Best Compact Smartphones in Malaysia (2025)
Not everyone likes big phones. Some users — including me, sometimes — prefer a compact smartphone that fits easily in one hand, slips into any pocket, and still delivers fast performance.
If you’re in Malaysia and want a smaller phone without sacrificing speed, camera quality, or battery life, this updated 2025 guide is for you.
Top Compact Smartphones in Malaysia (2025)
Here are my top compact picks for 2025:
| Rank | Smartphone | Display Size | Weight | Battery | Performance | Price (Malaysia) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra | 6.78″ | 224g | 5500mAh | Flagship | RM 3,999 |
| 2 | iPhone 15 | 6.1″ | 171g | 3349mAh | Flagship | RM 4,399 |
| 3 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | 6.2″ | 167g | 4000mAh | Flagship | RM 4,099 |
| 4 | iPhone SE (2022) | 4.7″ | 144g | 2018mAh | Mid-range | RM 2,099 |
| 5 | Google Pixel 8 | 6.2″ | 187g | 4575mAh | Flagship | RM 3,499 (import) |
1. ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra – Compact Flagship Power
While not the smallest phone, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the most compact true flagship available in 2025.
Why I Like It:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Excellent battery endurance
- Clean, lightweight Zen UI
- Premium build with great cameras
Best For: Users who want top-tier performance in the smallest flagship form Samsung/Apple don’t offer.
2. iPhone 15 – The Perfect One-Hand Phone
Apple’s 6.1-inch form factor is ideal for compact lovers — light, comfortable, and incredibly smooth.
Why I Like It:
- A16 Bionic chip (very fast)
- Superb camera performance
- Up to 7 years software support
- Lightweight & easy to use one-handed
Best For: Apple users wanting a compact flagship with long-term value.
3. Samsung Galaxy S24 – Best Compact Android
Samsung refined the S24 beautifully — it’s small, powerful, and future-proof with long OS support.
Why I Like It:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- 6.2-inch near-bezel-less flat display
- 7 years OS + security updates
- Excellent cameras
Best For: Android users who want the best compact flagship on the market.
4. iPhone SE (2022) – The Smallest Smartphone You Can Buy
At just 4.7 inches, the SE remains the most compact phone available in Malaysia.
Why I Like It:
- Still fast thanks to A15 Bionic
- Extremely lightweight
- Home button for classic fans
- Continues to receive updates
Best For: Budget iPhone users & those who want the smallest physical phone.
5. Google Pixel 8 – Smart & Compact (Imported)
Not officially sold in Malaysia, but widely available through importers.
Why I Like It:
- 6.2-inch compact size
- Excellent AI-powered cameras
- 7 years updates
- Smooth, clean Android
Best For: Users wanting the purest Android + powerful AI features.
Final Verdict: Which Compact Phone Should You Get?
Here’s what to choose depending on your needs:
- Best overall compact flagship: Samsung Galaxy S24
- Best compact iPhone: iPhone 15
- Most powerful compact Android: Zenfone 11 Ultra
- Smallest physical phone: iPhone SE (2022)
- Best AI & photography (import): Google Pixel 8
If you want a compact but powerful device in 2025, these are the top choices available in Malaysia.
FAQs: Compact Smartphones in Malaysia (2025)
1. What counts as a compact smartphone?
A compact phone is usually 4.7-inch to 6.2-inch screen size — designed for one-handed use and easy pocket fit.
2. Are there compact phones under RM2000?
Yes:
iPhone SE (2022) (RM2,099)
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (6.4″, still compact-ish)
True compact phones are rare, but these are the closest options.
3. What is the best compact smartphone in Malaysia (2025)?
Currently the Samsung Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 are the best true compact flagships available.
4. Are compact phones good for gaming?
They are capable — but small screens may reduce immersion.
Performance-wise:
iPhone 15 and Zenfone 11 Ultra handle gaming extremely well.
