Best Android Phone 5.2 Inches And Under
If you're looking at this page, it's because the right smartphone for you is the one that fits perfectly in your hand.
Best Overall
Google Pixel
See at Verizon See at Google Store
Like the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy S7, Google's Pixel this year comes in two sizes: Really Big and Just Right. The latter is the Google Pixel with a 5-inch Full HD display that fits comfortably in the palm of any hand.
The Pixel is packed with a Snapdragon 821 processor and 4GB of RAM. It's available with up to 128GB of storage space. Its 2770mAh battery might not seem like much compared to other phones its size, but with its 1080p display and Nougat's revamped Doze mode, you'll likely be seeing a little bit more on-screen time than other devices in its class. The Pixel's 12-megapixel rear-facing camera is also really impressive and it gives even the Galaxy S7 a run for its money.
Bottom line: If you're looking for Google's Android in a compact size, the Pixel is it.
One more thing: You can purchase device protection insurance for your Pixel. It covers accidental damage from a drop or water ingress, as well as any general malfunctions for two years.
Why the Google Pixel is the best
It's Google in a handheld smartphone.
Google's Nexus devices feel like a relic of the past compared to its new Pixel lineup. The 5-inch Pixel is a particularly attractive package for anyone looking for a premium Android experience without all the extra software fluff. And so what if it sort of looks like the iPhone? It also comes in a really attractive Really Blue color.
Its performance is impressive, too, especially for a stock Android device. Its rear-facing camera produces some impressive photos and you can easily back them up with unlimited Google Photo storage. What's more: Google Assistant is quite impressive despite its adolscence. There's still quite a bit of work to be done, but the potential is there, and for now you'll get more interaction with Google's AI than you've been able to before. It'll be even more compelling once Google Home comes to market.
Best Second-best
Samsung Galaxy S7
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Unless you've been living under a rock this past year, you know that the Galaxy S7 is one of the biggest hits of the year. The flagship smartphone features a stunning metal-and-glass unibody design that's both water resistant and comfortable to wield. On the inside, it's fueled by top-end internals, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM. It also offers solid battery life and an impressive rear-facing camera that you can confidently utilize as your primary shooter. Best of all, the Galaxy S7's screen is a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display, so even though it's a smaller screen, you'll still get stunning, TV-like quality from the dullest of YouTube videos.
Perhaps the only drawback of the Galaxy S7 is that it doesn't run the latest version of Android just yet. Nougat has yet to be optimized for Samsung's flagship devices, but it's coming.
Bottom line: If you're looking to adopt one of the best compact smartphones available, get the Galaxy S7.
One More thing: This highly-rated device is available at all four major carriers in the U.S., but if you'd rather live dangerously and contract-free, Samsung offers an unlocked model that also works overseas.
Best affordable phone
Nexus 5X
If you're looking for a device that's easy to cradle, but you don't want to break the bank, consider one of Google's Nexus devices. The Nexus 5X is a pocketable, 5.2-inch device with a 1080p LCD display, a solid 12-megapixel rear-facing camera, and a 2700mAh battery. It runs on a Snapdragon 808 processor with 2GB of RAM and its rear-facing fingerprint scanner is faster to use than most smartphones that have it embedded on the front. And though the Nexus 5X doesn't sport the most forward-thinking chassis design, it does come in a seriously attractive mint blue color.
Bottom-line: The Nexus 5X is the best choice if you want a smaller Android phone that will receive consistent software updates for at least another year.
One more thing: You can purchase Nexus Protect for an extra $69 to help cover any device malfunctions and accidental damage for two years.
Best under 4.7 inches
Xperia X Compact
Bet you didn't think we'd offer up a Sony smartphone as a choice, but the Xperia X Compact is worth the consideration—especially if you're looking for something that's under five inches. Inside, the Xperia X Compact runs on mid-range Snapdragon 650, 3GB of RAM, and a 2,700mAh battery. It's equipped with a 720p IPS display, though that's all you really need from a 4.6-inch screen. It also supports Quick Charge 3.0, so that you can quickly charge it up during your layover, and it offers a solid 23-megapixel rear-facing camera with laser autofocus.
Bottom-line: The Xperia X Compact is great for anyone who's been grumbling that smartphones are just too big in this day and age.
One more thing: The Xperia X Compact will officially launch in the U.S. on September 25.
Conclusion
Folks, if you're looking for a compact smartphone that's got as much power and capability as the laptop on your desk, the Pixel is the way to go. It's the perfect representation of the way Google wants you to use Android. And it's a mere 5 inches, which makes it comfortable enough for a variety of hand sizes. It's also got Google Assistant, which will soon be more than a neat trick you can show off to your friends.
Best Overall
Google Pixel
See at Verizon See at Google Store
Like the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy S7, Google's Pixel this year comes in two sizes: Really Big and Just Right. The latter is the Google Pixel with a 5-inch Full HD display that fits comfortably in the palm of any hand.
The Pixel is packed with a Snapdragon 821 processor and 4GB of RAM. It's available with up to 128GB of storage space. Its 2770mAh battery might not seem like much compared to other phones its size, but with its 1080p display and Nougat's revamped Doze mode, you'll likely be seeing a little bit more on-screen time than other devices in its class. The Pixel's 12-megapixel rear-facing camera is also really impressive and it gives even the Galaxy S7 a run for its money.
Bottom line: If you're looking for Google's Android in a compact size, the Pixel is it.
One more thing: You can purchase device protection insurance for your Pixel. It covers accidental damage from a drop or water ingress, as well as any general malfunctions for two years.
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