This year, smartphone design took an interesting turn as brands began experimenting with new form factors. We’re seeing more compact and slimmer phones, with the new iPhone Air taking centre stage. Apple isn’t the first to go slim, but as always, its brand name has turned the spotlight on this trend. Both compact and slim phones aim to improve usability and comfort in very different ways. So, which one actually makes more sense to buy?
Compact phones have always existed in some form, as Apple and Samsung have dabbled in the category, but recent launches like the OnePlus 13s and Vivo X200 FE have made them more mainstream and even somewhat affordable. Slim phones, on the other hand, seem less about practicality and more about style, at least for now.
Samsung kicked off the slim phone wave this year with the Galaxy S25 Edge, its thinnest phone ever at just 5.8mm. Apple followed with the iPhone Air, an even slimmer 5.64mm flagship. Both are ultra-premium, priced well over Rs 1 lakh in India. The Tecno Pova Slim stands out in the crowd as a budget alternative under Rs 20,000, offering the same razor-thin look at a fraction of the price, even mimicking the iPhone Air’s design.
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How slim phones feel in daily use
Using a slim phone definitely has its perks. They’re lightweight, easy to hold, and slip into pockets without fuss. The S25 Edge feels sleek and premium thanks to its titanium frame, though its sharp, flat edges and protruding camera bump make it wobble on flat surfaces. The Tecno Pova Slim is easier to grip thanks to its curved sides, while the iPhone Air somehow feels the most comfortable to hold, partly because its 6.5-inch screen is slightly smaller than the S25 Edge’s 6.7-inch and the Pova Slim’s 6.78-inch.
But there’s a catch: going thin usually means compromising on hardware. The S25 Edge, for instance, packs only a 3,900mAh battery. It survives a day with careful use but often needs a top-up by evening. Our early experience with the iPhone Air suggests similar battery life; it’s stylish, but not built for long endurance. The Tecno Pova Slim lasts longer, but doesn’t match the performance or camera quality of its peers in the same price segment.
Why compact phones make more sense
Personally, after three months with the OnePlus 13s, I’ve realised a compact phone hits the sweet spot. It’s small enough to use one-handed and slips into any pocket, yet still feels substantial. The OnePlus 13s weighs 185g, which is heavier than the ultra-slim S25 Edge (163g) and iPhone Air (165g), but not so much that it feels bulky. More importantly, compact phones don’t compromise much on core hardware: battery, cameras, or performance.
Moving from a large phone to a compact one has been a relief. Sure, the smaller display can feel limiting for watching videos or gaming, but beyond that, it’s a flagship experience with far more practicality. Phones like the OnePlus 13s and Vivo X200 FE show that you can have power, premium design, and comfort without unnecessary sacrifices.
Slim phones, in comparison, often feel like a design-first choice. They look stunning and feel featherlight, but most of them give up battery capacity or cooling efficiency to stay thin. And when they’re priced sky-high, that trade-off doesn’t feel worth it, at least not yet.
The road ahead
Upcoming devices like the Motorola Edge 70 might change the narrative for slim phones. It’s rumoured to be under 6mm thin, like the S25 Edge and iPhone Air, but mid-range in price. It’s also expected to feature a 50MP OIS camera and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos. But for now, compact phones have struck the right balance between comfort and capability.
If you’re deciding between the two, the choice seems clear: slim phones may look stunning, but compact phones are easier to live with daily. They’re comfortable without feeling fragile, practical without sacrificing power, and still feel premium, making them the smarter choice for most people right now. And if you’re set on buying a slim phone, it’s worth waiting for more options to arrive.
