Rating of the TOP 9 compact smartphones in 2021. Overview of models and their characteristics

Review and rating of small mobile devices. Budget option and optimal price-quality ratio. The main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of specific models. What to look for when choosing a compact smartphone.

Every year it's getting harder to find a compact smartphone with convenient functionality and good performance.

Manufacturers produce gadgets with large diagonals and this size increases with each new model.

But phablets have obvious drawbacks: it is difficult to use with one hand, it is not convenient to carry in your pocket, and the weight of the device is notable.

Consider the rating of small devices that are not inferior in performance to overall models.

Rating TOP 9 best compact smartphones

PlaceModel
Price
The best models in terms of price and quality ratio
#1Apple iPhone SE (2020) 128GB
#2Apple iPhone 8 64GB
#3BlackBerry KEYone Bronze Edition Dual sim
#4Apple iPhone 8 128GB
#5Apple iPhone 7 128GB
#6BlackBerry Keyone
Budget models
#1BQ 5045L Wallet
#2Xiaomi Redmi 4X 32GB
#3DIGMA HIT Q401 3G

Features of compact smartphones

Keep in mind! The advantages of compact smartphones include:
  • ease of transfer and storage;
  • ease of use with one hand;
  • light weight;
  • less likely to break if dropped.

Flaws:

  • with prolonged use, eyes may get tired, since the content and fonts are smaller than those of large gadgets;
  • some manufacturers save on components, which reduces the performance of the device.

The best models in terms of price and quality ratio

TOP-6 rating of the best models with good characteristics in terms of price and quality ratio.

Apple iPhone SE (2020) 128GB

The long-awaited gadget of the second generation, which attracted maximum attention as soon as it went on sale.

The gadget supports wireless charging.

Equipped with reliable protection against liquid penetration under the body.

The main focus of the “stuffing” is on the camera and shooting videos with stereo sound, thanks to two microphones at the ends of the device.

Touch ID button - fingerprint scanner to unlock the phone screen. Apple Pay mobile payment system is supported.

With its help, contactless payment is carried out and personal bank card data is protected.

Specifications:

  • operating system - iOS 13;
  • screen diagonal - 4.7?;
  • camera resolution - 12 MP F / 1.80;
  • built-in / RAM memory - 128/3 GB;
  • battery capacity / type - 1821 mAh / Li-Ion;
  • dimensions / weight - 6.73 × 13.84 × 0.73 cm / 148 g.

Advantages

  • does not require interception when operating with one hand;
  • quickly responds to actions;
  • the quality of video and photo is configured in the camera itself, eliminating the need to climb through the settings;
  • even "heavy" games do not lag or slow down;
  • beautiful device design.

Flaws

  • the battery barely lasts the rest of the day;
  • wide bezels at the top and bottom of the display;
  • At night or in low light, the camera does not shoot clearly.

Apple iPhone 8 64GB

The most advanced "iron" at the time of the release of the eighth generation of the smartphone-modification.

The display has built-in pressure recognition technology.

The gadget is completely protected from liquid penetration.

An optical stabilizer is installed in the main camera, and the front one is equipped with the Retina Flash function (the screen of the device acts as a flash).

The six cores of the Apple A11 Bionic chip improve performance by reducing system power consumption.

The technology of adapting the color intensity to external conditions does not allow the user's eyes to get tired.

Specifications:

  • operating system - iOS 11;
  • screen diagonal - 4.7?;
  • camera resolution - 12 MP F / 1.80 (main), 7 MP (front);
  • built-in / RAM memory - 64/2 GB;
  • battery capacity / type - 1821 mAh / Li-Ion;
  • dimensions / weight - 6.73 × 13.84 × 0.73 cm / 148 g.

Advantages

  • high performance;
  • strong glass;
  • excellent photo quality, comparable to a professional camera;
  • nice gadget design;
  • vibration is easily felt in your pocket, while the phone practically does not “buzz”.

Flaws

  • fast charging is not included with the smartphone;
  • low battery capacity;
  • glass body, as a result, the device is at risk of slipping out of your hands.

BlackBerry KEYone Bronze Edition Dual sim

A unique smartphone that combines Android technology and the good old keypad.

Each key of the device is programmed for quick access to any function at the discretion of the user.

Despite the presence of the keyboard, touch navigation works. Works a full day without recharging thanks to the most powerful battery of smartphones in this line.

