Best small phones to buy in 2021 – CNET [CNET]

Big-screen phones like the Pixel 6 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra certainly have their benefits. Top specs and amazing cameras are often packed into that larger body, while the huge display can be great for watching videos on the move. But there’s no escaping their immense size. The 13 Pro Max’s 6.7-inch display means squeezing it into those tight jeans pockets is unlikely and using it with one hand is pretty much impossible for anyone with hands smaller than continents. 

Phones have increased in size steadily over the years, with 6-inch or bigger phones being the norm now. That’s great for watching videos or playing games while you’re on your way home on the bus, but what if you don’t care about the screen real estate and just want a great phone that you can actually fit into your jeans pocket?

Your options are, I’m sorry to say, limited, but there are still some great compact phones to consider. Everyone’s definition of “small” is different and a comfortable size for you may feel uncomfortably large to someone else. Keeping that in mind, I’ll be including phones that are 6 inches and under in screen size, but if you’re worried about the size, it’s worth trying to get hands-on with a phone at your nearest store. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

Sara Tew/CNET

A special mention has to go to the Z Flip 3. While its main screen measures a whopping 6.7 inches, this compact smartphone fully folds in half. It can close up to sit comfortably in the palm of your hand or fit in your pocket without causing any awkward bulges. It could be the ideal compromise of portable size, but with a nice big screen for when you do want to use it. 

You’ll be paying handsomely for that compromise, as folding phones like the Z Flip (or Motorola’s Moto Razr 5G, which offers much the same concept) cost a lot more than regular smartphones. You’ll have to decide whether you’re willing to splash that much cash just for the convenient size.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 review.

 

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