10 of the best compact smartphones

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Today we say the word 'shovel' not because of the fast digging of potatoes. Now we call modern smartphones that way. Alas, more and more they get a display with a diagonal of more than 6 or even 7 inches. Such a device will not fit in every pocket. If this continues, the new models will be equipped with a bag or backpack. Fortunately, you can still find smartphones on store shelves that are conventionally called compact. It is about them that will be discussed in this article.

Rating of the best compact smartphones

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best compact smartphones	1	Apple iPhone 8 64GB	RUB 32,229
	2	Google Pixel 2 64GB	RUB 16,000
	3	Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact	RUB 32,950
	4	Samsung Galaxy A30 64GB	RUB 12 490
	5	Samsung Galaxy Xcover 4 SM-G390F	RUB 19,154
	6	Nokia 8 Dual sim	RUB 27,445
	7	Huawei Y6	RUB 7,280
	8	Meizu Pro 7 64GB	RUB 14,980
	9	BlackBerry KEYone	RUB 21,990
	10	Xiaomi Redmi 4X 32GB	RUB 7,790

The rating was compiled on the basis of the analysis of data on the technical characteristics of smartphones on the portal https://rankquality.com/smartphones/.

Apple iPhone 8 64GB21

Rating: 4.9

Almost no smartphone rating is complete without apple products. And it certainly must be present in the selection of small devices. It is Apple that is still more active than others trying to produce smartphones, to control which one hand is enough. In particular, iPhone 8 is so convenient. This device has a tiny 4.7-inch display by modern standards. But many people are still not happy with the 'shovels', they will definitely appreciate such a screen. Its resolution, by the way, is relatively good – 1334×750 pixels. If you do some simple calculations, it turns out that every square inch of the LCD panel includes 326 pixels.

The most recent version iOS is responsible for what is happening on the screen. Well, the operating system is assisted by a six-core processor Apple A11 Bionic. Its capacities are still sufficient for iOS, and for most of the existing applications. But the chipset was born a couple of years before this review was written!

Like other products Apple, iPhone 8 does not have a memory card slot. This means you need to seriously consider which version you should buy with how much onboard storage. We recommend considering the 64GB option as it is most relevant. Well, think about the color of the case yourself, the Apple company presented too wide a variety of them.

This smartphone is lightweight and waterproof. On its back is a very good 12-megapixel camera, albeit with only one lens. It has the ability to stabilize the picture so you can shoot on the go. It is also important that the video will be recorded in 4K resolution and at 60 frames / s. Well, as for the front camera, its resolution is 7 megapixels.

The rest of the device's characteristics are good news. In particular, the Apple Corporation has implemented an excellent set of wireless modules. Also, someone should be impressed by a button with a built-in fingerprint scanner that works almost instantly. The lack of a 3.5 mm audio jack is disappointing. But you should not be very sad, because the smartphone is equipped with EarPods with a Lightning connector.

Advantages

• Many colors to choose from;
• Water protection implemented;
• The latest version is used iOS;
• Weight does not exceed 148 g;
• Decent IPS display
• There are stereo speakers;
• High speed wireless networks available;
• High frequency 4K video recording possible;
• Fingerprint scanner not forgotten.

disadvantages

• Very high cost;
• No 3.5mm audio jack;
• No memory card slot;
• Not very long battery life.

Google Pixel 2 64GB

Rating: 4.8

Basically, our selection consists of devices freely sold in our country. But there are also exceptions to the rule. One of them is Google Pixel 2. Unfortunately, smartphones of this series are sold in Russia only on an unofficial basis. This means that the device you purchased will not be guaranteed. However, you can put up with this. But you get a device with an almost perfect camera! It will surely amaze you, especially during video shooting, when focusing from one subject to another moves almost instantly. Also, the device is able to blur the background, which greatly enhances portrait photos. And this is if there is only one lens here, under which a 12-megapixel matrix is ​​hidden!

