Compact smartphones are appreciated for their portability, ease of handling, and especially for making one-handed use more convenient. According to a new survey by Counterpoint Research in India, 74% of users prefer compact phones, yet 68% feel that the market doesn’t offer enough choices. Here’s what the survey reveals and what we have to say.
Compact Smartphones Gain Popularity as Indian Consumer Preferences Shift
A recent Counterpoint Research survey, targeting over 2,000 young professionals and early-stage employees in India, reveals a clear trend: 88% of participants would opt for a compact smartphone—provided it delivers flagship-level performance. Notably, more than half of the respondents stated that they aren’t willing to compromise on core aspects like processing power, overall performance, and battery life.
For many smartphone users in India, smaller is better. According to Counterpoint Research, 55% prefer compact devices for their ease of use with one hand and the added benefit of a secure grip, making accidental drops less likely. Nearly half of the respondents (49%) also cited long-term comfort as a key reason, as smartphones continue to serve as essential tools for both work and staying connected.
User experience goes beyond size alone. While 71% said the in-hand feel of a device matters to them, 69% placed equal importance on both design and how the phone feels when held.
Here’s what Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak said, “This shift is driven by the desire for more comfortable, long-term use. However, the availability of compact yet powerful options in the market still remains limited. About 90% of smartphones launched in 2024 featured screens larger than 6.5 inches. Hence, this highlights a clear opportunity for smartphone brands to introduce powerful compact smartphones to meet consumer demand.”
Beyond Compact: What’s on the Wishlist?
When it comes to their next compact smartphone purchase, consumers tend to favour brands like OnePlus, Apple, and Samsung, prioritising features without compromising on quality.
In terms of display size, 60% of respondents consider a 6 to 6.5-inch screen; the perfect balance for a compact phone. Only 29% prefer a larger screen, while 11% opt for something smaller than 6 inches.
Compact smartphones are rising in popularity among gamers, with 86% preferring them for their comfort during extended sessions. The smaller form factor reduces hand strain, making 69% of users feel more at ease while playing.
Customisation is also a priority, as 84% desire a dedicated button for quick access to features like the camera and volume controls. Looking to the future, 89% of consumers are drawn to AI-powered innovations, such as enhanced cameras, voice assistants, and better battery management, which they consider essential for their next phone purchase.
How We Feel About It
In a world of oversized screens and bulky designs, compact smartphones are quietly making a powerful comeback, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. As for many of us, a phone that doesn’t require two hands is a necessity.
At MySmartPrice, we’ve had countless discussions over coffee about how rare it’s becoming to find a truly compact phone that doesn’t compromise on performance. The truth is that most of us want compact yet powerful phones.
Maybe it’s because we remember when phones slipped easily into pockets and could be used one-handed without a second thought. The rise of today’s compact phone movement feels like a homecoming—a return to the form factors many of us quietly missed. It seems more like a countertrend to the ever-growing screen sizes that once defined innovation. Back in the 2010–2018 era, when smartphones started ballooning in size, many users were already missing the days of one-handed use. Now, that sentiment is stronger than ever.
Thankfully, phones like the Xiaomi 15, iPhone 16e, Samsung Galaxy S25, and Google Pixel 9a/Pixel 9 are leading the charge. We’ve reviewed most of them, and they’ve reminded us just how good a compact phone can feel.
On the other hand, rumours suggest the OnePlus 13T might arrive with a 6.3-inch display, and it could be a win for the small-but-mighty movement. And let’s not forget the whispers about a Vivo X200 Mini.
All in all, compact smartphones aren’t just a nostalgic throwback—they represent a more thoughtful approach to tech. With demand climbing, we hope more brands are paying attention. For many of us, the ideal phone isn’t the biggest—it’s the one that fits just right in the hand and in everyday life.
