The best small smartphones. The best compact smartphones according to customer reviews. What compact can you buy from Samsung

The end of 2017 showed that everything is moving towards an increase in diagonals, even five-inch devices come across on the shelves less and less. On the other hand, the frames are reduced, the displays themselves are pulled up and down. So, at least some attention is paid to compactness. But users also want very small smartphones, the diagonal of which is even smaller than in five-inch ones. In any case, for everyone who has already joined phablets, the fact that compact smartphones are still being released will be a revelation. Moreover, you can buy both simple devices and phones of the middle segment, and if you have enough funds, even compact versions of some flagships.

• Four-inch Blu Vivo 5 Mini and Lava A44;
• Compact Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) mid-range;
• Expensive branded Apple iPhone 8;
• The flagship Sony Xperia ZX1 Compact.

Budget four-inch

It so happened that the models with which we will begin the review are actually unknown to the general public. And this is not surprising: in fact, every manufacturer offers five-inch models, which have become the standard in size. On the other hand, we are talking about the most compact, and here it is simply impossible not to start with four inches. Of course, one should not expect outstanding performance here: the BLU Vivo 5 Mini has only half a gigabyte of memory on board, the second Lava A44 smartphone will already offer a gigabyte. This is not enough, but the cost is minimal, and the dimensions.

The first gadget is 125.2mm long, 62mm wide and 8.5mm thick. It is built on the mediatech MT6580, while the display resolution is 480x800 pixels. The second smartphone has dimensions of 123x63.7x10.1mm, resolution is 480x854 pixels, and the productive platform is based on MT6737. What is interesting: despite the small size, both devices boast under-screen buttons.

What compact can you buy from Samsung?

Let's move on to A-brands, the most famous of which is Samsung. However, this time a phone from Samsung, the Galaxy A3 (2017) in particular, does not offer such outstanding features as the famous flagship of the same company. Which, of course, is also an advantage of this gadget, because Samsung's prices are among the highest among lesser-known competitors. Now to the characteristics:

• Length - 135.4mm, width - 66.2mm, thickness - 7.9mm;
• With a diagonal of 4.7, the display received 1280x720 pixels, and the display is made using AMOLED technology;
• Responsible for performance proprietary Exinus 7870, working in conjunction with 2GB of RAM.

Apple's smallest

The most branded compact smartphone available on the market. Traditionally, Apple's phone, iPhone 8, is the base, and therefore the least interesting model from the point of view of advanced users. There are no large diagonals, trendy design and even more technical bells and whistles. Nevertheless, the smartphone is in great demand, because, as practice has shown, for many people shovels are still not worth the price. Especially if users do not live in social networks, do not play games, and the gadget is used mainly as a phone or for reading messages. Now to the main features:

• Length - 138.4mm, width - 67.3mm, thickness - 7.3mm;
• With a diagonal of 4.7, the display received 750x1334 pixels;
• The new generation Bionic A11 chipset with 2GB of RAM is used as a productive basis.

The most compact Sony

Despite the fact that the Sony company does not actually participate in the race of rounds and other fashionable delights, it deserves respect, as it has chosen its own path and adheres to its design features. It is no less surprising to see a smartphone from Sony, the Xperia XZ1 Compact, in the ranks of the flagships. The name itself implies the positioning of this smartphone. Well, let's look at the main characteristics:

• Length - 129mm, width - 64mm, thickness - 9.3mm;
• With a diagonal of 4.6, the display received eychdi-resolution;
• As a productive basis, the current flagship chipset is used - Snapdragon 835 with 4GB of RAM;
• Special attention was paid to photo opportunities, using a proprietary module with optical stabilization, as well as laser autofocus.

As you can see, the smartphone is not just one of the most compact this year, it can also be called the most powerful. And if you take into account the design that is clearly not similar to competitors, this gadget can be called the most interesting, though very expensive.

Who there said that Apple dictates morals and never listens to the "Wishlist" of customers? Here is an eloquent example of how lovers lament on the topic “iPhone 6 is heresy!” and “Jobs wouldn’t let the iPhone turn into a shovel!” achieved their goal, and Apple realized their dream - a new iPhone in a classic case. As a result, the fans, who should have choked with happiness ... decided not to buy the model that had been demanded from Apple for so long.

True, this does not detract from the fact that the iPhone SE is the coolest of the small and the smallest of the quality smartphones of our time. It's just amazing how fast the 4-inch "baby" opens websites and navigates through applications. And the camera - where else have you seen such cool rear camera so compact smartphones?

