As the world finally returns to normal after more than two years of fighting the global pandemic, smartphones continue to grow in significance and prevalence. Nowadays, the majority of consumers seem to prefer the popular phablets—devices that feature big screens, long battery life, as well as immersive displays for gaming and watching videos. This comes as no surprise, as global studies have confirmed more frequent smartphone usage among children and adolescents during the healthcare crisis. However, against this backdrop and with people everywhere now returning to pre-pandemic normal, one question arises: Will compact smartphones be making a comeback?
Giants like Apple think it will, due to numerous advantages. For one, smaller devices are easier to use by those who prefer a phone they can comfortably use one-handed. Furthermore, compact devices usually come with the same features as flagships, but they typically cost much less. Compact smartphones have already proved to be not only useful, but also desirable, as shown by the success of the original iPhone SE. Moreover, launching a small phone might be the best way of boosting sales in 2022—a year already plagued by problems like the final stages of the pandemic, and a new conflict in Europe.
Compact smartphones are still relevant and important to consider, and on that note, listed here are five of the most notable smartphone devices for 2022.
iPhone SE (2022)
With a 4.7-inch screen and a powerful A15 Bionic chip, also used in the iPhone 13, iPhone SE is well-worthy of its “Special Edition” title. Like the original SE, it was designed, developed, and marketed by Apple to function as a powerful device in an older frame. Like the first and second generation to bear the name, iPhone SE is available at a reasonable price—starting from $429. It should be noted that although this device features 5G connectivity with C-band support and a powerful processor, its camera doesn’t support night mode, and it only comes with 64GB base storage.
Samsung Galaxy S22
Featuring a 6.1-inch screen, the Samsung Galaxy S22 looks and feels bulky when compared to the iPhone SE. However, it is a reasonably-sized device and the smallest phone in Samsung’s S series. It is available from $349.99 with trade-in, and has various pleasant features. Unlike the iPhone SE, it boasts an impressive display with AMOLED technology, a noteworthy camera that is also equipped with Nightography and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor—paired with 8GB of RAM.
Google Pixel 5a with 5G
Larger than the Samsung Galaxy S22, the Google Pixel 5a model features a 6.3-inch screen. It also incorporates a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, a notable camera with an ultrawide lens, a special mode for Night Sight Portraits, and a Portrait Light mode that allows users to adjust the brightness. Available from $449, the Google Pixel 5a with 5G smartphone also comes with more storage and Google One automatic backups.
iPhone 12 mini
Boasting a 5.4-inch screen and a powerful A14 Bionic chip, the iPhone 12 mini is one of the top compact smartphones users should consider purchasing in 2022. Not only does it feature a flat-edge design bound to appeal to iPhone fans everywhere, but it also has an advanced dual-camera system that enables Night mode selfies. In addition, it includes a Ceramic Shield front, an admirable OLED display, supports 5G—and is available from $599.
iPhone 13 mini
The iPhone 13 mini features the well-known 5.4-inch screen, one of the most advanced dual-camera systems available on an iPhone, and Apple’s powerful A15 Bionic processor. The cameras support low-light photos and videos, it’s available in 6 different colors, and it also features a Ceramic Shield front—tougher than any smartphone glass. This device delivers most of the experiences now available on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro for a fraction of the price—$799.
With iPhone 13 mini and the third generation iPhone SE (2022), Apple seems to make an important statement—compact smartphones are here to stay and will become an important part of the future. While finding the right one may seem laborious at first, it is worth taking the time to research options due to various options available to suit different users’ individual needs.
