What is the best compact smartphone?

Le Parisien guides him, high-tech, smartphones

It's not just big smartphones in life.A compact smartphone is convenient to use, efficient and not necessarily very expensive.Here are our favorite compact smartphones under iOS and Android.

The editorial staff of the Parisian did not participate in the realization of this article.

Smartphones have grown in our hands and pockets, it is a fact.However, it is not impossible to find a good compact smartphone yet.Still you have to get along on the term and what is behind.Unfortunately, the era of small smartphones like the iPhone 8 or the Sony Xperia Z2 Compact is well over.That said, in sizes similar to the iPhone 12 Mini, several models still manage to attract attention, and this price of price.From the luxurious iPhone 11 Pro to Xiaomi Mi 9 SE models or the very good Google Pixel 5, compact smartphones are nothing of the discount smartphones, on the contrary!Certain characteristics of the mid -range models presented here have nothing to envy to more premium phones on the power or the quality of the photos.If you have small pockets or just not the desire to transport a large format model not always easy to use with one hand, follow our tips to discover what is the best compact smartphone!

our selection

1. Smartphone Apple iPhone 12 Mini
2. Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 9 Se
3. Smartphone Samsung Galaxy S10e
4. Smartphone Google Pixel 4a
5. Smartphone Apple iPhone SE
6. Smartphone Google Pixel 5
7. Smartphone Asus Zenfone 8
8. Smartphone Apple iPhone 11 Pro
9. Smartphone Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

What is a compact smartphone?

As its name suggests, a compact smartphone is a phone that will be small, but concretely, what does it correspond to?We generally speak of a compact smartphone when the device has a screen not exceeding 6 inches, that is to say about 15 centimeters.And it is true that we see less and less on the market.Manufacturers are looking to offer ever larger screens plus better resolution and image quality.But the compact smartphone also has significant advantages and is much easier to handle.It is notably more indicated for people with little hands, or young teenagers who receive their first phone.The price may also be proportional to the size of the smartphone, which can be very useful when the exorbitant prices that certain large mobile phones can currently reach today.It should also be noted that they are lighter and will be less likely to deform a pocket or weigh down a bag.They are therefore easier and pleasant to transport.

Why choose a compact smartphone?

If most users have gotten used to smartphones, everyone does not want a large screen and a compact smartphone can have its advantages.If you use your smartphone a lot to call, you don't necessarily want an iPhone 11 Pro Max or a Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus by ear, nor the pockets large enough to transport it comfortably.Even if it is possible to put it in your bag, you like to have your smartphone at hand.In addition, too large a smartphone can pose ergonomics problems for users who do not have big hands.A compact smartphone, on the other hand, is easier to handle, in particular to reach certain interface elements.

Small smartphone, small autonomy?

The drawback of a compact smartphone can come from its autonomy.Indeed, who says compact format says less space for the battery.In practice, a small smartphone will offer autonomy up to fifteen hours, where some large formats can reach two days without forcing too much.Nevertheless, the size of the battery is only part of the equation.You must also pay attention to technical characteristics such as the processor or screen resolution.A smartphone with a modest processor and with a not too dense screen resolution can possibly do without a large capacity battery, because it will consume less energy.Good system optimization can also help last longer.Many Android smartphones offer an intelligent battery mode that adapts the behavior of applications according to your most used applications.

Small smartphone, small performance?

If you decide to opt for a compact smartphone, remember to look closely.Indeed, they can be reduced by the size of the device.The camera for example can offer fewer pixels, there will also sometimes be fewer objectives and angles available.The quality of the photographs obtained will therefore be reduced, this point is to be taken into account in your choice if you use your mobile phone a lot to take pictures.Now let's go to screen size.Who says smaller screen says less good definition because the details may be less visible.If you are used to using your smartphone to watch videos or work, it is not necessarily the best choice.Finally, speed.Some manufacturers integrate the same processors in compact smartphones as in those of large formats, but not always.Remember to make sure it plays on the responsiveness and speed of your device.Having a phone drinking or taking time to react is very unpleasant.

How to choose the ideal compact smartphone?

Despite the craze with regard to XXL smartphones, smaller models still have their fans and manufacturers also think of this clientele by offering mobile phones with screens measuring less than 6 inches.Let's see what are the criteria to find the one you need.First of all, the size.This is an even more important element when it is a compact smartphone.He must offer you a good grip, that his screen is sufficient, but without being too big.Storage is also to be checked.Photos, videos, documents, applications ... a phone fills up quickly so you will need a good memory to be able to use it as you see fit.It is indeed very unpleasant not to succeed in recording your new photos because the memory is full.

As well to look at your photos and consult pages online, you will need a good screen resolution.So look at its manufacturing mode and the characteristics it presents.The quality of photos and videos is also to be checked.Nowadays, smartphones take very beautiful photos and videos, this is also the case with compact models.Check about the charging time and the autonomy you can reach.According to where we are, we do not necessarily have access to a socket to recharge your phone, it is therefore useful that yours hold the charge for as long as possible.Finally, look if the model you like is compatible with 5G.It will be more and more widespread and offered by operators, so it will be necessary to have a phone that can receive it in order to enjoy better coverage and possible reception.

Which compact smartphone makes the best photos?

Nowadays, smartphones are for many full cameras, and compact models are no exception to the rule.It is therefore a particularly important characteristic, and which must be taken into account during your research.Currently on the market, a mobile phone comes out particularly in this area: the Google Pixel 5.The 5th generation of pixels presents in its compact version a 6 -inch screen exactly and a weight of only 151 grams only.Enough to transport it easily in a pocket or a small bag.It also allows you to take very high quality photos from day and night.It has a 12.2 megapixel large angle and an ultra-angle of 16 megapixels at the rear.For its part, the high-angle camera present at the front is 8 megapixels.It is the compact smartphone ideal for immortalizing all your best memories.