Another thing is that when watching a video, you either have to strain your eyes or bring the smartphone close to your face, and in games the controls are annoying, because the “huge” thumbs cover a significant part of the screen. You have to type with even breathing and the vigilance of a ninja samurai. But this is just a lyrical digression - lovers of compact mobile phones will be delighted with the ratio of size and performance of the iPhone SE and will not notice these shortcomings. Moreover, even the newfangled Apple Pay works in this classic-looking iPhone!

But what Apple fans will really notice is the lack of 3D Touch (that is, the screen does not respond to pressure) and a weak selfie camera. And the model has no prestige - the new iPhone looks like a very old iPhone.

An ideal super-compact model to the delight of the “old believers” from Apple technology lovers, which will still scare away geeks due to obsolete filling, and a large proportion of conservatives due to too high a price.

Sony Xperia X Compact

Another smartphone from the “you still have no choice” category. It must be admitted that only the "mini" remains from Sony's legendary mini-flagship - flagship characteristics are a thing of the past, as well as the Z5 Compact model. The new compact has no water resistance, no cool processor, no expensive body materials, but in terms of display quality, camera and speed, it is still preferable to any other smartphone in the 4.6-inch or less class.

Sony Xperia X Compact

Official prices for a Japanese compact are presumptuous, to put it mildly, because no one is in a hurry to pay 33 thousand rubles for a small mobile phone with characteristics on the verge of the budget and middle classes. But gray retail will help us, which means that you can get the best modern compact android phone for 22-25 thousand. And this is already quite an adequate price for a modern model with a moderate display diagonal.

Huawei Nova

Five-inch model in the selection of compact smartphones. Ashamed? Ashamed! But it’s better to have a 5.0” lean smartphone in all directions than the thick and stupid budget rubbish that the “4-4.9 inches + Android” branch is now teeming with.

Do not be afraid of the Chinese origin of the model and its price in Russia - Nova turned out to be extremely successful, and in addition to the dreary quality of the speakerphone, this smartphone has only one drawback. It lies in the fact that Nova is a very boring smartphone, like an intelligent girl without bad habits from an exemplary family with sinless relatives.

Neither good nor bad: the display is of average quality, the camera is good, the performance is average, the autonomy is average, the body materials and design are also average. You can only note a very cool selfie camera and a car of “special effects” for it in order to apply makeup in self-portraits “on the fly”.

Well, if you don’t be a snob and don’t find fault with the fact that the smartphone turned out to be good on all fronts, you have to take it. Take it to all buyers who want to get a high-quality and relatively small smartphone without maximalism in price or characteristics.

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)

A funny example of a compact smartphone that got a 4.7-inch diagonal not in order to be better than competitors' models, but in order to become worse than the Galaxy A5 model and observe “corporate subordination”. For this reason, the “three-ruble note” has grown to the title of one of the best compact smartphones only in the third generation: the first generation A3 was generally “firewood” with indecently budget stuffing, the second turned into a beautiful and fast, but still “stump”, especially in terms of operational memory (one and a half gigabytes! Samsung, you produce RAM yourself, you can’t be so greedy!).

“And the fourth is neither alive nor dead. Oh, don’t let me maaaat!” as Nadezhda Kadysheva sings. Galaxy A4 will be released - we'll see, but the third generation A3, or, as it is called, “a-three of the 2017 model year”, still turned out to be a very cool smartphone, albeit with an inadequate price at the start of sales.

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)

A beautiful and, importantly, water-resistant case, a nimble eight-core processor (better than your MT6753) with two gigabytes of RAM, NFC for working with Samsung Pay, and a high-quality AMOLED display. The smartphone cannot boast of cool cameras (they are weaker in the A3 2017 than in the typical mid-range ASUS ZenFone 3 and Huawei Nova), but still the new “three” is good even in itself, and among the compact models it is also one of the most sophisticated . That rare case when Samsung with the number "three" in the index is not ashamed. It remains to wait until the price falls below 20 thousand, and there will be no contraindications to buying a compact Samsung.

Compact smartphones are still popular. The main feature, or, more correctly, the requirement, are compact dimensions and the ability to easily use the gadget with one hand. Fewer and fewer smartphones fall into this category every day. At the same time, the concept of "compact" is associated with display diagonals, which were considered the standard a few years ago.

Below is a list of the best compact Android smartphones. It should be understood that in the article we will not mention the iPhone SE, 6s and 7 - they are certainly compact, but colleagues from AppleInsider.ru.

