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MagyarThe Best Compact Smartphones
Smartphone with screens smaller than 5.5 inches were standard a short while ago, but devices with 6.3 inches or more are dominating the market right now. This is a a result of the popular aspect ratios 2:1, 19:9 or even 21:9. Then we have a new category of foldable smartphones, so devices with screens bigger than 7 inches will not be unusual in the near future.
Compact devices are still popular, so we want to present the best compact smartphones in the following ranking. The display size ist not as important as the actual size of the smartphone, so devices with a good screen-to-body ratio will benefit. The contenders must not surpass a length of 150 millimeters, but we will also sort out very bulky devices.
The following smartphone ranking might be interesting as well:
The Best Compact Smartphones
Position | Total Rating | Date | Image | Model | Width | Height | Weight | Screen-to-Body | Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 90.5 % | 03/2023 |  | Samsung Galaxy S23 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy Qualcomm Adreno 740 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | 146.3 | 7.6 mm | 167 g | 88 % | 6.10" | 2340x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 13 |
| 2 | 90 % | 03/2024 New! |  | Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Exynos 2400 Samsung Xclipse 940 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 147 | 7.6 mm | 167 g | 91 % | 6.20" | 2340x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 14 |
| 3 | 86.9 % | 08/2023 |  | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy Qualcomm Adreno 740 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 165.1 | 6.9 mm | 187 g | 86 % | 6.70" | 2640x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 13 |
| 4 | 89.1 % | 10/2023 |  | Apple iPhone 15 Apple A16 Bionic Apple A16 GPU 5-Core 6 GB Memory, 128 GB NVMe | 147.6 | 7.8 mm | 171 g | 85 % | 6.10" | 2556x1179 | 060 Hz | Apple iOS 17 |
| 5 | 86.4 % | 04/2023 |  | Xiaomi 13 Lite Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Qualcomm Adreno 644 8 GB Memory, 256 GB UFS 2.1 | 159.2 | 7.23 mm | 171 g | 89 % | 6.55" | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | Android 12 |
| 6 | 86.8 % | 07/2023 New! |  | Motorola Edge 40 MediaTek Dimensity 8020 ARM Mali-G77 MP9 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 158.43 | 7.49 mm | 171 g | 92.7 % | 6.55" | 2400x1080 | 144 Hz | Android 13 |
| 7 | 90.7 % | 10/2023 New! |  | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Apple A17 Pro Apple A17 Pro GPU 8 GB Memory, 128 GB NVMe | 146.6 | 8.3 mm | 187 g | 88 % | 6.10" | 2556x1179 | 120 Hz | Apple iOS 17 |
| 8 | 83.1 % | 09/2023 New! |  | Sony Xperia 10 V Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G Qualcomm Adreno 619 6 GB Memory, 128 GB UFS 2.1 | 155 | 8.3 mm | 159 g | 82 % | 6.10" | 2520x1080 | 060 Hz | Android 13 |
| 9 | 87 % | 06/2023 New! |  | Motorola Razr 40 Ultra Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Qualcomm Adreno 730 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 170.8 | 7 mm | 188.5 g | 89 % | 6.90" | 2640x1080 | 165 Hz | Android 13 |
| 10 | 84.6 % | 10/2023 New! |  | Motorola Edge 40 Neo MediaTek Dimensity 7030 ARM Mali-G610 MP3 12 GB Memory, 256 GB | 159.6 | 7.8 mm | 170 g | 92 % | 6.55" | 2400x1080 | 144 Hz | Android 13 |
The table above contains an overview over the best compact smartphones reviewed by Notebookcheck over the course of the past 12 months as well as still relevant and available older products. In cases of identical score the more recent device is listed first. All prices in above table and price comparisons are updated daily and can thus differ.
Editors' Comments
The first update of the most compact smartphones brings us six newcomers. Most of them have dropped out due to their age and, with the exception of the Galaxy S24, all newcomers are bulkier than the previous models.