This model turned out to be very miniature. There is only a 5-inch display on its front panel. Importantly, it was created using technology AMOLED. This means that the user will enjoy perfect blacks. Also, such a screen has good energy efficiency. This allowed the manufacturer to place a battery under the back cover with a capacity of only 2700 mAh. With such a battery, the device turned out to be very light. Even the waterproof glue, which covered some of the insides, did not affect the weight.

The smartphone is running the latest version Android. It is supported by the top processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, consisting of eight cores. Also under the body of the device are 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of permanent memory. Unfortunately, it is impossible to expand the volume of the latter. Also, you won't be able to insert a second SIM card here. The device is intended for the American market, and here the installation of two SIM-cards is almost not practiced.

The compact smartphone connects to LTE and Wi-Fi 802.11ac without any problems. He also knows how to transmit sound through Bluetooth 5.0. NFC communication with a banking terminal is also implemented here. The device also has a fingerprint scanner, so you don't have to worry about the safety of personal data.

Advantages

• Good camera with optical stabilization;
• Excellent AMOLED – display;
• There is water protection;
• Very light weight;
• The latest version of the operating system;
• NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac and LTE are supported;
• A powerful processor is used;
• There is a fingerprint scanner.

disadvantages

• Only one SIM card slot;
• No memory card slot;
• Battery capacity will not suit everyone;
• There is no 3.5mm audio jack;
• Not officially sold in Russia.

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact

Rating: 4.7

There is also a compact smartphone in the range of Sony. It also has water protection, which is good news. It is with such a device that it is most convenient to photograph yourself at sea. Also, the device is capable of boasting an operating system Android 8.0. Of course, this is not the most recent version, but you are unlikely to suffer from the lack of a few innovations of the 'nine' and 'ten'.

Unlike the models discussed above, the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is more weighty. At the same time, there was no room inside for a very capacious battery. Therefore, it remains to be seen what influenced the weight so much. It is possible that this is a display that has a separate backlit layer. The resolution of the LCD panel is 2160×1080 pixels. As you can see, the screen has an aspect ratio of 18: 9. This means that movie lovers should like it.

The compact smartphone is capable of working with two SIM cards. It also has the same number of speakers. This is important, because many compact smartphones only produce mono sound. As for its output to the headphones, either the USB Type-C connector or Bluetooth 5.0 is used for this. Whatever you choose, the sound should be of the highest quality.

Sony was one of the last to switch to dual camera modules. The Xperia XZ2 Compact launched in February 2018, so it only has one lens. But underneath it is an excellent 19-megapixel sensor. If the shooting takes place in good lighting, then the result will definitely suit you. The lack of an optical stabilizer (it simply did not fit) and the disgusting quality of photographs, which were created in the evening, will not please. Well, there is no need to talk about the front-end, it is very simple.

Advantages

• Minimum dimensions;
• Water protection implemented;
• Screen with very high pixel density;
• There are stereo speakers;
• High speed wireless networks are supported;
• Uses a powerful Snapdragon 845 processor;
• There is a fingerprint scanner.

disadvantages

• Not very long battery life;
• No 3.5mm audio jack;
• The camera does not shoot well in the dark;
• Simple 5-megapixel front camera;
• Very high cost;
• Wi-Fi is limited by the 802.11n standard.

Samsung Galaxy A30 64GB

Rating: 4.6

If you read the description of this smartphone, it may seem that this is the largest representative of our collection, because it has a 6.4-inch display at its disposal! But in fact, the device turned out to be very small, especially by modern standards. The fact is that it belongs to the segment of frameless devices. Therefore, the screen occupies almost the entire front panel, at least some wide area is located only under the display. And even then it is not so big that there is a place for touch buttons or a fingerprint scanner (it is placed on the rear panel). In short, the Samsung Galaxy A30 is no larger than conventional smartphones with a 5.5-inch screen.

