The definition of a small phone has changed over the course of the last 18 months as the smartphone industry has moved to taller displays. One way manufacturers have kept phone sizes small is by trimming the bezels, and that's the direction Google took with the . The phone retains the same size as its predecessor while offering a larger 5.5-inch display, making it ideal for one-handed use.
Our pick
Google Pixel 3
Google has done a stellar job retaining the same form factor as the Pixel 2 while introducing a larger 5.5-inch screen. The Pixel 3 doesn't miss out on any features from its larger sibling — it has dual front cameras, and it also retains the stereo speakers. If you're in the market for a small phone with excellent cameras, the Pixel 3 should be your go-to option.
Feature-packed
Samsung Galaxy S9
The Galaxy S9 is marginally taller than the Pixel 3 at 147.7mm, but it also has a larger 5.8-inch display. The panel itself is one of the best you'll find on a phone today, and the Galaxy S9 is certainly not lacking when it comes to features. It misses out on the S9+'s dual rear cameras, but the primary shooter is still great and the rest of the features are intact.
Mid-range marvel
Honor 10
The Honor 10 stretches the definition of a small phone as it comes in just shy of 150mm, but its narrow form factor makes it great to use one-handed. The design at the back is evocative, the phone offers excellent value for money, and the 3400mAh battery is more than adequate for all-day usage.
Excellent for one-handed use
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
As the name suggests, the Xperia XZ2 Compact is ideal for one-handed use. The phone is diminutive at 135mm, and Sony didn't compromise on the features. You get a Full HD panel, Snapdragon 845, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 19MP camera along with a 2870mAh battery. If you need a high-end phone that's primarily designed for one-handed use, the Xperia XZ2 Compact is an excellent choice.
Exquisite design
Nokia 8 Sirocco
The Nokia 8 Sirocco flew under the radar, but the phone ticks all the right boxes. It is shorter than a Pixel 3 at 141mm, and has a 5.5-inch dual-curved QHD display along with the Snapdragon 835, dual 12MP + 13MP cameras, and a 3260mAh battery. The camera may not be quite as good as the Pixel 3 or the S9, but its design and Android One underpinnings make it a great choice.
The entry-level option
Xiaomi Redmi 6
Like all other Xiaomi phones, the Redmi 6 delivers a laundry list of features while retaining a low price tag. The switch to MediaTek's Helio P22 has resulted in better performance, and the phone also offers a newer 12MP imaging sensor. The 5.45-inch 720p display is one of the best you'll find on a budget phone, and the 3000mAh battery ensures the device lasts all day on a full charge.
The market for small phones is dwindling, but there are a few solid options still available. The in particular stands out because of its form factor and the excellent camera on offer. The phone is great for one-handed use and not only does it not miss out on any features from the pixel 3 XL; but it also doesn't have a notch. The IP68 water resistance, wireless charging, and the ton of useful additions like Now Playing and call screening make the Pixel 3 the best small Android phone you can buy in 2018.
Our pick
Google Pixel 3
Google has done a stellar job retaining the same form factor as the Pixel 2 while introducing a larger 5.5-inch screen. The Pixel 3 doesn't miss out on any features from its larger sibling — it has dual front cameras, and it also retains the stereo speakers. If you're in the market for a small phone with excellent cameras, the Pixel 3 should be your go-to option.
Feature-packed
Samsung Galaxy S9
The Galaxy S9 is marginally taller than the Pixel 3 at 147.7mm, but it also has a larger 5.8-inch display. The panel itself is one of the best you'll find on a phone today, and the Galaxy S9 is certainly not lacking when it comes to features. It misses out on the S9+'s dual rear cameras, but the primary shooter is still great and the rest of the features are intact.
Mid-range marvel
Honor 10
The Honor 10 stretches the definition of a small phone as it comes in just shy of 150mm, but its narrow form factor makes it great to use one-handed. The design at the back is evocative, the phone offers excellent value for money, and the 3400mAh battery is more than adequate for all-day usage.
Excellent for one-handed use
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
As the name suggests, the Xperia XZ2 Compact is ideal for one-handed use. The phone is diminutive at 135mm, and Sony didn't compromise on the features. You get a Full HD panel, Snapdragon 845, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 19MP camera along with a 2870mAh battery. If you need a high-end phone that's primarily designed for one-handed use, the Xperia XZ2 Compact is an excellent choice.
Exquisite design
Nokia 8 Sirocco
The Nokia 8 Sirocco flew under the radar, but the phone ticks all the right boxes. It is shorter than a Pixel 3 at 141mm, and has a 5.5-inch dual-curved QHD display along with the Snapdragon 835, dual 12MP + 13MP cameras, and a 3260mAh battery. The camera may not be quite as good as the Pixel 3 or the S9, but its design and Android One underpinnings make it a great choice.
The entry-level option
Xiaomi Redmi 6
Like all other Xiaomi phones, the Redmi 6 delivers a laundry list of features while retaining a low price tag. The switch to MediaTek's Helio P22 has resulted in better performance, and the phone also offers a newer 12MP imaging sensor. The 5.45-inch 720p display is one of the best you'll find on a budget phone, and the 3000mAh battery ensures the device lasts all day on a full charge.
The market for small phones is dwindling, but there are a few solid options still available. The in particular stands out because of its form factor and the excellent camera on offer. The phone is great for one-handed use and not only does it not miss out on any features from the pixel 3 XL; but it also doesn't have a notch. The IP68 water resistance, wireless charging, and the ton of useful additions like Now Playing and call screening make the Pixel 3 the best small Android phone you can buy in 2018.