worth
Sharp, vibrant display screen
Wonderful Google AI
Lengthy software program help dedication
Easy, well-made {hardware}
Outdated processor
No magnetic charging
No mmWave 5G
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 10a wraps up essentially the most compelling options of different Pixel telephones at a extra inexpensive worth whereas nonetheless preserving the footprint (comparatively) compact. You get glorious images because of a mixture of high quality {hardware} and Google’s computational images algorithms. Its stunning 6.3-inch OLED show is seen even in vibrant daylight because of its most 3,000-nit brightness. It additionally options the identical Tensor G4 processor as its pricier Pixel 10 siblings, offering swift AI efficiency.
Who Its For
Individuals who need nice Google images: If you would like Google-grade images with out the Professional worth, the Pixel 10a delivers. Its 48MP essential sensor and 13MP ultra-wide produce sharp, constant photographs that look practically indistinguishable from Google’s Professional fashions.
Individuals who cling on to their telephones for some time: Google helps the Pixel 10a with seven years of OS updates, safety fixes, and have updates. Moreover, the Pixel receives its updates earlier than different Android gadgets, permitting you to benefit from the newest options for years to return.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 16
CPU
Google Tensor G4
Dimensions
6.06 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches
Display screen Dimension
6.3 inches
Display screen Decision
2,424 by 1,080 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
48MP, 13MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
12 hours, quarter-hour
Study Extra
Google Pixel 10a
Overview
(Credit score: Sarah Lord)
(Credit score: Sarah Lord)
Execs & Cons
Inexpensive
5G and Wi-Fi
Lengthy battery life
Fast efficiency
Restricted third-party apps
Poor cameras
Embedded battery
Why We Picked It
The TCL Flip 4 5G connects to the newest technology of mobile expertise and has terrific name high quality. It incorporates a utilitarian 5MP digital camera, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C charging port. Plus, its embedded battery presents as much as 40 hours of discuss time on a single cost.
Who It is For
Individuals who favor voice calls: The inexpensive TCL Flip 4 confidently performs primary cellphone capabilities; the speakerphone and earpiece sound fairly clear, and the battery life lasts for a very long time.
Individuals who wish to simplify their lives: In case your objective is to work together along with your cellphone much less, the TCL Flip 4 is a superb selection. It runs on the straightforward KaiOS, which doesn’t embody social media or streaming apps. Writing messages can also be difficult since you should use the Flip 4’s quantity keypad, making you suppose twice earlier than firing off a textual content. The TCL Flip 4 is your ticket to mindfulness for those who select.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
KaiOS
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2
Dimensions
4.29 by 2.34 by 0.84 inches
Display screen Dimension
3.2 inches
Display screen Decision
240 by 320 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
5MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
20 hours
Study Extra
TCL Flip 4 5G
Overview
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Execs & Cons
Wonderful efficiency
Helpful AI instruments
Superb cameras
Interesting {hardware}
Proper-sized for most individuals
Common battery life
Lacks magnetic charging
Restricted reminiscence and storage
No mmWave 5G
Why We Picked It
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 options Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a speedy modem, 12GB of RAM, and as much as 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, all packed into a fairly sized body. The cellphone’s 50MP essential digital camera additionally captures sharp, vibrant images, whereas its Full HD panel boasts 2,700 nits of peak out of doors brightness and helps HDR10+. Battery life is healthier than common, whereas wi-fi charging is a welcome comfort.
Who It is For
Individuals who will not skimp on efficiency: The Galaxy S26 makes use of the identical Qualcomm chip because the costlier Galaxy S26+ and Extremely, delivering a just about similar expertise. If you wish to multitask, recreation, or use Galaxy AI, the S26 gained’t allow you to down.
Samsung customers: When you’re already in Samsung’s ecosystem, take into account the S26. Signing in to your Samsung account hyperlinks your gear, offering a shared clipboard for shifting textual content and Multi Management, which lets one keyboard and mouse work throughout a number of screens.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 16
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
Dimensions
5.91 by 3 by 0.37 inches
Display screen Dimension
6.3 inches
Display screen Decision
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
TBD
Study Extra
Samsung Galaxy S26
Overview
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Execs & Cons
Excellent efficiency
Lengthy battery life
Vibrant display screen
Roomy 256GB base storage
Digicam takes sharp images
MagSafe charging
Restricted digital camera system
Older Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios
Why We Picked It
Apple’s iPhone 17e incorporates a fashionable design and up to date specs, together with Apple’s A19 processor and a 48MP Fusion digital camera. It is also essentially the most inexpensive entry into the iOS ecosystem and among the many best suited telephones for one-handed use. Extra importantly, it has a number of the greatest battery life we have seen from a small iPhone.
Who It is For
Individuals who need a light-weight iPhone: The iPhone 17e is among the lightest new iPhones, weighing simply 5.88 ounces. Plus, its 6.1-inch show with Ceramic Protect 2 retains the cellphone compact and straightforward to carry and carry.
