Help Choosing New Small Form Factor Android Phone

John Kimble on 16/02/2024 - 09:55
Last edited 16/02/2024 - 10:22

Hoping for some expert advice/opinions on phones. Apologies in advance for the long post.

Looking for a new smallish phone for the wife. She currently has an S21 Ultra 256GB with a cracked screen, dying battery, and laggy OS (no idea why). Previously had a Pixel 3XL which she didn't mind.

Key requirements are:

  • A smaller/lighter phone than the S21 Ultra
  • Best camera possible in a small form factor (she takes lots of photos and videos of the kids)
  • Durable/waterproof (which may rule out the flip phone?)but will be adding case and screen protector anyway, pretty sure the crack occurred when the 18 month old threw her phone

Would be nice to get for around $1,000 or less if possible, but happy to stretch if needed. I know I missed the new S24 presales deals :(

The contenders so far that I can think of are:

  • Pixel 8 - $1287
  • S24 512GB - $1,279.20*
    - Flip 5 512GB - $1,201.85* (although not sure if she has even considered this form factor)
  • S24 256GB - $1,119.20*
    - Flip 5 256GB - $1,071.85* (although not sure if she has even considered this form factor)
  • S23 256GB - $1,039.20*
  • S23 FE - $879.20*

*Samsung EPP prices

Am I missing any? Or is there a way to get these phones for cheaper?

Thanks in advance

Poll Options

Mobile Mobile Phone Android

Comments

  • CrispyChrispy on 16/02/2024 - 10:05
    +2
    Suggested Asus ZenFone 10 5G

    The Asus ZenFone 10 5G seems to be somewhat well received on OzB for small form factor phones

    Camera won't be AAA+ but will still be very decent

    • FoxJump on 16/02/2024 - 12:49

      My ZF8 was a pos, hopefully theyve made it less crappy

  • heysi on 16/02/2024 - 10:08
    +4
    Suggested Google Pixel 7a

    Pixel A series are good value, $749 at most for the 7a. 8a is due out this year, possibly in May.

  • kerfuffle on 16/02/2024 - 10:18
    +2

    Maybe ask her what she wants from your shortlist?

    • John Kimble on 16/02/2024 - 10:21

      I just asked about the flip phone and she said 🤮

      Haha

      • kerfuffle on 16/02/2024 - 10:35
        +2

        They're pretty cool, especially with the bigger screen. I'd get one if Google made them (not a fan of Samsung's UI)

        • John Kimble on 16/02/2024 - 11:04
          +1

          Yeah same. I use Nova Launcher on my Sammy.

  • Damon8 on 16/02/2024 - 11:38
    +3

    Samsung S23 is one of the best small phones apparently, hoping it will get cheaper though. As said above, the 7a is fairly good value too with it possibly taking better photos due to Google's processing, but worse battery life and power due to it's processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Google's Tensor G2). S23 has an extra telephoto lens as well.

    Here's a gsmarena comparison:
    https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=12082&idPhone…

    Good luck

    • LanceVance on 16/02/2024 - 12:35
      +3

      Its a strange state of affairs where a phone with a 6.1 inch screen is considered 'small'. What would a 13 Mini (my phone) be referred to as? Micro?

      • Damon8 on 16/02/2024 - 12:58

        Agreed. Unfortunately any smaller is hard to come by. :( esp in the mid-range too! They're all 6.4-6.6"! Annoying.

        • LanceVance on 16/02/2024 - 14:27

          One of the reasons I haven't upgraded. Apart from the fact that the 13 Mini is still a fantastic phone and doesn't feel lacking in any way, I can't find anything in that form factor anymore so I don't see myself moving away from it. It's not a small hands issue either, I'm 6 foot 3 and have pretty big hands, I just don't want them filled with an unecessarily huge and heavy phone!

          • Damon8 on 16/02/2024 - 14:35

            @LanceVance: Yep same. I use it one handed a lot and also fitting it into your pocket

  • faricity on 16/02/2024 - 12:16
    +2

    I would personally recommend the P8 or S23 depending on how locked into the ecosystems she is. If she has everything in google photos and has their cloud storage service, then yea go pixel. If she has everything in Samsung's Gallery then yea stay Samsung.

    I suggest the S23 due to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 as mentioned by other. The 23FE and 24 is using Exynos. P8 is also using a custom Exynos too but oh well its worth it there for a P8.

    There are still deals around for the S24 that Telcos might offer.

  • FoxJump on 16/02/2024 - 12:49
    Suggested Thinkphone

    Thinkphone

    Not quite 'small' but .. 'small enough'
    Great at everything, inc IP68, except for the camera once you zoom in.

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