1st – Samsung Galaxy S23
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display that can get enormously bright and supports a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The display-surface ratio is also very appealing. The S23 is powered by the fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, which has 8 GB of RAM. Both a 128 GB and a 256 GB storage solution are available.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is one of the best compact smartphones of 2023.
The 3,900 mAh battery helps the Samsung smartphone achieve long runtimes and the triple camera takes really good photos as well as videos. The compact phone is rounded off by an IP68 certification and a long update supply. Only UWB and Wi-Fi 7 have to be waived.
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2nd – Samsung Galaxy S24
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is hardly any bigger than its predecessor, which towers above it in this list of the best. It has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, which offers Full HD+ and up to 120 Hz. It is powered by the Exynos 2400 with 8 GB of RAM, with a choice of 128 or 256 GB of internal memory. The triple camera remains unchanged on the hardware side compared to the S23, but it can now fall back on a larger battery.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 offers a lot of power in a pocket-sized package.
One highlight is certainly the extremely long update cycle of seven years and the clever AI functions. In return, however, it lacks features such as Wi-Fi 7 or a powerful fast charging option.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is available through manufacturer's official online store as well as the usual retail such as Amazon.
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3rd – Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G
The foldable Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G has a 6.7-inch LTPO main display that can use an adaptive refresh rate of 1 to 120 Hz. The fast processor has 8 GB of RAM and there is a choice of 256 or 512 GB of internal memory. The highlight, however, is the large external display (3.4 inches, 60 Hz), which clearly displays information and selected apps.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is a really good foldable smartphone that hardly demands any compromises from its owner.
The Flip5 also has a lot else to offer: a good dual camera, Wi-Fi 6E with 6 GHz support, dual-band GNSS, a long update supply and fast USB 3.2. Only Wi-Fi 7 and more audio codecs for Bluetooth would certainly have been desirable.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 is available directly from Samsung, but can also be purchased from most retailers such as Amazon.
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4th – Apple iPhone 15
The Apple iPhone 15 (82.4 ml) has a 6.1-inch display, which unfortunately only works at 60 Hz. The battery has a capacity of 3,349 mAh and allows very good battery life. It is powered by a fast SoC and has 6 GB of RAM. There is a choice of 128, 256 or 512 GB of storage. The dual camera relies on a 48 MPix sensor, which is designed to enable a dual, almost lossless digital zoom and is supplemented by an ultra-wide-angle lens. The Apple smartphone is equipped with MagSafe, UWB and wireless charging and is protected against dust and water in accordance with IP68.
The iPhone 15 is characterized by excellent workmanship, a good dual camera and bright display, but we also miss some features that are otherwise common in this price range.
In the review, the iPhone is convincing, but also has to put up with criticism for the fact that, among other things, the display only works at 60 Hz, only slow USB 2.0 is installed and no 6 GHz WLAN is supported.
The Apple iPhone 15 is available through Apple as well as the usual retail channels.
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5th – Xiaomi 13 Lite
The Xiaomi 13 Lite (83.7 ml) presents itself with a 6.55-inch display that aims to impress with features such as a dual selfie camera and 1,000 cd/m² brightness. The Xiaomi 13 Lite is similar to the Xiaomi 12 Lite in many technical aspects and is also positioned in the mid-range. There are only a few major changes, such as the camera setup. The 108 MP main camera of the Xiaomi 12 Lite has been replaced by a 50 MP camera. The front camera now has two sensors: a 32 MP main sensor and an 8 MP depth sensor, which should enable better bokeh effects. The battery has also been slightly improved and now has a capacity of 4500 mAh instead of the previous 4300 mAh.
The Xiaomi 13 Lite is a slim and convincing mid-range smartphone.
The Xiaomi 13 Lite has to put up with criticism for its rather weak mono speaker. It also only comes with Android 12, but has been updated to MIUI 14 (Android 13) and will also be supplied with Android 14. In the test, it also impressed with fast charging and fast Wi-Fi.
