- Rating of the thinnest smartphones
- The thinnest smartphones monoblocks
- HONOR 30i
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- HUAWEI Nova 5T
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Xiaomi Mi 10 te 6/128GB
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Huawei P30 6/128GB
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Vivo X50 8/128GB
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- The thinnest smartphone of the foldable format
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 256GB
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- The best slim smartphones iPhone
- Apple iPhone SE (2020) 128GB
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Apple iPhone XS 64GB
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Apple iPhone 12 Pro 128GB
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
*Review of the best according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and is not a guide to purchase. It is necessary to consult with a specialist before purchase.
In today’s smartphones with their touch screens, large dimensions in length and width are often not only not considered a disadvantage, but often serve as an advantage. Thickness is another matter – here in the race for the smallest thickness smartphone manufacturers are ready to make big sacrifices, as any investment justifies the potential demand.
The editorial staff of the online publication Expertology, with the assistance of industry experts and marketing specialists, presents you an excursion to the thinnest and, most importantly, the most relevant smartphones for the market in the fall of 2020. Here the point of relevance is important, as many of the record-breaking thin cases, which were in abundance at the beginning of the year, are already sold out and discontinued.
Rating of the thinnest smartphones
Nomination | Location | Name | Price |
The thinnest smartphones monoblocks | 6 | HONOR 30i | 15 390 € |
5 | HUAWEI Nova 5T | 24 990 € | |
4 | Xiaomi Mi 10 | 23 047 € | |
3 | Samsung Galaxy A71 6/128GB | 26 990 € | |
2 | Huawei P30 6/128GB | 32 530 € | |
1 | Vivo X50 8/128GB | 44 990 € | |
The thinnest smartphone in a foldable format | 1 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 256GB | 179 900 € |
The best slim smartphones iPhone | 3 | Apple iPhone SE (2020) 128GB | 41 450 € |
2 | Apple iPhone XS 64GB | 39 290 € | |
1 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro 128GB | 99 990 € |
The thinnest smartphones monoblocks
Starts the guide with a breakdown of the characteristics of smartphones of minimum thickness, made in the classic form factor monoblock. By monoblock we do not necessarily mean a one-piece case with built-in battery, but at least a non-folding, solid form factor. There are almost no foldable formats at the moment, and in the review there is only room for one, we describe it separately.
HONOR 30i
Rating: 4.4

HONOR brand belongs to HUAWEI with all its advantages and disadvantages. Of those available on the Russian market in October-November 2020, this is the thinnest budget option. However, it is not only and not so much the thickness but also unexpectedly high characteristics at an extremely affordable price that impresses. And this, by the way, is new – sales officially began in mid-September this year.
HONOR 30i body size – 73.2×157.2×7.7 mm, weighs 172 g. Available in different colors of the body, from black to pink. Screen size – 6.3, frameless. AMOLED matrix with a peak brightness of 600 nits – the daylight is not an obstacle for the screen, will not go blind, except under direct sunlight, and that is incomparable with even the best IPS. The resolution is excellent for such an inexpensive model – 2400×1080.
In principle, the above characteristics of this model has already “earned” its value, but this is not the end of its benefits. Here we see a triple camera unit – the main camera 48 Mpix, 8 Mpix ultra wide angle and 2 Mpix depth sensor. Got autofocus. Front camera is also powerful in resolution – 16 megapixels, and there is even a function of night shooting selfies. For the headphone output, the manufacturer did not skimp on the normal classic jack 3.5 mm “mini-jack”.
With the performance of this model is just fine. Processor – HiSi
Another important point is the impressive battery capacity of 4000 mA⋅h, and charging through a normal USB Type-C port. On some sites you can find information about the availability of fast charging, but it actually is not provided. As for the battery life in operation, then the claimed 40 hours of talk time smartphone is certainly not stretch, but in normal mode, two days or more can work more than.
Advantages
- Frameless screen;
- AMOLED matrix;
- high resolution 2400×1080;
- fingerprint scanner under the surface of the screen;
- powerful rear camera unit;
- 16 MP front camera with night selfies;
- 4 GB of RAM;
- memory card slot;
- The classic headset jack 3.5 mm “mini-jack”;
- autonomy.
Disadvantages
- known problems with Google services.
HUAWEI Nova 5T
Rating: 4.5