The display located here is made according to technology AMOLED. This means that it consumes the minimum amount of energy, especially when displaying some kind of dark picture. The resolution is 2340×1080 pixels. You can see a waterdrop notch at the top of the screen. It houses the lens of a 16-megapixel camera. The selfies she creates leave behind only positive impressions.

If this compact smartphone is turned over, then the dual camera immediately attracts attention. And if many “Chinese” actually shoot with one module, then here the shooting is really carried out with two lenses. However, it is noticeable that the South Koreans chose the camera here on a leftover basis. You will see 'porridge' in the pictures, especially on trees and bushes. But this is quite normal for such an inexpensive device. The video here is written in resolution Full HD. At the same time, there is no doubt that this limitation is artificial, because the Exynos 7904 processor could easily process a picture with greater detail.

The smartphone has a number of other positive features. For example, it supports many modern wireless standards for data transmission, including NFC and even ANT +. The device also has an FM radio – this can be considered a kind of bonus. It works only after connecting the headphones to the 3.5mm jack, but it doesn't matter. Another advantage of the device is the fresh version of the operating system. It is proposed to store media files in the built-in memory, the volume of which is 32 or 64 GB. If this doesn't seem enough, you can replace the second SIM card with a microSD card.

Advantages

• There is a fingerprint scanner;
• Long battery life;
• There is a USB Type-C connector;
• Low cost;
• Extremely powerful processor;
• Decent amount of memory;
• Implemented support for NFC and ANT +;
• High speed networks are supported;
• Great cameras;
• Added FM radio;
• Used AMOLED – display;
• Latest version Android.

disadvantages

• The smartphone is still on the verge of compactness;
• Weak speaker;
• Mediocre rear camera.

Samsung Galaxy Xcover 4 SM-G390F

Rating: 4.5

Nowadays, compact smartphones are released so rarely that we have to talk about devices that were released in early 2017. It was then that the Samsung Galaxy Xcover appeared on store shelves. This device differs from the others in its shock resistance. The body of the device has special rubber pads designed to cushion the impact. It's also one of the few smartphones with physical buttons under the screen. They work without difficulty, even if you press them with gloves.

As befits any compact smartphone, the Galaxy Xcover boasts a very small display. In this case, its diagonal is five inches. The only pity is that the resolution has let down, it is 1280×720 pixels. Also, many would like to get a screen from the South Korean product AMOLED, but a simplified LCD panel is installed here, which has a separate backlit layer. That must be why the gadget weighs 172g.

The device received a good set of wireless modules. Bluetooth 4.2 is used to transmit sound to the headset, and LTE support speaks of fast downloading of files from the Internet. There is also an NFC chip that allows you to pay for purchases with your smartphone.

Unfortunately, in many respects, this is still one of the worst representatives of our collection. First, the micro-USB connector confuses. Now I would like to get our hands on a device with a more convenient and reliable USB Type-C. Secondly, a simple processor is built in here, consisting of four computing cores. And the most important thing: the device has only 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of permanent memory. Fortunately, you can expand the volume of the latter using a microSD card (even 256 GB drives are detected by the system).

To summarize, the Galaxy Cover 4 is a good choice for outdoor use. But returning home will imply an instant transition to some less protected, but more productive device.

Advantages

• Not afraid of blows and water;
• Reliable physical buttons;
• There is an FM radio;
• Not the worst camera;
• LTE networks are supported;
• There is an NFC chip;
• Good GPS navigation.

disadvantages

• Only one SIM card slot;
• No fingerprint scanner;
• Extremely low memory;
• A weak processor is used;
• Not the most recent OS version;
• The price will not suit everyone;
• Not a very capacious battery;
• Built-in micro-USB connector.

Nokia 8 Dual sim

Rating: 4.4

HMD Global also presented its compact smartphone. However, Nokia 8 is far from being the smallest representative of our review. The front panel of this device houses a 5.3-inch display. Add to this, albeit thin, but still present side frames, as well as decent areas above and below the screen. There was even a place for a physical 'Home' button, which included a fingerprint sensor. As a result, the manufacturer got a device with a height of 151.5 mm.

