Why don't manufacturers make small phones anymore?

Sales data. Apple's iPhone 12 and 13 mini sold poorly compared to standard and Pro models. The audience for true small phones exists but is smaller than the audience for large displays and larger batteries. Manufacturers follow the sales.

Is the iPhone 16 too big for one-handed use?

For most adults, the iPhone 16 at 71.6mm wide is at the upper end of comfortable one-handed use. Reach across the screen requires shifting grip. Pro Max models at 77+ mm are two-handed devices.

Can I still get a real small phone?

Yes, refurbished. The iPhone 13 mini at 5.4 inches is available on the refurbished market for $399-$499 with continued iOS support through 2027. This is the only realistic path to a true compact phone.

What is the smallest current Android phone?

The Google Pixel 9a at 6.1 inches is the smallest current Android flagship in 2026. The Samsung Galaxy S25 at 6.2 inches is also compact for a current flagship. Truly small Android phones (under 5.5 inches) effectively no longer exist.

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The best small phones in 2026

Alex Chen-May 30, 2026-2 min read

For the best true-small phone: the Apple iPhone 16 at 6.1 inches and 170g - the smallest current flagship. For Android: the Google Pixel 9a at 6.1 inches and 186g. The "compact" Galaxy S25 at 6.2 inches counts as small only by current standards. Real small phones (under 5.5 inches) effectively no longer exist outside of the discontinued iPhone SE.

Compact smartphone held in one hand demonstrating size

Apple iPhone 16

From $799

Shop iPhone 16

Google Pixel 9a

From $499

Shop Pixel 9a

Samsung Galaxy S25

From $799

Shop Galaxy S25

The phone industry has decided everyone wants a 6.5-inch screen. People with small hands, deep pockets, or a preference for one-handed use have been increasingly underserved. The Apple iPhone 13 mini at 5.4 inches was the last truly small flagship, and it was discontinued in 2023.

Here are the actual smallest current phones, and a note on what to do if you really want something smaller.

Our picks

Best small iPhone: iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 at 6.1 inches is the smallest current iPhone. At 170 grams it is light enough for extended one-handed use. The 5.8-inch display from older iPhones is gone; this is as compact as Apple makes a current flagship.

For users coming from an iPhone 13 mini, this is bigger but the gap is smaller than the Pro models. Battery life is also significantly better than the mini was.

Best small Android: Google Pixel 9a

The Pixel 9a at 6.1 inches and 186 grams is the smallest current Android flagship. At $499 it is also the best value among small phones. Same chip as the Pixel 9 Pro for most tasks; smaller screen, lighter body.

Honorable mention: Samsung Galaxy S25

The Galaxy S25 at 6.2 inches and 162 grams is technically a smaller-than-Ultra flagship. Not actually small by historical standards but the lightest current premium Android.

If you really want a small phone

Buy a refurbished iPhone 13 mini. Apple sold millions of these and they remain on the certified refurbished market for $399-$499. iOS support continues through at least 2027. For true compact phone use, this is the only realistic option in 2026.

The iPhone SE (3rd generation) at 4.7 inches is technically still available refurbished but the dated design and bezels make it feel older than it is.

What "small" means in 2026

A 6.1-inch phone in 2026 was a 5.5-inch phone in 2017. Screen-to-body ratios improved, so the actual device is smaller than the screen size suggests. The iPhone 16 is physically smaller than the iPhone 6 Plus despite having a larger display.

For one-handed use, what matters is the device width. The iPhone 16 is 71.6mm wide. The Pixel 9a is 73.3mm. Anything under 75mm is functional for most adults using one hand; anything over 78mm is two-handed by necessity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alex Chen

Senior Staff Writer

Alex has covered telecom, smartphones, and business communications for eight years. Before DeltaThree, he tested gear for a carrier trade publication and ran the wireless desk at a consumer tech site. He pays his own phone bill.

The best small phones in 2026