Compact smartphones: the best small 6-inch phones in 2024

Smartphones are getting bigger and bigger, but there are still a few that are around 6 inches. Here are our recommendations for the best compact smartphones available in 2024.

The top 3 best compact smartphones in 2024

In recent years, smartphone screens have almost erased their borders to have ever larger panels. 6-7-inch screens are now the standard for many models. In 2024, it will be complicated to find a small smartphone.

But don't despair; if you like being able to operate your phone with one hand or simply slip it into your jeans pocket, it's possible. Some brands continue to produce small smartphones, some of which are even very powerful. For an overview, we recommend that you read our comparison of the best smartphones in 2024.

With the evolution of the market, the symbolic barrier of the 6-inch screen for a small smartphone has been crossed by manufacturers. You will therefore see references with a 6.1-inch panel in this selection, now also considered a small size. You will also find in this guide folding smartphones, offering an alternative compact design solution.

Here is our selection of the best compact smartphones of the moment.

The high-end Samsung pocket: Samsung Galaxy S23

Among the smartphones of 2024, the small Galaxy S23 was one of the most anticipated. As a successor to the S22, it does as well, if not better, than its illustrious predecessor. It even solves a certain number of problems that the S22 had: we are thinking in particular of the power of the chip as well as the autonomy.

First of all, on the aesthetics, nothing to complain about: the design is similar and therefore very pretty, as are the first-rate finishes. The latest anti-water and dust certifications are there. For the screen, we find an excellent 6.1-inch panel, particularly bright. This serves the most powerful chip of the moment, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The latter allows everything to run without the slightest problem. On 3D games, however, some heating may occur after a certain amount of playing time.

Another good point to welcome: thanks to a new battery, but especially the optimization allowed by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the S23 can last a day and a half in mixed-use. For a compact smartphone, this is particularly satisfying.

What about the photo? While the score is certainly excellent, it is perhaps not as good as one might hope given the abilities of its predecessor. The camera suffers from some inaccuracy, particularly in focusing and portrait mode.

You may be aware that in 2024, Samsung released its new range, and therefore the Galaxy S24, which is also very small with its 6.1-inch screen. If the design is particularly successful and the screen is still as beautiful, Samsung has unfortunately chosen to switch (again) to an Exynos chip. But it is undoubtedly the capabilities of the camera that leave us more thoughtful; the latter in particular makes very questionable focusing choices. As it stands, we will therefore always recommend the S23, which is sold for 100 euros less than the S24.

However, if you want Samsung's latest compact phone, this will be the right choice.

The best compact smartphone: Apple iPhone 15 Pro

Now that the iPhone 13 mini is no longer on sale, you will have to fall back on a more classic format, which is therefore a little larger at 6.1 inches. So look at the iPhone 15 Pro, released at the end of 2023, which is an excellent model. Apple has added a new titanium frame, which makes the device lighter.

With its sublime 6.1-inch screen and reduced borders, it is comfortable in the hand. Note the addition of the Action button, which allows you to take advantage of a welcome shortcut.

Its A17 Pro SoC makes it one of the most powerful phones of the moment. We recommend it in particular for playing video games. iOS 17 offers a pleasant user experience that is perfectly integrated into the Apple ecosystem.

In the photo and video department, he has everything good too. The video benefits from exceptional stabilization, and the results will be better than on all Android smartphones. The big news is that you will have a USB-C port, which makes it much more practical. Only the charge is still lagging (20W), and it will take you 1h20 to fully recharge it.

An excellent phone in a small format... all for 1229 euros—you have to have the budget. 

The best compact Android smartphone: Asus Zenfone 10

It has become rare to see new smartphones tackle a compact aspect in 2024. However, Asus persists and signs with its Zenfone 10, the successor to the very good Zenfone 9. A demonstration of technical know-how in a very compact smartphone. The grip is excellent, with the choice of a slightly grainy plastic that fits well in the palm. Note the presence of a jack port.

It starts with a beautiful 5.9-inch AMOLED screen. This is capable of displaying Full HD+ definition and going up to 144 Hz in gaming mode. Although it is of excellent quality, we could still have hoped for a slightly better maximum brightness.

In addition to the screen, the phone also offers great power, despite its compact format. The animation is provided by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, no less. The best chip of 2023 runs everything smoothly, especially 3D games. On the software side, Asus ZenUI remains sober and runs very well. You also have the choice of opting for the stock version of Android. The only real downside is that you can count on only two years of major updates. In 2024, on a phone at this price, it's too little, in our opinion.

Finally, this compact smartphone surprisingly provides excellent battery life. Its 4,300 mAh battery provides first-class endurance; the Zenfone 9 can last two days. With its 30 W recharge, you recover 100% in one hour. It's good, and it's even better than the flagships from Samsung and Apple.

The general observation is rather positive: only the photo performance of this Asus Zenfone 10 will disappoint compared to the competition. It makes do, in fact, with a double sensor at the back, which is just good but fails to shine, which is a shame at this price.

The most affordable compact: Google Pixel 7a

With the Pixel 7a, an affordable and more compact iteration of the Pixel 7 series, Google is doing well. The new addition to the range has many advantages to highlight: its design is discreet, and its finishes are exemplary. 

