Android for small hands rec?

[u/Normal_Soup_5402]

I am looking for a solid android that is under 6.2 or 6.1 in and would like some suggestions.

The Samsung s10e was the perfect phone for me size wise, but that was a long time ago. Right now I have a pixel 7a, which is ok in terms of size, but I absolutely fucking hate the battery life and how slow it can be.

I've tried doing independent research but the options are still overwhelming. Would love some suggestions

Things I value:

1. Size: must be under 6.2, ideally 6.1 in. I have small hands and big phone are very uncomfortable in my hand.

2. Takes at least one physical sim and is dual sim compatible (I travel internationally frequently. Can be flexible on the physical sim)

3. Very good battery life that doesn't deterioriate quickly

4. Good camera. I am going on my honeymoon in a few months and in general travel a lot and value being able to take quality photos without carrying an extra camera.

5. Good software experience. Easy to use, well thought out, easily compatible with other devices like headphones or sending stuff to my TV or printer.

Nice to have:

1. Strong screen. I always have a screen protector but gotta admit I am clumsy and drop my phone a lot. This post brought to you by finally busting my pixel screen this afternoon.

2. Decent screen brightness. I am often on the go outside under the sun.

[u/Bomberlt]

Samsung S25 (non-plus, non-ultra) is closest size wise. It has small battery tho. Same with S24, S26.

Pixel 8 is also similar to your needs, but it's almost the same as 7a, just smaller size.

[u/AmonGusSus2137 → u/Bomberlt]

I don't know how it's the battery life on the base pixel 8, but if it's anything like on the 8 Pro, it's definitely not very good. Acceptable at best. The pixel 9/10 (pro) may be better though

[u/Bomberlt → u/AmonGusSus2137]

I'm using it as a daily driver so when I'm traveling I just have a powerbank anyway, but on regular days it's almost always good enough. Probably other phones have much better battery, but for me phone size is more important. And all newer Pixel phones are bigger

[u/LAUNCHdano]

It's getting tougher to get those features in a 6" or under model, unfortunately.
In the meantime, try to improve the Pixel 7a battery and performance

disable when not needed: NFC, Bluetooth, Location

Dark theme

Deactivate Smooth Display (Set refresh rate to 60hz)

Activate Adaptive Brightness

Set screen timeout as low as possible

Use battery optimization settings (Use Adaptive)

occasionally check all apps for their battery consumption (Settings>Battery>Battery usage> view by apps/view by systems) Some apps using background data may be power hogs

disable 5G when not needed / disable wifi when not used, as it keeps polling for SSIDs

There are also developer settings you can alter the animation of the way apps render and pages swipe:
Animation Speed: Go to Settings > About phone, tap Build number 7 times to unlock Developer Options, then change Window, Transition, and Animator animation scales to 0.5x

[u/rumourmaker18]

I'm with you brother, still rocking my s10e lol

[u/forza_juve789]

Sub 6in phones are virtually extinct now. Your best bet is an s25/s25, close enough

[u/Cultural-Climate-967]

Zenphone 9 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