10 Best Samsung Small Smartphone 2026 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a solid choice if you're looking for a small-to-mid-sized Samsung smartphone that balances quality with affordability. Its 6.6-inch AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and smooth visuals with a 120 Hz refresh rate, making streaming and gaming enjoyable and clear. While it’s on the larger side for a “small” smartphone, it’s still quite manageable in hand. The phone packs a 5000 mAh battery, which means you can expect it to last through a full day of regular use, and the Super Fast Charging feature helps you get powered up quickly when needed.

Camera-wise, the A36 offers enhanced front and rear cameras that perform well in bright conditions and include helpful features like Nightography for better low-light photos, making it easy to capture good family moments or selfies without fuss. However, it might not compete with high-end phones in photo quality. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor is a strong point for this device, providing smooth performance for daily tasks and casual gaming, supported by 6 GB of RAM which is enough for multitasking without significant slowdowns.

Storage is decent at 128 GB, giving ample room for apps, photos, and media, plus there’s the option to expand memory if you need more space. The build is rugged with water and dust resistance, which adds peace of mind for durability. It’s an unlocked phone compatible with all carriers, running the latest Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.0, making the software experience modern and user-friendly. The phone weighs 209 grams, which might feel a bit heavy compared to ultra-light models, and some users might find the size slightly larger than typical “small” smartphones. This device is dependable and packed with features, appealing to those seeking good battery life, a nice screen, and solid performance without paying premium prices.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is an impressive smartphone, particularly suitable for users looking for a compact yet powerful device. With a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, it offers vibrant colors and a smooth visual experience thanks to a 120 Hz refresh rate. This makes it ideal for watching videos and browsing the web. The screen size is a good balance, being small enough to handle easily but large enough for comfortable viewing.

Another notable feature is its 50MP camera, which promises high-quality photos with true-to-life color, enhanced by various editing tools for a professional finish. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 8GB of RAM ensure that the phone runs smoothly, even when multitasking or handling demanding applications. Storage is ample with 256GB, catering well to those who need space for apps, photos, and videos. Battery life is also a strong point with fast charging capabilities, allowing you to quickly get back to using your phone without being tethered to an outlet.

The phone's design in Onyx Black offers a sleek and modern look. Software-wise, it runs on Android 14 with Samsung's One UI 6.1, providing a user-friendly and feature-rich experience. Live Translate and Note Assist are handy tools for communication and productivity. However, the device may be slightly larger than what some users consider 'small' for a smartphone, and the focus on high-end features means it might be overkill for casual users. Additionally, it's important to consider the cost, as high-end specs typically come with a higher price tag. The Galaxy S24 is a robust and versatile choice for those who appreciate cutting-edge technology in a compact form.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G offers a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display that delivers bright and clear visuals, making it great for browsing, reading, and watching videos. Although the category suggests a small smartphone, this model is on the bigger side, so it might not suit those specifically seeking a compact device. Battery life is supported by super fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge and stay connected throughout the day.

The triple-lens camera system is versatile, capturing good quality photos for everyday moments, but it may not match higher-end phones in low-light scenarios. Powered by a 2.4 GHz processor and 4 GB of RAM, the phone handles regular tasks like messaging, social media, and light apps smoothly, but heavy multitasking or gaming might feel limited. Storage is generous with 128 GB built-in and expandable up to 1.5 TB via microSD, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps.

Build quality is solid, featuring an improved IP54 rating that offers splash and dust resistance, making it durable for daily use. Running the latest Android 14 with six years of promised updates adds value by keeping the phone secure and up to date. This phone suits users wanting a large, affordable smartphone with reliable performance and strong battery life, but if you prioritize a truly small handset or top-tier camera and processor, you might want to explore other options.