Nostalgia for Small Phones: How Android 16 Made Me Long for Simpler Times

Upon powering up my Galaxy S21 FE recently, I was pleasantly surprised by an Android 16 update notification. It’s always satisfying to see older phones receiving the latest updates, especially when brands follow through on their promises.

Following the update installation, I found myself using the phone more than expected. The experience was not only enhanced by Android 16 but also served as a reminder of the enduring appeal of the phone’s form factor.

Although the Galaxy S21 FE was never a flagship device, it was a reliable mid-range phone with a decent display and camera, albeit hampered by a battery that barely lasted four to five hours on a single charge.

At the time of its release, this trade-off was a necessary compromise. A smaller phone meant a smaller battery capacity. Despite these limitations, using the phone today remains surprisingly comfortable.

By today’s standards, the S21 FE’s 6.4-inch display already places it on the smaller end of the spectrum. However, five years ago, this size would not have been considered compact at all. At that time, most brands offered phones with screen sizes around five to five-and-a-half inches.

Apple, Google, Samsung – all participated in this space, but today, phones under six inches are nearly extinct, especially in the flagship segment.

The industry’s perspective on small phones

At a certain point, the industry collectively decided that manufacturing small phones was no longer worthwhile. Executives often argue that there isn’t sufficient demand to justify their production, a claim that holds true on paper. However, a lack of demand does not equate to zero demand. Surveys consistently indicate that a significant portion of consumers still prefer genuinely compact phones.

Many users are willing to compromise on camera quality, performance, and even battery life in exchange for a phone that is easy to use with one hand, fits comfortably in a pocket, and doesn’t feel cumbersome.

The issue lies in the industry assuming that everyone desires the same array of top-tier features. Small phones are viewed as unprofitable because they disrupt economies of scale. Display manufacturers streamline production around a few panel sizes, with the optimal size currently exceeding 6.5 inches.

If an OEM intends to develop a compact phone, they must deviate from this standard, resulting in increased costs.

A smaller phone necessitates custom components, intricate internal layouts, and heightened R&D efforts, all for a product projected to sell in lower volumes.

Foundry

Even Apple faced challenges in this regard. The iPhone 13 Mini, despite being more affordable and well-received by its users, failed to garner sufficient sales to sustain its line. If Apple struggled to make a compact phone successful on a large scale, it’s understandable why Android manufacturers are hesitant to explore this market.

Historically, battery life has been a common deterrent for compact phones. The prevailing belief was that a smaller phone necessitated a smaller battery, leading to compromises. While this reasoning was valid in the past, advancements in battery technology have outpaced changes in phone sizes.

Phones like the OnePlus 15, equipped with silicon-carbon batteries, have demonstrated the capability to deliver greater battery capacity in smaller form factors.

Given the willingness of users to accept reduced battery life in the past, there is now even less justification for not experimenting with compact designs.

Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd

Using the S21 FE with Android 16 is both frustrating and enjoyable. While the hardware may not be groundbreaking by 2026 standards and the battery life remains subpar (even more so now), the user experience is enhanced due to the phone’s manageable size. One-handed operation feels natural, and grip adjustments are minimal.

If a budget-friendly device like the S21 FE can provide long-lasting enjoyment, primarily due to its size and updated software, one can only imagine the potential of a true compact flagship in today’s market.