Google Pixel

The device is equipped with a 5-inch display, Snapdragon 821 processor, 4 GB of RAM. The main features include fast updates, body design and materials, as well as a camera that many consider to be the best on the market. But among the shortcomings, we would note the high price - after all, $ 650 for a smartphone from Google is a lot. And starting with the Nexus 6, the company went down the wrong path towards increasing the cost of its products in order to obtain maximum quality.

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)

While the Pixel is definitely one of the best, the A3 (2017) technically isn't. The device is equipped with a 4.7-inch display, has moisture protection, a Type-C port.

A3 (2017) is an excellent solution for those who want to get, in addition to a compact device, also a cheap one. But at the same time, if you want a flagship, A3 is not your choice. The screen resolution is only HD, the 13 megapixel camera does not show the best result, there is only 2 GB of RAM, and the Exynos 7870 processor is not the best, and the battery is only 2350 mAh.

Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime

Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime is a 5-inch monster with a 4100 mAh battery and a Snadragon 625 processor. It has 3 GB of RAM, the camera is the weak side of the device. It is here at 13 megapixels, but the quality of the pictures, especially at night, is terrible. Plus will be FullHD-screen resolution. For the money, Redmi 4 Prime is the best choice in its price category.

According to phonearena

Smartphones are getting bigger and bigger these days. Many devices, especially flagships, are equipped with 5.5-inch displays. Among these well-known Samsung Galaxy S8, HTC U11, OnePlus 5, Huawei P10 Plus and LG G6, as well as many others.

Large smartphones have their drawbacks, including being large and difficult to use with one hand. These are just two reasons why many users prefer smaller devices. If you like smaller phones, then this article is for you.

We tried to compile a list in which smartphones are under 5 inches or smaller and can be easily found on the market.

Google Pixel

A small Google smartphone with a 5-inch display and Full HD resolution. It is a high-tech device with Snapdragon 821 chipset and 4GB of RAM. At the same time light, small, quite powerful and based on Android. Such parameters make it an excellent choice for people who need performance and small size.

One of the most important parameters of this phone is definitely the camera, which received 12.3 megapixels with f / 2.0 aperture. When the smartphone was announced, Google claimed to have the best camera on the market. This claim was later confirmed by DxO, giving it a high DxOMark rating and a score of 89. But Google recently dropped to second place as it was surpassed by the HTC U11 to take a respectable first place with a score of 90.

Besides high tech specs and one of the best cameras you can get with phones, the Google Pixel has a lot of stock for Android. The design and construction of the smartphone is classic, but it is not one of the most affordable, since its price for 32 GB is $650, and for 128 GB of internal memory it is $750.

specifications

5" AMOLED display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 441 ppi

2.15 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 821

4 GB RAM

32/128 GB of onboard memory, not expandable with a microSD card

12.3MP camera, 8MP front camera

Non-removable battery 2770 mAh

Android 7.1

143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5mm, 143g

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) is a compact mid-range device thanks to its 4.7-inch HD display. The smartphone also has a metal frame, 3D glass and an IP68 dust and water resistance rating. This is an approximate depth of immersion in water up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes.

The processor here is Exynos 7870 with 2 GB of RAM, Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system with Samsung cover. It is also worth mentioning the 13 megapixel camera, 2350 mAh battery, as well as the fingerprint scanner, which is located on the front panel under the screen.

In terms of design, it looks similar to other smartphones in the Galaxy series. This phone fluctuates around 280 dollars, you can choose from several different color options. While the Galaxy A3 isn't one of the best small smartphones on the market today, if you're a Samsung fanatic or need a small size, then this is the choice.

specifications

4.7" Super AMOLED display with 1280 x 720 resolution, 312 ppi

Octa-core 1.6GHz Exynos 7870

2 GB RAM

Non-removable battery 3350 mAh

135.4 x 66.2 x 7.9mm, 138g

Sony Xperia X Compact

This is the most compact smartphone on the list as it has the smallest screen, which is 4.6 inches. The Xperia X Compact is considered a mid-range device with a Snapdragon 650 chipset and 3GB of RAM.

It is equipped with two front stereo speakers. Supports maximum extended storage up to 256GB and has a 2700mAh battery that will last a day of continuous use. The smartphone also has an amazing 23 MP camera with f/2.0 aperture, all running Android Marshmallow, which can be upgraded to 7.0 Nuga.