If you are looking for a smartphone, the display of which is capable of boasting a high pixel density, then you can opt for the Nokia 8. The resolution of the screen installed here is 2560×1440 pixels. All sorts of photos here look divine! You can also enjoy watching 4K movies. Rest assured, the eight-core Snapdragon 835 processor located here will definitely pull their playback.

Even under the aluminum body of the compact smartphone, there are 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of permanent memory. They are quite enough for the operating system installed here, devoid of any shell, and for the user himself. If you suddenly download too many files, you can install a memory card. But then you have to give up the second SIM card.

On the back of the device there is a dual camera complemented by an LED flash. Matrices with the same 13-megapixel resolution are hidden under the lenses. Such a camera allows you to create good portrait shots, unless the shooting is done in the dark (alas, the aperture is only open to f / 2). And the smartphone can also shoot 4K video. I am glad that the optical stabilizer works during video recording, it makes the picture a little smoother.

If we talk about the front camera, then it does not cause any complaints. To upload 13-megapixel selfies to a social network, LTE and Wi-Fi 802.11ac standards are used. There is also an NFC chip, thanks to which the smartphone replaces a bank card. Well, ANT + support can be considered a pleasant bonus. With the help of this technology, the device receives information from all kinds of sports and medical sensors. The manufacturer has not forgotten the 'blue tooth' either; its fifth version is used here.

The creators of this smartphone did not seek to reduce its thickness as much as possible. In this regard, the device is capable of boasting both a capacious battery and a 3.5 mm audio jack. You can also find USB Type-C on the body of the device – an interface, the plug into which is inserted exclusively the first time.

Advantages

• High speed wireless networks are supported;
• There is a fingerprint scanner;
• Built-in support for NFC and ANT + technologies;
• A very powerful processor is used;
• Sufficient memory
• Decent rear camera with OIS
• Good display with high pixel density.

disadvantages

• Not the most recent OS version;
• The dimensions could still be smaller;
• Far from the lowest cost.

Huawei Y6

Rating: 4.3

As for the company Huawei, it has stopped production of any small smartphones for a long time. One of her last creations of this kind is Huawei Y6. But finding it in stores is becoming more difficult every day, since the release took place many years ago. And not everyone will be satisfied with the fact that the functionality is provided by Android 5.1 – a very old version of the 'green robot'.

This is by far the lightest representative in our ranking. The weight of this model is only 125 g. Fluff! It is clear that in order to reduce the mass, many important components had to be abandoned. For example, there is no slot for a second SIM card. The device also received a very modest battery. It is recharged via micro-USB. But it is understandable, during the years of development of this smartphone, there were no analogues to this connector.

The front panel of the compact smartphone is decorated with a 5-inch IPS-display. Its resolution is 1280×720 pixels. Not much, but the Snapdragon 210 doesn't have to strain too hard. The chipset is assisted by 1 GB of RAM. With such a volume, you can forget about fast switching between applications, there are many other restrictions. Well, only 8 GB of permanent memory are intended for storing files. You can't do without a microSD card. But even with her, you will experience certain problems. In particular, you will have to use no more than ten third-party applications. And they shouldn't weigh much.

In a word, you have already understood that this is one of the worst representatives of our rating. Its only bright spot is the rear camera. Even at 8 megapixel resolution, it is capable of producing relatively good pictures. They are posted on a social network via LTE networks. As for the rest of the wireless modules, you will find a standard set of them. There are no frills here: no NFC chip, no ANT + support. The device also lacks a fingerprint scanner.

We still recommend Huawei Y6 to buy. But only with hands, and at an extremely low price.

