Smaller phones?

[0970373]

Hi all. So I am considering a switch to Android phones for various reasons. One being the size of the iPhone. The larger sizes are just not for me. But if I'm going to switch over, I'd love for it to fulfill a few other criteria. What's great about Android is that there are so many phones to choose from! Which can be daunting to a newcomer.

So here are some criteria I'm looking to fill.
* 4" - 4.5" screen (but overall size should be smaller than an iPhone 6. The 5S was near perfect form, it can be bigger than that though)
* Works on US T-Mobile LTE or HSPA+
* Have WiFi calling available (necessary on TMO)
* Unlocked

BONUS:
* Dual SIM (Dual SIM is nice but not mandatory)

I have been playing around with a Galaxy S4 mini that a friend gave to me to see if I would like Android and I do! But I'd like something newer so I've been thinking about the S5 Mini but the dual SIM version doesn't seem to have US LTE compatible bands, unless I'm reading things incorrectly.

Suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[theapplefanboyj]

The Z3 compact sounds like a good choice for you.

 

[TacticalDesire]

The 2013 Moto X nearly fits into the footprint of the 5S. In fact it feels smaller than my Lumia 520 despite it having a .7 inch larger screen.

 

[bubulol]

Nearly same size as 5S
A bit larger and i admit quite wider
It fits into pocket

 

[aeboi]

Z3 compact

 

[0970373]

Thanks so much for the recommendations. the Z3 compact looks like the one to take a look at. Not sure if it will handle WiFi calling though since it's not sold by TMO directly. Not sure if any phone that isn't sold by them can. But if anyone has any insight on it, I'd love to hear thoughts.

----------

Nearly same size as 5S
A bit larger and i admit quite wider
It fits into pocket

The photo doesn't look like it's *that* much wider. How is it to hold? Basically, I have small hands and I do the one handed thing more often than I realized. Became very apparent on the iP6.

 

[bubulol]

Z3C feels very slippery, so my guess you ll need case with better grip hand to hold it firmly
Very similar hand grip to iPhone 4S which has curious same design
But of course its way bigger
I have medium size hand, and i can reach the upper corner but you must adopt/change your grip hand a bit
That why i advice you to get such case
For small/medium size, you could still use in one hand without much difficulty

 

[MRU]

Both z3 compact and galaxy Alpha (seeing as you Already have played with touchwiz).

Alpha is lighter than the compact and if you enjoyed the metal frame bezel of the 5/5S you will feel at home with the Alphas aesthetic.

However it lacks the microsd of the compact.

 

[lowendlinux]

Galaxy S5 Mini

HTC One mini

 

[RickTaylor]

Hi all. So I am considering a switch to Android phones for various reasons. One being the size of the iPhone. The larger sizes are just not for me.

Why not just stick with the iPhone 5s for now? If you don't care for the larger size, the iPhone 6 isn't that big of an improvement. If Apple eventually abandons the 5s size then I may start looking for a smaller Android device as well, but until then it works fine for me.

I really liked the form factor of the original Moto X; with it's curved back it felt perfect in my hand. I only moved on because the camera wasn't as good, and a few other quirks. That might still be available used.

 

[mattopotamus]

Why not just stick with the iPhone 5s for now? If you don't care for the larger size, the iPhone 6 isn't that big of an improvement. If Apple eventually abandons the 5s size then I may start looking for a smaller Android device as well, but until then it works fine for me.

I really liked the form factor of the original Moto X; with it's curved back it felt perfect in my hand. I only moved on because the camera wasn't as good, and a few other quirks. That might still be available used.

I agree with the bold.

 

[tbayrgs]

Xperia Z3 compact or Galaxy Alpha (though not sure if there's a version that's fully compatible with TMo's 4G network) if you insist on trying Android. Otherwise, the iPhone 5S still holds up very well comparatively.

 

[0970373]

Why not just stick with the iPhone 5s for now? If you don't care for the larger size, the iPhone 6 isn't that big of an improvement. If Apple eventually abandons the 5s size then I may start looking for a smaller Android device as well, but until then it works fine for me.

I really liked the form factor of the original Moto X; with it's curved back it felt perfect in my hand. I only moved on because the camera wasn't as good, and a few other quirks. That might still be available used.

That ship has sailed. I've loved every iPhone since my first one. The 6 arrived on launch day and I assumed I'd just get used to it. I sold the 5S. I also considered just waiting to see if they do come back with a smaller version next year. I'm just exploring options.

 

[lowendlinux]

I really think Apple would do well to sell a small phone that doesn't compromise specs.

