Best Compact Smartphones (2022) | Top 10 Small-ish Blowers!

Reviewing the best compact smartphones in 2022, small enough for easy one-handed use, including Google's Pixel 6a, the Asus Zenfone 9, Xiaomi 12 and beyond. They may be mini, but they boast solid specs, dependable camera tech, strong enough performance for gaming (in most cases) and long battery life (except for the Samsung S22).

Some links to buy:

My favourite compact phones so far also include foldable 'bendy' phones like the Motorola RAZR (soon to be updated for 2022) and Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 4, which just launched. Unboxing and review videos are up for most of these compact smartphones, stay tuned for in-depth looks at the Pixel 6a and Zenfone 9!

Other notable small phones right now include Samsung's Galaxy S22, Apple's iPhone 13 Mini and Sony's Xperia 5 iii. Although these aren't quite as brilliant as the Pixel 6a, Zenfone 9 or Xiaomi 12, there's a lot to love.

In a world of massive mobiles, these compact blowers are perfect for one-hand play. Among the best is Google's Pixel 6a, which boasts one of the greatest smartphone cameras at a mid-range asking price.

Samsung's Galaxy S22 is a solid choice in most regards, although the battery life is far from good. If you want a premium compact device with dependable battery performance, flexible camera chops and strong specs, the Xiaomi 12 is a better choice, as is the Zenfone 9. And here's hoping the Pixel 7 will sport a smaller design vs the Pixel 6.

If you're more of an iOS fan, check out the iPhone 13 Mini. Apple's small mobile is still easy to use with one mitt despite that brick-like design. Just don't get the iPhone SE 2022 whatever you do. Personally I prefer Sony's Xperia 5 IV, which sports a notch-free 21:9 display, pro camera tech, and some great media smarts.

The Moto RAZR 5G is also rather nifty, provided you have the budget for it. That bendy OLED screen means the RAZR folds up super compact, just like Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 4 - one of my favourite foldable smartphones right now.

Check out my reviews/unboxings of these mobiles here on Tech Spurt for more info!

Best Compact Phones (2022) Chapters:
0:00 - Rambly bit
0:47 - Google Pixel 6a
2:26 - Asus Zenfone 9
3:53 - Motorola Edge 30 Neo
4:58 - Apple iPhone 13 Mini
6:24 - Apple iPhone SE 3 - NOPE
7:08 - Sony Xperia 5 IV
8:28 - Motorola Moto Razr 5G
9:39 - Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
10:33 - Samsung Galaxy S22
11:45 - Xiaomi 12
12:50 - Byyyyeeeee

[SomeGunNerd]

I can’t believe we’re at a point where 6” is considered a compact phone. Even that size feels huge to me, and I’m a big guy. The iPhone Mini is more what I consider to be compact, and I really wish there were more good phones in that size.

[vibotohawomi]

I love how the compact phones are turning into 42inch led tvs

[salalucas]

I purchased Zenfone 9 after your review and i love it :)

[arkantochiron]

I love how the cats look thoroughly unimpressed and annoyed in every shot 😄

[IvanForpatril]

Compact smartphones are totally underrated.
I was pleased when Samsung didn't cut off much of the specs from S22 like some manufacturers did several years ago, which almost forced you to buy a bigger model.
I even would love S22 to be even smaller, like iPhone 13 mini, which is wonderful, but that way it'd have even worse battery life.

[athulvara]

i hate how 'compact' phones are getting bigger and bigger. Not everyone games and watches movies on a phone. a 5.5 or 6 inch is the best size according to me.

[notthatguy]

Those are all oversized beasts. 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30 SE 2016 is the right size. Over 6 inches is a tablet. Not a phone. I do thank you for your video.

[lp]

I must say you are one of the few very honest tech experts reviewing and introducing also Sony mobile phones in his contents!
Thanks, not because I am a Sony enthusiast, just because I feel other tech experts are a bit biased.

[majd_shoots]

The absolute perfect small phone ever existed was the pixel 5
Absolute beauty
I wish they continued that design and added a hardware like the one in the Asus Zenfone 9

[The_Arby]

Nice one Chris...Still loving my Galaxy A40, 2 yrs old now and still getting security updates (Oct 22) Wish it had more storage than 64gb, but still loving its size 🙂

[thiagout]

Still using my Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact. Haven't found a suitable replacement yet.

[SebastianBohn]

If 6.1'' is the limit in this list, technically the iPhone pro lineup 13/14 could fit. Of course with Apple’s ridiculous prices…
Anyways, good selection.

[the_LegacyArts]

iPhone SE ..the phone equivalent of herpes 😂got me cracking

[lendelos]

Google Pixel 6a - width 72mm is not a compact, no wireless charging, bad cpu - overheating
Asus Zenfone 9 - expensive, bad camera for it price, no wireless charging
Motorola Edge 30 Neo - over 70mm width is not a compact, weak cpu - only full HD, small battery
Apple iPhone 13 Mini - weak battery (my highest priority), expensive
Apple iPhone SE 3 - this is joke in 2022
Sony Xperia 5 IV - expensive, bad cpu - overheating, terribly tuned android
Motorola Moto Razr 5G - 72, 6mm width? sure not a compact, crazy expensive
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 - 73, 6mm width, 6, 7 display - this is a comfort one hand use?
Samsung Galaxy S22 - over 70mm width, tiny battery, bad cpu (europe)
Xiaomi 12 - bad cpu - overheating, so so compact size


Only Xperia 5 IV and Zenfone 9 - have great body/display size. Xperia also great battery size and wireless charging. Give me this, than not high-end cpu which is expensive and drains battery fast. Snapdragon 7xx is fine. OK camera, dont want triple one, if there will be the main 200mpx from Xiaomi 12T Pro (with their processing not motorola) than ONE is ENOUGHT! and BONUS: add gimbal from Zenfone 9 for video and some gestures from motorola or programmable button. Price 500-600eur. Please somebody made this for God's sake!!!

[TheEvdiggity]

Don't think I'll ever find anything like my Pixel 4a (4G) again. Properly compact (by today's standards) at 5.8" and only $350 brand new with no discounts or trade-ins.

Tried out the Pixel 6a and it was shocking how much bigger the phone was with the 6.1" screen.

Guess I'll keep rockin the 4a. Zenfone 9 looks cool but it costs twice as much as my 4a did.

[dr.qaziabdulbasit]

Huawei p30 and samsung galaxy s8 were the 2 phones that i loved a lot, because of their size.

[stephano_jvr]

Got the Asus in red last week from the pixel 6 pro. So glad they made such a good phone that's smaller for a good price. The camera isn't as good but that's to be expected. It's still a good camera with a gimble tbf.

[Abhishek.Basnyat]

S22 feels great in the hands. I often take the case off as I keep on itching on feeling that glass back and the great compact built.

[test-wssg]

Where do you get your awesome wallpapers from???

[mohammedalnayar]

my pixel 5 phone is giving its last breaths atm... If I cant get it fixed, i would need to consider one of these.
Thank you for the list!