In the US, the Xiaomi's smartphone is sold out by the manufacturer, but is still in stock at Amazon.
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6th – Motorola Edge 40
The Motorola Edge 40 is a particularly slim smartphone, not even 7.5 millimeters thick and at 171 grams, it is also one of the lighter models. The display measures 6.55 inches, has a resolution of Full HD+ and works with a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz. It is powered by a modern SoC from MediaTek and has 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal memory. The dual camera also delivers decent images. Fast charging with 68 watts and stereo speakers are also on board.
The Motorola Edge 40 offers an attractive overall package with good system performance and long battery life.
However, it is a pity that a telephoto lens is not included and only USB 2.0 is integrated. In addition, the update supply should be longer.
The Motorola Edge 40 can be purchased directly from Motorola. Alternatively, Amazon also lists the smartphone for $430.
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7th – Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Despite its immense performance, great battery life and good camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro is one of the most compact smartphones currently available. It has a 6.1-inch OLED display that works at up to 120 Hz and can be very bright. Finally, it also offers a USB port.
The iPhone 15 Pro is an excellent smartphone that has to put up with very little criticism.
The only compromises have to be made in terms of WLAN (no Wi-Fi 7) and charging speed. In addition, the iPhone still does not offer a high-res codec for Bluetooth.
The Apple's phone is only available from Amazon in refurbished versions, which are considerably cheaper.
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8th - Sony Xperia 10 V
The Sony Xperia 10 V is not only characterized by its compact design, but also by its enormous battery life, is IP68-certified, can use microSDs and still has a full jack connection.
The Xperia 10 V may look a little old-fashioned in places, but it offers a great overall package.
The Sony smartphone can be criticized for the fact that its display only works at 60 Hz and the display-to-surface ratio is comparatively low. The triple camera offers both an ultra-wide angle and an optical zoom, but with 8 MPix each, it is no longer up to date.
The Sony Xperia 10 V can be ordered directly from Sony in all color variants, and is also available from Amazon.
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9th – Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
With a large external display and a bright main screen, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra gets the basic homework right. The foldable is rounded off with wireless charging, tri-band Wi-Fi and eSIM support. The form factor was also impressive in the test.
The stylish Foldable Razr 40 Ultra impresses in many areas, but is not quite cheap.
The battery life is good, but not outstanding. The dual camera also shows deficits when zooming and the Razr is difficult to open with just one hand due to the tight hinge.
The Razr 40 Ultra, or Motorola Razr+ 2023 in North America, is available directly from Motorola and from Amazon as well.
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10th – Motorola Edge 40 Neo
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo is a real hand flatterer and comes in exciting Pantone colors. It is comparatively light, not too big, IP68-certified and sits in the mid-range. The large battery can be charged quickly and features such as tri-band Wi-Fi and eSIM are also on board. The 144 Hz OLED can also be very bright.
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo is a slim eye-catcher with an appealing price-performance ratio.
Given its price range, there is not much to complain about with the Neo. The positioning could be more accurate and the Android updates are sometimes a long time coming.
The device is available through the usual retail channels.
