I don't like riding without a phone - Mrs STR tracks my rides on Strava, plus something for emergency calls and the odd picture. My smartphone is huge and I want to slim down what I'm carrying this summer.
Has anyone tried something similar to this? Will probably be awful as a smartphone, but might just do the things I want it to.
There are slightly smaller ones at 3" and the only 5g one I've seen is 5"
What about a folding phone I think Samsung do some.
Yes, a Samsung Flip sounds like the job. Very compact when folded, but still a decent size when unfolded.
Aren't they a bit rubbish in the respect of the screens cracking on the fold?
And still reasonably expensive even for older models?
I had an iPhone 13 mini that was great for this. They don't make the mini any more though.
I just use my iPhone pro max. The picture quality, ability to look at maps easily . Fits in a pocket easily or rucksack pocket easily
I just use my iPhone pro max. The picture quality, ability to look at maps easily . Fits in a pocket easily or rucksack pocket easily
Well, indeed - I use my Samsung S24 Ultra, but that's the point, I want something (much) smaller just for the bike. Don't need stellar photo's and don't need to look at maps
I’d look for an old iPhone mini the bonus being you can just swap the SIM cards between phones and via the cloud it should keep everything synced between them.
ignore that as just seen you’re an android user.
I've been through this in my head and decided to just keep with one phone (Pixel 9a currently, not far off as "small" as a "normal" phone gets) and just keep it zipped away in a pocket, then it doesn't make much difference does it? As soon as you need to use it, you also want your regular phone and its capabilities.
Maybe. Maybe not.
What about one of those tiny phones that can be secreted safely* that are popular in certain institutions? I saw someone in Norwich market square using one once, they’re very small.
*saddle choice might be important, something with a deep groove?
What about one of those tiny phones that can be secreted safely* that are popular in certain institutions? I saw someone in Norwich market square using one once, they’re very small.
*saddle choice might be important, something with a deep groove?
And rear suspension essential.
I’d look for an old iPhone mini
The problem with old phones is that, once they stop receiving OS updates and get a few software releases behind, a lot of the apps start to become incompatible. So if you use Strava for tracking then it won't be long before it stops working and demands an update which you can't install. We once got an old iPad that had just stopped being supported and within 6 months most of the 3rd party apps didn't work. Learnt a lot from that mistake.
I’m constantly mulling this topic for me it’s got to be a compact phone that runs all day, ideally robust and waterproof and old/used/cheap. Oh and must work with WhatsApp (no other way to communicate with the whole family).
I’m currently using a 13 mini as my main phone, still good enough battery lasts a day+ if you’re not looking at the screen much (i.e. riding), but also wireless charging is now a must for me in a daily use phone.
my “backup” phone (basically used as an ipod) is an old iphone SE (1st gen) that is even smaller than the 13mini. It’s got adequate battery for using on a long ride, but probably wouldn’t be much use on a multi-dayer, but lacks WhatsApp support now.
i did also buy an old Kyocera (sp) from japan to try out the idea of an android based flip phone (with buttons), but I think you need to spend more and buy something more recent for that to work really.
I keep thinking about getting a 3rd gen SE (basically a 13 in an iphone 6 housing) just as the last “small” iphone they sold. I’m kind if tied to apple niw but don’t like the embiggening of their products, a fundamental dichotomy really.
Old or cheap smartphones are just bad. If it's just for staying in touch get a dumb phone. Otherwise a second hadn't iPhone SE with a new battery? That would be decent for a good few years yet.
I use a Samsung flip for exactly this reason. It folds to half the size of a normal phone, but is obviously twice as thick. Has held up well regarding the screen. I'm typing this on a 3 year old one that's still fine.
Be careful with (or just plain avoid) cheap Chinese Android phones. We bought our daughter one as backup when she broke her Samsung A series and despite it being listed as running Android 12 (latest at the time) with a Snapdragon processor and 8GB RAM it was slow af and hardly any of her apps would work so I decided to look into it further... turns out the manufacturer had edited the build.prop file to display the advertised specs in the "About Device" settings but when I installed the DevCheck app it showed the true specs of the phone which was an old build of Android Go (lightweight version of Android for budget devices with limited app support), some ancient MediaTek processor and only 4GB of RAM.
