Choose a cell phone. Rating of the world's smallest smartphones
Over the past two years, not just a lot, but a lot of phablets have seen the light of day. Their release has become a kind of competition for Chinese (and other) companies. But users who are not blessed by nature with wide palms and long fingers look at huge smartphones without much joy.
With the dominance of tablet phones, finding a small smartphone with a small screen released after 2014 has become very difficult. Is it possible to find a compact one, but modern gadget with a display no larger than 4" – let’s try to figure it out. Our material is devoted to analyzing the capabilities of small devices.
In September 2015, Philips introduced the compact smartphone S307.
This is an ultra-budget gadget, priced at only about $70, equipped with a modest but relatively modern hardware. The small 4" screen has a resolution of 800x480 pixels, and the processor here is a quad-core Spreadtrum SC7731, which is not bad for a cheap device. It’s a pity, the RAM here is only 512 MB, the internal memory is less than 2 GB, and the camera has a matrix of only 2 MP (but but with a flash). A slot for a flash drive up to 32 GB is also available. The 1600 mAh battery looks modest, but it will be enough for 4-5 hours of intensive use, 7-10 hours of moderate or gentle use.
Alcatel PIXI 3 (3.5) 4009D: even smaller and cheaper
Alcatel PIXI 3 (3.5) 4009D is an even more modest little smartphone, priced at only $45.
The small 3.5" screen has a resolution of 320x480 pixels (like first iPhone, released 9 years ago). This is not enough, but it is almost impossible to find other devices with such a small display in 2016. Two nuclear processor at 1 GHz, 512 MB of RAM and 2 GB (plus MicroSD up to 32 GB), there is little available storage for resource-intensive tasks, but for simple programs enough. The 2 MP camera lacks flash and autofocus, and the small 1300 mAh battery lasts only a day in standby mode.
Alcatel PIXI 3 (4) 4013D: compact and discreet
Alcatel PIXI 3 (4) 4013D is a small smartphone for $60, the “big brother” of the previous model.
It has a larger screen (4 inches, 800x480 pixels) and a 3 MP camera. But the dual-core processor and memory capacity are identical to the 4009 model. In 2016, they look quite modest. A 1400 mAh battery looks logical for a compact device, but it is unlikely to last more than a day and a half in standby mode.
Philips S309: same, but different
The Philips S309, released in the summer of 2015, costs about $70, almost the same as the S307 (a little more).
With a similar design on the outside, equally small 4" screens, there are some technical differences. The processor here is 2, not 4 cores, but the RAM is gigabyte. Storage capacity is 4 GB, 2 of which are available, there is a slot for a flash drive. Camera matrix “grew” to 5 MP, autofocus appeared. The same 1600 mAh battery should provide approximately similar battery life parameters to its brother in the line. 
Alcatel One Touch Pixi First 4024D: the same filling, but in a different wrapper
Another small smartphone from Alcatel – model One Touch Pixi First 4024D.
From others reviewed compact devices it differs little, both in price (about $60), in screen (4 inches, 800x480 pixels), and in filling. It has a quad-core SC7731, 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of ROM (about 2 GB available). MicroSD support allows you to expand memory. A 5 MP camera is unlikely to allow you to do high quality photo, but it can handle a quick photo. A 1450 mAh battery seems small in 2016, but for such a small gadget it is enough for 1.5 days of standby. 
Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini: compact brand
In a “first echelon” company, Korean Samsung, managed to provide standard functionality primary class to a higher level.
Samsung Galaxy The J1 Mini received the same compact 4" display with a resolution of 800x480. Quad-core processor with a frequency of up to 1.2 GHz it does not stand out from the Chinese, but 0.75 GB of RAM is already enough even for many games. Of the 8 GB of internal memory, 4 are available, while the limit on the size of the MicroSD card is not 32, but an impressive 128 GB. Although the 5 MP camera does not have a flash, one can hope that it will take pictures a little better than the nameless Chinese matrices. You shouldn't expect miracles from a 1500 mAh battery, but it will be enough for a day of moderate load. I'm glad that the smartphone OS is Android 5.1, while the previous models in the review run on version 4.4. Samsung price Galaxy J1 Mini – about $80.
Microsoft Lumia 430: a small gadget on Windows 8.1
In 2015, Microsoft released several compact devices with a small screen. The first one is the Lumia 430, priced at $80.
