Best Compact Smartphones (2023) | Top 12 Small-ish Blowers!

Reviewing the best compact smartphones in 2023, including some small handsets under 6-inches and my favourite flip-style foldables! From Google's Pixel 7 to Samsung's Galaxy S23 and the Xiaomi 13, plus mini bendy phones like the Oppo Find N2 Flip and Moto Razr. They may be small, but these smartphones boast solid specs, dependable camera tech, strong enough performance for gaming (in most cases) and mostly long battery life.

Unboxings and reviews are live on Tech Spurt for most of these compact mobiles, stay tuned for my full review of the Xiaomi 13. Here's hoping we also get an updated Moto Razr for 2023, while an iPhone 15 Mini is sadly looking unlikely!

Other notable small phones right now include Samsung's Galaxy S23, the Moto Edge Neo and Sony's Xperia 5 iv. The Samsung S23 in particular is one of the best new flagships of the year, with Snapdragon performance and much improved battery life.

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

If you want a premium device with dependable battery performance, flexible camera chops and strong specs, the Xiaomi 13 and Zenfone 9 are a great choice - Asus' mobile is especially compact. And here's hoping the Pixel 8 will maybe shrink a little more vs the Pixel 7.

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 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 (2023) Chapters:
0:00 - Rambly bit
0:43 - Google Pixel 7
1:50 - Google Pixel 6a
3:12 - Asus Zenfone 9
4:38 - Motorola Edge 30 Neo
5:46 - Apple iPhone 13 Mini
7:13 - Apple iPhone SE 3 - NOPE
7:57 - Sony Xperia 5 IV
9:20 - Motorola Moto Razr 5G
10:37 - Oppo Find N2 Flip
11:28 - Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
12:20 - Samsung Galaxy S23
13:39 - Xiaomi 13
14:59 - Byyyyyeeeeeee

[Infernox-tgky]

Everything above 5, 9 inches screen CANNOT be called compact

[Mr.White]

The iPhone mini model has to come back. That’s what I call compact.

[amaljoe]

We need even smaller blowers. It doesn't have to be all that powerful.

[MrKidKiedis]

Got myself a Zenfone 9 and what a gorgeous device! Thanks to your vids I'm done with apples after 13 years)

[steve]

S23 being one of the smallest but most powerful android phones while still delivering great battery life AND the longest software support make it the clear choice

[nayanpitlam]

One of the most awaited videos for me for sure
Hope more smartphones companies start including small models like Samsung and xiaomi

[bhishanjoshi]

13 mini is the perfect definition of compact phone

[fanolade]

Got the S23 two days ago and it is just Amazing. Even the battery life is super good.

[BeyondResolution]

i have rocked the Zenphone 9 since it launched.. just love it. Compact and powerfull. But still get's me trough the most demanding days.

[ostitter_anondo]

gonna be completely honest, I don't consider foldables as true compacts, they're a bad compromise at best for people who want a smaller phone. the whole reason I want a small phone is because I want one that I can hold and use well enough with one hand.

[DavidMichaelBurnett]

I don't know if this is already in the pipeline, but I would love to see you compare the Xiaomi 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 side-by-side this year as they're always similar and it would a good watch. 👍

[michnl]

I was waiting for this vid... thanks and now im sure im going for the Pixel 8!

[marktruong]

Got myself the S23, my god this phone is insanely good. I wanted something smaller after coming from a Pixel 6pro. Best decision.

[bifflee]

Who'd have thought 6.3" is compact 😂

[Grek]

I remember the days when 4 inches used to be called compact.

[jourdainsolis]

thanks for the review! For me personally, the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone SE are the only true compact phones. I can reach the top of the screen with my thumb on both devices, anything bigger than those are not compact.

[paullewis]

For me it's s23 all the way.
. design
. display
. battery
. Software support
. Camera
I have the phantom black and it's just a beautiful compact all-rounder 🤩👌💪

[zakariakhamees]

These phones are still big. I wish there was 5 inch android phone.

[SteadyTempo]

For me 5.8 to 6.1 inches is the perfect balance of compact and a big enough displays

[binzianer]

Got the S23, finally all my prayers have been answered. That battery lasts days (!) on light usage