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The best small smartphones of 2026

Roel11 JANUARY 2026
Hands holding a black smartphone whilst wearing a striped shirt, with a blurred background of warm, soft tones

The great thing about a small smartphone is that you can easily operate it with one hand and that it fits in your pocket or bag. In addition, a small smartphone does not have to be inferior to large models in terms of performance. In fact, the best smartphones now are no larger than 6.3 inches. In this article, you will find the best small smartphones in different categories.

What is the best small smartphone?

Three friends taking a selfie with a pink Google Pixel smartphone, all smiling happily in an outdoor environment.

The best small smartphone is no larger than 6.3 inches but otherwise meets all the requirements that you normally expect from the best smartphone. This way you determine which operating system (such as Android or iOS) you like best and which brand you prefer. You mainly look at the specifications that are important to you. For example, pay attention to the storage capacity, the power of the processor, the camera quality, or the battery power of a smartphone.

What size smartphone is right for you?

What is the best small Samsung phone?

A blue Samsung Galaxy S25 smartphone with triple camera setup displayed against a clean, neutral grey background.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is relatively small at 6.2 inches, yet the performance of this premium Samsung smartphone is excellent. The Galaxy S25 has the fastest processor. This allows you to perform demanding tasks such as image editing and 3D gaming smoothly and fluently. That strong processor is also necessary to perform the smart functions of Galaxy AI smoothly. For example, the Galaxy S25 learns to recognise your routines and gives you useful insights and tools based on this daily, such as a lovely Spotify playlist for during your studies or an update of train traffic when you go to work. The camera of this premium smartphone is also amongst the best on the market.

+ This small smartphone (6.2 inch) is one of the most powerful out there.
+ Thanks to the powerful processor, you can easily switch between the heaviest apps.
+ The phone has many smart AI-driven features.
- When you buy the Samsung Galaxy S25, a charger isn't included.

To the Samsung Galaxy S25

What is the best small Android smartphone?

Two Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 phones are displayed. One is lavender, folded, with black top. The other is open with a floral display.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is the best small Android smartphone of the moment. Thanks to the compact 6.3-inch screen, you can easily operate the device with one hand, and it fits effortlessly in your pocket or bag. You can charge the battery incredibly fast with the included charger: within 30 minutes it's already half full. With the advanced cameras, you can take razor-sharp photographs, even in low light, and zoom in up to five times without losing quality. The Pixel 9 Pro runs smoothly with heavy apps thanks to its powerful processor, which also powers the smart features of Google Gemini. For example, this smartphone uses AI to help you find information, write messages, and make your photographs more beautiful. The Google Pixel 9 Pro will receive updates until 2031.

+ The 6.3-inch screen easily fits in your bag or pocket.
+ With the powerful camera set-up, you can take professional photos.
+ The powerful processor enables smart AI functions.
- The image is less sharp than that of other smartphones in this price range.

To the Google Pixel Pro 9

What is the best small iPhone?

A white iPhone with notch displays an elegant black screen featuring colourful rainbow circles and reflective elements.

The iPhone 16e is the best small iPhone thanks to its compact 6.1-inch OLED display and powerful A18 chip. You'll enjoy an incredibly bright screen and a sturdy design with Ceramic Shield, stronger than any other smartphone glass. The 48MP Fusion camera allows you to take high-resolution photographs, whilst the 2x telephoto lens ensures sharp close-ups. The battery easily lasts a whole day, so you can play video for up to 26 hours. This small-sized iPhone is powered by a powerful processor, which allows you to perform even the most demanding tasks.

+ With a 6.1-inch screen, this smartphone is among the smallest in the premium class.
+ The powerful battery ensures that this iPhone lasts a long time.
+ Thanks to the strong processor, you can switch smoothly between apps.
- This iPhone only has one camera lens.

To the iPhone 16e

What is the best small smartphone with a good camera?

A Ultramarine iPhone 16 with dual camera displays a vibrant blue screen featuring abstract circular patterns against a light background.

Looking for a compact phone with which you can take the most beautiful photographs and videos? Then the iPhone 16 is an interesting option. This small smartphone (6.1 inches) is equipped with a powerful camera setup, both on the front and back of the phone. Thanks to the 48-megapixel main camera in combination with a strong processor, you can take razor-sharp photographs and videos with the iPhone 16. There's also a powerful 12-megapixel front camera on the front, which you can use to take beautiful or funny selfies. In this area, the small iPhone 16 is amongst the smartphones with the best camera. The phone has many additional and smart (AI) functions that make your photographs more beautiful before and after.

+ With a 6.1-inch screen, this smartphone is one of the smallest in the premium class.
+ Phone has a powerful camera set-up, also for selfies.
+ Many standard functions to take beautiful photos, even in bright light or in the dark.
- The camera on the back doesn't have a telephoto lens to zoom in far.

To the iPhone 16

What is the best small smartphone with long battery life?

A compact black Google phone shown front and back, twin camera bar and bright display filled with glowing blue petal shapes.

The Google Pixel 9a is the best small smartphone with impressive battery life. With its 6.3-inch display, this smartphone also fits easily in your hand, pocket, or bum bag. The powerful 5,100mAh battery ensures that you can effortlessly get through the day: on a full charge, the Pixel 9a lasts an average of 30 hours. The battery is not the only thing that lasts a long time with the Google Pixel 9a. This smartphone will be provided with the latest updates until 2032. So, you can enjoy this stylish and powerful smartphone with good camera setup for many years to come.

+ The 6.3-inch display has no unnecessary bezels.
+ The powerful battery lasts over a day with average use.
+ The phone still receives updates until 2032.
- It is not possible to expand the storage of this phone with an SD card.

To the Google Pixel 9a

Our advice on the best small smartphones

A person holds a black smartphone in both hands above a wooden table, one thumb resting while the other finger taps the bright unseen screen.

Small smartphones are ideal if you want to easily operate your device with one hand and take it with you. The best small smartphones are no larger than 6.3 inches, but they deliver top performance. Whether you choose Android or iOS, pay particular attention to specifications such as battery life, camera, storage, and processor. The Google Pixel 9 Pro excels as an Android standout, whilst the iPhone 16e is the best compact iPhone. Shooting professional images with your phone? Then opt for the iPhone 16. Are you looking for a model with a long battery life? Then the Google Pixel 9a is an excellent choice. You’ll find many better, powerful, and stylish small smartphones at MediaMarkt.

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