Compact Powerhouses: The Best Small Smartphones of 2024 

HomeFeatureCompact Powerhouses: The Best Small Smartphones of 2024 

Highlights

  • Sony Xperia 5 V marries compact design with high-end features, including a 21:9 aspect ratio OLED screen.
  • Google Pixel 8 offers Google Tensor G3 performance and a dual-camera setup for superior photography.
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 combines foldable screen innovation with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 power.
  • Asus ZenFone 10 impresses with its Super AMOLED display and up to 16GB RAM for unmatched performance.

The year 2024 has ushered in an era where compact smartphones no longer compromise on power.

Some of these phones have made it to the Indian market and some have not.

However, there is no denying that these devices pack a punch despite their lack of size.

Let’s dive into the standout models that have captured both market interest and critical acclaim, offering a perfect mix of usability and high-end features.

Sony Xperia 5 V

Sony Xperia 5 V
Sony Xperia 5 V
  • Display: 6.1 inches, 1080×2520 pixels
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 8GB2
  • Storage: 128GB/256GB2
  • Camera: 48MP + 12MP Dual Primary Cameras
  • Battery: 5000mAh with 30W Fast Charging

The Sony Xperia 5 V challenges the norms of what constitutes a compact device.

Its 6.1-inch screen might seem large, but the phone’s narrow width makes it feel significantly smaller and more manageable in hand.

This design ingenuity, coupled with a 21:9 aspect ratio OLED screen, offers an unparalleled viewing experience, especially for movie lovers.

However, the taller display might pose challenges in reaching UI elements at the top, indicating a slight trade-off for its sleek form factor​​.

Beyond its design, the Xperia 5 V comes equipped with features typically reserved for larger models, including a 3.5mm audio jack and a microSD card slot, enhancing both its audio capabilities and storage options.

Sony’s commitment to providing professional-grade software tools further enhances the device’s appeal to photography enthusiasts.

Despite its compact size, the Xperia 5 V does not skimp on power or performance, making it a top contender for those seeking a smaller smartphone without sacrificing quality or functionality​​.

Google Pixel 8

Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 8
  • Display: 6.2 inches, 1080×2400 pixels
  • Processor: Google Tensor G3
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB/256GB
  • Camera: 50MP + 12MP Dual Primary Cameras
  • Battery: 4575mAh with 27W Fast Charging

The Google Pixel 8 is a standout smartphone in 2024.

It features a 6.2-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels.

The phone is powered by Google’s own Tensor G3 processor, ensuring a smooth and fast performance.

The Pixel 8 also boasts a powerful dual-camera setup, with a 50MP primary camera and a 12MP secondary camera.

This allows you to capture stunning photos and videos in a variety of settings.

The phone also has a large 4575mAh battery, which provides long-lasting battery life.

And with 27W fast charging, you can quickly recharge the battery when it’s time to power up.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
  • Display: 6.7 inches, 1080×2640 pixels
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB/512GB
  • Camera: 12MP + 12MP Dual Primary Cameras
  • Battery: 3700mAh with 25W Fast Charging

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a marvel of modern smartphone technology.

It features a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080×2640 pixels.

This provides a stunning visual experience whether you’re browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games.

The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring smooth performance even when running demanding apps.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 also excels in the camera department, with a dual 12MP primary camera setup that can capture high-quality photos and videos.

The 3700mAh battery ensures that you can use the phone all day without worrying about charging.

And with 25W fast charging, you can quickly recharge the battery when it’s time to power up.

Asus ZenFone 10

Asus ZenFone 10
Asus ZenFone 10
  • Display: 5.92 inches, 1080×2400 pixels
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 8GB/16GB
  • Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
  • Camera: 50MP + 13MP Dual Primary Cameras
  • Battery: 4300mAh with 30W Fast Charging

The Asus ZenFone 10 is another top contender in the compact smartphone market.

It features a 5.92-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080×2400.

This provides a crisp and vibrant viewing experience.

The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which ensures fast and smooth performance.

The ZenFone 10 also boasts a powerful dual-camera setup, with a 50MP primary camera and a 13MP secondary camera.

This allows you to capture stunning photos and videos in a variety of settings.

The phone also has a large 4300mAh battery, which provides long-lasting battery life.

And with 30W fast charging, you can quickly recharge the battery when it’s time to power up.

FAQs

What makes the Sony Xperia 5 V stand out among compact smartphones?

The Xperia 5 V excels with its narrow form factor and 21:9 aspect ratio OLED screen, offering a unique viewing experience without sacrificing usability.

It’s packed with features like a 3.5mm audio jack and a microSD card slot, catering to audiophiles and photography enthusiasts.

How does the Google Pixel 8 enhance the photography experience?

Equipped with a 50MP primary and a 12MP secondary camera, the Google Pixel 8 delivers stunning photo quality.

Its Tensor G3 processor ensures smooth operation, making it ideal for capturing and processing high-quality images efficiently.

Why is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 considered a marvel in smartphone technology?

