Android Central 2021: Best Small Phone Android Central
In just a few years, large phones have become the norm in the smartphone market. Nearly every major smartphone released today has a larger size. While this is great for playing games and watching movies, it can also be difficult for people who prefer smaller phones. There are many options, including our top pick, the Google Pixel 4a. These are the top Android phones for small budgets if you're eager to buy an iPhone 13 mini, but don't want iOS.
Source: Andrew Martonik / Android Central
The Pixel 4a is a great Android phone, regardless of its size. Although it's not the most technologically advanced handset on the market today, the Pixel 4a is a great value for money. The Pixel 4a can take amazing photos, as you would expect from a Pixel. The Pixel 4a is a great choice for shooting in bright daylight or taking photos of the night sky with the Astrophotography Mode. The Pixel 4a produces stunning images that are sharp, vibrant, and look amazing. These amazing results are available every time you press the shutter key. This reliability is not something that can be found on more expensive devices. The Pixel 4a isn't limited to its camera. It also excels in other areas. The Pixel 4a's 5.8-inch screen strikes the perfect balance between being large enough to enjoy content and small enough to be easily held in one hand. It also features an OLED panel with Full HD+ resolution so everything you do looks great. The Snapdragon 730 processor delivers fast performance, great battery life, and plenty of storage (128GB). Pros: Takes gorgeous photos
Performance excellence
Headphone jack
Software that is clean and current
Compatible with all U.S. carriers
Boring design
The best overall Google Pixel 4a Android Smartphone. This small phone is a champion thanks to its excellent balance between specs, features and price. Google Pixel 4a Android Smartphone $349
Best Buy: Starting at $300
Upgrade to Google Pixel 5
Source: Hayato Huseman / Android Central
The Pixel 4a is a great phone, but the Pixel 5 is a better option if you are looking for something more expensive. The Pixel 4a is great, but the Pixel 5 has some key improvements that enhance the experience. The Pixel 5 retains the Full HD+ OLED display and adds a 90Hz refresh speed. The Pixel 5 gets a speed boost when you add the Snapdragon 765G processor. Although the screen measures 6 inches, the Pixel 5 has a smaller footprint than the Pixel 4a. The Pixel 5 also includes a 16MP ultrawide camera and the 12.2MP primary sensor. Although it isn't the best ultra-wide camera, it allows for greater shooting options than you could get with a phone that doesn't have one. The Pixel 5 offers a lot of value for the price, with minor perks such as IP68 water resistance and wireless charging. Pros: 90Hz OLED screen
Faster Snapdragon 765G processor
Dual rear cameras
IP68 Water/dust resistance
Wireless charging cons: There is only one option
More expensive
Upgrade Google Pixel 5 5G Android Smartphone Treat Yourself to Something Nice With a 90Hz display, wide camera, faster processor and ultra-wide screen, the Pixel 5 is the perfect small flagship. Amazon: $799
Best flagship: Samsung Galaxy S21
Source: Hayato Huseman / Android Central
Samsung's 2019 return to small phones with its Galaxy S10e was a refreshing breath of air. We have yet to see a true successor. The Galaxy S21 is not as small as many people expected, but it's still an amazing package you shouldn't miss. The Galaxy S21 is a 6.2 inch display. Although it might seem intimidating on paper, the S21 is extremely easy to use in real life. The Galaxy S21 is one the most user-friendly flagships that we will see in 2021. It features a slim bezel, a flat display and lightweight design thanks to its plastic back. It also features an AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth animations. The S21's Snapdragon 888 chipset, the latest from Qualcomm, is the heart of this smartphone. It allows for the highest performance in smartphones (along with sub-6 and 5G support). You have the option of either 128GB or 256GB internal storage, along with 8GB RAM. Although the triple-camera system remains unchanged from last year’s Galaxy S20 Galaxy S20, it isn’t a bad thing. The S21's three cameras, a 12MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera and a 64MP telephoto cam, will allow you to capture some great shots. Unfortunately, the S21's battery life is its biggest drawback. Although it's not unusable, if you have a 5G active connection and a 120Hz refresh rate, expect to last for at least one day. The 120Hz AMOLED display has incredible pros
