Gadget

*A review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Today we pronounce the word «shovel» by no means because of the imminent digging of potatoes. Now we call modern smartphones so. Alas, more and more often they get a display whose diagonal exceeds 6 or even 7 inches. Such a device will not fit in every pocket. If this continues, then new models will be equipped with a bag or backpack. Fortunately, on the shelves of stores you can still find smartphones that are conventionally called compact. It is about them that will be discussed in this article.

Rating of the best compact smartphones

The rating is based on the analysis of data on the technical characteristics of smartphones on the portal https://rankquality.com/smartphones/.

Apple iPhone 8 64GB21

Rating: 4.9

Almost no smartphone rating on Expertology is complete without «apple» products. And certainly she must be present in the selection of devices that are small in size. It is Apple that is still more actively trying to produce smartphones that can be controlled with one hand. In particular, the iPhone 8 is so convenient. This device has a tiny 4.7-inch display by modern standards. But many people are still not enthusiastic about the «shovels», they will definitely appreciate such a screen. Its resolution, by the way, is relatively good — 1334×750 pixels. If you make some simple calculations, it turns out that each square inch of the LCD panel includes 326 pixels.

The latest version of iOS is responsible for what is happening on the screen. Well, the operating system is helped by a six-core Apple A11 Bionic processor. Its power is still enough for both iOS and most of the applications that currently exist. But the chipset was born a couple of years before writing this review!

Like other Apple products, the iPhone 8 does not have a memory card slot. This means that you need to seriously think about the version with how much built-in storage you should buy. We recommend considering the 64GB variant as it is the most up to date. Well, think about the color of the case yourself, the «apple» company has presented too wide a variety of them.

This smartphone turned out to be light and waterproof. On its back wall there is a very good 12-megapixel camera, albeit with only one lens. It is able to stabilize the picture, so you can shoot on the go. It is also important that the video will be written in 4K resolution and at 60 frames / s. Well, as for the front camera, its resolution is 7 megapixels.

Other characteristics of the device can not but rejoice. In particular, the «apple» corporation has introduced an excellent set of wireless modules. Also, someone should be impressed with the button with a fingerprint scanner built into it, which works almost instantly. The lack of a 3.5mm audio jack is disappointing. But you should not be very sad, because the smartphone is equipped with EarPods headphones with a Lightning connector.

Google Pixel 2 64GB

Rating: 4.8

Basically, our selection consists of devices freely sold in our country. But there are also exceptions to the rule. One of them is Google Pixel 2. Unfortunately, smartphones of this series are sold in Russia only on an unofficial basis. This means that the device you bought will not be under warranty. However, this can be dealt with. But you get a device with an almost perfect camera! It will definitely impress you, especially during video shooting, when focusing from one subject to another moves almost instantly. Also, the device can blur the background, which greatly adorns portrait photos. And this is despite the presence here of only one lens, under which a 12-megapixel matrix is ​​hidden!

This model is very small. On its front panel is only a 5-inch display. Most importantly, it was created using AMOLED technology. This means that the user will enjoy perfect black colors. Also, this screen has good energy efficiency. This allowed the manufacturer to place a battery under the back cover, the capacity of which is only 2700 mAh. With such a battery, the device turned out to be very light. The weight was not affected even by waterproof glue, which is covered with some of the insides.

The smartphone is running the latest version of Android. It is assisted by the top-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, consisting of eight cores. Also under the body of the device are 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of permanent memory. Unfortunately, it is impossible to expand the scope of the latter. And here it will not work to insert a second SIM-card. The device is designed for the American market, and here the installation of two SIM-cards is almost never practiced.

The compact smartphone seamlessly connects to LTE networks and Wi-Fi 802.11ac. He also knows how to transmit sound via Bluetooth 5.0. Implemented here and NFC-connection with the bank terminal. The device also has a fingerprint scanner, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of personal data.

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact

Rating: 4.7

There is a compact smartphone in the range of Sony. It also has water protection, which can not but rejoice. It is with such a device that it is most convenient to photograph yourself at sea. Also, the device is able to boast of the Android 8.0 operating system. Of course, this is not the latest version, but it is unlikely that you will suffer from a lack of a few innovations of the «nine» and «tens».

Unlike the models discussed above, the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact turned out to be more weighty. At the same time, there was no place inside it for a very capacious battery. Therefore, one can only guess what affected the weight so much. It is possible that this is a display that has a separate backlit layer. The resolution of the LCD panel is 2160×1080 pixels. As you can see, the screen has an aspect ratio of 18:9. This means that it should appeal to fans of watching movies.