Individuals who need the lowest-cost iPhone: The iPhone 17e is Apple’s least costly new iPhone. Costs begin at $599. The iPhone 17 prices $200 extra, making the 17e essentially the most inexpensive option to enter the iPhone ecosystem.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
iOS 26
CPU
Apple A19
Dimensions
5.78 by 2.82 by 0.32 inches
Display screen Dimension
6.1 inches
Display screen Decision
2,532 by 1,170 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
48MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
22 hours, 2 minutes
Study Extra
Apple iPhone 17e
Overview
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
(Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Execs & Cons
Vibrant shows
Class-leading battery life
Highly effective efficiency
Enjoyable folding type issue
Middling cameras
Mediocre AI
Why We Picked It
The Motorola Razr Extremely successfully leverages its dual-screen design, in contrast to many options, permitting you to run just about any app on both the vivid 4.0-inch outer show or the expansive 7.0-inch interior panel. We additionally like its IP48 waterproof ranking, fashionable design, aggressive efficiency, and quick 68W wired charging.
Who It is For
Individuals who need the perfect of each worlds: The Razr Extremely’s compact clamshell physique makes it sufficiently small to simply match into pockets (even little ones). Nevertheless, it unfolds to disclose an infinite OLED display screen, making it a giant cellphone prepared for multitasking or watching a film. If you wish to carry a large-screened machine in a tiny type issue, that’s the Razr Extremely.
The style-conscious: The Razr Extremely is accessible in Cabaret (pink), Mountain Path (a wood-like end), Rio Purple, or Scarab (darkish inexperienced). These colours had been particularly chosen by means of Motorola’s partnership with Pantone, which scouts trend developments to determine what’s fashionable now and what will probably be sooner or later. Moreover, the Extremely’s massive 4-inch outer display screen works so nicely that you could be not must open your cellphone as usually. Both approach, the Razr Extremely turns heads.
Specs & Configurations
Working System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Cell Platform
Dimensions
6.75 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open, 3.47 by 2.91 by 0.62 inches closed
Display screen Dimension
7 inches
Display screen Decision
2,992 by 1,224 pixels
Digicam Decision (Rear; Entrance-Dealing with)
50MP, 50MP; 50MP
Battery Life (As Examined)
22 hours, 3 minutes
Study Extra
Motorola Razr Extremely
Overview
The Greatest Small Telephones for 2026
Evaluate Specs
Shopping for Information: The Greatest Small Telephones for 2026
What Dimension Telephone Is Too Large?
Smartphones have elevated in dimension, however our palms have not. When LG launched its G2 smartphone in 2013, the corporate stated that most individuals might comfortably maintain a cellphone as huge as 2.8 inches. That could be why the width of the smallest Samsung Galaxy S telephones and Apple iPhones has hovered across the 2.8-inch mark for years.
Left to proper: Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely, S26+, S26 (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Palm breadth tells you ways huge a cellphone may be earlier than it falls out of your hand; thumb size tells you ways huge a display screen may be earlier than it is inoperable with one hand. Healthline cites an previous NASA examine reporting that the common handbreadth is 3.1 inches for girls and three.5 inches for males. The Heart for Building Analysis and Coaching estimates are a bit decrease: 2.91 inches for girls and three.3 inches for males.
We have used the two.8-inch-wide measurement as the utmost width for telephones eligible for this roundup, however it’s turning into more and more troublesome to search out telephones that meet this requirement. As such, a few telephones on the checklist are over the two.8-inch mark (although simply barely). Many individuals would possibly nonetheless discover these telephones a bit huge for one-handed use, however small cellphone beggars cannot be choosers.
Why Are Telephones Getting Greater?
The push towards the cellular web and video consumption initially drove the expansion of cellphone screens. With telephones now serving as folks’s major window to the web and most well-liked canvas for quite a few video streaming companies and video-centric social networks, bigger screens are extra compelling than smaller ones.
Left to proper: Apple iPhone 17 Professional Max, iPhone Air, 17 Professional, 17 (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Folks additionally favor bigger batteries, and the simplest option to accommodate an even bigger battery is to make the cellphone bigger. Not like different applied sciences, battery capability has been extremely immune to technological enchancment—making an attempt to squeeze extra battery capability right into a smaller area usually leads to an issue.
Lastly, cellphone makers wish to cost extra. There is a deep-seated theme in American shopper tradition that larger is healthier and value extra: larger automobiles, larger homes, larger TVs, and larger telephones. It has been troublesome for cellphone makers to persuade customers that one thing small nonetheless holds worth.
Small voice telephones are price contemplating for those who’re in search of a compact handset since you discover massive screens distracting or tiring. These little flip telephones match simply as nicely in your hand now as their ancestors did in 2006.
Advisable by Our Editors
The Way forward for Small Smartphones
Alas, it seems that small smartphones will proceed to be a distinct segment market. For instance, Apple discontinued the iPhone mini as a result of it was not promoting nicely. Trendy folding telephones (particularly those who mimic the design of old-school flip telephones) are price contemplating, as they’re at the very least pocketable.
Nonetheless pondering massive? Try our roundup of the perfect telephones total.