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Top 10 in Comparison
Test Results
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G | Apple iPhone 15 | Xiaomi 13 Lite | Motorola Edge 40 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Sony Xperia 10 V | Motorola Razr 40 Ultra | Motorola Edge 40 Neo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response Times | ||||||||||
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 1.36 ? | 2.57 ? | 1.42 ? | 2.7 ? | 1.25 ? | 1.14 ? | 2 ? | 3.67 ? | 0.9 ? | 1.6 ? |
| Response Time Black / White * | 1.77 ? | 1.09 ? | 1.78 ? | 2.2 ? | 1.22 ? | 0.89 ? | 1.6 ? | 2.36 ? | 0.9 ? | 1.1 ? |
| PWM Frequency | 240 | 483 | 120 | 306 | 120 | 144 | 242 | 137 | 103 | 120.4 |
| Screen | ||||||||||
| Brightness middle | 1125 | 1349 | 836 | 1046 | 905 | 1023 | 1092 | 933 | 849 | 966 |
| Brightness | 1122 | 1369 | 848 | 1019 | 904 | 1042 | 1086 | 944 | 830 | 957 |
| Brightness Distribution | 96 | 97 | 97 | 94 | 99 | 90 | 99 | 97 | 96 | 97 |
| Black Level * | ||||||||||
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 3.2 | 3.3 | 2.6 | 1.4 | 1 | 1.6 | 0.91 | 1.1 | 3.02 | 1.87 |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 4.9 | 5 | 4.5 | 2.84 | 3 | 4.3 | 1.95 | 1.7 | 7.61 | 4.34 |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 3.3 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 2.2 | 2.8 | 1.3 | 1.8 | 5.3 | 2.5 |
| Gamma | 1.97 112% | 1.97 112% | 2.22 99% | 2.158 102% | 2.23 99% | 2.27 97% | 2.215 99% | 2.29 96% | 2.198 100% | 2.272 97% |
| CCT | 6504 100% | 6635 98% | 6319 103% | 6410 101% | 6382 102% | 6457 101% | 6481 100% | 6611 98% | 6338 103% | 6582 99% |
| Heat | ||||||||||
| Maximum Upper Side * | 30.6 | 43.4 | 56 | 42 | 34.1 | 46.9 | 43 | 40.5 | 54.6 | 46.9 |
| Maximum Bottom * | 30.2 | 44 | 53.6 | 43.7 | 32.6 | 48.9 | 43.4 | 40.8 | 48 | 47.9 |
| Idle Upper Side * | 25.2 | 26.3 | 26.6 | 24 | 28.8 | 29.5 | 23.2 | 29.4 | 26.9 | 23.3 |
| Idle Bottom * | 24.2 | 26.2 | 26.7 | 23.6 | 27.2 | 28.3 | 23.6 | 28.4 | 27.3 | 23 |
| Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
| Reader / Idle | 2249 | 2398 | 2698 | 2240 | 2272 | 2714 | 4067 | 1422 | 2444 | |
| H.264 | 1255 | 1227 | 1305 | 1185 | 1235 | 1522 | 1615 | 1013 | 1232 | |
| WiFi v1.3 | 926 | 880 | 647 | 1002 | 822 | 924 | 832 | 1157 | 669 | 864 |
| Load | 370 | 159 | 306 | 321 | 304 | 362 | 388 | 259 | 355 | |
| Power Consumption | ||||||||||
| Idle Minimum * | 0.57 | 0.42 | 0.44 | 0.9 | 0.74 | 0.62 | 0.7 | 0.56 | 0.9 | 1 |
| Idle Average * | 0.74 | 0.93 | 0.69 | 1 | 1.56 | 1.78 | 0.9 | 0.91 | 1.1 | 1.2 |
| Idle Maximum * | 0.83 | 1.07 | 0.91 | 1.1 | 1.59 | 1.85 | 1.1 | 0.98 | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| Load Average * | 4.26 | 15.43 | 6.61 | 6 | 3.33 | 3.02 | 6 | 5.34 | 5.5 | 5.2 |
| Load Maximum * | 6.16 | 16.51 | 6.72 | 13.6 | 7.59 | 8.23 | 10.1 | 5.46 | 10.3 | 9.2 |
* ... smaller is better
Benchmarks
| 3DMark | |
| 2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value) | |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
| Motorola Edge 40 | |
| Motorola Edge 40 Neo | |
| 2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value) | |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
| Motorola Edge 40 | |
| Motorola Edge 40 Neo | |
| 2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value) | |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
| Motorola Edge 40 | |
| Motorola Edge 40 Neo | |
| WebXPRT 3 - Overall (sort by value) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | |
| Apple iPhone 15 | |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | |
| Motorola Edge 40 | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro | |
| Motorola Razr 40 Ultra | |
| Motorola Edge 40 Neo | |