For this money the user will receive a dual-core processor, 1 GB random access memory, 8 GB of storage (about 5 available), MicroSD support up to 128 GB. The screen is quite typical for a state employee: 4 inches, 800x480 pixels.
The 2 MP camera is implemented “for show”; there is no point in counting on a cool photo. The 1500 mAh battery also looks modest, but this capacity is enough to ensure the gadget operates throughout the day.
Microsoft Lumia 532: better and more expensive
Second small smartphone on Windows based 8.1 – Lumia 532. It differs from the 430 model in an increased price tag (up to $90), doubled the number of cores (there are 4 of them) and an improved camera to 5 MP. The amount of RAM (1 GB) and internal storage capacity (8 GB, about 5 available) remained unchanged, as well as support for flash drives. The small 4-inch display with a resolution of 800x480 is also identical. The 1560 mAh battery is also practically not distinguished by a high degree of autonomy, and is at the level of other public sector phones in 2015.
Microsoft Lumia 435: what are the differences?
An almost complete copy of the 430 model is the Microsoft Lumia 435. Only the design has become more straightforward, and the body has sharp, rather than rounded, corners. This small smartphone has the same 4" screen (800x480 pixels), a dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of ROM, a 2 MP camera and a 1560 mAh battery.
A careful study of the characteristics revealed that the main internal differences lie in the camera. The Lumia 435 got a worse aperture value (f/2.7 instead of f/2.2), but learned to shoot full-screen video (430 writes maximum in VGA). Considering that the lenses in both are small, the differences cannot be considered significant.
Highscreen Pure J: nowhere more modest
The product of Russian-Chinese cooperation, small and affordable Highscreen Pure J, was released in August 2015. The manufacturer set a price tag of 3,500 rubles, which is equivalent to approximately $55 at the current exchange rate. Attempts to find a model with even more modest hardware in 2016 are unlikely to be successful. Judge for yourself: the small 3.5" display has a resolution of 320x480 pixels, which is not enough.
The only thing is that the MT6572 processor with two cores can still look modern (it can even handle games). But the memory capacity turned out to be a complete surprise, and not a very pleasant one. The RAM here is only 256 MB, the ROM is 512 MB (and this is in a smartphone manufactured in 2015). The developers probably had to work hard to trim down and fit Android 4.4 into such a small storage space, which usually takes up about 1.5 GB.
The 2 MP camera, although equipped with a flash, does not have autofocus. A 1300 mAh battery is quite adequate capacity for such hardware. The only plus about the smartphone is its bright design, reminiscent of Lumiya. Android 4.4 OS isn't too bad either.
Highscreen Pure F: not everything is so bad
You shouldn’t prematurely form the opinion that Higscreen can only make models with fillings that were 6-7 years old. The Pure F model is a small smartphone that can claim to be modern. Priced at $80, its parameters are similar to the functionality of other reviewed devices in this range. The number of processor cores is 4 (the proven MT6582 chip is used), RAM is 1 GB, built-in is 8 GB. Theoretically, even WoT Blitz It will work on the minimum graphics.
The 5 MP camera is equipped with a flash, but does not have autofocus, and shoots at 3 minus. A 1500 mAh battery will run out in 4 hours under active load, and at moderate load it will last for a day. In standby mode it will last for a day. The advantage of the device is the relatively recent Android 5 OS.
Micromax D333: non-format
The official Russian Micromax online store states that the Micromax D333 model (release date - end of 2015) is equipped with a 3.97" screen with a resolution of 854x480 pixels. But, as it turned out, this smartphone is not so small. The resolution is the same, but here is the real diagonal - 4.5 inches. The device is built on an MT6572 chip, equipped with two cores of RAM - 512 MB, built-in - 4 GB. Memory card is supported up to 32 GB.
The camera has a resolution of 5 MP and is equipped with a flash, but does not have autofocus and takes pictures poorly. The battery has a capacity of 1600 mAh and lasts for a day. The Android 5.1 OS looks unusual against the background of such weak hardware.
Apple iPhone SE: small spool, but expensive
On March 21, 2016, Apple showed the world a new reincarnation of the famous iPhone 5S. Model SE ( Special Edition) has become the cheapest smartphone with an Apple (prices start at $399), but compared to the other heroes of our review, this is a lot. However, an analysis of the characteristics dots all the i's. The new small iPhone received the design from the 5S, but it got the hardware from the iPhone with the number 6S.
