Best Compact Phones in 2025: Flagship Power in a Smaller Size

In recent years, there has been a rising demand for compact smartphones among tech-savvy Indian consumers. Within the last few months, various prominent brands discreetly pushed for phones to expand in size under the pretext of technological advancement. 

The pursuit of increasing smartphone size allowed them to introduce several revolutionary features, such as a periscope camera or a humongous battery. However, it became a daunting task for the general public to manage these giant, brick-like handsets with one hand.

Companies have fortunately started producing their flagships in mini versions after recognising the growing demand for compact handsets. If you seek one for yourself, we have curated a list of three mini-premium smartphones that hold their ground against their elder siblings. Let’s check them out. 

iPhone 16e: iOS Represent!!

The iPhone 16e is the best bet for folks seeking an iOS-enabled compact smartphone with AI features, with special emphasis on the last part. People may consider the iPhone 15 a better option. However, it lacks AI-powered features due to its hardware limitations. So, if you want to keep in touch with the budding AI-driven society, the iPhone 16e emerges as a winner. This smartphone also provides performance and features comparable to those of its flagship siblings. Be it wireless charging, Face ID, or Apple A18 processor, you name it, the iPhone 16e has it. 

Moreover, it is Apple’s first smartphone to feature a C1 Modem, a more efficient 5G modem than the iPhone 16’s Qualcomm counterpart. So, theoretically, you can squeeze more battery life from the iPhone 16e. However, the inclusion of this new modem removes support for the ultrawideband chip, which is important for AirTags and AirPods’ precision location tracking.  

The iPhone 16e has a single camera, an unprecedented trait for 2025. Apart from this, its display still supports a 60Hz refresh rate in a world crowded with other phones offering 120Hz or more. It misses the sensor-shift OIS support, delivering subpar stabilisation and low-light performance compared to more expensive iPhone models. Additionally, it lacks support for MagSafe charging. 

PROS:

1. Most efficient 5G modem with better battery life as a result
2. Affordable iOS-enabled smartphones with the latest AI features

CONS:

1. Comes with a single camera
2. Lack of sensor-shift OIS support
3. Lacks support for the ultrawideband chip, which is important for AirTags and AirPods’ precision location tracking.  
4. No MagSafe charging capability
5. Still 60Hz refresh rate

• Display: 6.1-inch Super XDR, 60Hz refresh rate, 1200 nits peak brightness, and 460ppi.
• Processor: Apple A16, 6-core.
• RAM and Storage: up to 512GB of internal storage.
• Software: iOS 18
• Primary Camera: 48-megapixel with OIS and an f/1.6 aperture.
• Front Camera: 12-megapixel with an f/1.9 aperture.
• Battery and Charging: 4,005 mAh, 20W fast charging.
• Other Features: IP68 rating, Face ID, and stereo speakers.
• Dimensions and weight: 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.8 mm, 167 grams.
• Colours: Black and White

Samsung Galaxy S25: A Formidable Player in Software

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the best option if you want to deal with a reputable company in the Android landscape. In addition to Samsung’s trust, you get an exceptional software experience with class-leading support for up to seven years. Apart from its clean, customisable user interface, it has a terrific suite of AI-powered features, useful for an average Joe. The best example is the contextual search feature on the Settings and Gallery apps, as this feature instantly displays the actual option you are looking for based on a brief description. 

However, the Galaxy S25 still offers almost the same camera system as its predecessor, the Galaxy S24. Besides, it is far from a long battery marathoner due to its meagre 4,000mAh battery. Surprisingly, its performance feels restricted compared to smartphones powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. 

PROS:

1. Exceptional software with the promise of long-term updates
2. Terrific suite of handy AI-powered features

CONS:

1. Almost the same camera system as its predecessor
2. Short battery life due to small capacity
3. Performance feels restricted compared to rivals powered by the same chipset

• Display: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, 1200 nits peak brightness, and 460ppi.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
• RAM and Storage: 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage.
• Software: One UI 7 based on Android 15
• Primary Camera: 50-megapixel, FOV 85° with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS
• Secondary Camera: 12-megapixel ultra-wide, FOV 120° with an f/2.2 aperture
• Tertiary Camera: 10-megapixel telephoto, FOV 36°, 3x Optical Zoom with an f/2.4 aperture.
• Front Camera: 12-megapixel with an f/2.2 aperture.
• Battery and Charging: 4,000 mAh, 25W fast charging.
• Other Features: IP68 rating and stereo speakers.
• Dimensions and weight: 70.5 mm x 146.9 mm x 7.2mm, 162 grams.
• Colours: Navy, Icyblue, Silver Shadow, and Mint

Xiaomi 15: Jack of All Trades, Master of Some

The Xiaomi 15 is almost a well-rounded compact phone with some strong points. Its rear camera system is as versatile as that of the Samsung Galaxy S25, yet its photography excellence is unmatchable. Despite its smaller footprint, the phone can deliver performance comparable to that of its towering rivals. To be clear, it heats up afterwards while doing so. Besides, it offers a software experience that can be moulded based on your preferences. However, its update policy isn’t as enticing as the Samsung Galaxy S25. 

Leaving everything aside, one of its biggest highlights is the 5,240mAh battery, which can last more than a day with moderate usage. However, the handset has been bulked up in thickness and weight to achieve this feat, so you may not get the incredible in-hand experience like the above two phones. 

PROS:

1. Superior, versatile camera system
2. Deliver performance similar to its bigger sibling
3. Highly customisable software experience
4. Exceptional battery life

CONS:

1. Heats up at times
2. Shorter software support compared to other brands
3. Thicker and heavier than its rivals
   

• Display: 6.36-inch CrystalRes AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 3200 nits peak brightness, and 460ppi.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
• RAM and Storage: 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.
• Software: Xiaomi HyperOS 2 based on Android 15
• Primary Camera: 50-megapixel Leica Light Fusion 900 image sensor with an f/1.62 aperture
• Secondary Camera: 50-megapixel Leica 60mm floating telephoto with an f/2.0 aperture
• Tertiary Camera: 50-megapixel Leica ultra-wide with an f/2.2 aperture
• Front Camera: 32-megapixel with an f/2.0 aperture.
• Battery and Charging: 5,240 mAh, 90W fast charging.
• Other Features: IP68 rating and stereo speakers.
• Dimensions and weight: 152.3mm x 71.2mm x 8.08mm, 191 grams.
• Colours: Black, White, and Green

Verdict

All these smartphones are valid in their own right due to their unique abilities. But they cater to users with different needs:

1. Want an affordable, compact iOS-enabled smartphone with the latest AI-powered features? iPhone 16e
2. Want a great smartphone with an exceptional software experience from a trusted brand? Samsung Galaxy S25
3. Want a well-rounded smartphone with just a few compromises and an incredible triple camera system? Xiaomi 15