Best compact smartphones: Choose between Apple iPhone 15, Google Pixel 8, OPPO Reno 10 Pro and others

Best compact smartphones: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 (Price: Rs 99,999 onwards)

What’s the best size for a smartphone? This is a question that is not just dividing the Internet but one that might boil down to your use-case scenarios. Large displays and robust batteries had begun to make smartphones clunkier than before. Not ideal if you’re up texting all night. We’re seeing a reverse of sorts as smartphones get slimmer without compromising on two key features that matter for most users – battery life and screen real estate.

Apple switched from stainless steel to titanium for the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max resulting in a 10 per cent reduction in heft. The Pro now weighs under 190 gm. Flip smartphones are adding a new twist to the ‘light’ smartphone landscape with their pocketable form factor (in the folded position).

We’ve rounded up some of the most compact smartphones you can buy right now. Whether you’re looking for a smaller display like the iPhone 15 or a phone with a larger display that isn’t too bulky, we’ve got you covered:

Google Pixel 8

Best compact smartphones: Google Pixel 8 (Price: Rs 75,999 )

One of our favourite compact smartphones, the Pixel 8 comes with quite a few upgrades over its 2022 predecessor. At 187 gm, it’s not just lighter than its predecessor but comes with a much improved display. Google has increased the peak brightness to 2000 nits and the display features a 120Hz refresh rate. Battery life is better despite the lighter form; this one features a 4575 mAh battery under the hood. But it’s the AI tools that include a raft of camera tricks that make the Pixel 8 a compelling option.

Price: Rs 75,999 onwards

iPhone 15

The Apple iPhone 15 offers a flagship class experience with the convenience of a 6.1-inch display and a lightweight form. Apple has introduced quite a few significant enhancements to the iPhone 15.  The first thing you will notice is Dynamic Island, Apple’s pill-shaped cut-out that conceals the front camera; it’s also a fun way to interact with the phone. Apple has also ditched the lightning port for the more universal Type-C cable. The display gets a boost (twice as bright as the iPhone 14) while the rear camera gets an upgrade, the 48MP main lens shoots sharper images in lowlight.

Price: Rs 79,900 onwards

Vivo T2 Pro 5G

Best compact smartphones: Vivo T2 Pro 5G (Price: Rs 23,999)

Vivo does a great job with the weight distribution of its capable, sub Rs 25K contender. The T2 Pro feels great in your hand – it’s less than 180 gm, despite a large, 6.78-inch Super AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 processor, that is complemented by 8GB of RAM. Battery life is solid. There’s a 4600 mAh battery under the hood; Vivo bundles 66W charger with its proprietary ‘FlashCharge’ that powers the device in quick time.

Price: Rs 23,999 onwards

OPPO Reno 10 Pro 5G

Best compact smartphones: OPPO Reno 10 Pro 5G (Price: Rs 39,999 )

One of our favourite smartphones in the sub Rs 40,000 price band, the Reno 10 Pro is part of the OPPO’s flagship Reno 10 series that comes in two other variants. We dig the elegant 3D curved design that looks particularly good in the Glossy Purple colour way. OPPO keeps the heft to 185 gm despite a 6.7-inch AMOLED display and a dependable 4600 mAh battery. The 32MP Telephoto Portrait camera is one of the highlights of the triple rear cam.

Price: Rs 39,999

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5

Best compact smartphones: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 (Price: Rs 99,999 )

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 makes a strong case for the flip smartphone with its unique folded form factor that slips into your tightest jeans. One of the headline features and improvements over last year’s Z Flip 4 is the 3.4-inch Flex Window (or cover display). It weighs under 190 gm and scores on the durability front with an IPX8 water resistance certification. Samsung has incorporated an improved flex hinge; the Z Flip closes to a full flat position without any gaps.

Price: Rs 99,999 onwards

Motorola Edge 40 Neo

Best compact smartphones: Motorola Edge 40 Neo (Price: Rs 22,999 )

Positioned as the world’s lightest IP68-certified 5G smartphone, the Edge 40 Neo is a follow up the Motorola Edge 40. This device is designed in conjunction Pantone Colour Institute and comes in an interesting array of shades including a gorgeous blue. Just like the Edge 40, the Neo 40 boasts of a 6.55-inch pOLED HDR 10+ display with a 144 Hz refresh rate. This display is backed by a 5000 mAh battery with a fast charger that takes the battery from 1 to 50 per cent in 15 minutes flat.

Price: Rs 22,999 onwards