9 Best Small Phones to Buy in 2024

Remember small phones? Those pocket-friendly devices that dominated the early 2010s? Despite the arduous efforts of companies like ASUS to make people fall in love with small phones, it wasn’t enough in the end. But don’t despair! Existing small phone models are still powerhouses, and can last you for years. Here’s a look at the best small phones you can still buy in 2024.

1. ASUS Zenfone 10

ASUS Zenfone 10 was thelast saving graceof small Android phones. It features a5.9-inch displayand weighsonly 172 grams. Powering the device is aSnapdragon 8 Gen 2chipset and a 4,300 mAh battery capable of charging at 30W.

In addition, the phone features UFS 4.0 storage, up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 144Hz OLED display with 1100 nits of peak brightness and Gorilla Glass Victus protection.

The phone has dual-rear cameras with the primary camera being a 50MP sensor and the secondary being a 13MP ultrawide shooter. The software is mostly stock Android with ZenUI, the company’s proprietary skin. The phone is available in a myriad of colors, has a headphone jack, combined with a decent price of $699, and flagship-grade specifications make it one of THE best small phones to get.

The only thing you need to be wary of when buying is that the phone is eligible for only two major Android updates, meaningAndroid 15 will be the last major updateon the Zenfone 10.

2. Samsung Galaxy S24

At first, the Galaxy S24’sdisplay size of 6.2 inchesmay not make it seem like a small device, but the phone is just 5.79 inches tall length-wise, making it as pocketable as the Zenfone 10 and worth considering if you’re looking for a small phone.

It boasts a 120Hz 6.2-inch dynamic AMOLED display and is powered by theSnapdragon 8 Gen 3orExynos 2400chipset depending on where you live. Powering the device is a smaller 4,000 mAh battery capable of charging at 25W wired and 15W wireless.

Besides, this Samsung phone also features UFS 4.0 storage (256GB and above models only), and LPDDR5X RAM. There are three cameras at the rear — a 50 MP wide, 10 MP Telephoto, and a 12 MP Ultrawide. You getOneUI 6on the software front with plenty of customizations andup to 7 years of updates, making it a long-term option for many.

The phone’s overall design with uniform bezels around the display makes it a beautiful compact smartphone for $799.ProsConsGreat one-hand usabilityAverage battery life, slow charging speedExcellent Dynamic AMOLED displayExynos 2400 variant might not perform as goodGreat camerasA bit expensiveExcellent performance (on Snapdragon variant only)Entitled to 7 major OneUI updates

3. Google Pixel 8

Google’s latest Pixel flagship, the Pixel 8 is a tad bit smaller than its predecessor but also a tad bit bigger than the above two devices. For starters, it too features a6.2-inch displaybut length-wise, thePixel 8 measures 5.93 inches, which could still be considered small in the context of other devices in the market. The display is an OLED panel with a120Hz refresh rateand 2000 nits of peak brightness.

Sure it features the slower UFS 3.1 storage and theGoogle Tensor G3might not be as fast as the latest Snapdragon SoCs, but all you’re looking for is a compact phone with the best cameras in the business, the Pixel 8 won’t disappoint you for $599. In terms of longevity, you getseven years of major OS updates; so the device should be a safe bet for years to come.ProsConsDecent one-hand usabilityPerformanceHigher refresh rate displaySome features deliberately locked to the 8 ProExceptional camera performanceOlder and slower UFS 3.1 storage7 guaranteed OS updates

4. Xiaomi 14

With a6.36-inch displayand 6.01-inch length, not many would consider the Xiaomi 14 a “small” device, but for those willing to sacrifice the same for the features the phone packs, it’s a no-brainer. The 6.01-inches tall length is still small compared to other smartphones in the market, and Xiaomi could achieve this via the slim uniform bezels on the Xiaomi 14.

The phone is packed with features.Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, UFS 4.0 storage, triple cameras (all of them being 50MP sensors), LTPO OLED panel with 3,000 nits peak brightness, and a 4,610 mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, it ticks almost all the boxes in a flagship.

The company promised majorAndroid updates for up to 4 yearsand up to 5 years of security updates. Coming at around $799, it’s a device worth considering.ProsConsExcellent bright displayFeels a little bulky for a “small phone”Exceptional performanceLimited availabilityGreat battery life with best-in-segment fast chargingHyperOS might not be everyone’s cup of teaExcellent Leica-tuned cameras

5. ASUS Zenfone 9

If you’re out of options for an inexpensive device, the predecessor to Zenfone 10 still does the trick. TheSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1is still plenty fast and the5.9-inch OLED120Hz display is similar to that of Zenfone 10. Sure it features the older UFS 3.1 storage but it more than makes up for it with a headphone jack and the lower price tag of $349 on websites such as eBay.

