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Ranking the best compact Android smartphones you can buy in summer 2026 - my favourite small phones boasting surprisingly good battery life, dependable cameras and proper gaming smarts. I've reviewed dozens of mini mobiles over the years and while they're not as compact as they used to be, here's my top picks that are close to 6-inches.

Quite a lot of 'small' handsets in 2026 are flagships, like the Xiaomi 17, Samsung Galaxy S26 and Google's Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro. You can therefore expect quite beefy performance - on the whole - plus premium features. However, if your budget is a bit tighter, some of the best compact phones can be bagged for less. For instance, the Pixel 10a is a cheaper alternative to the Pixel 10, while the fresh OPPO Reno 16 Pro rides that mid-range/flagship border.

What's your own personal ranking for the best mini Android smartphones in 2026? Let us know below!

Best Compact Phones Reviews & Ranked Chapters:
0:00 - How big's yours, vicar?
0:42 - Number 6
2:34 - Number 5
4:37 - Number 4
6:49 - Number 3
8:30 - Number 2
10:07 - Number 1
12:35 - Byyyyeeeee