r/smallphones

I've seen many people criticize modern smartphones because they say that they are addictive and problematic. They also say that PDAs and early smartphones were more beautiful and distinctive. I know that PDAs and early smartphones were probably less addictive and problematic, but I can't imagine going back to a world where I had to carry a feature phone, a PDA, an MP3 player, and other gadgets in my bag. I like being able to carry a handheld computer in my pocket.

I'm after a small/mini smartphone as my daily driver. The goal isn't to not be able to use any particular apps, but rather just make the experience less enjoyable so I naturally use it less. I'm looking for a screen around 4", I think the 5" screens on say a Jelly Max wouldn't cause enough friction and I could get sucked in for long periods still.

So far I have considered:

Jelly Star

Bluefox nx1

Fossibot F116 Pro

So far I'm leaning towards the Bluefox nx1 as it's for up to date than the Jelly star, and the Fossibot is quite expensive for unknown brand. But the thing that worries me about all of them is the lack of security updates.

Are there any better options?

Shipping is expected to start as early as late June, with most units likely going out in July. There could still be slight delays depending on final tuning and adjustments.

Prototype units are already finished, and honestly they look amazing.
Three color options so far:

• Black
• White
• Pink

Compared to the NX1, the Aura A1 gets major upgrades in performance, features, and hardware. Definitely feels like a big step forward for BLUEFOX’s 2026 lineup.

If you’ve been waiting for the next model, now is probably the best time to pre-order since current pricing is the lowest it’ll likely be.

Pre-order here:BLUEFOX Aura A1 official Preorder

https://preview.redd.it/amqdqid4q33h1.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&s=00774255944d55583c4f25f25ca30abe31ea2f06

https://preview.redd.it/zqgddkd4q33h1.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&s=b65e51b1facfc02bd7f11da1380c9f7d5bc8c006

Hey everyone,
I’m looking to simplify my setup and need some brutal, realistic advice on picking my next phone for the next 3–4 years.

Current Situation & Context
Current Phone: iPhone 13 Pro (Non-PTA).

The Problem: The two-phone struggle (iPhone + Jazz Digit hotspot) has become too inconvenient. I want one single, officially PTA-approved device.
Strict Constraints: No Non-PTA, No CPID/patch. Official PTA approval only.

Total Budget: ~120,000 PKR (including the resale value of my iPhone 13 Pro).
My Use Case & Priorities

Longevity & Peace of Mind: Must reliably last 3–4 years with consistent performance.

Camera: Great everyday photography and solid video recording (I shoot occasional product videos for work/projects).

Usage: Normal daily driving — WhatsApp, Google Maps, multitasking, browsing, and calls. Zero gaming.

Battery & Storage: Needs dependable all-day battery efficiency. Storage size isn't critical since I rely heavily on cloud storage.

Options Under Consideration & My Dilemma

1. Google Pixel 8 (or waiting for 9a)
   The Appeal: Love Pixel UI, clean stock software, and still photography.
   The Concern: The reports regarding Tensor G3 thermals, battery drain on mobile data, and weak cellular modems worry me, especially on local 4G networks in Pakistan.

2. Samsung Galaxy S23 (or Base S24)
   The Appeal: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on the S23 is exceptionally efficient, has reliable cellular reception, and offers great video consistency coming from an iPhone.
   The Concern: Feels a bit conventional/safe compared to the Pixel's clean aesthetic.

3. Other Alternatives (Nothing Phone, OnePlus, etc.)
   Open to suggestions, though older flagships like the S23 or Pixel 8 seem to offer significantly better camera hardware for product videos.

Questions for the Community:

1. Pixel 8 owners in Pakistan: How has your real-world experience been with 4G cellular reception, thermals, and battery longevity?
2. Coming from an iPhone 13 Pro, is the S23 a noticeably better choice for video and peace of mind compared to the Pixel 8?
3. Given a strict 120k PKR budget and a 3–4 year timeline, what would you honestly get in my position?
4. What about pixel 9a or 10a considering the risks
   Thanks in advance for your insights!

I love the reliability these Chinese phones bring with them, but they are inherently not that attractive for me.

Aeros phone is making a phone to work in the United States. Looks pretty good.

Looking into getting a small phone to dumb down as my main device but slightly worried about the reputability of these small companies for software since I'll be trusting the device with a lot of personal data. Can anyone comment on how they are in terms of bloatware/spyware? Or, if you use a custom ROM, which one worked best for you and have there been any issues?

Thanks!

Please bring back the iPhone Mini!

There are so many of us who still love the smaller iPhone form factor. The Mini was comfortable to hold, easy to carry, and perfect for people who don’t want to carry a huge phone every day.

I would love to see Apple bring back the iPhone Mini with the performance and efficiency of the iPhone 17e—or, even better, give us a Mini with the technology and power of the iPhone Air.

A small phone does not have to mean a less powerful phone. Give us the same great processor, battery efficiency, display, and modern features in a compact design.

Apple, please listen to the customers who are asking for a small, powerful, premium iPhone.

Bring back the Mini—and make it powerful enough that we never feel like we compromised by choosing the smaller phone. 🍎📱

First case I bought was off amazon and it was a Torras brand I believe for $20. After a while, it got yellow and broke. I bought an otterbox defender for $6 I believe when Verizon store was selling a lot of cases for less. Used that case for a while and then case tore apart.

Can someone recommend me a specific iphone 13 mini case for it? Any case you buy on amazon is going to have the case turn yellow right? These are those regular cases.

If you buy an otterbox or similar, the case would eventually break after a while right? There are so many cases available. I don't want to spend more than say $20 for the case. Anyone can recommend me a specific case with the website or the actual item? Amazon has so many that are $10 or less so just get one of those? I recall buying a JeTech one a while back and it got yellow like most cases.

All I’m hearing about it is "premium materials" (marketing speak) and "brushed metal keys."

My question is about the actual typing experience. How does the keyboard feel? How does it compare to other keyboard devices? What is its reliability? Does it use the same internal hardware as the Clicks Powerkeys or Clicks cases?

The reason I’m asking now is that people are saying the MP02 keyboard feels much better (based on how the MP01 felt), while the keyboards on other Clicks products feel like typing on a kid's toy.

Hoping for some experienced users to shed some light on this.

Also on a side note, does anyone know if clicks will get a privacy protector screen guard accessory? Seems like an important accessory to have for a communicator and no amount of asking about it on every AMA is getting me a response.

I almost bought a Jelly Star at the beginning of this year after being so dissatisfied with my monstrously large Samsung Note 20 Ultra but had to spend the money on something else. I'm (hopefully) starting a new job soon and I was thinking of treating myself to an upgrade after I get my first couple of paychecks.

I really like the Jelly Star but am a little worried with how old it is. It still will fit all of my needs really well and worst case I can see myself being happy with it, but I'd hate to buy it only for a more modern version of it that will be supported security-wise for longer to be announced a month after. Should I hold off at all or should I just go for it? Not the biggest deal ever since it's only $200 but I'd still prefer to spend that $200 well. The Jelly Max is cool but is still a little big for me and it missing a 3.5mm jack is pretty big (I use wired headphones with a FiiO bluetooth amp quite often so not having to carry another device on me would be really nice).