Upcoming Compact Smartphones: Considering we’re just a little over halfway through the year, many more diminutive devices are yet to be released. Compact smartphones have enjoyed a revival lately. Until recently, this area was mostly ruled by products from Samsung, Apple and Google. While the focus on larger and larger displays appears to have finally begun to level off, even so the vast majority of phones today are still too large to comfortably use one-handed. Which is why we’re often left pleasantly surprised when we find one that’s a competent little compact thing.
Upcoming Compact Smartphones
Over the past few years, Xiaomi has joined this club with its base flagship offering. This miniaturized trend a few months ago was kicked off by Vivo as well with a “mini” version of its flagship phone. Even more recently, OnePlus crashed into this segment with a bang.
Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro
The Pixel 10 series is expected to be unveiled in August. The mini and Pro variants are set to retain a mini-subcontinent form factor.
The duo are expected to feature a 6.3-inch OLED screen. Similar to their predecessors, the regular Pixel 10 will probably be limited to FHD+ resolution while the Pixel 10 Pro supports 1.5K resolution.
Both models will be powered by the new Tensor G5 chip; however, they are said to feature different camera systems. The standard variant will, for the first time, reportedly include a third telephoto sensor, even as the other sensors on it are said to be a downgrade compared to the previous generation’s offerings. The Pixel 10 Pro, unlike its forerunner, would not be getting significant new camera hardware.
Vivo X200 FE
Vivo X200 FE is expected to be released in global markets in July. According to the information available, the device will be a rebranded version of the Vivo S30 Pro Mini, which was recently launched in China.
To be clear, that configuration and design of the S30 Pro Mini is very similar to the recently announced Apple iPhone 16. The IP69-rated handset is indeed built around a 6.31-inch display that’s a tad larger than the 6.1 inches of the iPhone. The Vivo has a 1.5K (2640 x 1216 pixels) OLED display that can be driven up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
Internally, the phone is powered by a new MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus chip, and sports a 6,500mAh silicon-carbide battery with 90W wired charging. It packs an excellent camera system featuring a 50MP Sony IMX921 primary shooter, a 50MP Sony IMX882 3x telephoto lens, an 8MP ultrawide module, and a 50MP front-facing camera with AF.
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iPhone 17 Pro
The iPhone 17 family, likely to be announced in September, is said to include an all-new design. Of course, the regular and Pro models are reported to continue the trend of the small form factor.
Their display sizes are expected to grow from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches. In a significant upgrade, the base iPhone 17 will also support a 120Hz refresh rate (ProMotion) for the first time.
The smartphones are rumored to be the first powered by the A19-series of chips with the company’s latest tech, to include an upgraded 24MP front-facing camera. The duo will be joined by two larger models— the iPhone 17 Pro Max and a new, thinner iPhone 17 Air.
Xiaomi 16
Xiaomi’s Mi 16 series usually launches in October, but this year we’re hearing that it will be a month earlier in September. The base model would further the tradition of being a small smartphone, a compact device, as that would be the fifth classically-sized generation in a row.
According to leaks, the handset will be built around a 6.39-inch display and will be powered by the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset.
Notably, the device is rumored to include a large 7,000mAh silicon-carbide battery. For comparison, the current-generation Xiaomi 15 has a 5,400mAh cell.
The expected triple rear camera system will feature three 50MP sensors, including wide, ultrawide, and telephoto perspectives. Lastly, the phone is said to launch with HyperOS 3, built on top of Android 16.
Vivo X300 Pro Mini
Vivo X300 Pro Mini is expected to launch in October. It will be the company’s third compact smartphone, following the X200 Pro Mini and S30 Pro Mini.
The device is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. A large 7,000mAh silicon-carbide battery will power the handset.
As for the regular Galaxy S24, this one is rumored to keep a periscope telephoto camera next to an ultrawide unit. Unlike its predecessor, it will provide aid for wi-fi charging.