 

[nfl46]

I really think Apple would do well to sell a small phone that doesn't compromise specs.

iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S?

 

[lowendlinux]

iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S?

With the 6+ processor and camera

 

[nfl46]

With the 6+ processor and camera

Eh! That won't happen. We just need Apple to shrink the bezel and do something with the home button on the iPhone 6/6+, and it'd be a lot smaller...especially the iPhone 6. Sadly, that won't happen until 2016, with the iPhone 7.

 

[lowendlinux]

Eh! That won't happen. We just need Apple to shrink the bezel and do something with the home button on the iPhone 6/6+, and it'd be a lot smaller...especially the iPhone 6. Sadly, that won't happen until 2016, with the iPhone 7.

If they can get it to the dimensions of my one mini I'm sold.

 

[pedromcm.pm]

So why would you downgrade? The iPhone works faster and is objectively a better device than every single Android device on the Market today.

Not only that, when all of those devices are obsolete, your iPhone will be running the latest and greatest software better than all of those 2013 and 2014 flagships ever did.

There's absolutely 0 gains, only losses.

 

[nfl46]

If they can get it to the dimensions of my one mini I'm sold.

I see what you mean! I love the size of my 4.7" Moto X. I wish the iPhone 6 would have been this size.

 

[0970373]

I'm going to ask folks to be respectful and not go full Apple fanboy in the "Alternatives to iOS and iOS Devices" section.

Everyone is entitled to explore options. No one is forcing you to use something else. I'm fully aware of the iPhone's strengths & weaknesses.

 

[Saturn1217]

I am a huge android fan but I would caution against switching to Android for a smaller phone right now. Others on this thread have suggested some great small phone options right now.

But the truth is that phones the size of the iphone 6 are considered SMALL not average sized but small in the android world so it is highly likely that the successor to a Z3 compact and other "mini" android phones will be the same size as the iphone 6. And then you will be in this situation again.

If you really want to switch to android (it is a great OS) by all means do so. But do not do this just to get a small phone. If I was you I would instead give the iPhone 6 a try. I am a girl with pretty small hands and I have a Nexus 5 (which is about the same size as the iPhone 6, but with a bigger screen). I can manage to use this phone one-handed it just requires holding the phone differently.

To put things in perspective I am considering a switch to iOS just to get a small phone because high-end phones as small as the iPhone 6 are already very rare in the Android ecosystem. You are moving in the WRONG direction if you want a small phone.

 

[lowendlinux]

I see what you mean! I love the size of my 4.7" Moto X. I wish the iPhone 6 would have been this size.

My only real issue with the 5/5s was it's kinda strange aspect ratio after a couple of years I'm used to it but...

I don't think looking at my phone and comparing outside dimensions that there should be any reason the 7 cannot match my current dimensions,

 

[0970373]

I really think Apple would do well to sell a small phone that doesn't compromise specs.

Agreed. I would love this. I would buy in a heartbeat.

----------

I am a huge android fan but I would caution against switching to Android for a smaller phone right now. Others on this thread have suggested some great small phone options right now.

But the truth is that phones the size of the iphone 6 are considered SMALL not average sized but small in the android world so it is highly likely that the successor to a Z3 compact and other "mini" android phones will be the same size as the iphone 6. And then you will be in this situation again.

If you really want to switch to android (it is a great OS) by all means do so. But do not do this just to get a small phone. If I was you I would instead give the iPhone 6 a try. I am a girl with pretty small hands and I have a Nexus 5 (which is about the same size as the iPhone 6, but with a bigger screen). I can manage to use this phone one-handed it just requires holding the phone differently.

To put things in perspective I am considering a switch to iOS just to get a small phone because high-end phones as small as the iPhone 6 are already very rare in the Android ecosystem. You are moving in the WRONG direction if you want a small phone.

Appreciate the commentary. I'm also a woman and I already have the 6. I'm exploring options.

 

[bubulol]

So why would you downgrade? The iPhone works faster and is objectively a better device than every single Android device on the Market today.

Not only that, when all of those devices are obsolete, your iPhone will be running the latest and greatest software better than all of those 2013 and 2014 flagships ever did.

There's absolutely 0 gains, only losses.

You mean subjectively?
Z3C beats 5S in almost every aspect
Battery life is wonderfull
Some users showed their battery life stats, there are over 12 days without charging it
12 days and still 35% remains
(very light use)
In my case, with moderate use, i only charge twice per week (every 4 days only)
Could your 5S do that?
Oh wait, you must charge it every night