The next sample of super-slim smartphone at the end of 2020, our experts suggested one of the most balanced and generally commercially successful models produced HUAWEI. This is the Nova 5T, and although it is slightly thicker than the previous variant, in other respects, it mostly meets a strictly positive response from the audience.
The dimensions of the smartphone housing – 73.97×154.25×7.87 mm. As you can see, the difference is microscopic, and the extra functionality is definitely worth it. Case made of tempered glass and metal. Screen size – 6.26 in. The tablet is not AMOLED, but IPS, but it has the same great resolution – 2340×1080. With proportions of 19.5:9 and the specified diagonal is an exceptional pixel density – 412 dots per inch, which guarantees the most natural “picture.
The camera configuration is fully in the spirit of HUAWEI, which today leads in camera quality even in low-end models. Here we have a powerful rear camera unit of four modules: the main camera 28 Mpix with phase autofocus, wide-angle 16 Mpix, macro camera 2 Mpix and depth sensor 2 Mpix. The front camera is twice as powerful as the previous model – 32 MP. Equipped with intelligent software add-ons for beautification and other modern tricks. These additions can be switched off.
The electronic stuffing of this model is noticeably more advanced than the previous model. It has a high-performance 8-core HiSi processor
In terms of communications this model has everything you need, and more. All cellular technology options up to 4G LTE, satellite navigation BeiDou, GLONASS and GPS, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0 and even NFC, which is especially nice.
The battery here is almost as capacious as in HONOR 30i and charging is also via USB Type-C. The results of independent tests show that on a full charge the smartphone can last up to 17 hours in reading mode (constantly on the screen), in video viewing mode surprisingly much (relatively) – up to 14 hours, and in game mode – up to 7 hours.
Advantages
- body materials – tempered glass and metal;
- A high-quality IPS matrix with a high resolution of 2340×1080;
- Powerful four-component camera block;
- 32 MP front camera;
- productive processor;
- 6 GB of RAM;
- NFC module;
- autonomy.
Disadvantages
- no memory card slot;
- problems with Google services.
Xiaomi Mi 10
Rating: 4.6

Thin smartphones are also available in Samsung’s arsenal, including among the mid-price, even closer to the budget in the Galaxy line. A prime example is the Galaxy A71, which has received high marks from experts and positive feedback from many users.
The size of the body of the device – 76×163.6×7.7 mm, the weight of the smartphone – 179 g. Glossy surface has spectacular shimmers, creating a sense of volume. Screen size – 6.7 inches, AMOLED matrix with high resolution – 2400×1080 and the corresponding pixel density – 393 per inch with aspect ratio 20:9. The image is bright and contrast and flawless black.
The camera unit here is quite powerful, as for this class of smartphone: the main camera at 64 MP, 12 MP ultra-wide-angle, macro and depth sensor 5 MP each. The main camera is equipped with autofocus, but does not have optical stabilization, and for this it is criticized by some users. You can shoot 4K video on the rear camera, though. Here, too, the South Korean manufacturer did not abandon the classic slot 3.5 mm for a headset connection.
Smartphone performance is sufficient for this class – Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 processor with eight cores, 6 GB of RAM, 128 GB of built-in. It also has memory card support, which in itself is praiseworthy, and there’s an upper capacity limit of 512GB. And by the way, the microSD slot is dedicated and does not overlap with the second sim card.
With interfaces, things are also quite favorable. Fast “modern” Bluetooth 5.0, aptX codec is supported, NFC is available, all navigation systems are supported, including Ga
The battery in this model is not bad, with a capacity of 4500 mA⋅h. Fully enough for a day of the most active use. There is a fast charging function, allowing the smartphone to charge up to 30% in the first half an hour.
Advantages
- spectacular shimmering body;
- AMOLED matrix;
- Bright and contrasty picture with flawless blacks;
- High resolution of 2400×1080;
- You can shoot video in 4K;
- memory cards are supported;
- Dedicated memory card slot;
- luetooth 5.0;
- NFC and Samsung Pay;
- fast charging.
Disadvantages
- Slow and generally imperfect fingerprint scanner;
- No optical stabilization in the main camera.
Huawei P30 6/128GB
Rating: 4.8

And again we turn to the range of Huawei, because in terms of thin smartphones the company still holds the palm of first place. Consider the Huawei P30, this is already a real flagship, although very inexpensive, since it went on sale back in April last 2019. We emphasize that this is not the Huawei P30 Pro, but its “little brother” without the prefix Pro, but it was still in the flagship vanguard of Huawei last year. In terms of thickness, it beats any of the previous models, though by a tenth of a point.
The dimensions of the smartphone body – 71.36×149.1×7.57 mm, weight – 165 g. Premium materials – tempered glass and metal. Implemented moisture protection level of IP53. It’s not complete protection and contact with water should be avoided, but nothing should happen to the phone from splashing rain. The screen size here is 6.1, the matrix is OLED with a resolution of 2340×1080, and at this size with proportions of 19.The 5:9 pixel density is 422 per inch.
The rear camera unit in this model is triple: 40 MP main camera, adapted for low light, a 16 MP wide-angle and a 10 MP telephoto lens. The main camera has quality autofocus and even 3x optical zoom. The front camera with 32 MP resolution is exactly the same as in the Huawei P30 Pro version. The rear camera can shoot video in 4K quality.
The performance of this device is quite in line with both the conventional class of this model and consumer expectations. At any rate, the combination of the HiSi processor
The overall conclusion on this “junior” flagship in general is positive, and at this price with good quality to it few people have serious questions. After all, the characteristics here are quite flagship, including even such “little things” as the material of the body or the presence of the module NFC. We can only give a hint that if you need a minimum price for a minimum thickness of the case, and you can sacrifice some points, you can look at a very lightweight model of the same range – HUAWEI P30
Advantages
- A flagship at an affordable price in 2020;
- glass and metal body;
- Basic protection against dust and splashing;
- OLED matrix;
- High matrix resolution of 2340×1080;
- Optical stabilization of the main camera;
- 3x optical zoom;
- You can shoot video in 4K;
- NFC module.
Disadvantages
- There are complaints about PWM screen flicker.
Vivo X50 8/128GB
Rating: 4.9

