Many new smartphones are closer to tablets than mobile phones. Still, not all of us are keen on carrying around a phone that feels like a dinner plate.
Whether you prefer small, simple gadgets or you need a backup smartphone, compact smartphones that pack a punch are still available.
- Palm Phone
If you need something really small, the Palm Phone is the perfect choice. With a 3.3-inch HD display and weighing just 62.5 grams, it’s like holding a feather – but sturdier. This tiny device is water-resistant (IP68), so it can handle a trip to the beach or the slopes without breaking a sweat.
It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 chip with 3GB of RAM, which is perfect for light tasks like texting, using apps to track your daily activities, or taking quick photos. As for photos, its 12MP rear and 8MP front camera do a good job at casual shots. Just don’t expect it to replace your top-brow DSLR camera. It has 32GB of storage, but unfortunately, there’s no microSD slot — so you’ll have to be careful about how many photos you save of your cat.
The Palm phone runs Android 8.1, which isn’t the newest version (Android 14 is the newest) but is still functional. Plus, its minimalist interface is designed to minimize distractions. It was originally priced at $350, but it can now be purchased on Amazon for around $200.
- Unihertz Jelly Star
This phone claims to be the smallest phone running Android 13. It’s a tiny 3-inches, but don’t be fooled by the size. With a transparent, LED-lit back and weighing just 116 grams, it’s as functional as it is attractive.
Powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 chip and equipped with 8GB of RAM, this tiny phone can handle day-to-day tasks with ease. Plus, it has 256GB of storage – yes, you read that right. If that’s not enough, you can get more storage with a microSD card, but you’ll lose one of the two SIM slots in the process.
The Unihertz Jelly Star’s 48MP rear camera and 8MP front camera deliver surprisingly solid shots, especially for such a small size. And its 2000mAh battery will keep you going even with light use. You can buy it for around $200.
- Unihertz Jelly 2
Slightly lighter than the Jelly Star, the Unihertz Jelly 2 offers a similarly compact 3-inch screen and weighs 106.5 grams. It’s the ideal size to keep in your pocket for a night out or a trip to the gym.
With a MediaTek Helio P60 processor and 6GB of RAM, the Jelly 2 handles basic tasks well. It has 128GB of internal storage, and you can expand that with a microSD card — again, at the cost of a SIM slot. Its camera setup isn’t award-winning (16MP rear and 8MP front), but it’s fine for casual photos.
The Jelly 2’s 2000mAh battery should last a full day of light to moderate use. The phone runs Android 11, which offers a smooth, relatively bloat-free experience (though it’s a few versions behind Android 14, the latest version).
At around $190, the Jelly 2 is a great, affordable option for you if you want a compact phone that doesn’t skimp on the essentials.
- Oukitel K16
The Oukitel K16 stands out with a 3.5-inch display and a design inspired by Lamborghini sports cars. With a leather back and sleek finish, it looks as good as it performs.
Powered by a MediaTek MT8788 processor and 8GB of RAM, this phone is no slouch when it comes to handling your apps. With 128GB of storage (expandable up to 1TB), you won’t have to worry about running out of space anytime soon. The 48MP rear and 8MP front cameras are great for casual shots, but if you’re looking for fancy smartphone camera features like Night Mode, you should look elsewhere.
The K16’s 3050mAh battery will easily last a day, although fast charging isn’t available. Priced at around $210, it’s perfect for outdoor adventurers who want a stylish yet functional small phone.
Doogee Smini
The Doogee Smini isn’t just a small phone – it’s a small, rugged phone. With a 4.5-inch display, it’s slightly larger than the other phones here, but it makes up for it with a sturdy build that’s perfect for the outdoors.
What makes it stand out is the rear display that gives you quick information like your battery level, date/time, and even environmental data (like temperature and humidity). It’s powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 chip with 8GB of RAM, so it’s fast enough for most tasks. You also get 256GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 2TB with a microSD card.
The 50MP AI dual camera on the back of the Smini is surprisingly great for such a compact device, making it one of the best small Android phones for photography. Meanwhile, the front camera is a standard 8MP, which is good enough for video calls and selfies.
With a 3000mAh battery and 18W fast charging, the Smini can easily last a full day with moderate usage. Running Android 13, it’s a modern and capable device in a sturdy, compact package. The price? About $250.