The compact 4" screen still has a resolution of 1136x640 pixels. But instead of the outdated Apple A7, the iPhone SE received the top-end A9 chipset as a processor. The amount of RAM has increased to 2 GB, and the camera resolution has increased to 12 MP. Despite the modest battery capacity of 1600 mAh , the autonomy of the iPhone is better than that of small Android smartphones.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, almost everything compact smartphones with a small (up to 4") screen belong to the entry level. Only Apple took care of the filling and created a small device with powerful hardware. Other models discussed in the article can only satisfy users who do not require advanced functionality. Such devices are suitable for those who who is just starting to get acquainted with smartphones and wants a relatively modern (released after 2104) entry-level device. Fans of powerful devices are not able to be interested in any model. Of course, there are relatively compact smartphones on the market with. the best hardware, but they all have a diagonal of 4.3-4.7 inches.
Especially small things always find their fans. The desire for miniaturization, along with gigantomania, is also inherent in the designers of mobile gadgets. And this has its own rational grain, since the small device is very comfortable to wear. It can easily fit into a shirt pocket, and in an elegant women's handbag the device risks simply getting lost among other small items. We present to your attention the rating of the 8 smallest smartphones produced by 2016.
Nokia 700 (50/110/9.70 mm)
Our rating opens in Finnish miniature smartphone- Nokia 700. The device in an elegant case with mechanical buttons is controlled by the OS - Nokia Simbian Belle. The gadget has an AMOLED, MultiTouch screen, protected by Gorilla Glass, with a diagonal of 3.5 inches, a resolution of 640/360 pixels and a density of 229 PPI. The hardware of the gadget contains a processor - ARM11, with 1 core and a frequency of 1.3 GHz; and graphics accelerator - Broadcom BCM2763. RAM provided - 0.5 GB, internal memory- 2 GB, there is a slot for cards - microSD, up to 32 GB. The device is equipped with a 5 MP camera with flash and 3x digital Zoom. The model has a Li-ion battery with a capacity of 1080 mAh. The phone supports 3G networks, has FM radio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 and GPS modules.
HTC HD Mini (58/104/12 mm)
Next in our top, a mid-range smartphone is the HTC HD mini, released in 2010. A small phone well assembled from high-quality plastic is controlled by the OS Windows Mobile 6.5 with interface - HTC Sense. The device has a good TFT screen with a diagonal of 3.2 megapixels, a resolution of 480/320 and a density of 180 PPI. The hardware consists of a 1-core processor - Qualcomm MSM7227 with clock frequency 600 MHz, and a video accelerator - Adreno 200. RAM 384 MB, built-in - 512 MB, plus a slot for memory cards up to 32 GB. The model has an FM receiver and a 5 MP camera with auto-focus. All this is powered by a Li-ion battery with a capacity of 1200 mAh.
Samsung Galaxy Pocket Neo (57.8/104.95/11.80 mm)
The rating of the smallest smartphones continues with a device in an oval case. released in 2013 - Samsung Galaxy Pocket Neo GT-S5310. Running Android 4.1 OS, the gadget is equipped with a 3-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320/240 pixels and a density of 133 PPI. The hardware of the gadget is a single-core processor - ARM Cortex A9 with a clock frequency of 850 MHz. Graphic files are processed by a video accelerator - VideoCore IV HW. The device has 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB of internal memory, expandable with microSD cards up to 32 GB. The phone is capable of working in 3G networks, has a 2 MP camera and an FM receiver. The model's removable battery has a capacity of 1200 mAh.
LG E400 Optimus L3 (61.6/102.6/11.85 mm)
The next baby was released in 2012. This beautiful smartphone from LG received a 3.2-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320/240 pixels and a density of 125 PPI. The hardware of the gadget contains a chipset in which a 1-core processor - Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 MSM7225A with operating frequency 800 MHz, and a video accelerator - Adreno 200. The device runs Android 2.3 OS and supports 3G networks. The multimedia part of the model is represented by FM radio and a 3 MP camera. The phone's Li-ion battery has a capacity of 1500 mAh.