Amazing performance with Snapdragon888
Amazing triple-camera system
Android 11 with One UI 3.1 interface
Three years of software updates promised. Cons: So-so batteries
It is larger than the other phones on this list
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G Foldable
Source: Nick Sutrich / Android Central
The dream of folding smartphones has become a reality. They come in many shapes and sizes. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 5G was the first attempt. Motorola attempted a throwback with a reimagined Razr (2020). The device folds in half and is compact. Samsung has also managed to make the Galaxy Z Flip 3 a usable external display. The 1.9-inch AMOLED Cover Display allows you to use your rear camera for taking selfies. Although it makes some features more accessible, such as notifications and selfies, the phone is not large enough to handle more complex tasks. The phone's 6.7 inch Dynamic AMOLED screen (2640x1080 pixels) is revealed. It has a 21.9:9 aspect ratio which makes it slightly smaller and more ergonomic. It also stands out due to the material it was made from. This time Samsung used better glass, which doesn’t feel like plastic like the Z Flip. The phone's power comes from the Snapdragon 888 processor with 8GB RAM and 128GB to 256GB internal storage. These specs make the phone capable, and the combination Android with Samsung's One UI makes it even more so. However, not all apps can take advantage of Flip's ability for prop up halfway. You can use it with the camera app to take selfies and make video calls. YouTube works well but there are not many options beyond YouTube. Uniquely, the Galaxy Z Flip uses two different batteries to create its 3,300mAh capacity. Although it isn't the most efficient, it should be able to withstand most circumstances. It can also be charged wirelessly so its small size is a plus. Pros: Still solid specs
Showcase Better Cover
Battery life is excellent
One UI 3.1 is sleek
Very good cameras
Incredible design Cons: No telephoto lens
Display is fragile
Not particularly durable
An alternative option Sony Xperia 5 II
Source: Sony
The phone draws heavily from the Sony Xperia 1 II. This makes it smaller inside and outside. The phone's smaller frame still offers a 6.1 inch FHD+ OLED with 120Hz refresh rate. It also has a 240Hz touch sampling speed. So visually, it's a great device. This panel won't have 4K resolution, but it's still a great choice if you're happy with 2520x1080. Because it is smaller, the Xperia 5 II makes it easier to use. It also has rounded corners which make it more intuitive. The Xperia 5 II also has a separate Google Assistant button. However, it is more like a multifunction keyboard that you can customize to perform another function. Sony chose to use an enlarged lock button instead of an onscreen fingerprint sensor, which is strange. The Snapdragon 865 chipset has decent performance specs. It also offers 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. There's also a 256GB version. This chipset is capable of handling almost any task, even though it may feel a little old. Streaming media is simple, and gaming is also easy. A headphone jack is available for those who may find it useful. The phone's IP68 rating is good for water resistance. This may make it more difficult to take risks with the capable camera. If you are serious about photography, the triple-camera array at the rear can produce excellent shots with more true-to life color. The front-facing sensor, however, is only 8MP and less than other comparable phones. Because it is larger than the phone's smaller frame, the 4,000mAh battery lasts a full day. One caveat: The Xperia 5 II doesn't work with 5G networks in America. If you are still using 4G LTE, this is the phone for you. The display is bright and sharp.
Strong performance
Solid camera output
Long-lasting battery
Pros: Good water resistance
Only available with AT&T and T-Mobile
Access to 5G networks is not available in the United States.