Yes, ASUS discontinued the Zenfone 9 earlier last year, so the only way to buy it is from eBay and similar websites. For that price, it’s a phone that’s quite tough to beat. However, do remember that Asus’ track record with updates isn’t the best.

The Zenfone 9 launched with Android 12 andcan only be updated to Android 14. It will be the last update for the phone.ProsConsExceptional one-hand usabilityBelow average camerasGood higher refresh rate displayOnly two major Android updatesStill retains the headphone jackLarge, uneven bezelsNear Stock Android experience with ZenUIGood performance

6. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Those looking for pocketability rather than a smaller screen will appreciate the new-gen foldable phones. When unfolded, the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s display measures6.7-inch diagonallyand 6.5-inch in length, which is not pocketable or suitable for one-handed use.

However, when folded, the form factorcomes down to 3.3 inches, which any pocket can easily accommodate. You can then use apps on the smaller 3.4-inch outer screen. It’s actually too small and counterintuitive for a small phone, yes, but it technically makes the Galaxy Flip 5 the smallest phone on this list.Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Specs-wise, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 boasts aSnapdragon 8 Gen 2SoC, UFS 4.0 storage, 3,700 mAh battery, and dual 12 MP rear cameras. It should get4 years of Android updates, potentially till Android 17.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5launched at $999but since it’s been almost a year since the launch, you can sometimes buy one brand new for $499.ProsConsExceptional pocketabilityOuter display is a low resolution 60Hz panelGreat higher refresh rate inner displayRelatively expensiveGreat performanceDecent camerasFour years of Android updates

7. Motorola Razr 40 Ultra

The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra aka the Razr+ in the US is a tad bit bigger than the Galaxy Z Flip 5 both in terms of screen size and the overall footprint. However, it’s a flip phone with a foldable screen, so pocketability should be no issue. Besides, it’s got a slightly bigger and higher resolution cover screen so running apps on it should feel a little better.Image Courtesy: Motorola

The Razr 40 Ultra features UFS 3.1 storage and the olderSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1SoC. Powering the smartphone is a 3,800 mAh battery capable of charging at 30W. Motorolapromisesup to 3 major Android updates, which is great but knowing the company’s track record with updates, I wouldn’t expect the updates to arrive quickly.

The Razr 40 Ultra launched at $1,049 but has since received several price cuts bringing the price down. You can grab one brand new or refurbished for around $500-$600 on websites other than Amazon.ProsConsExceptional pocketabilityThree years of major updatesGreat high refresh rate inner and outer displaysExpensiveDecent performanceModest cameras

8. Pixel 7a

Pixel 7a is no tiny phone but again, when you consider it in the context of other Android devices, the 7a’s6.1-inch displayand 6-inch length, while barely suitable for one-handed use, could be considered pocketable.

The phone boasts an OLED 90Hz screen,GoogleTensor G2, UFS 3.1 storage, and arrived with Android 13 so it will beupgradeable to Android 16. Besides being relatively small, it’s also one of the best camera devices you can get in the sub-$400 price range.ProsConsExtremely affordable and value for moneyGoogle Tensor G2 is old and slowDecent display, good battery lifeExceptional camera performanceGreat software experience

9. Samsung Galaxy S23

TheGalaxy S23is a year old and has been superseded by the Galaxy S24, but it’s still very much relevant in the current market. With a6.1-inchalmost bezel-less display and a length of a mere 5.76-inches, it’s one of the best hand and pocket-friendly devices you can buy right now.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2combined with UFS 4.0 storage translates to the phone being able to keep up with current standards. With a triple-camera setup andfour years of updates(up to Android 17), the Galaxy S23 should be relevant for several years. It deserves your attention if you’re looking for a compact device.ProsConsGreat one-hand usabilityAverage battery life, slow chargingExcellent Dynamic AMOLED displaySlightly expensiveGreat camerasGood performance (on Snapdragon variant)Entitled to four major OneUI updates

There are lots of reasons why people moved on from small smartphones, but I feel one of them is due to the lack of innovation. There were no generational improvements, contrary to what we’ve seen with larger devices.

Besides, small devices require a lot of R&D to manage and fit components in a tight chassis. So why put that effort when you’re better off selling phones with larger displays? Purchasing small phones also meant compromising on battery life, a key factor that people consider when buying a device. In ASUS’ case, it was due to the lack of updates. Two major updates are quite frankly a joke in this day and age.

What are your thoughts about small phones? What could the firms have done to keep them alive? Let us know in the comments below.

Abubakar Mohammed

Abubakar covers Tech on Beebom. Hailing from a Computer Science background, the start of his love for Tech dates back to 2011, when he was gifted a Dell Inspiron 5100. When he’s not covering Tech, you’ll find him binge-watching anime and Tech content on YouTube, hunting heads in competitive FPS games, or exploring Teyvat in Genshin Impact. He has previously worked for leading publications such as Fossbytes, How-To Geek, and Android Police.

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