Small but decent phones appear to be a thing of the past so as others have suggested already, something foldable like a Galaxy Flip, Motorolla Razr or Oppo Find Flip would probably be your best bet. Check out Back Market/CEX/eBay. You should be able to find something reasonably priced if you don't mind Grade C condition.
That being said, my mate is still using Strava on my old Galaxy S5 which would be considered small by todays standards.
I don't know how long it will be compatible with the latest updates & stuff, but my Pixel 4a is 5 and a half years old and works fine. You can pick one up refurbished for about £100.
Maybe not small enough? But a lot smaller than the bricks that seem to pass for standard phones nowadays.
Camera is still great.
Currently works fine with every app I can think of.
OK this will be no use for you as I made an arbitrary decision in 2009 to be team apple rather than android - so I'm fully in their <shudder> ecosystem.
I've got an iphone 13 mini, as the smallest phone they make/made.
Hoping to eek it out as long as practical, but after that, being forced into a larger phone; I'll be considering a smart watch with cellular, and leaving the phone at home when riding or running.
What about one of those OAP friendly big button burner phones?
If you already use the ecosystem an Apple Watch is ideal for what you described.
If you already use the ecosystem an Apple Watch is ideal for what you described.
Strictly Android. I have an older Samsung watch that has LTE, but using that will burn through the battery on a three hour ride. That aside, I'm in the Garmin watch camp now. I recently bought a Fenix 8 Pro that has LTE and emergency satellite contacting etc, but it was scratched so I returned it - not sure I'd have wanted to take it on the MTB anyway. Ended up with an Epix Pro 2.
TLDR - to allow Strava tracking I want a small android phone
The pixel watch with in-built satellite calling is ideal for what you need - assuming you have the budget.If you already use the ecosystem an Apple Watch is ideal for what you described.
Strictly Android. I have an older Samsung watch that has LTE, but using that will burn through the battery on a three hour ride. That aside, I'm in the Garmin watch camp now. I recently bought a Fenix 8 Pro that has LTE and emergency satellite contacting etc, but it was scratched so I returned it - not sure I'd have wanted to take it on the MTB anyway. Ended up with an Epix Pro 2.
TLDR - to allow Strava tracking I want a small android phone
Your Garmin can track your ride then sync with Strava later (that's what I do with my FR255, although I still carry my base model S23 in my pocket for photos). Other than foldables, the base Galaxy S models are probably as small as you're going to find for modernish Android phones that aren't shit. Even the A series are huge now.
iPhone Mini is probably still the best option if you don't want a foldable. Don't need to buy into the iOS ecosystem if it's only for Strava, photos and calls. A black turtleneck and white NB trainers are optional.
The pixel watch with in-built satellite calling is ideal for what you need - assuming you have the budget.If you already use the ecosystem an Apple Watch is ideal for what you described.
Strictly Android. I have an older Samsung watch that has LTE, but using that will burn through the battery on a three hour ride. That aside, I'm in the Garmin watch camp now. I recently bought a Fenix 8 Pro that has LTE and emergency satellite contacting etc, but it was scratched so I returned it - not sure I'd have wanted to take it on the MTB anyway. Ended up with an Epix Pro 2.
TLDR - to allow Strava tracking I want a small android phone
Nah, not buying into another watch system. Started on Samsung, settled on Garmin
Your Garmin can track your ride then sync with Strava later
Yeah I know, it's more for live tracking so Mrs STR can worry that I've crashed every time I've stopped.
Or see when I'm at the pub 👀 😂
If you have a Garmin, you can livetrack (and it is free - after you've paid for the Garmin unit).
It will need a phone for the signal unless you go for one of the newer Garmin devices.
If the main reason for Strava is.to be followed, there are alternative options (that could be cheaper on a monthly basis than Strava).
If the main reason for Strava is.to be followed, there are alternative options (that could be cheaper on a monthly basis than Strava).
My main reason for Strava, is Strava - just a bonus that the Mrs can track me
In which case my suggestion isn't helpful.
