Smartphones have grown larger over the past decade, but not everyone wants a giant screen. Many users prefer a device that fits comfortably in one hand, slips easily into a pocket, and still packs the latest features. In 2025, phone makers are finally paying attention to this demand by releasing powerful compact smartphones that don’t compromise on performance.

If you’re searching for a smaller device without giving up speed, camera quality, or battery life, here are the best compact smartphones you should look out for this year.

1. Apple iPhone 15 Mini (2025 Edition)

Apple continues to dominate the compact market with its iPhone 15 Mini. Despite its small 5.4-inch display, this phone runs on the same A18 Bionic chip as its larger siblings, meaning you get flagship performance in a pocket-friendly size.

• Screen: 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
• Camera: Dual 48MP system with cinematic mode
• Battery: Improved efficiency with all-day battery life
• Why it stands out: It’s the most powerful iOS option for fans of smaller phones.

2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Compact

Samsung made waves this year by introducing the Galaxy S25 Compact, a smaller sibling to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. At 5.8 inches, it’s slim but doesn’t cut corners on premium features.

• Screen: Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
• Camera: Triple-lens system optimized for low light
• Why it stands out: A rare Android flagship that stays small without sacrificing display quality.

3. Google Pixel 9a Mini

Google joined the compact club with the Pixel 9a Mini, designed for users who love a smaller size but want the software magic of Google’s AI tools.

• Screen: 5.7-inch OLED with HDR
• Processor: Google Tensor G4
• Camera: 50MP primary lens with AI photo enhancements
• Why it stands out: Excellent AI-driven photography in a small, affordable package.

4. ASUS Zenfone 12 Compact

ASUS has been consistent in offering compact models, and the Zenfone 12 Compact is no exception. Built with gaming in mind, this phone delivers performance that rivals much larger devices.

• Screen: 5.9-inch AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4+
• Battery: 4,800mAh with 65W fast charging
• Why it stands out: A gamer-friendly compact phone with a sleek, premium design.

5. Sony Xperia Ace IV

Sony continues to cater to fans of compact smartphones with the Xperia Ace IV, a device balancing portability and multimedia performance.

• Screen: 5.5-inch Full HD+ OLED
• Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
• Camera: Advanced 48MP sensor tuned for video recording
• Why it stands out: A compact phone for creators who value Sony’s legendary camera tech.

Why Compact Smartphones Are Making a Comeback

The rise of compact smartphones in 2025 isn’t just nostalgia—it’s practicality. Users are tired of bulky devices that require two hands for basic tasks. Compact phones now offer:

• Flagship processors for smooth performance
• Smaller, sharper displays with advanced OLED technology
• Better ergonomics for everyday use
• Competitive camera systems in smaller frames

In short, compact smartphones are no longer the “budget” option—they’re becoming serious contenders for the best phone of the year.

In today's fast-paced world, managing daily tasks efficiently can be challenging. Fortunately, numerous apps are designed to simplify various aspects of our lives, from organizing tasks to enhancing well-being. Here's a curated list of top apps in 2025 that can help streamline your daily routine.

🧠 Productivity & Task Management

1. Todoist
Todoist remains a top choice for task management. Its intuitive interface allows users to create tasks, set deadlines, and categorize projects effortlessly. The app's cross-platform availability ensures you can manage tasks on the go.

2. Asana
Ideal for team collaborations, Asana helps manage projects and tasks with features like timelines, task assignments, and progress tracking. It's particularly beneficial for workplace productivity.

3. ClickUp
ClickUp offers an all-in-one workspace with tools for task management, document sharing, time tracking, and goal setting. Its customizable features cater to both individual and team needs.

📅 Scheduling & Calendar Management

4. Fantastical
Fantastical is renowned for its user-friendly design and natural language processing. You can create events by simply typing phrases like "Lunch with Arthur 12:30 Friday at Panera." The app integrates seamlessly with other productivity tools, making scheduling effortless. The Verge

🔐 Security & Privacy

5. Proton Pass
For secure password management, Proton Pass offers end-to-end encryption and cross-platform support. It's a reliable choice for safeguarding your digital credentials.

6. Dashlane
Dashlane provides a comprehensive password management solution with features like password sharing, security alerts, and dark web monitoring. Its user-friendly interface makes managing passwords straightforward.

🧘‍♀️ Wellness & Mindfulness

7. The Sukha (Happiness)
The Sukha app focuses on enhancing well-being through mindfulness exercises, mood tracking, and personalized wellness plans. It's designed to help users cultivate happiness and reduce stress. Medium

🧠 AI-Powered Assistance

8. AdaptAI
AdaptAI is an advanced AI tool that monitors your physiological and situational indicators to provide personalized productivity support. It offers context-aware interventions, such as suggesting micro-breaks or exercise prompts, to enhance efficiency and well-being. arXiv

Incorporating these apps into your daily routine can significantly enhance productivity, security, and overall well-being. Whether you're managing tasks, scheduling events, or focusing on personal growth, there's an app tailored to meet your needs.

Alibaba’s Transformation Beyond E-Commerce

When people think of Alibaba, the first image that comes to mind is usually its e-commerce empire—TaoBao, Tmall, and a sprawling online retail network. But today, the Hangzhou-based company is pushing hard into new territory, proving it doesn’t want to remain “just” China’s version of Amazon.

Alibaba’s stock has soared nearly 60% this year, not because of online shopping, but because of its fast-growing cloud computing and artificial intelligence ventures. This shift echoes the playbooks of U.S. tech heavyweights like Amazon and Nvidia, showing how Alibaba is positioning itself to lead China’s digital economy on multiple fronts.

Cloud Computing: The Growth Engine

Cloud technology has become the centerpiece of Alibaba’s evolution. In its latest quarterly earnings, the company reported 26% year-over-year sales growth in its cloud computing unit. Even more impressive is the surge in its AI-related products, which maintained triple-digit annual growth.

Alibaba’s in-house Qwen AI model consistently ranks among the world’s strongest language models, attracting clients across industries. Whether businesses use Alibaba’s own AI tools or simply rent its cloud infrastructure to run third-party models, the company profits either way. Analysts now see Alibaba as the clear cloud leader within China, with an ecosystem strong enough to rival global competitors.

Stepping Into Chip Design

Alibaba isn’t stopping at cloud services. According to recent reports, the company is also making strides in designing AI-optimized chips. While it has developed chips before, the new generation is expected to handle a much wider range of AI inference tasks, making them more practical for broad adoption.

Though these chips lag behind the cutting-edge hardware from Nvidia, they could fill an important gap. With the U.S. restricting exports of advanced chips to China, Alibaba’s designs may become essential alternatives for domestic firms. Unlike Huawei’s more closed systems, Alibaba’s chips are reportedly more compatible with programs initially built for Nvidia, giving developers greater flexibility.

This move places Alibaba in the same conversation as global semiconductor players—a bold step for a company once best known for online shopping.

E-Commerce Still Matters—But With Challenges

While AI and cloud dominate the headlines, Alibaba’s core business still generates just under 60% of its total revenue. In the last quarter, e-commerce sales grew 10% year-over-year, reaching 19.6 billion yuan.

However, not every segment is thriving. Food delivery, operating under TaoBao Instant Commerce, continues to struggle. Facing fierce competition from rivals like Meituan and JD.com, the division remains unprofitable as it battles for users with aggressive pricing strategies.

This highlights the contrast in Alibaba’s operations: its AI and cloud bets are fueling investor optimism, while some traditional commerce units remain in a tough fight.