The only negative is that this device did not receive a fingerprint scanner in the American model. It also has the typical design that we are used to seeing from the Sony Xperia series. The smartphone has sharp corners and several large panels. The approximate price of the phone today is $350.

specifications

4.6 inch 1280 x 720 HD Triluminos IPS LCD, 312 ppi

3 GB RAM

32 GB of onboard memory, expandable via microSD card up to 256 GB

23MP camera, 5MP front camera

129 x 65 x 9.5 mm, 135 g

Wileyfox Swift 2andSwift 2 Plus

For those unfamiliar with Wileyfox, this is a UK-based company known for their devices that offer excellent value for money. These Swift 2 and 2 Plus smartphones have a 5-inch high-definition display, powered by Snapdragon 430 chipset and all in a metal body.

But these smartphones have quite a few differences. The Swift 2 has 2GB of RAM, 16GB of onboard storage and a 13MP main camera, while the Plus model has 3GB of RAM, 32 of onboard storage and a 16MP rear camera.

A 2700 mAh battery is installed with support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology, which charges the battery up to 75% in about 45 minutes. Available in blue, gold, pink. The Swift 2 is priced around $200 and the Swift 2 Plus is around $250.

specifications

Wileyfox Swift 2

1.4 GHz Snapdragon 430

2 GB RAM

16 GB of onboard memory, expandable via microSD card up to 128 GB

13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera

Non-removable 2700 mAh battery

Android 7.1.1

143.7 x 71.9 x 8.6mm, 158g

For those who want to know more:

Wileyfox Swift 2 Plus

5" Full Laminated Display 1280 x 720, 294 ppi

1.4 GHz Snapdragon 430

3 GB RAM

32 GB of onboard memory, expandable via microSD card up to 256 GB

16MP rear camera, 8MP front camera

Non-removable 2700 mAh battery

Android 7.1.1

143.7 x 71.9 x 8.6mm, 155g

Sony Xperia XA

Another device from Sony that made our list in which the best small smartphones based on the Android OS is . It's a sporty 5-inch display with small bezels on the left and right sides, giving it an even more compact look.

While its specs won't surprise you, the Xperia XA is still a good device. It is equipped with a MediaTek MT6755 processor, has 2 GB of RAM, a 13 MP main camera, as well as a hot key on the right side to quickly launch the camera.

The operating system is installed Android Marshmallow with a shell from Sony. The battery received 2300 mAh, the phone also supports Pump Express + 2.0 fast charging function. Unfortunately, there is no fingerprint sensor.

The Xperia XA is available in Graphite Black, White, Yellow Gold and Rose Gold. Today its price is about 160 dollars.

specifications

5" IPS LCD, 1280 x 720 resolution, 294 ppi

2.0 GHz MediaTek MT6755

2 GB RAM

16 GB onboard memory, expandable via microSD card up to 256 GB

13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera

Non-removable battery 2300 mAh

143.6 x 66.8 x 7.9mm, 137g

Moto G5

The Moto G5 is a mid-range smartphone that was announced at MWC 2017 back in February along with its big brother Moto G5 Plus. It features a 5-inch Full HD display, a Snapdragon 430 processor and 2/3GB of RAM. Unlike its predecessor, it has a metal body, which gives it a beautiful look.

The fingerprint scanner is located on the front of the device, and it also supports various gestures. You can, for example, swipe left to go back, or swipe right to open recent apps. The Moto G5 has a 2800mAh battery, a 13MP camera, but no NFC. The approximate price of the smartphone is $250.

specifications

5" LCD 1920 x 1080, 441 ppi

1.4 GHz Snapdragon 430

2/3 GB RAM

16/32 GB of onboard memory, expandable via microSD card up to 128 GB

13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera

Removable 2800 mAh battery

Android 7.0

144.3 x 73 x 9.5mm, 144g

Moto E4

Also on our list was a wonderful little smartphone Moto E4. It has a 5-inch HD screen, a Snapdragon 425 chipset, although you'll find a MediaTek 6737 processor in some markets.

The device has 2GB of RAM, all wrapped in a nano-coated metal casing that should protect it from light rain or light splashes of water. Just like the Moto G5, this friend has a fingerprint sensor and a gesture function.

The main selling point of the Moto E4 is its price. Today, Verizon offers a smartphone for just $70, but this is subject to registration on the website of one of the carriers. On the market, its price will be about $130.

specifications

5" IPS LCD display with 1280 x 720 resolution, 294 ppi

Snapdragon 425 or MediaTek 6737

2 GB RAM

16 GB of onboard memory, expandable via microSD card up to 128 GB

8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera

Removable 2800 mAh battery

Android 7.1

144.7 x 72.3 x 9.3mm, 151g

We hope this list will help you choose a phone that you feel comfortable with. If you think we missed some of the popular small Android smartphones of 2017, we look forward to your comments.

