The Best Small iPhone
Last updated
Apple stopped making small iPhones, so "best small iPhone" now means choosing between a refurbished mini, the smallest current model, and the last home-button phone.
Dimensions from Apple.com. Refurbished listing prices, condition, and availability change; verify them live.
The three best small iPhones, compared
Each wins a different category. Sizes are official; Market prices are not stored on this page; check live listings before deciding.
| Model | Height | Screen | Unlock | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 mini | 131.5 mm | 5.4" | Face ID | Absolute smallest |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | 138.4 mm | 4.7" | Touch ID | Home button / cheapest |
| iPhone 17e | 146.7 mm | 6.1" | Face ID | Smallest new / best battery |
The picks
1. iPhone 13 mini — the absolute smallest
131.5 × 64.2 × 7.65mm · 5.4" · 141g · Face ID
If size is the priority, the 13 mini is the smallest modern iPhone. At 131.5 mm you can reach the top of the screen one-handed without shuffling your grip, and it has Face ID, an OLED display, and a dual camera. Apple discontinued the mini line after 2021, so this is as compact as a modern iPhone gets.
The trade-off is battery — a small body means a small cell. It is sold refurbished now, so compare the live condition grade, battery information, warranty, return terms, and price before buying.
Find a refurbished 13 mini →2. iPhone SE (3rd gen) — best with Touch ID
138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3mm · 4.7" · 144g · Touch ID
The last iPhone with a home button and Touch ID, and the cheapest path into current iOS. If you dislike Face ID, want a fingerprint reader, or are buying a simple first or backup phone, the SE is the pick. The A15 chip keeps it fast despite the dated design.
The 4.7" LCD feels small for video and the single camera is basic, but for calls, texts, and apps it is plenty. It is no longer sold new, so compare live refurbished listings by condition, battery information, warranty, and price.
Find a refurbished SE →3. iPhone 17e — smallest you can buy new
146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8mm · 6.1" · 169g · Face ID
It isn't truly compact, but at 146.7 mm the 17e is the smallest iPhone Apple sells new in the current lineup, and it's the right small pick if you want a warranty, the latest iOS features, Apple Intelligence, and far better battery life than a mini or SE — about 26 hours of video playback.
Think of it as "as small as new gets" rather than "small." If one-handed use is non-negotiable, go for the 13 mini instead.
Browse iPhone 17e listings →Where to buy a small iPhone
Compact models are mostly refurbished now — here's where to find them.
Which should you pick?
- •Smallest possible, modern phone: iPhone 13 mini.
- •Touch ID / home button / lowest price: iPhone SE (3rd gen).
- •New, with warranty and best battery: iPhone 17e.
FAQ
What is the best small iPhone in 2026?
It depends on your priority. Absolute smallest: iPhone 13 mini (131.5 mm), refurbished. Smallest new: iPhone 17e (146.7 mm). Small with Touch ID and a home button: iPhone SE 3rd gen (138.4 mm).
What's the smallest iPhone you can buy new?
The iPhone 17e at 146.7 mm is the smallest model in Apple’s current retail lineup. The iPhone 16e shares its dimensions and may still be available from some sellers while inventory remains.
Is the iPhone 13 mini still worth buying?
Yes if one-handed use is your priority. It has an OLED screen, Face ID, and a good camera in a 131.5 mm body. Compare live refurbished listings by condition, battery information, warranty, and price. Smaller battery is the trade-off.
Which small iPhone has the best battery?
The iPhone 17e, by a wide margin (~26h video), because it uses a full 6.1" chassis. The 13 mini and SE have noticeably shorter battery life.
Want the full compact breakdown?
See every small iPhone measured side by side, plus what happened to Apple's mini line.