The wide-angle camera lens with flash ensures clear photos in any light.

Support for two SIM cards allows you to save on communication.

Specifications:

  • operating system - Android 7.1;
  • screen diagonal - 4.5?;
  • camera resolution - 12 MP F / 2 (main), 8 MP (front);
  • built-in / RAM memory - 64/4 GB;
  • battery capacity / type - 3505 mAh / Li-Ion;
  • dimensions / weight - 7.25 × 14.93 × 0.94 cm / 180 g.

Advantages

  • does not require charging for a long time;
  • attractive appearance;
  • you can protect any application or document with a fingerprint;
  • high performance;
  • durable body.

Flaws

  • no stereo speakers;
  • the call log is often not loaded immediately;
  • there may be problems with the delivery of SMS, which are solved by installing a third-party application.

Apple iPhone 8 128GB

For the first time in the history of phones of this line, the front and back panels are made of glass, giving it a chic sheen.

The model is available in three colors: gold, silver and space gray.

The body of the device is protected from liquid and dust ingress. Supports wireless charging.

Dual-domain pixels provide the widest viewing angle, up to almost 180°.

The wide-angle camera with six lenses in the lens takes incredibly clear pictures in any light.

If the device needs all the power for the task at hand, the processor runs all 6 cores at the same time, with minimal impact on battery consumption.

Specifications:

  • operating system - iOS 11;
  • screen diagonal - 4.7?;
  • camera resolution - 12 MP F / 1.8 (main), 7 MP (front);
  • built-in / RAM memory - 128/2 GB;
  • battery capacity / type - 1821 mAh / Li-Ion;
  • dimensions / weight - 6.73 × 13.84 × 0.73 cm / 148 g.

Advantages

  • large amount of memory;
  • good system performance, responds to tasks instantly;
  • lies comfortably in the palm of your hand;
  • pleasant appearance;
  • The quality of photos and videos is comparable to professional shooting.

Flaws

  • the battery runs out quickly;
  • slips in the hands;
  • high price.

Apple iPhone 7 128GB

A premium device with a miniature screen and branded features of the manufacturer.

Full touch home button. The case is completely protected from dust and liquid ingress.

Able to be under water at a depth of up to 1 m, while not losing performance. Two speakers provide stereo sound.

The redesigned Retina HD display delivers cinematic visuals.

Quad-core processor is able to change performance depending on the complexity of the task, which allows you to save energy.

Specifications:

  • operating system - iOS 10;
  • screen diagonal - 4.7?;
  • camera resolution - 12 MP F / 1.8 (main), 7 MP (front);
  • built-in / RAM memory - 128/2 GB;
  • battery capacity / type - 1960 mAh / Li-Ion;
  • dimensions / weight - 6.71 × 13.83 × 0.71 cm / 138 g.

Advantages

  • lies comfortably in the hand;
  • pleasant sound volume;
  • convenient location of the button for switching to silent mode;
  • the fingerprint scanner responds instantly;
  • well protected from water.

Flaws

  • sometimes it can hang;
  • lack of a headphone jack separate from charging;
  • high price.

BlackBerry Keyone

The fourth model based on Android from a well-known company, unrivaled, with access to a huge number of useful platforms on Google Play.

It stands out from the background of other manufacturers with a unique appearance.

The keypad is equipped with a sensor. There is a fingerprint sensor on the space bar.

The software is designed more for work than for games and entertainment.The rubberized back surface of the device eliminates the possibility of slipping out of the hands.

Comfortable for perception viewing angles and color schemes of the display do not let your eyes get tired.

The energy-intensive battery lasts up to two days without recharging with average use.

Specifications:

  • operating system - Android 7.1;
  • screen diagonal - 4.5?;
  • camera resolution - 12 MP F / 2 (main), 8 MP (front);
  • built-in / RAM memory - 32/3 GB;
  • battery capacity / type - 3505 mAh / Li-Ion;
  • dimensions / weight - 7.25 × 14.93 × 0.94 cm / 180 g.

Advantages

  • the presence of a physical keyboard;
  • good build quality: durable case and strong glass;
  • the battery holds a charge for a long time;
  • lies comfortably in the hand and does not slip;
  • instant response to action.

