Smartphones have become larger and heavier over the last decade, but in 2025 a welcome trend returns—compact flagships. For most consumers, a smaller phone is not only about looks; it’s also about compact portability and one-hand use without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re tired of carrying a “mini tablet” in your pocket or simply love the ergonomics of a hand-friendly device, compact phones are once again becoming the stars of the smartphone market.
This year, top brands such as Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, OnePlus, and Vivo have all launched stunning compact models. In this blog, we’ll discuss the Best Compact Phones of 2025, point out their key features, and assist you in deciding which one merits your consideration.
What Constitutes “Compact” in 2025?
Ten years ago, anything less than 5 inches was considered small. With taller aspect ratios and bezel-less screens nowadays, the definition has evolved. In 2025, the majority of small flagships are between 6.0 and 6.4 inches, maintaining a weight below ~180 grams and providing a thin, ergonomic body. The trick is to balance performance, camera performance, and battery life while still making the phone comfortable to hold and operate with one hand.
Now let’s move on to the top choices.
Best Compact Phones – Xiaomi 15
Xiaomi has perfected the skill of presenting flagship-level hardware for affordable prices, and the Xiaomi 15 picks up where that left off in a sleek package. Featuring a 6.36-inch AMOLED screen, it presents silky-smooth 120 Hz refresh rates, rich colors, and amazing brightness that can tackle direct sunlight.
Under the hood, it’s driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and up to 16 GB of RAM for seamless gaming and multitasking. The 5,240 mAh battery is a big deal in a small body, with no problem getting through an entire day of heavy use.
But the real standout is the camera system, co-engineered with Leica. The triple-camera setup (50MP main, ultra-wide, and telephoto) produces sharp, detailed shots in all conditions. For anyone who wants a compact phone with no compromises in performance or photography, the Xiaomi 15 is a near-perfect choice.
Best Compact Phones – iPhone 17
Apple retains its hold on the premium compact segment, and the iPhone 17 continues that tradition in full force. While Pro Max variants draw all the attention, the regular iPhone 17 offers a more compact, hand-friendly build without sacrificing too much performance.
Look for the newest A19 Bionic chip, improved efficiency, and Apple’s signature iOS optimizations. The phone shines at computational photography, with AI-based improvements that render night photos, portraits, and action shots a breeze.—Thee enthusiasts seeking pocket-friendly power will not be let down. The iPhone 17 is still the best option for those invested in the Apple ecosystem, with smooth integration with Macs, iPads, and the Apple Watch.
Best Compact Phones – Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung has not left users who prefer smaller phones behind. The Galaxy S25 is one of the smallest Android flagships of 2025, with a 6.2-inch AMOLED screen that’s sharp, bright, and colorful.
It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite with One UI 7 based on Android 15. It has flagship-level performance, with seamless multitasking and lightning-fast app booting. The AI capabilities built into One UI also make the phone smarter, from predictive text to personalization on the device.
The camera setup is another highlight: a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom. The only compromise is its 4,000 mAh battery, which is not large, but Samsung’s optimization means consistent daily use. For those who desire a premium compact Android with AI capabilities, the S25 stands among the best.
Best Compact Phones – Google Pixel 10
Google has long put user experience and AI ahead of bare specs, and the Pixel 10 follows suit in miniature. The phone is smooth, understated, and curves well into the hand—a perfect testament to Google’s design ethos.
What sets the Pixel 10 apart is its software experience. Fueled by the new Tensor G4 (or Snapdragon-custom hybrid), it’s great at AI-based tasks such as live translation, transcription, and predictive support. The cameras are also unmatched in this class—despite humble hardware, Google’s computational photography results are the best in the industry.
For Android enthusiasts who desire quick updates, seamless performance, and unparalleled AI capabilities in a compact package, the Pixel 10 is the ideal fit.
Best Compact Phones – OnePlus 13s
OnePlus has long been the darling of fans, and the OnePlus 13s takes the firm’s “fast and smooth” mantra to the compact segment. With a 6.3-inch screen, the phone feels thin and lightweight in hand while having serious muscle.
Backed by a flagship chipset, the OnePlus 13s delivers scorching speeds and smooth multitasking. The phone also excels at charging tech—with OnePlus’s mythical fast charging, you can reach from 0% to 100% in less than 30 minutes.
Though its cameras aren’t always top-of-the-class, the OnePlus 13s compensates with tidy software (OxygenOS) and snappy design. It’s ideal for consumers who value speed, performance, and user experience in a small package.
Best Compact Phones – Vivo X200 FE—The Dark Horse
Vivo’s X200 FE (Fan Edition) is the unexpected player in 2025’s mini-phone market. Vivo has succeeded in blending great looks, high-performing hardware, and outstanding cameras into a thin, hand-held phone.
The standout in this case is the camera performance, particularly for those who love photography. Vivo’s imaging capabilities always produce natural colors and good details, thus being one of the best in this department. Combining it with solid performance and a soothing design, the X200 FE is a solid option for those in search of something unique from popular brands.
Quick Comparison
| Phone | Display | Battery | Performance | Camera | Why Buy |
| Xiaomi 15 | 6.36″ AMOLED, 120 Hz | 5,240 mAh | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Leica-tuned triple lens | Best all-rounder |
| iPhone 17 | ~6.1″ OLED | Efficient, iOS-tuned | A19 Bionic | AI-powered | Best for Apple loyalists |
| Galaxy S25 | 6.2″ AMOLED | 4,000 mAh | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Triple camera with 3x zoom | Best compact Android |
| Pixel 10 | ~6.2″ OLED | Optimized AI battery | Tensor G4 | Computational expertise | Best AI + software |
| OnePlus 13s | 6.3″ AMOLED | Fast charging | Flagship chipset | Solid but not best | Best for speed enthusiasts |
| Vivo X200 FE | ~6.3″ AMOLED | Balanced | Upper-mid flagship | Great imaging | Best underdog choice |
Final Thoughts
The ultimate compact phone of 2025 comes down to what matters the most:
- Best overall flagship: Xiaomi 15
- Best for iOS enthusiasts: iPhone 17
- Best Android experience: Samsung Galaxy S25
- Best AI & camera software: Google Pixel 10
- Best for speed & charging: OnePlus 13s
- Best underdog value: Vivo X200 FE
In a world dominated by oversized slabs, these compact phones prove that small can still be powerful. Whether you’re chasing flagship performance, AI smarts, or top-tier cameras, 2025 has plenty of compact options that won’t weigh down your pocket—literally.
