If you are anything like me, you would love a phone that feels just right in one hand. So, one of the biggest criteria while purchasing is always phones that offer the best one-handed experience. However, people have different preferences, and that’s why in 2025, big phones are everywhere. If you are not a part of that club, then you are welcome to explore the compact gem that is perfect for one-handed use in this post!
I am going to get a new phone in the next couple of weeks, so a lot of research went into this. And it is out in the open so that you don’t have to waste any of your time before you get yours! Even if you are not a compact phone fan, the options I mention here are going to be interesting because they aren’t just easy to hold but are packed with awesome features.
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1. Samsung Galaxy S24: Small But Fire!
Size: 6.2 inches
Weight: 167 grams
Starting off our list with a showstarter: The Samsung Galaxy S24 is proof you don’t need a huge phone to get top-notch performance. It is compact, with a premium build that feels great in one hand. It was wow at first sight when I held it in my hand for the first time in the showroom.
The Full HD display is super bright (2600 nits!), perfect for outdoor use. It supports HDR10+ for vibrant videos. It also has the relatively latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. So, multi-tasking won’t be an issue for this small-sized banger, though you can avoid heavy gaming. The 50-megapixel main camera with Galaxy AI makes things sweeter.
You also get wireless charging and 7 years of software updates, so this phone is future-proof.
Downsides: It can get warm during heavy gaming, and the RAM/storage options are a bit limited.
Also read: Best Upcoming Samsung Phones In 2025!
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: The Foldable Knight
Size: 6.7 inches (main), 3.4 inches (cover)
Weight: 187 grams
Okay, you need phones that offer the best one-handed experience, compact or not. You get both with this one!
A phone that shrinks to fit your pocket but opens up to a big 6.7-inch AMOLED screen. That is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6! This foldable phone is super compact when closed, making it easy for tight pockets or a small purse to hold. It is powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, so again, not quite a heavy gaming phone, but great for multitasking. Plus, it is tough with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an IP48 water-resistance rating.
The cameras are great, especially for selfies or group shots, and Samsung promises 7 years of software updates.
Downsides: The cover screen (when folded) isn’t super functional, and charging is a bit slow at 25W.
Also read: Best Flip Phones In 2025: Top Features!
3. Google Pixel 8a: Great size, Great Budget!
Size: 6.1 inches
Weight: 188 grams
Both the phones I had mentioned before belonged to the premium price range, but if you are looking for something whose price does not fly up that high, meet the Google Pixel 8a. This mid-range champ has a 6.1-inch OLED display that is bright (2000 nits) and perfect for one-handed use. It runs on the Tensor G3 processor, so it is fast enough for AI features and everyday tasks. The cameras are awesome, thanks to Google’s photo magic, and you get 7 years of software updates.
Downsides: Pixel devices tend to get warm quite frequently. Still, for the price, this phone fits comfortably in your hand. It is a steal for anyone on a budget.
Also read: Top Google Pixel 8a Alternatives: More Performance At Similar Price!
4. Google Pixel 9: Can’t Beat This Camera!
Size: 6.3 inches
Weight: 198 grams
If you didn’t know, the Google Pixel 9 is the smallest of Google’s 2025 lineup but performs like a true pro. Its AMOLED screen is gorgeous, and the Tensor G4 processor makes everything run smoothly. Thanks to Google’s computational photography, it delivers stunning photos, even in challenging lighting situations. Plus, you get cool AI features like photo editing tricks and smart assistants.
I would say the price is competitive. I mean, there could be a dilemma between S24 and Google Pixel 9 for once (I had it when I went to check them out in the store). Here, you would really need to prioritise the things you want, other than compactness or one-handed feel.
Downsides: Storage options are limited, and it doesn’t come with a Gemini Live subscription. The battery is not the best in the price range.
Also read: Amazon Upcoming Sale 2025: Sale Dates, Offers, All Details!
5. Apple iPhone 16: The iOS One-Hand Star
Size: 6.1 inches
Weight: 170 grams
If you are Team iPhone, I have an option for you as well. The Apple iPhone 16 is one of the best phones that offers the best one-handed experience in 2025. If it were only for size, I would have gone for the iPhone 13 mini. It is because the size is simply lovable, especially for a small-handed person.
