Top Compact and Small Phones (2020)

I can still remember when Samsung launched the Galaxy S8 series; it was a new era of smartphones where bezels were shrunk down to size. It paved the way for larger screens without sacrificing overall build. For a while, I had hope manufacturers would release handy phones with big screens. Unfortunately, it only made one-hand usage more of a task. While smartphone displays today are nearly entering the phablet category, there are a handful of compact and small phones right now you can purchase. 

Usually, “regular” phones clock in at 6.4″. At 6.7″, they are already considerably large. Understandably, some specs need to be toned down to make modern mobile devices handy. And by handy we mean 6.3″ screen size and below. But if you don’t mind the minor drawbacks compact phones come with, here are the top small phones in 2020.

List of the Best Small, Compact, and Handy Phones in 2020

Apple iPhone SE 2020

Sporting a 4.7″ IPS LCD 720p screen, iPhone SE 2020 is the best smallest phone in 2020. Sure, it’s still using the design Apple introduced several years ago, but you can never underestimate the hardware and software capabilities of an iOS device. Unless you’re a die-hard Android user, the iPhone SE 2020 is the most reliable compact phone. It’s as capable as the iPhone 11 Pro Max when it comes to performance, and the 12MP main and 7MP selfie cameras nearly beat every competition at its price point (and higher) when talking about quality. Although you get IP67 water and dust resistant body, you do have to live with a 5W slow charger unless you separately purchase the compatible 18W brick. 

iPhone SE 2020 starts at P26,490 for the 64GB storage model.

READ: Why You Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the iPhone SE 2020

Huawei Nova 5T | Huawei P30 | Huawei P40

If you’re looking for the Android alternative of iPhone SE 2020, the latest option is the Huawei P40, while the P30 is the other one that offers better value for money. Supposed you want a cheaper alternative, Nova 5T is still available. Huawei’s flagship P series clocks in at 6.1″ while the Nova 5T is a tad bigger at 6.26″. Regardless, all three are as capable as most flagships today. You can even expect good battery life as their capacities are at least 3650mAh, along with 22.5W fast charging. If you’re planning to purchase a P40, take note that it doesn’t come with Google services anymore. Instead, it’s using Huawei Mobile Services featuring the AppGallery app marketplace.

Huawei P30 now starts at P20,990 while the P40 is down to P36,630 in the meantime. As for the Nova 5T, you can snag it for P15,790.

OPPO A5s

While most mid-range and high-end phones today come with huge screens, budget devices are usually the ones with smaller screens. In OPPO’s case, the A5s remains the best small OPPO phone in 2020. Also known as AX5s in other regions, this compact phone uses Helio P35 chipset that’s enough for both casual games and social media binge. Expect long screen-on time thanks to the 4230mAh battery. The downside here is you’re stuck with the Android Oreo 8.1 version. But then again, it’s the only “latest” small OPPO phone right now.

As of writing, OPPO A5s is priced at P6,290 instead of P6,990.

READ: OPPO A5s Review – The Best Entry-Level Smartphone in 2019?

Vivo Y15 | Vivo Y11

If you feel like OPPO A5s is too old, Vivo Y15 and Y11 are nice alternatives. Both phones have a 6.35″ screen along with the small teardrop notch. Y11 is the cheaper phone between the two as it comes with 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, dual-cameras, and a hefty 5000mAh battery. Furthermore, it already runs on the slightly more updated Android 9 OS. As for Y15, the upgrades you can get are 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, Snapdragon 439, and triple-rear cameras. 

Vivo Y15 is on sale for P7,999, with the Y11 for P6,499.

Xiaomi Redmi 8A

Xiaomi’s Redmi 8A is on the same side as the aforementioned OPPO and Vivo phones — running on Android 9 Pie. However, Xiaomi’s handy phone beats the three devices in price. Yes, it comes with a single 12MP camera and 8MP selfie, but you get a design that’s splash resistant and a 5000mAh battery that charges via USB-C at 18W! 

Xiaomi Redmi 8A is only retailing for P5,390 for the 3GB/32GB model. 

Samsung Galaxy A41 | Galaxy S10e

Capping off the best small phone list are Samsung Galaxy A41 and Galaxy S10e. Starting with A41, this phone features a 6.1″ 20:9 screen which means it’s taller and not narrower. Sure, it still uses Snapdragon 675 but it’s also the only mid-range phone with an IP68 rating. Additionally, it has that signature FHD+ Super AMOLED from Samsung. The only downside is — it’s not available in the Philippines. With that said, you may want to turn your attention to the Galaxy S10e. Surprisingly, Samsung is still selling its best compact phone yet for P34,990. Having used the device, I can easily say it’s what the iPhone SE 2020 should’ve been in terms of design philosophy. The conveniently-placed fingerprint scanner on the right-hand side is perfect for the average-sized hands and the specs are plenty capable as a daily driver. The biggest drawback here is the 3100mAh battery. If you’re planning to purchase an S10e, you will need a power bank whenever you’re on the go.

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