The compact smartphone is capable of working with two SIM-cards. It also has the same number of speakers. This is important, because many compact smartphones produce only mono sound. As for its headphone output, either a USB Type-C connector or Bluetooth 5.0 is used for this. Whatever you choose, the sound should be of the highest quality.

Sony is one of the last to switch to dual camera modules. The Xperia XZ2 Compact was released in February 2018, so it only has one lens. But under it lies an excellent 19-megapixel matrix. If the shooting takes place in good lighting, then the result will definitely suit you. The absence of an optical stabilizer (it simply did not fit) and the disgusting quality of photographs, which were taken in the evening, will not please. Well, it’s not worth talking about the “front camera”, it’s quite simple.

Samsung Galaxy A30 64GB

Rating: 4.6

If you read the description of this smartphone, it may seem that this is the largest representative of our selection, because it has a 6.4-inch display at its disposal! But in fact, the device turned out to be very small, especially by modern standards. The fact is that it belongs to the segment of frameless devices. So, the screen occupies almost the entire front panel, at least a somewhat wide area is located only under the display. And even then it is not so big that there is a place for touch buttons or a fingerprint scanner (it is placed on the back panel). In short, the Samsung Galaxy A30 is no larger than conventional smartphones with a 5.5-inch screen.

The display located here is made using AMOLED technology. This means that it consumes a minimum amount of energy, especially when displaying some kind of dark picture. The resolution is 2340×1080 pixels. You can see a waterdrop notch at the top of the screen. It houses a 16-megapixel camera lens. The selfies she creates leave behind only positive impressions.

If this compact smartphone is turned upside down, the dual camera will immediately attract attention. And if many «Chinese» actually shoot using one module, then here the shooting is really done with two lenses. However, it is noticeable that the South Koreans chose the camera here according to the residual principle. In the pictures you will see «porridge», especially on trees and bushes. But this is quite normal for such an inexpensive device. The video here is written in Full HD resolution. At the same time, there is no doubt that this limitation is artificial, because the Exynos 7904 processor could easily process a picture with more detail.

The smartphone has a number of other positive features. For example, it supports many modern wireless data transfer standards, including NFC and even ANT+. The device also has an FM radio — this can be considered a kind of bonus. It only works after connecting headphones to the 3.5mm jack, but that’s not a problem. Another advantage of the device is the latest version of the operating system. It is proposed to store media files in the built-in memory, the volume of which is 32 or 64 GB. If that’s not enough, you can replace the second SIM card with a microSD card.

Samsung Galaxy Xcover 4 SM-G390F

Rating: 4.5

Now compact smartphones are produced so rarely that we have to talk about devices that were released in early 2017. It was then that the Samsung Galaxy Xcover appeared on store shelves. This device differs from the rest in its impact resistance. The body of the device has special rubber pads designed to soften the blow. It is also one of the few smartphones with physical buttons below the screen. They work without difficulty even if you press them with gloves on.

As befits any compact smartphone, the Galaxy Xcover boasts a very small display. In this case, its diagonal is five inches. The only pity is that the resolution let us down, it is 1280×720 pixels. Also, many would like to get an AMOLED screen from the South Korean product, but a simplified LCD panel is installed here, which has a separate backlit layer. That must be why the gadget weighs 172g.

The device received a good set of wireless modules. Bluetooth 4.2 is used to transmit sound to the headset, and LTE support indicates fast downloading of files from the Internet. There is also an NFC chip that allows you to pay for purchases with your smartphone.

Unfortunately, in many respects, this is still one of the worst representatives of our selection. First, the micro-USB connector confuses. Now I would like to get my hands on a device with a more convenient and reliable USB Type-C. Secondly, a simple processor consisting of four computing cores is built in here. Well, and most importantly: the device has only 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of permanent memory. Fortunately, you can expand the volume of the latter using a microSD card (even 256-gigabyte drives are detected by the system).

To sum it up, the Galaxy Cover 4 is a good choice for outdoor use. But returning home will mean an instant transition to some less secure, but more productive device.

Nokia 8 Dual sim

Rating: 4.4

HMD Global also introduced its compact smartphone at the time. However, Nokia 8 is far from the smallest representative of our review. On the front of this device is a 5.3-inch display. Add to this, albeit thin, but still the side frames available here, as well as decent areas above and below the screen. There was even a place for a physical home button, which included a fingerprint sensor. As a result, the manufacturer got a device whose height was 151.5 mm.

If you are looking for a smartphone with a display that boasts a high pixel density, then you can stop at Nokia 8. The resolution of the screen installed here is 2560×1440 pixels. All the photos here look divine! You can also get carried away watching 4K movies. Rest assured, the octa-core Snapdragon 835 processor housed here will definitely pull their playback.

