The best 5-inch smartphones in the UK 2023

Are you looking for a phone that's not too bulky, and that meets your specific needs? Today, brands offer a wide range of 5-inch smartphones, equipped with high-level features: graphics chip, powerful SoC, large battery, comfortable screen, smooth video... Check out our guide to the best 5-inch smartphones for the one you need.

Huawei Y5 2019 1
8/10

Best value

Huawei Y5 2019

The best 5-inch smartphone in 2021

Simple and effective, the Huawei Y5 has a stylish design. Thanks to the 13MP sensor, it allows you to take photos and selfies at will. Discreet, it slips into a pocket without being noticed.

See price

With a 5.71-inch screen and a light weight of 146g, the Huawei Y5 stands out for its discretion. With a good quality/price ratio, it remains a perfect choice for those who are looking for an operational device in basic functions, such as browsing the Internet or making calls. Among its strengths, we note a very good autonomy, provided by its 3,020 mAh battery. This smartphone can run for more than a day and a half in moderate use.

The shots are provided by its rear camera of 13 MP, associated with a front camera of 5 MP. Equipped with a mini-jack socket on its top edge, this Huawei Y5 smartphone provides good audio performance, despite the output level being a bit low for some. However, you'll appreciate its comfortable brightness for use in both sunlight and darkness.

Samsung Galaxy S7 2
7/10

Best cheap

Samsung Galaxy S7

The best entry-level smartphone

Water and dust resistant, powerful autonomy, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory: still appreciated by the brand's fans, the Galaxy S7 displays high-level performance.

136 £ on Conforama

The Samsung Galaxy S7 has some very interesting features, including a microSD port, and dust and moisture proofing. It has a 32 GB internal memory and 4 GB of RAM. Its 12MP main sensor is perfect for capturing your most beautiful moments.

In terms of features, the S7 has a 5.1-inch Super Amoled display with a good level of brightness for reading in sunlight. Good news for fans of power-hungry applications: the S7 is equipped with a battery consumption optimization system. Thanks to the Game Launcher and Game Tools, gamers will be able to group their favorite games in a dedicated space, or define their own game settings.

Apple - iPhone 13 mini 3
9/10

Best high end

Apple - iPhone 13 mini

The best high-end 5-inch smartphone

The iPhone 13 mini is perfect for people looking for a small phone with powerful hardware and great creative capabilities.

647 £ on Amazon

Apple has continued the small phone legacy established by the iPhone 12 mini with the iPhone 13 mini. This little smartphone is very powerful, thanks to the new A15 Bionic chip. There's nothing it can't handle, while being easily pocketed or used with one hand. The 5.4-inch OLED display is still sharp with excellent colors and viewing angles. It has retained the same design as its predecessor, but has improved the battery life, with over an hour and a half.

The cameras have also received an upgrade. The main 12MP wide-angle and 12MP ultra-wide cameras now have larger sensors that let in more light. The ultra-wide also has autofocus now. It also ships with cinematic mode and photo styles. The former lets you record portrait videos with dynamic focus for an artistic look. Photographic styles are essentially real-time filters that you can test while aiming the camera, allowing you to capture photos that match your personal tastes.

Motorola Moto G5 Plus 4
7/10

A great choice

Motorola Moto G5 Plus

Powerful technology

Tough and well-equipped, the Motorola Moto G5 Plus features a 5.2-inch Full HD IPS display. Its display quality makes it easy to read the screen on sunny days.

281 £ on Darty

The Moto G5 Plus smartphone is highly responsive and features a customizable interface. You can choose to guide it using one-finger navigation, but also using simple hand gestures. You can trigger the camera or flashlight by simply shaking the device, or turn off the ringer by lifting the phone.

In terms of battery life, the Morotola G5 Plus comes with a 3,000 mAh battery. It can support an intensive use of more than 10 hours. Gamers will certainly appreciate its great speed, provided by its Ardeno 506 graphics chip. In terms of photos, its 12MP sensor allows for precise shots. The quality of the videos is excellent, with a very fluid result in full HD.

Samsung - Galaxy S10e 5
7/10

A good alternative

Samsung - Galaxy S10e

Reliable technology

The Galaxy S10e is the smallest and lightest of the three new Galaxy S10 models, at 150g it is incredibly comfortable to hold and the rounded edges are not abrasive on the skin.

390 £ on Amazon

The Samsung Galaxy S10e features a 5.8-inch Full HD+ dynamic AMOLED display with HDR 10+ certification. On the back of the phone, we noticed some additional cuts compared to other Galaxy S10 models. It ditches the telephoto lens so you only get the 12-megapixel dual-aperture main sensor and the 16-megapixel ultra-wide angle.

