For years, the smartphone market has been on a relentless march towards bigger and bigger screens. What was once considered a “phablet” is now the new normal. But in 2025, we’re witnessing an exciting shift, especially with devices like the OnePlus 13s and the latest Vivo X200 FE. What do these phones have in common, and what does their emergence tell us about the evolving landscape of compact smartphones? Let’s dive in!
A Blast from the Past: The Evolution of Screen Sizes
Cast your mind back to 2011. Samsung launched the iconic Galaxy S2 with a screen size of just 4.3 inches. It featured a Super AMOLED Plus display and a remarkably sleek form factor. At the time, even that felt “big” to many, with accessories like leather pouches designed just to carry the phone, not necessarily to use it with the cover on. Later that same year, Samsung’s first Galaxy Note launched with a “massive” 5.3-inch screen, earning it the moniker “phablet”—a hybrid of a phone and a tablet.
Fast forward to today, and the common screen sizes are 6.6 to 6.8 inches. Bezels have shrunk, and aspect ratios have become taller, but the overall size of phones has ballooned. This has made comfortable one-handed use a distant memory for many.
Defining “Compact” in 2025: Not Mini, But Mighty
For a long time, users craving smaller phones had limited options. Apple briefly experimented with “mini” phones like the iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini, featuring tiny 5.4-inch screens. However, these didn’t resonate with the wider audience and were eventually discontinued in favor of larger “Plus” models.
What consumers do want, however, are compact phones—devices that aren’t necessarily “mini” but still offer a more hand-friendly experience without compromising on flagship-level power. Think of Sony’s old Xperia Compact lineup: smaller phones that packed all the punch of their larger counterparts. In 2025, “compact” generally refers to phones with screen sizes under 6.4 inches, often around 6.1 to 6.3 inches.
Key Players in the Compact Segment for 2025
The good news is, this trend is making a comeback, especially in the premium segment. Here are some of the top compact smartphones making waves in 2025:
1. OnePlus 13s
The OnePlus 13s is a strong contender in the compact segment, striking an excellent balance between portability and flagship performance.
- Display: Features a 6.31-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling.
- Performance: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite Edition chipset, ensuring top-tier performance for multitasking and demanding applications. It also boasts UFS 4.0 storage for lightning-fast app loading and data transfer.
- Cameras: Equipped with a dual 50MP rear camera setup and a 32MP front camera, delivering excellent photo quality.
- Battery: A substantial 5850mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC Fast Charge ensures long-lasting power.
- Software: Runs on OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, offering a clean, bloatware-free experience with useful AI features and a promise of 4 years of OS upgrades.
- Design: Compact and premium build at just 8.15mm thin and 185g, with flat glass panels and an aluminum frame.
2. Vivo X200 FE
Vivo’s latest offering in the compact space, the X200 FE, is designed for users who prioritize camera capabilities and a premium feel in a smaller form factor.
- Display: Features a 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz and an impressive peak brightness of 5000 nits.
- Performance: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip, providing strong performance for daily use and gaming.
- Cameras: Boasts a versatile ZEISS triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main (OIS), 50MP periscope telephoto (3x optical zoom), and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. The 50MP selfie camera also includes autofocus.
- Battery: Packs a massive 6500mAh battery (thanks to silicon-carbon tech) with 90W FlashCharge, offering exceptional endurance.
- Software: Ships with Android 15 and Funtouch OS 15, with promises of 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches. Includes Gemini AI features.
- Design: Compact and elegant at under 8mm thick and 186g, with a frosted matte glass back and aerospace-grade aluminum frame. Features IP68 and IP69 protection.
3. Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung continues its tradition of offering a compact flagship, making the Galaxy S25 a top choice for Android users seeking a smaller device without compromising on features.
- Display: A 6.2-inch AMOLED 120Hz display with slim bezels.
- Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor and 12GB of RAM, ensuring top-tier performance.