Who there said that Apple dictates morals and never listens to the "Wishlist" of customers? Here is an eloquent example of how lovers lament on the topic “iPhone 6 is heresy!” and “Jobs wouldn’t let the iPhone turn into a shovel!” achieved their goal, and Apple realized their dream - a new iPhone in a classic case. As a result, the fans, who should have choked with happiness ... decided not to buy the model that had been demanded from Apple for so long.

True, this does not detract from the fact that the iPhone SE is the coolest of the small and the smallest of the quality smartphones of our time. It's just amazing how fast the 4-inch "baby" opens websites and navigates through applications. And the camera - where else have you seen such cool rear camera so compact smartphones?

Another thing is that when watching a video, you either have to strain your eyes or bring the smartphone close to your face, and in games the controls are annoying, because the “huge” thumbs cover a significant part of the screen. You have to type with even breathing and the vigilance of a ninja samurai. But this is just a lyrical digression - lovers of compact mobile phones will be delighted with the ratio of size and performance of the iPhone SE and will not notice these shortcomings. Moreover, even the newfangled Apple Pay works in this classic-looking iPhone!

But what Apple fans will really notice is the lack of 3D Touch (that is, the screen does not respond to pressure) and a weak selfie camera. And the model has no prestige - the new iPhone looks like a very old iPhone.

An ideal super-compact model to the delight of the “old believers” from Apple technology lovers, which will still scare away geeks due to obsolete filling, and a large proportion of conservatives due to too high a price.

Sony Xperia X Compact

Another smartphone from the “you still have no choice” category. It must be admitted that only the "mini" remains from Sony's legendary mini-flagship - flagship characteristics are a thing of the past, as well as the Z5 Compact model. The new compact has no water resistance, no cool processor, no expensive body materials, but in terms of display quality, camera and speed, it is still preferable to any other smartphone in the 4.6-inch or less class.

Sony Xperia X Compact

Official prices for a Japanese compact are presumptuous, to put it mildly, because no one is in a hurry to pay 33 thousand rubles for a small mobile phone with characteristics on the verge of the budget and middle classes. But gray retail will help us, which means that you can get the best modern compact android phone for 22-25 thousand. And this is already quite an adequate price for a modern model with a moderate display diagonal.

Huawei Nova

Five-inch model in the selection of compact smartphones. Ashamed? Ashamed! But it’s better to have a 5.0” lean smartphone in all directions than the thick and stupid budget rubbish that the “4-4.9 inches + Android” branch is now teeming with.

Do not be afraid of the Chinese origin of the model and its price in Russia - Nova turned out to be extremely successful, and in addition to the dreary quality of the speakerphone, this smartphone has only one drawback. It lies in the fact that Nova is a very boring smartphone, like an intelligent girl without bad habits from an exemplary family with sinless relatives.

Neither good nor bad: the display is of average quality, the camera is good, the performance is average, the autonomy is average, the body materials and design are also average. You can only note a very cool selfie camera and a car of “special effects” for it in order to apply makeup in self-portraits “on the fly”.

Well, if you don’t be a snob and don’t find fault with the fact that the smartphone turned out to be good on all fronts, you have to take it. Take it to all buyers who want to get a high-quality and relatively small smartphone without maximalism in price or characteristics.

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)

A funny example of a compact smartphone that got a 4.7-inch diagonal not in order to be better than competitors' models, but in order to become worse than the Galaxy A5 model and observe “corporate subordination”. For this reason, the “three-ruble note” has grown to the title of one of the best compact smartphones only in the third generation: the first generation A3 was generally “firewood” with indecently budget stuffing, the second turned into a beautiful and fast, but still “stump”, especially in terms of operational memory (one and a half gigabytes! Samsung, you produce RAM yourself, you can’t be so greedy!).

“And the fourth is neither alive nor dead. Oh, don’t let me maaaat!” as Nadezhda Kadysheva sings. Galaxy A4 will be released - we'll see, but the third generation A3, or, as it is called, “a-three of the 2017 model year”, still turned out to be a very cool smartphone, albeit with an inadequate price at the start of sales.

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)

A beautiful and, importantly, water-resistant case, a nimble eight-core processor (better than your MT6753) with two gigabytes of RAM, NFC for working with Samsung Pay, and a high-quality AMOLED display. The smartphone cannot boast of cool cameras (they are weaker in the A3 2017 than in the typical mid-range ASUS ZenFone 3 and Huawei Nova), but still the new “three” is good even in itself, and among the compact models it is also one of the most sophisticated . That rare case when Samsung with the number "three" in the index is not ashamed. It remains to wait until the price falls below 20 thousand, and there will be no contraindications to buying a compact Samsung.