Even under the aluminum case of a compact smartphone, there are 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of permanent memory. They are quite enough for the operating system installed here, devoid of any shell, and for the user himself. If you suddenly download too many files, you can install a memory card. But then you have to give up the second SIM-card.

On the back of the device is a dual camera, complemented by an LED flash. Matrices with the same 13-megapixel resolution are hidden under the lenses. Such a camera allows you to create good portrait shots, unless shooting in the dark (alas, the aperture is open only to f / 2). And the smartphone can shoot 4K video. I am glad that the optical stabilizer works during video shooting, it makes the picture a little smoother.

If we talk about the front camera, then it does not cause any complaints. For uploading 13-megapixel selfies to a social network, LTE and Wi-Fi 802.11ac standards are used. There is also an NFC chip, thanks to which the smartphone replaces a bank card. Well, support for ANT + can be considered a nice bonus. With the help of this technology, the device receives information from all kinds of sports and medical sensors. The manufacturer has not forgotten the “blue tooth”, its fifth version is used here.

The creators of this smartphone did not seek to minimize its thickness as much as possible. In this regard, the device is able to boast of a capacious battery and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Even on the body of the device you can find USB Type-C — an interface, the plug into which is inserted exclusively the first time.

Huawei Y6

Rating: 4.3

As for Huawei, it has long ceased the production of any small smartphones. One of her latest creations of this kind is the Huawei Y6. But finding it in stores is getting harder every day, since the release took place many years ago. And not everyone will be satisfied with the fact that Android 5.1, a very old version of the “green robot”, provides it with functionality.

This is definitely the lightest representative of our rating. The weight of this model is only 125 g. Fluffy! It is clear that in order to reduce weight, many important components had to be abandoned. For example, there is no slot for a second SIM card. Also, the device received a very modest battery. It is recharged via micro-USB. But it is understandable, during the development of this smartphone, there were no analogues to this connector.

The front panel of a compact smartphone is decorated with a 5-inch IPS display. Its resolution is 1280×720 pixels. Not much, but the Snapdragon 210 processor does not have to strain too much. The chipset is assisted by 1 GB of RAM. With such volume, you can forget about quick switching between applications, there are many other limitations. Well, only 8 GB of permanent memory is intended for storing files here. You can’t do without a microSD card. But even with it, you will experience certain problems. In particular, you will have to use no more than ten third-party applications. And they shouldn’t weigh much either.

In a word, you already understood that this is one of the worst representatives of our rating. Its only bright spot is the rear camera. Even at 8-megapixel resolution, it is capable of creating relatively good shots. Their uploading to the social network occurs through LTE networks. As for the rest of the wireless modules, you will find their standard set. There are no frills here: no NFC chip, no ANT + support. The device also lacks a fingerprint scanner.

And yet we recommend Huawei Y6 for purchase. But only from the hands, and at an extremely low price.

Meizu Pro 7 64GB

Rating: 4.2

We return to slightly more modern compact smartphones. The operating system on Meizu Pro 7 is the seventh version of Android. This «Chinese» is able to boast two slots for SIM-cards, with their help you can access the Internet via LTE networks. If you are indoors, it is better to save traffic by using a standard Wi-Fi module. And here you can also use an infrared transmitter, switching channels on the TV with it. Other wireless modules present here include Bluetooth 4.2. Alas, there is no NFC chip here. This means that Meizu Pro 7 cannot be applied to a bank terminal — it simply will not lead to anything.

This model differs from many other representatives of our selection in two ways. First, its 5.2-inch screen is made using AMOLED technology. This is important because the absence of a separate backlit layer reduces power consumption and deepens blacks. Secondly, there is an additional display! It also belongs to the AMOLED type, and you should look for it on the back panel. This is a kind of replacement for the mirror, which was once located on the back cover of push-button phones. However, the screen is noticeably more functional, it can be used not only for taking selfies.

It’s funny that for some reason the smartphone was not deprived of the front camera. Apparently, it is intended for video communication in popular instant messengers. Its resolution is 16 MP. Not a bad figure, pleasing many buyers. As for the rear camera, it is dual, with 12-megapixel matrices hiding behind its lenses. The only pity is that they do not have optical image stabilization. And someone else will be upset by the aperture, which is opened only to f / 2. Especially those who like to shoot in the evening.

This device is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio P25 processor. Also under the case are 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory. Decent volume. The only pity is that in which case it will not be possible to use a memory card, since there is no slot for it here. But on the other hand, the device received a fingerprint scanner that protects personal data in case of loss of a smartphone. Well, autonomous work of the gadget provides a battery with a capacity of 3000 mAh. They support fast charging, the network adapter is connected via USB Type-C. And if some competitors force you to connect headphones to the same jack, then here a 3.5 mm audio jack is allocated for these purposes.