Its beautiful 6.1-inch OLED screen has a refresh rate of 90 Hz and high brightness (in HDR, 1230 cd/m3 max). We just regret the screen borders being a little too present: the phone could have been even more compact, and for smaller hands, especially women's hands, it will not seem "small."

Its weight of 192 grams, which is not nothing for 6.1 inches (the S23 weighs 167 g), also does not make it the most discreet in the hand.

With perfect software integration (Android 13, now Android 14), Google's affordable phone will do everything you ask of it thanks to its Tensor G2 chip, a champion of artificial intelligence. This is the same chip as the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro but for much less money. It is especially in photography that it performs well: at 500 euros, it is simply unbeatable in its category and even has a good digital zoom. Portraits, night photos, moving subjects—nothing escapes him.

Disappointment, however, on the autonomy, is light in 2024, since the Pixel 7a will only last a day. And it is not helped by fast charging: the latter caps at 18 W (be careful, the power supply is not provided).

The Pixel 7a is nevertheless an interesting option for those looking for a compact, pretty, and durable camera phone. Plus, you'll enjoy three years of major Android updates.

If your budget cannot go up that much, you can also fall back on the previous year's model, the Pixel 6a, which has a screen of the same size and is also a very good smartphone for photography (like all Pixels). It is generally available for around 350 euros.

If, on the other hand, you want to boost performance, whether in terms of power, camera, or even AI, opt for the Pixel 8. Despite a slightly larger screen (6.2 inches), it manages to remain just as compact thanks to thinner borders than previous models. On the other hand, you will have to pay 730 euros to have it offered to you.

The cheaper compact iPhone: Apple iPhone SE 5G (2022)

The successor to the iPhone SE 2020 retains its compact appearance, which is the strength of its name. Indeed, the 2022 version uses the chassis of the iPhone 8, with the central button dedicated to Touch ID. The tiny 4.7-inch screen is unfortunately still LCD technology. This offers you easy handling, but above all, improved daily use, which highlights the tactile interface.

The advantage of Apple's affordable compact smartphone is, as is often the case, its internal power. The iPhone SE 2022 sees the arrival of an Apple A15 Bionic chip already present on the iPhone 13 to offer impeccable animation. The configuration implemented includes 4 GB of RAM. The other important aspect of the phone is its 5G compatibility.

On the back of the phone, there is a 12-megapixel sensor. The photo part is ensured thanks to the presence of several features, such as Smart HDR 4 or Deep Fusion.

Several configurations are available for purchase, but the starting price is 529 euros. If you want a compact iPhone but the iPhone 13 mini is too expensive for you, this is a good alternative.

Fold to win: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

With its 6.7 inches, one might wonder what this Galaxy Z Flip 5 is doing in this selection. Except that once folded, the Z Flip 5 is very small, since it is only half its size. It is also light, which adds to the “small object” effect. You can easily slip it into a pocket.

The Samsung Flip phone is equipped with a 3.4-inch AMOLED external panel with HD definition. The internal screen has a diagonal of 6.7 inches, with a refresh oscillating between 1 and 120 Hz. The highest brightness peak reaches 1635 cd/m2, an excellent value. Even the color fidelity is there; as often, Samsung offers a screen of exemplary quality. The hinge has also been improved.

In terms of power, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is in charge and comfortably ensures daily use. In terms of autonomy, you will have to be content with one day, which is far from exceptional for very high-end equipment.

In terms of small disappointments, the photo part could have been better. Faced with an S23 Ultra, which is one of the best photo smartphones of the moment, the absence of the telephoto lens is felt. We also remain unsatisfied when it comes to the use of the external screen, as the applications are limited for the moment. Still, by offering a very large screen in a particularly compact and cute format, the Z Flip 5 offers an interesting alternative and is a good foldable smartphone.

Which compact smartphone should I choose in 2024?

Should I make concessions on a small-format phone?

Despite progress in the size of components, buying a small smartphone involves some concessions in terms of the technical sheet. Even if the iPhone 13 mini and Zenfone 10 have proven their ability to perform well despite their format. However, the batteries of these devices are around 3,000 mAh, whereas more traditional smartphones start at 4,000 mAh. However, with the arrival of less energy-consuming chips, the autonomy is very respectable, as the Asus Zenfone 10 has perfectly proven.

What is the screen size of a compact smartphone?

On the market, the size of smartphone screens has evolved enormously. If in the 2010s, 5-inch screens were the norm, they are much more marginal today. Devices measuring less than 6 inches are now considered compact and are quite difficult to find. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 exceeds 6 inches, but when folded, it offers a compact design that is easy to carry. So consider that a smartphone with a screen of less than 6 inches is considered compact.

Why choose a mini-format device?

The main selling point of this type of device is its ease of handling. For compact smartphones, manufacturers first think about ergonomics for everyday use. In addition to their ability to slip into a pocket or bag, the devices can be used one-handed without problem, as it is possible to reach the top of the screen with the thumb.

What are the most compact smartphones in 2024?

The smallest smartphones on the market currently are the Asus Zenfone 9 and 10 and the iPhone 13 mini. These are the only ones whose screen is less than 6 inches.