In recent years, small smartphones have become increasingly rare. The sales figures for devices with smaller displays have decreased sharply. Among other things, Apple has decided to take the compact mini model out of the program and instead offer a larger plus model. ASUS is now also using a larger design with the Zenfone 11. A deeper analysis of why small smartphones are no longer produced, the Youtuber Mkbhd.
The only thing that remains fans of small smartphones: consider older models. Because there are still some recommended 5-inch smartphones that are also a good choice in 2024. In this article we present three of these models: the iPhone 13 Mini, the Asus Zenfone 10 and the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact. Read on to learn more about your features, advantages and disadvantages.
recommended 5-inch smartphones in 2024
There are many older smartphones with smaller screens that can still be used today. However, only a few of them have the technical skills and the updates that they really recommend in 2024. The following models offer a good balance of performance, topicality and compactness. Despite their age, they are still up to date and offer a solid user experience. Here are three 5-inch smartphones that are a good choice in 2024:
iPhone 13 mini
Features
- Display: 5.4 inch Super Retina XDR OLED with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels and 476 ppi. Supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, but only 60 Hz refresh rate.
- Processor: A15 Bionic Chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine.
- cameras: back: 12 MP F/1.6 wide angle and 12 MP F/2.4 ultra -wing angle. Front: 12 MP F/2.2 Trueedeth camera with support for Face ID and various modes such as portrait and night fashion.
- memory options: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 Gb.
- Accounting time: About 4-5 hours of screen time.
- operating system: iOS 15, upgradebar on newer versions.
- Special functions: 5G support, Magsafe, IP68 water and dust protection.
Advantages
- Compact size: easy to use with one hand and easily fits in smaller pockets.
- Powerful processor: The A15 Bionic offers excellent performance and energy efficiency, comparable to larger and more expensive models.
- High-quality camera: The cameras offer excellent image quality, especially in poor lighting conditions, and support 4K video recordings.
- Display quality: Sharp and color-loyal OLED display, the HDR10 and Dolby Vision supports.
- Software: Regular software updates and access to new iOS features, which increases the durability of the device.
Disadvantages
- Accounting time: Compared to larger models, shorter battery life, which can be problematic with intensive use.
- Implementation reel rate: only 60 Hz, which can be seen as a disadvantage compared to many modern Android devices that offer 90 Hz or 120 Hz.
- Notch design: The large emergency for Face ID is still quite noticeable compared to newer designs and can be annoying in media consumption.
- Price: Despite its size and some restrictions, the price is still relatively high, especially if you compare it with similarly expensive Android devices that offer more functions.
Asus Zenfone 10
Features
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
- Display: 5.9 inches, 144 Hz (only in gaming), otherwise 120 Hz, LTPO display.
- camera: 50 MP with improved hybrid gimbal stabilization. Front: improved software zoom capabilities, but not a telephoto lens.
- battery life: Excellent battery life with 7-8+ hours of screen time.
- Load: wired: 30 watts. Wireless: 15 watts.
- Design: Improved durability of the back with new material. Different color options: Eclipse red, blue, green, black, comet white.
- Connections: retention of the headphone connection.
- Software: Clean and almost stock-android experience, option to adapt the software experience. Additional functions such as battery and edge-tool-shortcut.
Advantages
- Performance: thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 outstanding performance.
- Accounting time: Very long battery life that lasts all day.
- Camera: Improved stabilization and software zoom capabilities that lead to sharper photos and videos.
- Design and durability: Improved materials on the back prevent quick wear.
- User-friendliness: intuitive and adaptable software, almost stock android.
- Headphone connection: retention of an increasingly rare feature.
- Price-performance ratio: In terms of price, attractive for the offered equipment and performance.
Disadvantages
- Camera: Missing telephoto lens and a striking frame around the front camera.
- Software support: Only two years guaranteed software updates, which is short compared to other manufacturers (e.g. Google, Samsung).
- Display use: 144 Hz only available during gaming, otherwise 120 Hz.
- Some small things: The EDGE tool function only enables the window display of apps, not the full screen mode. Wireless charging with only 15 watts compared to higher values for competitive products.
SONY Xperia XZ2 Compact
Features
- Display: 5.0 inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2160 pixel, HDR support.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845.
- camera: back: 19 MP, f/2.0, 4K HDR video recording. Front: 5 MP, f/2.2.
- memory: 4 GB RAM, 64 GB of internal memory, expandable via microSD.
- Accounting time: 2870 MAh, supports quick charging (Quick Charge 3.0).
- Connectivity: USB Type-C, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, no 3.5 mm headphone connection.
- Operating system: Android 8.0 Oreo, upgraded to newer versions.
- Design: plastic back, aluminum frame, IP65/68 water and dust protection.
- AUDIO: stereo speaker, no headphone connection.
Advantages
- Compact size: Easy to use with one hand and ideal for users who prefer smaller devices.
- Powerful processor: The Snapdragon 845 also offers solid performance for everyday tasks and multimedia applications in 2024.
- Camera quality: Good main camera with 19 MP and 4K HDR video recording, which delivers impressive photos and videos, especially in daylight.
- Long -term battery life: The 2870 mah battery offers a good duration and supports quick charging, which makes everyday life easier.
- Waterproof: IP65/68-certification offers protection against water and dust, which increases the durability of the device.
Disadvantages
- No headphone connection: The lack of a 3.5 mm headphone connection can be impractical for many users, since an adapter is required or must be switched to wireless headphones.
- plastic back: The design with a plastic back feels less high quality than glass or metal backs of other smartphones.
- Old operating system: Delivered with Android 8.0 Oreo, which is out of date for a device in 2024, even if updates are available.
- Big construction: With a thickness of 12.1 mm, the device is more chunky than many modern smartphones, which can be unattractive for some users.
- mediocre front camera: The 5 MP front camera does not offer the same quality as modern selfie cameras, which is a disadvantage for users who place much value on selfies.