Advantages

• Absolutely negligible weight;
• The display does not cause any particular complaints;
• There is support for LTE;
• Fits comfortably in the hand.

disadvantages

• No fingerprint scanner;
• Very little memory;
• A weak processor is used;
• There is no way to install a second SIM card;
• Very old version Android;
• Disgusting front camera;
• Built-in micro-USB connector.

Meizu Pro 7 64GB

Rating: 4.2

Back to the slightly more modern compact smartphones. The operating system on Meizu Pro 7 is the seventh version Android. This “Chinese” is capable of boasting two slots for SIM-cards, with their help you can access the Internet via LTE networks. If you are indoors, it is better to save traffic by using a standard Wi-Fi module. And here you can also use an infrared transmitter, using it to switch channels on the TV. Other wireless modules present here include Bluetooth 4.2. Alas, there is no NFC chip here. This means that Meizu Pro 7 cannot be applied to the bank terminal – it simply will not lead to anything.

This model differs from many other representatives of our collection in two things. Firstly, its 5.2-inch screen is made using technology AMOLED. This is important because the absence of a separate backlit layer reduces power consumption and makes blacks appear deeper. Secondly, there is an additional display here! It also belongs to the AMOLED – type, and you should look for it on the back panel. This is a kind of replacement for the mirror, which was once located on the back cover of push-button telephones. However, the screen is noticeably more functional, it can be used not only for taking selfies.

It's funny that for some reason the smartphone was not deprived of the front camera. Apparently, it is intended for video communication in popular messengers. Its resolution is 16 megapixels. Not a bad figure that pleases many buyers. As for the rear camera, it is a dual camera, 12-megapixel matrixes are hidden behind its lenses. The only pity is that they do not have optical image stabilization. And still someone will upset the aperture, opened only up to f / 2. Especially those who like to shoot in the evening.

The operation of this device is provided by an eight-core processor MediaTek Helio P25. Also under the case are 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of permanent memory. Decent volume. The only pity is that if something happens, you will not be able to use the memory card, since there is no slot for it. But on the other hand, the device received a fingerprint scanner that protects personal data in case of loss of a smartphone. Well, the autonomous operation of the gadget is provided by a 3000 mAh battery. They support fast charging, the power adapter is connected via USB Type-C. And if some competitors force you to connect headphones to the same jack, then here a 3.5 mm audio jack is allocated for this purpose.

Advantages

• There is a fingerprint scanner;
• Built-in separate audio chip;
• There is a USB Type-C connector;
• Long battery life;
• There are two AMOLED – displays;
• The work is provided by a powerful processor;
• Decent amount of memory;
• High speed wireless networks are supported;
• Nice cameras.

disadvantages

• No memory card slot;
• There is no NFC chip;
• Not the most recent version of the OS.

BlackBerry KEYone

Rating: 4.1

This smartphone is not compact. But it has a very small display, its diagonal barely reaches 4.5 inches. How did it happen? It's just that this model is supplemented with a QWERTY keyboard. But most consumers have already forgotten about it. People now prefer to use its virtual counterpart. But the physical option is much more convenient, rest assured. The only problem with this keyboard is the lack of Cyrillic on its buttons. Alas, the smartphone was not going to be sold in Russia, so only Latin letters are present on its keys.

It must be admitted that this is one of the most stylish representatives of our collection. It is felt that the 'blackberry' company has worked on the design, and only high-quality materials were used to assemble the device. Although the display located here seems small, it has a very high resolution. 1620×1080 pixels to be exact. Responsible for what is happening on this screen Android 7.1. At the same time, as such, there is no proprietary interface here, so the capacities of the components are quite enough for everything to work without slowdowns.

An eight-core Snapdragon 625 is used as a processor. This is a very good chip, capable of operating at a clock frequency of up to 2 GHz. The device also has a slot for a memory card. This is in case if suddenly 32 GB of built-in storage seems insufficient. The device also includes 3GB of RAM and a 3505mAh battery. Without such a capacious battery, the device would hardly have worked for a long time. The fact is that the screen located here was created using IPS technology. This means that the display of the picture is provided by a constantly lit backlight. The aforementioned QWERTY keyboard is also very appetizing.