It has the Exynos 9820 octa-core SoC, with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The Galaxy S10e also features AKG-tuned stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, IP68 certification for dust and water resistance, and a whole bunch of sensors. The overall performance of the app and user interface is excellent. Games ran very well, even high-end ones such as PUBG Mobile. Thanks to the powerful SoC and lower screen resolution, the Galaxy S10e easily managed to drive them with the highest settings. The Galaxy S10e has a 3100mAh battery, which is the smallest in the series, and has a noticeable effect in daily use. You will easily get 17-18 hours of actual battery life.

OPPO - Reno4 Z 5G 6
7/10

A good compromise

OPPO - Reno4 Z 5G

The most imposing

This device is powerful, so you can switch between different demanding applications smoothly. The screen refreshes 120 times per second, so animations are smooth. It is suitable for the new fast 5G network.

199 £ on Amazon

Oppo's Reno4 Z 5G is a good compromise in that it's larger than 5 inches (6.57), but it's still compact enough to make it easy and comfortable to hold. With a storage capacity of 128 GB, you have enough room for all your photos and videos, you can also watch your favorite movies and series on its Full HD screen. In addition, the screen refreshes 120 times per second. This way, motion is routinely displayed when you scroll through your timeline on Facebook or Instagram. The camera of the Oppo Reno4 has 3 different lenses. For example, you can capture large groups or vast landscapes on camera with the wide angle lens, or give your photos an authentic look with the monochrome lens. And you can also record incredibly sharp videos in 4K.

The MediaTek MT6873V Dimensity 800 5G mobile platform with 8GB of RAM ensures you have a pleasant and responsive experience. 5G mobile data connectivity gives you the ability to share high-quality content with friends on social networks. You can also connect to the Internet like never before and download data incredibly fast. With support for NSA and SA modes, you're ready for the future. The long-lasting, high-capacity 4,000 mAh battery will keep you going all day. Never worry about charging your smartphone.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best 5-inch smartphone

Any specific needs?

The best 5-inch smartphone in 2021

The best entry-level smartphone

The best high-end 5-inch smartphone

Powerful technology

Reliable technology

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best 5-inch smartphones

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT THE ALTERNATIVE THE COMPROMISE
Huawei Y5 2019 7
8/10
Samsung Galaxy S7 8
7/10
Apple - iPhone 13 mini 9
9/10
Motorola Moto G5 Plus 10
7/10
Samsung - Galaxy S10e 11
7/10
OPPO - Reno4 Z 5G 12
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Huawei Y5 2019
Samsung Galaxy S7
Apple - iPhone 13 mini
Motorola Moto G5 Plus
Samsung - Galaxy S10e
OPPO - Reno4 Z 5G
Simple and effective, the Huawei Y5 has a stylish design. Thanks to the 13MP sensor, it allows you to take photos and selfies at will. Discreet, it slips into a pocket without being noticed.
Water and dust resistant, powerful autonomy, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory: still appreciated by the brand's fans, the Galaxy S7 displays high-level performance.
The iPhone 13 mini is perfect for people looking for a small phone with powerful hardware and great creative capabilities.
Tough and well-equipped, the Motorola Moto G5 Plus features a 5.2-inch Full HD IPS display. Its display quality makes it easy to read the screen on sunny days.
The Galaxy S10e is the smallest and lightest of the three new Galaxy S10 models, at 150g it is incredibly comfortable to hold and the rounded edges are not abrasive on the skin.
This device is powerful, so you can switch between different demanding applications smoothly. The screen refreshes 120 times per second, so animations are smooth. It is suitable for the new fast 5G network.
OS
Android 9.0
Android 6.0
iOS
Android 7.0 Nougat
Android 9.0
Android 10
Screen size
5.71 inches
5.1 inches
5.4 inches
5.2 inches
5.8
6.57
Resolution
13 megapixels
12 megapixels
Rear cameras: 12 MP main (f/1.6), 12 MP ultra-wide (f/2.4) Front camera: 12 MP (f/2.2)
12 megapixels
16 megapixels
Rear Camera: 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm; Front Camera: 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (deep)
Battery power
3020 mAh
3000 mAh
2,406 mAh
3000 mAh
3100 mAh
4000 mAh
Weight
146 g
152 g
140 g
160 g
150 g
184 g

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Buying guide - 5-inch smartphone

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How to choose your 5-inch smartphone

#1 - The type of screen

The quality of the screen is essential, as we spend a maximum of time on our phone. There are 3 screen definitions:

  • HD, which corresponds to a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels
  • Full HD, which corresponds to a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • QHD, which corresponds to a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels

#2 - The resolution of the camera

More manageable and more discreet than the camera, the smartphone is essential as soon as it comes to take selfies, immortalize the highlights of a concert, etc. Designers have understood this, and offer increasingly improved models: number of megapixels, large sensors with wide aperture ... The best models offer the possibility of processing images via integrated software, and have a laser autofocus that allows the realization of photos of great sharpness.