Sony Xperia 5 II Unlocked Smartphone Another option Amazon: $848
$848 at B&H
Asus Zenfone 8, a smaller option, is also available
Source: Alex Dobie / Android Central
The Asus Zenfone 8 is the last but not least. Asus phones don't make the headlines often in this region, but the Zenfone series has seen a few successes in its short history. This version is a good choice if size and functionality are important to you. Although there are several options for memory and storage, the rest of the phone uses the same specs. A 5.9-inch screen used to be huge, but it now feels small. The Zenfone 8 runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon888 processor. It has a 120Hz display and a 240Hz touch rate. You get more for a smaller device that's not as large as some other phones with the different RAM and storage options. The IP68 rating allows it to be durable while still sticking to its basic features, such as a headphone socket. Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus is used on the phone's front to give it extra ruggedness. The phone's hardware and software performance are solid. However, it is not clear what kind of update cycle Asus will continue to use for this phone. Although the cameras are capable of taking great photos, you won't be able to zoom in with an optical zoom. The phone's 4,000mAh battery, which is large enough to last for several days without much interference, is also plenty. It doesn't support wireless charging so you will need to plug it in. However, it can charge 30W via USB-PD. The pros: It is compact and easy to carry
Slick performance
Superb main and ultra-wide camera
Cleaner Android
3.5mm headphone jack Cons: No wireless charging
No Telephoto Camera
Android update cycle unclear
Only available with AT&T and T-Mobile
Asus Zenfone 8, 5G Dual 128GB - A smaller option. The Zenfone8 is a compact device that you can use, but it does not compromise on what it offers or how it performs. Amazon: Starting at $680
Moto G Fast - If you have a tight budget,
Source: Joe Maring/Android Central
Although budget phones are not known for their reputation, they can be expected to live up to your expectations. Although the Moto G Fast falls into this category, it is a great phone for those who have limited needs and want something that's easy to use. This is basically the Moto G Power repackaged without the same specs or price tag. This device's size is a major reason it made the list. The display's 6.4 inch size is not small but it feels so thanks to its overall design. If you aren't using the phone for a lot of things, then the lower resolution of 720p may not matter to you. This phone might not be for you if your eyes aren't able to tell the difference or you don't care. This is due to the lightweight Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor that powers the device. It's the same chipet used in the Moto G Power or G Stylus. The G Fast has a limit of 3GB RAM so multitasking is not possible if you are using multiple apps at once. Android is responsive and accurate thanks to the fingerprint sensor. Android also runs smoothly if you don't push things too far on its hardware side. Motorola has not yet specified what update schedule they will use for the phone. The camera output will be as good or better than you would expect for a phone in this price range. Good shots when conditions are good, but not so great when the lights are dimmed. The battery is the same, with a 4,000mAh capacity and lighter specifications. It lasts for a long time. You should be able to last a whole day without any problems. The pros: Excellent build quality
Battery life is long-lasting
Rapid and reliable fingerprint sensor
Compatible with all U.S. carriers
Cons: Very low price
Too little RAM or too much storage
Terrible mono speaker
Motorola's Update Policy
Moto G Fast for those on a budget. Amazon: $170
$170 at B&H
Apple iPhone 13 mini users
Source: Ted Kritsonis/Android Central
Apple's support for the iPhone 13 mini continues from its predecessor. The iPhone 13 mini, however, is smaller than the iPhone SE and offers the same performance as the premium handsets. Its 5.4 inch OLED (2340x1080) is the main focus. With a small frame, it's one of the most compact phones available today. It's always a pleasure to see hardware and software run so smoothly on such a small device. The A15 Bionic chip performs well and iOS 15 runs smoothly. Apple's willingness to support its phones with years worth of updates (assuming that they don't throttle it in anyway) will keep the 13 mini relevant for a while. Two 12MP cameras now have a Cinematic mode for video, which allows you to play with focus and make clips look like Hollywood. Although the 12 mini's photo quality is better than the 12MP, the results should be comparable to the 12 Pro. The quality of the images won't be as good as those from the 13 Pro models. A smaller battery is also a result of trimming down. The actual size of the iPhone 13 mini's battery is unknown. Apple does not talk about it, but it claims it can do better than ever before. However, this is not a guarantee for the long-term. There is still no USB-C. You will need to charge via Lightning, wireless or MagSafe charging. The A15 Bionic chip is powerful.
Camera setups for wide and ultra-wide cameras
IP68 Water/dust resistance
Qi and MagSafe charging
It is very small for one-handed use
You get OS and security updates for up to five years. Cons: It's still expensive for what you get
No USB-C port