Flaws

  • hands get tired if you need to print for a long time;
  • the side shortcut key is often pressed at the wrong time;
  • the lock key is located on the left, which is not very convenient for right-handed users.

Budget models

The most popular models are compact inexpensive devices according to customer reviews and ratings.

BQ 5045L Wallet

Despite the low cost of the smartphone, it is equipped with NFC contactless payment technology, which some expensive options cannot boast of.

The model has three color options: black, blue and green.

Supplied immediately with protective film installed. The rounded edges of the gadget make the hand grip more comfortable.

The TN-matrix provides a high refresh rate and instant response, but it has small viewing angles and rather low contrast.

The color reproduction of the display is below average. Photos are bright, but with a blurry background, since the camera is only 5 MP.

Specifications:

  • operating system - Android 10;
  • screen diagonal - 4.95 ?;
  • camera resolution - 5 MP (main), 2 MP (front);
  • built-in memory / RAM - 16/1 GB;
  • battery capacity / type - 2000 mAh / Li-Ion;
  • dimensions / weight - 6.78 × 14.1 × 1.05 cm / 180 g.

Advantages

  • acceptable cost;
  • pleasant to look at;
  • the presence of NFC;
  • easy to use (intuitive interface);
  • The video plays without brakes, even with a poor Internet connection.

Flaws

  • small RAM;
  • heats up with prolonged use;
  • the sensor does not respond well due to the thick glass.

Xiaomi Redmi 4X 32GB

The longest-playing battery among competitors of budget models.

Thanks to the body streamlined on all sides, the gadget is very comfortable in the hand.

The back cover is metal, and the ends are plastic.

The camera's flash is extremely bright, allowing you to take clear pictures at night, and can also be used as a flashlight.

The model is equipped with an infrared port, allowing you to use the gadget as a remote control.

The maximum brightness of the screen allows you to see the smallest details even on a very sunny day.

Specifications:

  • operating system - Android 6.0;
  • screen diagonal - 5?;
  • camera resolution - 13 MP F / 2 (main), 5 MP (front);
  • built-in / RAM memory - 32/3 GB;
  • battery capacity / type - 4100 mAh / Li-polymer;
  • dimensions / weight - 6.99 × 13.92 × 0.86 cm / 150 g.

Advantages

  • speed: instant response to tasks;
  • the presence of an infrared port;
  • on the bottom panel, the buttons are configured at the discretion of the user;
  • battery lasts for 2 days, even with heavy use;
  • a fingerprint scanner that allows you to store up to five copies in memory.

Flaws

  • slippery body;
  • the screen extinguishing sensor does not always work when the phone is brought to the ear;
  • you can put either 2 SIM cards (micro and nano), or one Micro-SIM and Micro SD, you can’t put everything at once.

DIGMA HIT Q401 3G

A smartphone that everyone can afford.

The low cost affects the lack of support for the 4G network.

The camera is not at the highest level and is more suitable for chatting in instant messengers and social networks than for taking high-quality photos.

The model is not multifunctional, but does an excellent job with the basic options.

There is no notification LED. System buttons do not light up.

Specifications:

  • operating system - Android 7.0;
  • screen diagonal - 4?;
  • camera resolution - 2 MP (main), 0.3 MP (front);
  • built-in / RAM memory - 8/1 GB;
  • battery capacity / type - 1600 mAh / Li-Ion;
  • dimensions / weight - 6.46 × 12.5 × 1.05 cm / 129 g.

Advantages

  • the minimum number of built-in applications;
  • low price;
  • if the memory is not overloaded, it works without brakes;
  • compact, fits comfortably in the hand;
  • practically does not heat up during long work.

Flaws

  • there is no charger in the package;
  • the battery runs out quickly;
  • very small viewing angles.

Reviews

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conclusions

When choosing a smartphone with a diagonal of up to 5?, you should pay attention to the following indicators:

  • performance - the more RAM and the higher the processor, the faster the gadget works, but it costs more;
  • Battery capacity – the higher, the longer the device will work without recharging;
  • camera - the more MP, the more expensive the phone model and the better the quality of photos and videos;
  • built-in memory - as a rule, almost half is filled with standard applications, if necessary, it is possible to expand the memory using an SD card;
  • viewing angles - the cheaper the model, the smaller they are, and the matrix is ​​simpler.

Useful video

This video provides an overview of several inexpensive compact smartphones in 2020:


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