Top 5 Best Compact Phones in 2025: Small Size, Big Performance

In 2025, compact smartphones will no longer be a thing of the past. According to a recent Counterpoint Research survey, a significant 74% of Indian consumers prefer smaller phones, highlighting a growing demand for pocket-friendly devices that don’t compromise on power. Yet, with 68% feeling that the market lacks enough compact options, it’s clear there’s a gap waiting to be filled.

Today’s small phones aren’t just about size—they pack flagship-level performance, long-lasting battery life, and the kind of one-handed usability many users have been craving. Whether you’re tired of bulky designs or simply want something sleek that fits effortlessly into your lifestyle, the Best Compact Phones in 2025 are proving that bigger isn’t always better.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the Top 5 Best Compact Phones in 2025 that deliver big on features without the bulk. Let’s dive in!

List of Top 5 Best Compact Phones in 2025: Small Size, Big Performance

Vivo X200 FE

The first phone on our list is the Vivo X200 FE 5G, one of the most talked-about and recently launched compact smartphones. It features a 6.31-inch 1.5K AMOLED display that feels great in the hand due to its compact size, along with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth performance. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset, it delivers strong, flagship-level performance. The phone is also built to last, with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.

On the camera front, it sports a 50MP triple rear camera setup co-engineered with Zeiss, offering high-quality photography. Backing all this is a 6,500mAh battery with 90W fast charging support, ensuring you stay powered throughout the day. When compared to the recently launched OnePlus 13s, the Vivo X200 FE 5G takes a slight lead thanks to its better camera system and longer battery life.

OnePlus 13s

The second phone in our list of the Best Compact Phones in 2025 is the OnePlus 13s, which launched in June. This compact flagship was highly awaited and offers a good mix of power and design. It has a 6.32-inch 1.5K LTPO display that looks clear and is easy to use with one hand. The phone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite 3nm chipset and OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, giving a fast and smooth experience.It includes a 5,850mAh battery with 80W fast charging, so it charges quickly. A special feature is the Plus Key, OnePlus’s version of the iPhone’s Action Button, which is useful and adds extra control.

The camera is decent but may not impress users who want the best photo quality. Also, if you like watching videos on big screens, the size may feel small. Still, for daily use, the display works well, and the OnePlus 13s is a solid pick for anyone wanting a compact and powerful phone.

iPhone 16

The third entry in our list of the Best Compact Phones in 2025 is the iPhone 16—a device that needs no introduction. According to Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 16 emerged as the most-shipped smartphone in India during Q2 2025, contributing to an 8% year-over-year growth in smartphone shipments. It was also the top-selling smartphone globally, a clear reflection of Apple’s continued dominance and consumer trust.

The iPhone 16 has a compact 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display that looks great. It runs on Apple’s fast new A18 Bionic chip and uses iOS 18, guaranteeing smooth performance and software updates for over five years. The camera setup is strong, with a 48MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP telephoto lens, so it’s easy to capture any type of photo. The new Photographic Styles feature lets you adjust the look of your pictures even more. Although the screen is only 60Hz—slower than some Android phones—the iPhone 16 is still a powerful and reliable compact phone.

Samsung Galaxy S25

The fourth entry in our list of the Best Compact Phones in 2025 is the Samsung Galaxy S25—a perfect blend of power and portability. With its 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, compact 162g weight, and 7.2mm slim design, the Galaxy S25 easily fits into one hand or a pocket without sacrificing premium quality. The aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 add to its durability and refined feel, making it one of the best-built compact phones this year.

What truly sets it apart is the performance. Powered by the latest Snapdragon® 8 Elite chipset, it handles heavy tasks, gaming, and multitasking with ease. Backed by up to 12GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage options up to 512GB, it’s ready for anything. The triple rear camera setup, 4000mAh battery, 25W wired, and 15W wireless charging further round out its flagship-level features.

Running on Android 15 with One UI 7, and promising 7 years of software updates, the Galaxy S25 is built to last. All of this in a truly compact body makes the Galaxy S25 not just powerful—but one of the most worthy compact phones of 2025.

Xiaomi 15

The fifth phone in our list of the Top 5 Best Compact Phones in 2025 is the Xiaomi 15. It comes with a 6.3-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and a super bright 3,200 nits peak brightness. The phone feels great to hold, and its compact size makes it easy to carry and use. Despite being small, the screen is still big enough for everyday tasks like browsing, texting, and checking emails.

It’s powered by the latest Snapdragon® 8 Elite chipset and comes with Leica cameras, a larger battery than the previous model, and Xiaomi Shield protection for added durability. What’s impressive is that it fits all this in a body that’s lighter and just as compact as before.

Yes, you might notice some minor camera or performance issues at times. Still, overall, the Xiaomi 15 is a powerful and stylish compact flagship—a great choice for those who want strong performance in a smaller phone.

Comparison Table

Final word

In 2025, compact smartphones have truly made a strong comeback—and the five devices we’ve explored prove that you no longer need to compromise on power for a smaller size. From Android to iOS, each of these compact flagships brings something unique to the table.

• The Vivo X200 FE 5G impressed with its sleek design, strong battery, and Zeiss-powered cameras.
• The OnePlus 13s offered fast performance and a thoughtful design, all in a lightweight body.
• iPhone 16 delivered the classic Apple experience with powerful internals, long-term software support, and premium build—though with a modest 60Hz display.
• The Samsung Galaxy S25 stood out for its balance of cutting-edge specs, durability, and Samsung’s unmatched 7-year update promise.
• And finally, the Xiaomi 15 proved that even a small phone can offer flagship-grade performance, Leica cameras, and super-fast charging.

Each of these phones is a top-tier compact flagship, catering to different preferences—whether you prioritize photography, battery life, software support, or display quality. If you’re looking for a smartphone that fits perfectly in your hand or pocket without sacrificing features, these are the Best Compact Phones in 2025 that truly deliver small size with big performance.