As you can imagine, this smartphone is mainly targeted at the North American market. And here they don't like devices with two SIM card slots. That is why only one SIM card can be inserted into BlackBerry KEYone. With its help, you will get access to LTE networks. Indoors, a Wi-Fi module that supports the 802.11ac standard comes to the rescue. The product also received an NFC chip, an infrared transmitter and Bluetooth 4.2.

This is a smartphone for business people, but that does not mean that its creators decided to do without installing good cameras. Video communication and selfies are provided by an 8-megapixel front camera. On the back is the main camera, which includes an f / 2 aperture and a 12 megapixel matrix. With this camera, you can shoot 4K video. But the result will be worse than when using any flagship from Samsung, it must be admitted.

The smartphone supports fast charging technology. The network adapter is connected here via USB Type-C. Other modern components include a fingerprint scanner built into the space bar.

Advantages

• Great design;
• There is a QWERTY keyboard;
• Fingerprint sensor is not forgotten;
• The screen has a very high pixel density;
• Decent rear camera
• There is an FM radio;
• Modern wireless networks are supported;
• Built-in NFC chip;
• A capacious battery is used.

disadvantages

• No option with Russian-language keyboard;
• Only one SIM card slot;
• High price;
• Branded services BlackBerry no longer work.

Xiaomi Redmi 4X 32GB

Rating: 4.0

Forgot about compact smartphones and the company Xiaomi. When compiling a rating of such devices, we have to remember the 'old man' – about Redmi 4X. This device was released several years ago, since then it has already disappeared from the shelves of many stores. By default it ships with operating system Android 6.0. Alas, it cannot be updated to the most recent versions of the 'green robot', which is somewhat disappointing. But the device is capable of working with two SIM-cards, which some of the models discussed above cannot boast of.

This gadget has at its disposal a 5-inch display, created using IPS technology. Its resolution is 1280×720 pixels, which indicates the budget status of the smartphone. There are wide areas above and below the screen. There is even a place for the touch keys. It was possible to introduce a fingerprint sensor here, but the Chinese decided to transfer it to the back panel.

Xiaomi Redmi The 4X is very light, the scales underneath show exactly 150 g. The heaviest component of this smartphone is the battery, the capacity of which has been increased to 4100 mAh. It is recharged via the micro-USB connector, and this is an undoubted drawback of the gadget. But the 3.5 mm audio jack can be considered an advantage, because competitors are slowly getting rid of it. And in new models from Xiaomi this connector is often not there either.

Of course, the device supports more than just wired connections. There is an LTE module here, albeit not the fastest one. An infrared transmitter is used to control the TV. Sound transmission to a wireless headset occurs through Bluetooth 4.2. And there is also support for the Wi-Fi 802.11n standard. Again, not the fastest. But a faster one is not required, you will not be able to play online 4K video on such a screen.

If we talk about the rest of the hardware, then you are waiting for the mid-range components. For example, an eight-core Snapdragon 435 is used as a processor. The smartphone also contains 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of permanent memory. If you refuse the second SIM-card, then the volume of the latter can be expanded. The rear camera can also be called average by modern standards. It consists of only one lens, which hides an f / 2 aperture and a 13-megapixel sensor.

Advantages

• There is a fingerprint scanner;
• Low cost;
• Very light weight;
• LTE networks are supported;
• There is an FM radio.

disadvantages

• Micro-USB connector is used;
• No NFC chip;
• The camera is not capable of recording 4K video;
• Low resolution LCD;
• Not the most recent version of the OS.

Conclusion

This is a list of the best smartphones among those that are compact in size. The main advantage of these devices is that they are easy to operate with just one thumb. And also such gadgets fit in any pocket without sticking out of it.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.