Discovery V10 (47/92/8 mm)
In 2015, this “SUV” was born - Discovery V10. Small smartphone in a shockproof, dust/waterproof case, it has a 2.5 inch TFT screen with a resolution of 320/240 pixels, with protective glass. The gadget is controlled by Android 4.3 OS, operates in 3G networks, and has 2 SIM card slots and a card slot. microSD memory, up to 16 GB. The hardware of the device is based on a chipset consisting of a new dual-core processor - MediaTek MT6572, with a frequency of 1000 MHz, and a graphics coprocessor - Mali-400 MP. RAM 256 MB, built-in - 512 MB. The device has a 3 MP camera and FM radio. Removable Li-ion battery model. capacity 900 mAh, charges via micro-USB connector.
Posh Mobile Micro X S240 (47/89/11.6 mm)
The next model in our ranking of the smallest smartphones is even smaller. Meet this year's new product - Posh Mobile Micro X S240. This small device runs Android 4.4 KitKat OS and supports high-speed networks - 4G LTE. The baby has a 4.2-inch screen with a resolution of 240/432 pixels. The hardware of the gadget has a 2-core processor - MediaTek MT6572M with a clock frequency of 1 GHz. For work small device 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal memory, expandable up to 32 GB with microSD cards, are sufficient. The phone has 2 cameras, 2 MB and 0.5 MB. It has FM radio, WiFi and Bluetooth. The model's battery has a capacity of 650 mAh.
Sony Ericsson X10 mini (50/83/16 mm)
Back in 2010, this interesting baby was released - Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini. The device features a very convenient control system, the so-called. - “4 corners”. The model's screen has a TFT matrix with a diagonal of 2.55 inches, a resolution of 320/240 pixels and a density of 157 PPI. Its hardware platform is based on a processor - Qualcomm MSM7227 with a clock frequency of 600 MHz, for working with graphic files The video accelerator is responsible - Adreno 200. Even with 128 MB of RAM, the phone is quite fast in operation. The storage contains 256 MB of memory, with the possibility of expanding it with microSD memory cards up to 16 GB. The gadget is controlled by Android 2.1 OS, supports the 3G standard, has an FM radio, and is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera with flash and auto-focus, for which there is a separate mechanical button. Installed in the device Li-polymer battery, capacity 950 mAh.
sWaP Crystal Nova (38/68.5/16.2 mm)
The leader of our rating, a miniature dust/waterproof smartphone according to the IP56 standard, announced in 2012, positioned as smart watch, or keychain-dialer. A gadget with excellent build quality is produced by an English company in red, black and white colors, in small gift lots. In the white premium version, it is decorated with stones from Swarovski. A device running Andrid 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS is different high quality signal reception cellular network. Its 1.54-inch LCD, IPS, MultiTouch screen has a resolution of 240/240 pixels. The little one has a 2-core processor with a clock frequency of 1.3 GHz and 1 GB of RAM. Built-in memory - 8 GB, there is a slot for microSD cards, up to 32 GB. The gadget supports 3G networks, has an FM tuner, GPS navigation and Bluetooth. The device's battery has a capacity of 230 mAh.
If last year consumers had a desire to purchase devices with the largest display and dimensions, now compact smartphones are in demand, the price of which is not too high. Among the main developers of such devices are:
- Lenovo. Their products have minimal thickness and can become the basis of any person’s image. Among the extraordinary qualities of this device is the ability to create videos with maximum detail of an object, resistance to a variety of negative physical influences, and battery capacity. If necessary, they can work for more than a day without the need for additional recharging. Such models can be useful to consumers who love long hikes away from civilization.
- Sony. This manufacturer tried not to disappoint its fans by releasing new development great communication device. He included in this device all the basic wishes of users regarding compactness and ease of control. The resulting small smartphone has the functions of its bulkier counterparts, but at the same time has a thin body, devoid of all non-essential elements. This amazing model is capable of doing its job efficiently, and its long service life will undoubtedly delight consumers.
- Nokia. This company already has a fabulous reputation thanks to products that are not afraid of any impact. Their greatest advantage latest models phones is their extraordinary compactness and ability wireless charging. These incomparable devices will greatly help tourists as they will be able to visit attractions without worrying about the risk of losing the device or running out of battery.
- Samsung. Despite their minimal dimensions, their models have the most advanced capabilities, which are provided by the use of a high-frequency processor and operating system Android of the latest generation. These devices are characterized by optimal performance and durability.
Choosing a compact smartphone is not a problem if you take a more detailed look at the developments of the companies described above. This technique will always help not only to communicate with relatives and colleagues, but will also give you the opportunity to watch your favorite programs, play games and melodies.