this post was submitted on 19 Jun 2023
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I like the feeling of holding and using a phone in one hand. I am using a Pixel 5 right now, but it feels a bit too large for me. I know nobody makes phone that small like the iPhone 4S or the Samsung S3 mini anymore, but is there at least a phone smaller than the Pixel 5? Maybe around the size of a iPhone 12/13 mini?

EDIT: There is a small Android phone project in development for anyone interested: https://smallandroidphone.com/

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[–] [email protected] 12 points 2 years ago (1 children)

It's quite crazy that S23 is considered "small" nowadays.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

It is about the same size as the S10e, just a little longer. So not small but not giant like so many of the others.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 years ago (4 children)

Small phones are in a crisis right now. I'm still holding on to my Galaxy S7. If you want something newer there's the Pixel 4a or the Asus Zenfone 9 if you have money to spend. Zenfone 10 is coming soon and so far it's THE only small phone planned for release this year

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

The pixel 4a will stop receiving updates on September this year. Not a good choice fit security reasons

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago (2 children)

I have the Asus Zenfone 9, I love this thing

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

No, but you're not alone in this hunt: https://smallandroidphone.com/

There's a discord for it and everything. I'm hoping it makes it to production

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Really? I thought the project was dead. I cannot find any news or update on this, let alone a whole discord server.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I just got a Unihertz Atom XL - it's great at 4". It does feel a bit like a phone from 2013, back when screen sizes were like that... but honestly holding my "old" phone in my hand (which was a moto g7) feels CRAZY. I can't get my thumb across the whole screen and my hands aren't small. With the phone protector I had on my last phone they were about the same thickness, too.

In general, when I was doing my research, it seemed like there was a couple niche manufacturers like Unihertz that make phones that are smaller than 6" - other than that, yea the Pixel was being mentioned on "Smallest phones in 2023" lists

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I have the Unihertz Jelly 2, and I love it. It fits in my front pocket (when I have pockets, bc women aren't allowed pockets). It's easier to forget it's there, which makes me less likely to pull it out constantly.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago

I've literally just bought a Pixel 5 because it was the smallest high-spec phone I could afford.

Although this thread is a month too late for me, I'm glad to have found it - I honestly felt like I was the only person in the world who didn't want a big phone.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago (4 children)

Its either Galaxy S21/22/23, Asus Zenfone 8/9 or Sony Xperia 10 or 5 Series. Unfortunatly it doesn't get smaller without landing firmly in gimmick phone land (like the Unihertz Jelly)

Also if don't mind older hardware there is the really compact Sony Xperia XZ2 compact.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Sony Xperia XZ2 compact

Legendary phone. Almost 6 years old, and still goes for $500+ if you find one in new-ish condition.

Complete shame Sony discontinued it and left the 5" niche empty.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Actually, come to think of it, I think Sony has been releasing 5" phones as the Xperia Ace series. They are budget phones that are only available in Japan. I heard the spec is not very good, so I didn't bother to get one.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

Galaxy S21/22/23, Asus Zenfone 8/9 or Sony Xperia 10 or 5 Series

These are very good phones but they are not small enough for me.

The size of XZ2 compact is very nice but I hate the curved edges and back panel. I think XZ1 compact actually suits me better, but it is almost 6 years old now. I don't think I will be able to use it for long.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

It's quite crazy that S23 is considered a small today

[–] stratts 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

GSMarena's HTC Titan review is funny in hindsight: https://www.gsmarena.com/htc_titan-review-675.php

It's significantly smaller than the 'small' S23

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

Definitely ha ha

[–] stratts 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

The Galaxy S21/22/23 is slightly larger than the OP's Pixel 5 however. The Zenphone 9 might be a good option as it's around 2mm narrower - not a lot but it'd be noticeable for one handed usage.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago

The Zenfone 9 is one of the only and best small phones on the Android side. It's a really solid phone but do your own research to see if it is okay for your needs. If you are going to buy I would recommend waiting until June 29 when it is rumoured that the Zenfone 10 will come out so you can either get the new version or get some good deals on the Zenfone 9.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago (5 children)

I miss small phones. Especially ones with a 3.5mm jack and a microSD card slot.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Zenfone 9 is relatively small, fast and beautiful Android phone.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago

I feel the pixel 6a and 7a sizes are still very reasonable, I'm using a 6a at the moment and it's just that little bit bigger than the 5.

I also own a 7 pro which is stupidly big...

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Im with you man, i hate that phones all went for large blank rectangle. Google Pixels and folding phone might be the only alternative. I had the pixel 4a for that reason. Upgraded to 6a and sadly they made them bigger.

Sony used to have their compact line which was so great. Wish they still had that line.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

What's LOS? I am familiar with MicroG from ReVanced, but idk what LOS is

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago
[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Zenfones are expensive AF. Zenfone 9 for example will not get Android 15. So very pricey and bad support. Also if you are into accessories than again, avoid Asus.

Options are iPhone minis (not Android lol), S22/S23 and pixel 7a (which is larger than the Pixel 5).

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

Not only expensive but Asus' quality control, customer service and aftersales are also lacking

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

If only there was a new Android phone with the size of iPhone 12/13 mini.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

I'm with you 100%

I just want a small phone that easily fits in one hand, headphone jack, sdcard, the things unused to have 5 years ago but with a modern processor.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

unihertz jelly 2. unihertz also some other small phones. also has a headphone jack, fm radio, wrist strap, customizable LED, programmable hardware button.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

Galaxy S10e is smaller than almost everything these days. I've bought a back up one since I haven't seen any new small phones I like.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

S23 is perfect for me size wise, and the fingerprint reader is way better than the pixel phones. There a few minor pixel native features that I miss, but I overall really happy with S23 and love that my hand doesn't hurt anymore from using a large phone.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (2 children)

cries in moto x (2013)

Also looking for a new small phone. I had the last two Xperia 5's and they never felt premium enough to justify the price. Holding out for the Zenfone 10, Asus is pretty consistent with their Q2 releases.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (2 children)

I'm loving my Asus Zenfone 9.
Great battery life
3.5mm headphone jack
Great specs
5G

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Asus Zenfone have been pretty trash for me. So far i have had it repaired for 6 times. And Asus was denying that the phone was faulty and they even refused to give me back my money when i wanted to return it.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

What were your issues with the phone ?curious to know what caused it to go bad 6 times !

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

There's a Japanese company who released a quirky 4.9 inch Android phone last year but AFAIK it's only available in Japan.

https://www.xda-developers.com/balmuda-phone-review/

Maybe import that one?

Edit: Mr Mobile did a review too: https://youtu.be/Tx6GqiSipy8

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

NINE HUNDRED DOLLARS for a mid-range phone?? I see they took some inspiration from apple pricing!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

I find my Z Fold 4 easier to hold in one hand due to being more narrow than other phones when folded. Slightly narrower than the Pixel 5.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

NOT Pixel 7! I got one because the Pixel 7 Pro was gigantic, but it's just such a mediocre phone and totally not worth what they charge for it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

Sony Xperia 10V or Shiny Xperia 5IV or Sony Xperia 1V

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