Is there any good small Android phone?

sosimple530@lemmy.world to Android@lemmy.world – 25 points –

I like the feeling of holding and using a phone in one hand. I am using a Pixel 5 right now, but it feels a bit too large for me. I know nobody makes phone that small like the iPhone 4S or the Samsung S3 mini anymore, but is there at least a phone smaller than the Pixel 5? Maybe around the size of a iPhone 12/13 mini?

EDIT: There is a small Android phone project in development for anyone interested: https://smallandroidphone.com/

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Its either Galaxy S21/22/23, Asus Zenfone 8/9 or Sony Xperia 10 or 5 Series. Unfortunatly it doesn't get smaller without landing firmly in gimmick phone land (like the Unihertz Jelly)

Also if don't mind older hardware there is the really compact Sony Xperia XZ2 compact.

Sony Xperia XZ2 compact

Legendary phone. Almost 6 years old, and still goes for $500+ if you find one in new-ish condition.

Complete shame Sony discontinued it and left the 5" niche empty.

Actually, come to think of it, I think Sony has been releasing 5" phones as the Xperia Ace series. They are budget phones that are only available in Japan. I heard the spec is not very good, so I didn't bother to get one.

The Galaxy S21/22/23 is slightly larger than the OP's Pixel 5 however. The Zenphone 9 might be a good option as it's around 2mm narrower - not a lot but it'd be noticeable for one handed usage.

there is Xiaomi 12 and upcoming Pixel 8, both overal better options than everything you listed

Galaxy S21/22/23, Asus Zenfone 8/9 or Sony Xperia 10 or 5 Series

These are very good phones but they are not small enough for me.

The size of XZ2 compact is very nice but I hate the curved edges and back panel. I think XZ1 compact actually suits me better, but it is almost 6 years old now. I don't think I will be able to use it for long.

Nah, it works perfectly fine. Matter of fact, even the precedessor - Xperia Z5 compact can run 95% of Apps just fine due to almost all Apps still supporting Android 7. I got all 3 of them - Z5 Compact, XZ1 Compact and XZ2 Compact and all of them still hold up (my XZ1 compact however developed a quite a few dead pixels sadly).

Also from what I have seen Sony phones seem to get decent Custom ROM support - but I haven't tried to custom ROM any of these myself.

I think the XZ1 still has two years in the tank - maybe even more with LinageOS. Its remarkably fast in my use due to the awesome Snapdragon 835, 720p and lightweight Software.