#3 - Autonomy

The latest generation smartphones are usually accompanied by power-hungry applications. The battery life of the phone varies depending on its usage. If you use mobile Internet, Bluetooth features, or your music and video player often, expect at least 3,000 mAh.

#4 - The internal memory

The

internal memory allows you to store your files, photos, in addition to your usual applications. Before you buy, figure out what programs you'll need. Plan on a minimum of 16 GB of internal memory for the installation of about 20 applications. You'll also need to consider the weight of the pre-installed applications and the size the operating system takes up.

#5 - The format of the SIM card

If you already have a SIM card, make sure your new device can accommodate your current card size. If your chip is small and the new device only recognizes cards of a larger size, you'll likely need to use a card adapter, available from mobile accessory vendors.

How to take care of your smartphone?

An essential accessory in everyday life, the smartphone is often put to the test. How to prolong its life?

Protect the device against shocks

A sudden gesture or a moment of distraction, and your precious smartphone is in a thousand pieces... Think of covering the screen with a protective film. The shell will be wrapped in a cover, to prevent irreversible damage in case of a fall or shock.

Store the device in a safe place

Avoid placing your phone in the back pocket of your jeans, or in a storage pocket containing keys, coins or other hard objects. Magnetic or high-voltage areas should generally be avoided as they can damage the magnetic components of the speakers.

Avoid wet locations

Unless you have a fully waterproof phone, avoid placing your phone on wet or damp surfaces.

Beware of high temperatures and freezing temperatures

Cell phones are sensitive to heat, and should not be exposed to the sun for long periods of time. In the same way, avoid exposing your smartphone to low temperatures.

Smartphone or tablet?

Smartphone

The smartphone is one of the essential devices when it comes to staying connected with your personal and professional environment. It is also used to take pictures, watch videos, listen to music...

Benefits

  • Mobile workers appreciate the multiple functionalities of the smartphone: address book, calendar, calculator... A real mobile office, it even has a dictaphone and offers the possibility to consult or send e-mail at any time, via the Internet.
  • Sportsmen and women have quickly adopted the latest smartphone models with geolocation systems, accelerometers, gyrometers, compasses, etc. They film their exploits on video. They film their exploits on video, record them, and measure their progress at the same time.
  • The public also appreciates the smartphone for its playfulness. Music and photography enthusiasts can indulge in their favorite hobbies at leisure, thanks to the latest generation of smartphones.

Disadvantages

  • A smartphone uses about 45 different rare metals. It represents a source of harmful waste for the environment.
  • Few smartphone manufacturers think about the potential users who are still unfriendly to touch.
  • The frantic race for improved versions results in models that are quickly becoming obsolete.

The tablet

Used as a replacement for the laptop or as an alternative to the e-reader, the tablet is useful on many occasions.

Advantages

  • The tablet is quick to use and easy to handle. You can quickly connect to the Internet to write and file your urgent files. You can listen to music, make occasional calls, communicate with your loved ones via Skype, Messenger...
  • Schoolchildren appreciate the convenience of the tablet: it saves them from carrying heavy volumes, notebooks, loose papers that get lost. The tablet contains all the reference texts useful for their studies. They can work together by sharing files.
  • Reading enthusiasts have quickly discovered the enormous potential of the tablet: this accessory is an interesting alternative to the e-reader. It allows the downloading and filing of several hundred works in digital format. For long readings, however, the tablet must have sufficient autonomy.

Disadvantages

  • The most frequently reported problems are screen habituation, to the detriment of the view. The neck and the back also become the seat of pain.
  • The use of the tablet for long essays is not always obvious for children.
  • High-end tablets are as powerful as PCs, but the final cost is almost similar to the cost of a new PC.

Verdict

The smartphone:

The preference is obviously for smartphones as soon as it comes to making calls, consulting the list of frequent contacts, or other tasks generally devolved to this modern mode of communication. Manufacturers are offering products that are increasingly handy and less bulky than their predecessors. The smallest smartphones can be slipped into a jacket pocket or a small pouch without being noticed.

The tablet:

A true mobile office, the tablet is being adorned with more and more advanced features. Mobile workers prefer this modern notebook, which can be transformed at will into a reader, a camera, or used to watch movies during break time. Some models are even similar to miniature laptops. They can be equipped with ergonomic keyboards, have enough memory to download large files, and are of course connected to the Internet.

Why buy a 5-inch smartphone?

The right screen size

When buying a new phone, the screen size is usually the first thing that comes to mind. A 5-inch smartphone offers a screen that is not too large or too small, but just the right size. It perfectly combines functionality, practicality and comfort. It is ideal for surfing the web, taking pictures, watching videos, chatting with friends, etc.

Compact design

A 5-inch smartphone is particularly comfortable to use. You can easily hold it in your hand and your finger moves more quickly on the screen. In addition, it fits easily in the pockets of your skinny jeans without hindering your movements. It is a screen that is both practical and very reliable in terms of ergonomics.