The Galaxy Z Flip 5’s foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and dual 12MP camera setup merge innovation with functionality, offering a premium visual experience and versatile photography options in a compact, foldable design.

What are the key features of the Asus ZenFone 10 that appeal to tech enthusiasts?

The ZenFone 10 is notable for its 5.92-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and a dual-camera system. It offers up to 16GB RAM and fast charging, making it a powerhouse for performance-savvy users.

How do compact smartphones in 2024 compare in terms of battery life and charging capabilities?

Compact smartphones like the Sony Xperia 5 V, Google Pixel 8, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Asus ZenFone 10 offer long-lasting battery life with fast charging solutions ranging from 25W to 30W, ensuring users stay powered throughout the day with minimal downtime.

Sony Xperia 5V Specs

GENERAL

Sim Type Dual Sim, GSM+GSM (Hybrid Slot)
Dual Sim Yes
Sim Size Nano SIM
Device Type Smartphone
Release Date September 1, 2023

DESIGN

Dimensions 68 x 154 x 8.6 mm
Weight 183 g
Colors Black, White, Blue

DISPLAY

Type Color OLED Screen (1B Colors)
Touch Yes
Size 6.1 inches, 1080 x 2520 pixels, 120 Hz
PPI ~ 449 PPI
Screen to Body Ratio ~ 83%
Glass Type Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Features Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), HDR10

MEMORY

RAM 8 GB
Storage 128 GB
Card Slot Yes, (Hybrid Slot)

CONNECTIVITY

GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
3G Yes
4G Yes
5G Yes
VoLTE Yes, Dual Stand-By
Wifi Yes, with wifi-hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, v5.3, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
USB Yes, USB-C v3.2
USB Features USB on-the-go, USB Charging

EXTRA

GPS Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
Fingerprint Sensor Yes, Side
Face Unlock Yes
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass, color spectrum
3.5mm Headphone Jack Yes
NFC Yes
Water Resistance Yes, 1.5 m upto 30 min
IP Rating IP65
Dust Resistant Yes

CAMERA

Rear Camera 48 MP 24mm, 1/1.35″, 1.12µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS f/1.9 (Wide Angle)
12 MP 16mm, 1/2.5″, Dual Pixel PDAF f/2.2 (Ultra Wide) with autofocus
Features Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, panorama, HDR, eye tracking, 2x lossless zoom
Video Recording 4K @ 24 fps UHD, 1080p @ 30 fps FHD
Flash Yes, LED
Front Camera 12 MP 24mm, 1/2.9″, 1.25µm f/2 (Wide Angle)
Front Video Recording 4K @ 30 fps UHD, 1080p @ 30 fps FHD

TECHNICAL

OS Android v13
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2
CPU 3.2 GHz, Octa Core Processor
Core Details 1x Cortex-X3@ 3.2GHz & 4x Cortex-A715@ 2.8GHz & 3x Cortex-A510@2.0 GHz
GPU Adreno 740
Java No
Browser Yes, supports HTML5

MULTIMEDIA

Email Yes
Music Yes
Video Yes
FM Radio No
Document Reader Yes

BATTERY

Type Non-Removable Battery
Size 5000 mAh
Fast Charging Yes, 30W Fast Charging

GOOGLE PIXEL 8 KEY SPECIFICATIONS

Key Specs

RAM 8 GB
Processor Google Tensor G2
Rear Camera 64 MP + 48 MP + 12 MP
Front Camera 16 MP
Battery 5000 mAh
Display 5.8 inches (14.73 cm)

General

Launch Date May 10, 2023 (Unofficial)
Operating System Android v12

Performance

Chipset Google Tensor G2
CPU Octa core (2.85 GHz, Dual core, Cortex X1 + 2.35 GHz, Dual core, Cortex A78 + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A55)
Architecture 64 bit
Fabrication 4 nm
Graphics Mali-G710 MC10
RAM 8 GB

Display

Display Type Super AMOLED
Screen Size 5.8 inches (14.73 cm)
Resolution 1080 x 2268 pixels
Pixel Density 433 ppi
Screen to Body Ratio (calculated) 79.46 %
Bezel-less display Yes with punch-hole display
Touch Screen Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch

Design

Height 150.5 mm Compare Size 
Width 70.8 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm

Camera

MAIN CAMERA
Camera Setup Triple
Resolution 64 MP f/1.9, Wide Angle, Primary Camera
48 MP f/3.5, Telephoto Camera
12 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera
Autofocus Yes
Flash Yes, LED Flash
Image Resolution 9000 x 7000 Pixels
Settings Exposure compensation, ISO control
Shooting Modes Continuous Shooting
High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Camera Features Digital Zoom
Auto Flash
Face detection
Touch to focus
Video Recording 1920×1080 @ 30 fps
FRONT CAMERA
Camera Setup Single
Resolution 16 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle, Primary Camera
Video Recording 1920×1080 @ 30 fps

Battery

Capacity 5000 mAh
Type Li-Polymer
Removable No
Quick Charging Yes, Fast
USB Type-C Yes