- Cameras: Features a 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and 12MP ultrawide rear camera setup, plus a 12MP selfie camera.
- Software: Runs on One UI based on Android 15 with a commitment to seven years of OS updates and new Galaxy AI features.
- Design: Refined design with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, maintaining a compact form factor.
4. Google Pixel 9
Google’s latest Pixel flagship offers a compact size with a focus on AI features and exceptional camera performance.
- Display: A 6.3-inch OLED 120Hz display that feels compact in hand.
- Performance: Powered by the Google Tensor G4 chipset and 12GB of RAM, optimized for AI features.
- Cameras: Features a 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, and 13MP selfie camera, known for their computational photography.
- Software: Runs on Android 15, with extensive Gemini AI integration and a lengthy 7-year software update commitment.
- Design: Striking and refined design, maintaining a relatively small footprint for a flagship.
5. Motorola Razr 60 Ultra (Foldable)
While not a traditional “slab” phone, the Razr 60 Ultra redefines compact by offering a large screen that folds into a highly pocketable form factor.
- Display: Features a 7-inch internal foldable display and a functional 4.0-inch outer display.
- Performance: Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, offering flagship performance.
- Cameras: A capable camera setup that, while lacking a telephoto, offers versatility with its ultrawide lens.
- Battery: Excellent battery life and best-in-class charging.
- Design: A sleek foldable design that makes it incredibly compact when closed, with an IP48 rating.
Why Compact Now? The Driving Forces
The resurgence of compact phones, particularly in the premium segment, is driven by several factors:
- User Preference for Ergonomics: Many users, especially those with smaller hands or who frequently use their phone one-handed, find larger devices cumbersome. The desire for comfortable grip and easy reachability is a significant factor.
- Complementary Devices: Premium smartphone users often own other devices like tablets, laptops, or even larger secondary phones. For them, the compact smartphone serves as a highly portable, on-the-go primary device, where a massive screen isn’t always necessary.
- Technological Advancements: Innovations in battery technology (like silicon-carbon batteries) allow manufacturers to pack larger capacities into thinner, lighter bodies. Similarly, advancements in chipsets mean powerful performance no longer requires a huge footprint for heat dissipation.
- Premium Positioning: Brands are realizing that a compact form factor can be a premium feature in itself, catering to a niche that values portability and refined design over sheer screen size.
Who Are Compact Phones For?
These top compact smartphones are primarily aimed at:
- Premium Users: Individuals who can afford flagship devices and prioritize a comfortable, one-handed experience for daily tasks, communication, and on-the-go productivity.
- Users with Multiple Devices: Those who already have tablets or laptops for media consumption, gaming, or intensive work, and want their phone to be a highly portable and powerful companion.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Many compact flagships, especially those with ZEISS branding, offer exceptional camera capabilities for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Fashion and Style Conscious: The sleek and refined designs of these compact phones appeal to users who view their smartphone as a fashion statement.
Conversely, for users in the mid-range or budget segments, where the smartphone is often the only computing device, a larger screen still offers more utility for media consumption, gaming, and general productivity.
Conclusion: The Compact Future is Bright
The market is clearly diversifying, and the return of powerful, well-designed compact smartphones in 2025 is a welcome development. It offers consumers more choice, allowing them to select a device that truly fits their lifestyle and preferences. Whether this trend continues to grow across all price segments remains to be seen, but for now, the premium compact smartphone is definitely having its moment in the spotlight.
What are your thoughts on this trend? Do you prefer a compact powerhouse or a large-screen behemoth? Let us know in the comments below!
About the Author & Disclosure:
About the Author: About the Author: About the Author: Reo R As a marketing expert with 4 years of experience in the digital marketing field, I specialize in SEO and help companies increase their online visibility, drive more traffic, and boost their sales. With a track record of success, I have a proven ability to improve clients’ SEO and drive sales.
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Source- Compact Smartphones In 2025