BlackBerry Keyone

Rating: 4.1

This smartphone is not compact. But it has a very small display, its diagonal barely reaches 4.5 inches. How did it happen? It’s just that this model is supplemented with a QWERTY keyboard. But most consumers have already forgotten about it. People now prefer to use its virtual counterpart. But the physical version is much more convenient, rest assured. The only problem with this keyboard is the lack of Cyrillic on its buttons. Alas, the smartphone was not going to be sold in Russia, so only Latin letters are present on its keys.

It must be admitted that this is one of the most stylish representatives of our selection. It is felt that the «blackberry» company worked hard on the design, and only high-quality materials were used to assemble the device. The display located here, although it seems small, has a very high resolution. 1620×1080 pixels to be exact. Android 7.1 is responsible for what is happening on this screen. At the same time, there is no proprietary interface as such, so the power of the components is enough for everything to work without slowdowns.

The processor used here is an octa-core Snapdragon 625. This is a very good chip that can operate at a clock frequency of up to 2 GHz. Another device has a slot for a memory card. This is just in case 32 GB of built-in storage suddenly seems insufficient. And the device includes 3 GB of RAM and a 3505 mAh battery. Without such a capacious battery, the device would hardly work for a long time. The fact is that the screen located here was created using IPS technology. This means that the display of the picture is provided by a constantly burning backlight. The aforementioned QWERTY-keyboard also consumes energy very appetizingly.

As you have already understood, this smartphone is mainly intended for the North American market. And here do not favor devices with two slots for SIM-cards. That is why only one SIM card can be inserted into the BlackBerry KEYone. With it, you will get access to LTE networks. Indoors, the Wi-Fi module that supports the 802.11ac standard comes to the rescue. The product also received an NFC chip, an infrared transmitter and Bluetooth 4.2.

This is a smartphone for business people, but this does not mean that its creators decided to do without installing good cameras. Video calling and selfie shooting is provided by an 8-megapixel front camera. On the back wall is the main camera, which includes an aperture of f / 2 and a matrix with a resolution of 12 megapixels. With this camera, you can shoot 4K video. But the result will be worse than when using some flagship from Samsung, this must be admitted.

The smartphone supports fast charging technology. The network adapter is connected here via USB Type-C. Among other modern components, a fingerprint scanner can be noted — it is built into the space bar.

Xiaomi Redmi 4X 32GB

Rating: 4.0

Xiaomi also forgot about compact smartphones. When compiling a rating of such devices, one has to remember the «old man» — the Redmi 4X. This device was released several years ago, since then it has already managed to disappear from the shelves of many stores. By default, it comes with Android 6.0 operating system. Alas, it cannot be updated to the latest versions of the «green robot», which is somewhat disappointing. But on the other hand, the device is able to work with two SIM-cards, which some of the models discussed above cannot boast of.

This gadget has at its disposal a 5-inch display, created using IPS technology. Its resolution is 1280×720 pixels, which indicates the budget status of the smartphone. There are fairly wide areas above and below the screen. There is even a place for touch keys. It was possible to introduce a fingerprint sensor here, but the Chinese decided to move it to the back panel.

Xiaomi Redmi 4X turned out to be very light, the scales below it show exactly 150 g. The heaviest component of this smartphone is the battery, whose capacity has been increased to 4100 mAh. Its recharging is carried out via a micro-USB connector, and this is a definite drawback of the gadget. But the 3.5 mm audio jack can be considered a virtue, because competitors are slowly getting rid of it. Yes, and in new models from Xiaomi, this connector is often not available either.

Of course, the device supports not only wired connections. There is an LTE module, albeit not the fastest. An infrared transmitter is used to control the TV. Audio is transmitted to the wireless headset via Bluetooth 4.2. And there is also support for the Wi-Fi 802.11n standard. Again, not the fastest. But you won’t need a faster one, you won’t be able to play online 4K video on such a screen.

If we talk about the rest of the «hardware», then you are waiting for the components of the middle level. For example, the eight-core Snapdragon 435 is used as a processor. Even under the body of the smartphone, there are 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of permanent memory. If you refuse the second SIM-card, then the volume of the latter can be expanded. The rear camera can also be called average by modern standards. It consists of only one lens, under which the f / 2 aperture and a 13-megapixel matrix are hidden.

Conclusion

This is the list of the best smartphones among those that have a compact size. The main advantage of these devices is easy control, for which one thumb is enough. And these gadgets fit in any pocket without sticking out of it.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.