Coming back to the latest one from Apple, the iPhone 16 is also designed for one-handed use, while keeping the size ‘not so mini’. Why it has a good one-handed experience is also because of the cool action button and camera controls. You can indulge your saucy sub in one hand and use the other to click photos hassle-free.
Of course, the A18 processor is another one of its selling points. It is lightning-fast, powering Apple Intelligence features like smart assistants and photo enhancements.
With great battery life, fast charging, and top-notch build quality, it’s a near-perfect package.
Downsides: It is still a 60Hz screen for Apple, which feels a bit dated.
Also read: 5 Reasons To Buy The Latest Apple iPhone 16e!
Quick Glance: Why These Phones Offer Best One-Handed Experience?
Before we end it, here is a quick recap of the phones we have mentioned and what makes them great for one-handed use and comfort.
| Phone Model | Why It’s Great for One-Handed Use |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | Folds to a tiny size, easy to hold and pocket. |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | Compact build, premium feel, fits comfortably in hand. |
| Google Pixel 9 | Smallest Google phone, lightweight and easy to grip. |
| Google Pixel 8a | 6.1-inch screen, compact and affordable for easy use. |
| Apple iPhone 16 | Designed for one hand, perfect size for iOS fans. |
Also read: iPhone 16 Hidden Features That Will Blow Your Mind!
Honorary Mentions: Phones Offer Best One-Handed Experience
I know we are going for the phones that come with the latest software, features and technology. But I cannot go without mentioning these phones that we had in the past few years. They have gone down in history as the iconic compact phones that are ideal for you and me. If you are looking for a smartphone that fulfils a specific purpose or as a secondary device, you might want to scan through these as well:
| Smartphone | Screen Size | Why Compact | Relevance in 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE (2022) | 4.7 inches | Smallest iPhone; fits in one hand (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, last major update, Android 15, still available in some markets |
| Asus Zenfone 10 (2023) | 5.9 inches | Small Android flagship (146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm) | Still sold, great cameras, Xperia 5 series discontinued, so future updates are uncertain |
| Sony Xperia 5 V (2023) | 6.1 inches | Slim build (154 x 68 x 8.6 mm) for one-hand use | Still sold, great cameras, Xperia 5 series discontinued so future updates uncertain |
| Motorola Razr 50 Ultra | 4.0 inches cover / 6.9 inches main | Folds into a compact size (88.1 x 73.9 x 15.3 mm when folded) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, IPX8, 4 years updates till 2028, modern foldable |
| Google Pixel 4a (2020) | 5.81 inches | Official updates ended in 2023, but are still usable in 2025 for basic tasks with custom ROMs | A15 chip, ios 18 supported, discontinued but still relevant via the refurbished market. Here |
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini (2021) | 5.4 inches | Tiny build (131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm), perfect for small hands | A15 chip, iOS 18 supported, discontinued but still relevant via refurbished market. Here |
Also Read: 5 Phones That Deliver DSLR-Like Photography!
Which One’s Right for You?
Choose the best phone based on what you value most. So here is my bit of opinion, and I will be real quick:
- Want something unique and foldable? Go for the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
- Need a compact Android flagship? The Galaxy S24 is your match.
- Love amazing cameras? Pick the Pixel 9.
- On a budget? The Pixel 8a won’t disappoint.
- Prefer ios? Without much thought, go for the Apple iPhone 16.
All these phones are built for one-handed ease. You can text, scroll, or snap photos without juggling a giant device.
Final Verdict: Phones Offer Best One-Handed Experience
We can collectively make compact phones mainstream now, as well-known brands are already into it. Making a comeback is not far-sighted. The phones mentioned here are some of the best you can find on the market right now. With devices like Samsung or the latest Pixel, you can go on for at least seven years from now. They will still be relevant. Moving forward, I am only hoping, brands bring more options in the mid-range or budget group. Who doesn’t fancy a one-handed phone here that will fit your life perfectly?
So, what do you think about these phones? Or do you have better options in mind? Let me know in the comments! I will be happy to know them and maybe add them to the list.
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