Storage

Internal Memory 128 GB
Expandable Memory No

Network & Connectivity

SIM Slot(s) Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size SIM1: Nano, SIM2: eSIM
Network Support 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G
VoLTE Yes
SIM 1
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
SIM 2
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
Wi-Fi Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n)
Wi-Fi Features Mobile Hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, v5.2
GPS Yes with A-GPS, Glonass
USB Connectivity Mass storage device, USB charging

Multimedia

Loudspeaker Yes
Audio Jack USB Type-C

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Position On-screen
Other Sensors Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope

SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FLIP 5 KEY SPECIFICATIONS

Key Specs

RAM 12 GB
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Rear Camera 12 MP + 12 MP
Front Camera 12 MP
Battery 4100 mAh
Display 6.82 inches (17.32 cm)

General

Launch Date April 24, 2023 (Unofficial)
Operating System Android v13

Performance

Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
CPU Octa core (3.2 GHz, Single core, Cortex X3 + 2.8 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A715 + 2 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A510)
Architecture 64 bit
Fabrication 4 nm
Graphics Adreno 740
RAM 12 GB

Display

Display Type Super AMOLED
Screen Size 6.82 inches (17.32 cm)
Resolution 1080 x 2400 pixels
Pixel Density 386 ppi
Screen Protection Corning Gorilla Glass v5
Bezel-less display Yes with punch-hole display
Touch Screen Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch

Camera

MAIN CAMERA
Camera Setup Dual
Resolution 12 MP, Primary Camera
12 MP, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera
Autofocus Yes
Flash Yes, LED Flash
Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 Pixels
Settings Exposure compensation, ISO control
Shooting Modes Continuous Shooting
High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Camera Features Digital Zoom
Auto Flash
Face detection
Touch to focus
Video Recording 3840×2160 @ 30 fps
1920×1080 @ 30 fps
FRONT CAMERA
Camera Setup Single
Resolution 12 MP, Primary Camera
Video Recording 1920×1080 @ 30 fps

Battery

Capacity 4100 mAh
Type Li-Polymer
Removable No
Quick Charging Yes, Fast
USB Type-C Yes

Storage

Internal Memory 256 GB
Expandable Memory No

Network & Connectivity

SIM Slot(s) Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano
Network Support 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G
VoLTE Yes
SIM 1
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
SIM 2
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
Wi-Fi Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n)
Wi-Fi Features Mobile Hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, v5.2
GPS Yes with A-GPS, Glonass
NFC Yes
USB Connectivity Mass storage device, USB charging

Multimedia

Loudspeaker Yes
Audio Jack USB Type-C

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Position Side
Other Sensors Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope

ASUS ZENFONE 10 KEY SPECIFICATIONS

Key Specs

RAM 8 GB
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Rear Camera 50 MP + 50 MP + 12 MP
Front Camera 32 MP
Battery 5000 mAh
Display 6.3 inches (16 cm)

General

Launch Date May 11, 2023 (Unofficial)
Operating System Android v13

Performance

Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
CPU Octa core (3.2 GHz, Single core, Cortex X3 + 2.8 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A715 + 2 GHz, Tri core, Cortex A510)
Architecture 64 bit
Fabrication 4 nm
Graphics Adreno 740
RAM 8 GB

Display

Display Type AMOLED
Screen Size 6.3 inches (16 cm)
Resolution 1080 x 2400 pixels
Pixel Density 418 ppi
Screen Protection Corning Gorilla Glass v5
Bezel-less display Yes
Touch Screen Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch
Refresh Rate 120 Hz

Design

Waterproof Yes, Water resistant, IP68
Ruggedness Dust proof

Camera

MAIN CAMERA
Camera Setup Triple
Resolution 50 MP, Primary Camera
50 MP, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera
12 MP
Autofocus Yes
OIS Yes
Flash Yes, LED Flash
Image Resolution 8150 x 6150 Pixels
Settings Exposure compensation, ISO control
Shooting Modes Continuous Shooting
High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Camera Features Digital Zoom
Auto Flash
Face detection
Touch to focus
FRONT CAMERA
Camera Setup Single
Resolution 32 MP, Primary Camera
Video Recording 1920×1080 @ 30 fps

Battery

Capacity 5000 mAh
Type Li-Polymer
Removable No
Quick Charging Yes, Fast, 67W
USB Type-C Yes

Storage

Internal Memory 128 GB
Expandable Memory No

Network & Connectivity

SIM Slot(s) Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano
Network Support 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G
VoLTE Yes
SIM 1
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
SIM 2
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
Wi-Fi Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n)
Wi-Fi Features Mobile Hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, v5.2
GPS Yes with A-GPS, Glonass
NFC Yes
USB Connectivity Mass storage device, USB charging

Multimedia

Loudspeaker Yes
Audio Jack USB Type-C

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Position On-screen
Fingerprint Sensor Type Optical
Other Sensors Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer

 

Also Read: Sony Xperia 5 IV Speculated to be the First Smartphone of the Company

Also Read: Google Pixel 8 Pro Temperature Sensor for Enhanced Health Monitoring Explained

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