I use a Samsung Galaxy xCover 5. Wanted a smaller, robust, waterproof phone. It's small compared to most smartphones but not compared to the ones you posted above. It was recommended on here, have it a few years now and it's been perfect. One other criteria I wanted was NFC so I could use it for payments. It's my only phone and fine for all I want. Also relatively cheap (Though not £49 cheap). Doesn't do 5G though, if that's a requirement.
https://www.samsung.com/ie/business/smartphones/xcover/galaxy-xcover5-sm-g525fzkdeea/
If you have a Garmin, you can livetrack (and it is free - after you've paid for the Garmin unit).
It will need a phone for the signal unless you go for one of the newer Garmin devices.
If the main reason for Stravais.tobe followed, there are alternative options (that could be cheaper on a monthly basis than Strava).
I just share my live location via WhatsApp/googlemaps, The boss can just about deal with that. If I send her another link to some another service/app such as Garmin or Strava all bets are off.
You need to factor in the technophobic tendencies of the actual customer, not just the muppet on the bicycle...
Have a look at Unihertz phones. Particularly the Jellystar. Atom is worth a look too, but less feature full.
In my quest for a smaller phone I came across these talked about on Reddit. They seem to be well reviewed, and have most of the useful features like NFC, lots of storage, a half decent camera, dual SIM, 3.5mm jack.
I don't have one, but I am tempted. Can buy them direct or through AliExpress etc.
https://www.unihertz.com/products/jelly-star?_pos=1&_psq=Jelly+star&_ss=e&_v=1.0
If you already use the ecosystem an Apple Watch is ideal for what you described.
Is this the sort of hipster toss you were alluding to?:
I'll admit I sort of like the concept, just not the prattling around it...
The problem with old phones is that, once they stop receiving OS updates and get a few software releases behind, a lot of the apps start to become incompatible
The iPhone SE 1st gen which came out around 10 years ago and is still getting updates to iOS from from Apple. Based on this the 13 Mini might get updates for another 6 years or so.
I can here to suggest the Unihertz Jellstar
My daughter (age 25) has one. A tiny modern phone. She wanted a phone that was less tempting to use but accepts you need a modern mobile. She can’t even work from home without one.
Just make sure you get the 5G one as they are turning off 3 G
I thought I’d just share some of my “interesting” small/dumb phones for comparison:
L-R: iPhone SE (1st Gen), Nokia ‘105’, Kyocera KYF31.
The most “pocketable” is probably the Nokia the easiest/nicest to use is the iPhone, the Kyocera is “quirky” and has reasonable battery life, but is sadly a bit shit TBH.
I would argue that the Nokia is perhaps an ideal bikepacking phone, it will sit on standby for days, is only really any good for calls and texts, no useful apps or social meeja. It does have a radio so you can sit gazing at the stars listening to the world service or Classic FM, and that’s about it. I would still probably take my 13 mini though…
OK this will be no use for you as I made an arbitrary decision in 2009 to be team apple rather than android - so I'm fully in their <shudder> ecosystem.
I've got an iphone 13 mini, as the smallest phone they make/made.
Hoping to eek it out as long as practical, but after that, being forced into a larger phone; I'll be considering a smart watch with cellular, and leaving the phone at home when riding or running.
I recently handed off my 13 mini to my youngest as the security updates no longer work on his 8. I got a 15 slightly concerned that it would be a bit big for riding with in my pocket. I haven't noticed at all. Turns out size really doesn't matter.
Turns out size really doesn't matter.
Hard disagree. Maybe my pockets are just too small.
the 13 mini replaced a 6.5” android phone which was a monster by comparison but still far from the biggest phone about. I’m so much happier with a smaller phone.
The 13 mini is only a few mm bigger than that SE, but if they could revive that form and size with magsafe and current iOS support I would be all over it.
I went from S21U to S25 so I had something more useful for riding. I didn't want a dumb phone or something sub standard as I still wanted the option for OS mapping and a decent camera. Haven't regretted it so far.
I'm an Android user mostly. I wanted a small phone to run on my bars for Komoot for nav plus general phone things. The smallest, decent, trustworthy phone ended up being an iPhone SE. It's still getting updates. I got a refurbed 2nd gen for £90ish. You could transfer your SIM when heading out, or get a 2nd SIM as cheap as poss (6 mth deals for £1 a mth etc).
It fits nicely in pockets, top tube bags etc.