Lightweight

Because of their compact design, the 5-inch smartphone is logically lighter. It is easier to carry and not at all bulky. You can slip it into a jacket pocket or a small pocket without feeling it. It takes up little space when stored in a bag and can easily fit in a medium-sized wallet.

Excellent visual comfort

The 5-inch smartphone also offers a better visual comfort. Most applications are pleasant to use on its medium-sized screen. It allows you to view videos, series, photos and play video games without hurting your eyes. You will live an optimal multimedia experience.

Perfect readability

If you are a reading enthusiast, the 5-inch smartphone will meet your needs. Whether it's web pages, magazines, books or any other document, the texts are perfectly readable. This saves you from having to zoom in every time or to bring the screen closer to your face, as with small devices.

The best brands of 5-inch smartphones

In our opinion, the best brands of 5-inch smartphones in 2022 are :

Huawei
Doogee
Samsung
Motorolla
Iphone

Founded in 1987, Huawei is one of the world's leading providers of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. The brand is among the best in the cell phone market. Robustness and performance are the key words of this brand.

Founded in 2013, this brand is young and yet their phones are durable and reliable and can compete with the biggest brands. And this is especially thanks to their all-terrain smartphones, perfectly shockproof, extreme conditions.

In 2010, Samsung launched a revolution with its very first Galaxy S. Even today, the South Korean giant is still one of the heavyweights of the phone market.

Even if Motorola smartphones have lost some of their superbness since the advent of touch screens, they are still well present on the market and still offer excellent performances in the mid-range category.

It took only 30 years for Apple to go from the computer to the iPhone which is one of the most used high-end smartphones in the world. In its 5-inch version, the iPhone promises an out-of-this-world experience.

What is the price for a 5-inch smartphone

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
60 £ to 150 £
Mid-range
150 £ to 250 £
High-end
more than 250 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Extend the life of the battery.

Avoid letting the battery discharge completely. As soon as the charge reaches 10% or 15%, you should recharge the phone. It is not recommended to use the device while it is charging, as this increases the risk of overheating.

Improve phone performance.

Free up

space on your phone to improve its performance. With applications installed and your personal data, the internal memory can get saturated pretty quickly. Transfer your files to your laptop or a memory card.

Make regular updates to your applications.

By

using the latest version of software, you'll be able to enjoy the most up-to-date features. Updating helps protect the smartphone from malware, while improving the use of available resources.

Protect your data and enable phone location.

It's

always a good idea to take a few precautions, to protect against theft or loss of your phone: lock down access to your files and enable the location feature. Never leave your device unattended, and avoid sharing your access codes.

Remove unnecessary applications and bloatware.

You'

ve probably noticed that your phone has a long list of applications, some of which you barely use. Don't hesitate to delete them if you find they slow down your smartphone.

FAQ

What is the best 5-inch smartphone?

The best 5-inch smartphone depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.

How do I clean my smartphone screen?

Use a computer screen wipe or a special screen spray. Above all, avoid putting the device directly under water!

How to block a contact?

To get rid of unwanted callers, enter the number to be blocked in the "blocked numbers" list if it is an iPhone. Some brands offer the "blacklist" option on the contact to be blocked.

How can I improve the speed of my smartphone?

If your phone is too slow, it may be due to an overfilled memory. A tip, empty the cache or transfer the data to a micro SD card to make room.

How to block automatic switching on Android?

To prevent the screen from tilting automatically, go to "Settings" and select the "Accessibility" option. Then deactivate the automatic screen rotation function.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  6. , Kaspersky.fr
  7. , papergeek.fr
  8. , sosav.fr
  9. , netcomgroup-blog.fr
  10. , lesnumeriques.com
  11. , 20minutes.fr
  12. , lejustechoix.fr
  13. , boulanger.com
  14. , lemeilleuravis.com
  15. , ecomparatif.fr
  16. , fnac.com
  17. , rueducommerce.fr
  18. , lemeilleuravis.com
  19. , pointgphone.com
  20. , o-m-g.fr
  21. , icphs2015.info
  22. , cnetfrance.fr
  23. , comparatifsmartphone.com
  24. , clubic.com
  25. , permataindahtrans.com
  26. , amazon.co.uk
  27. , adonautes.fr
  28. , lesnumeriques.com
  29. , cdiscount.com
  30. , prevenchute.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Huawei Y5 2019 13
Huawei Y5 2019
Samsung Galaxy S7 14
Samsung Galaxy S7
Apple - iPhone 13 mini 15
Apple - iPhone 13 mini
Motorola Moto G5 Plus 16
Motorola Moto G5 Plus
Samsung - Galaxy S10e 17
Samsung - Galaxy S10e

Lecteurs

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