Completes the selection the least striking in terms of “weightiness” of the brand, and at the same time, paradoxically, the most expensive smartphone in this part of the review. However, it must be admitted that the Chinese brand Vivo is known for what it deserves and the smartphone Vivo X50 on the characteristics is not behind, and in some places it exceeds the above models. This, let’s draw your attention, is also the “little brother” of the top flagship Vivo X50 Pro, similar to the previous Huawei P30.
Does not concede this model in the first place by the main criterion in the context of our study – the thickness, its dimensions are 75.39×159.54×7.55 mm. Weight – 173 grams. Tempered glass body. The screen is big – 6.56, the flagship size is complemented by an appropriate level of sensor. The manufacturer did not go for half-measures and installed AMOLED with a top resolution of 2376×1080. And now a surprise from Vivo – the screen refresh rate – 90 Hz. This means one thing – impeccable smoothness of any animation and any moving objects, whether it is artifacts of interface design or video content.
The camera unit is worthy of strong approval. The main module at 48 MP, telephoto with 2x optical zoom at 13 MP, 8-megapixel super-wide angle and a macro camera at 5 MP. To help the photographer comes to the function auto-scaling, through which you can confidently hold in automatic mode, the designated object in the center of the frame. The front camera is also a powerful 32 megapixel and picture quality provides more than decent.
The performance of the smartphone can be judged based on the processor. Here is installed Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 – the novelty of 2019 with Adreno 618 graphics, that is, the control center in the smartphone is worthy of the flagship position. With RAM are better than any of the described models – 8 GB, which even for a full laptop is quite normal, not to mention the portable gadget. Built-in storage is average in capacity – 128GB. And you will have to be limited to this capacity, because the device does not support removable memory cards.
What else is worth praising is the battery and the charging system. Battery capacity of 4200 mA⋅h is enough for a very long work at quite tangible loads. In sparing mode, if it does not watch videos for long hours in a row, the smartphone can last more than a day. There is a mode of fast charging technology vivo FlashCharge 2.0.
Advantages
- A large screen;
- AMOLED matrix;
- The refresh rate of the screen is 90 Hz;
- Resolution 2376×1080;
- Powerful rear camera unit;
- You can shoot video in 4K;
- Capacity battery;
- fast charging.
Disadvantages
- No memory card support.
The thinnest smartphone of the foldable format
Let’s move on to a mini-sample, which will be presented by a single smartphone, and that controversial on a number of points. In principle, at the end of 2020, this category could be neglected, because this format is not to say that the manufacturers did not take off, but in any case, left a mixed impression.
So, for example, HUAWEI Mate Xs was very loud and shiny, but now it is almost impossible to buy, and whether such a format will return – a big question. A very similar situation occurred with Samsung with their “book” Galaxy Fold. The event was significant, the gadget is insanely expensive, but the attention was definitely attracted, collecting absolutely polar feedback. On the whole, you could even say that the Galaxy Fold was more scolded than praised.
But Samsung not only did not turn away from the criticism, but was not even afraid to make a second attempt – the Galaxy Z Fold 2. And here there is reason for cautious optimism. The only “but” is that the improvements in the updated version led to an increase in the thickness of the body, but only in certain areas. One way or another, this brilliant device is definitely worth a review and disassembly.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 256GB
Rating: 4.9

The fact that this is an elite “clamshell”, is already clear from the preface. The peculiarity of the model is that the screen here is flexible, and when unfolding the smartphone, we do not get two separate screens, but one continuous and large. This is a bit of a break with the patterns that have already become established in the smartphone industry, and if you add the fact that there is another, external, and also a full screen, the impression, to say the least, is amplified.
But first things first, and first about dimensions. When unfolded, the dimensions of the device are 159.2×128.2×6 mm, the camera unit slightly protrudes, adding thickness to 6.9mm. When folded, the dimensions will be as follows – 159.2×68×13.8mm with a maximum thickness of 16.8 at the sash. That is, as it is easy to understand, the smartphone is really super slim, but only when unfolded. And it will suit those users who appreciate the thinness for aesthetic and tactile reasons, but not for the purely practical convenience of carrying in your pocket. The body of this super-smartphone is not even made of aluminum, but of high-quality stainless steel. Weighs this, no joke, miracle of technology – 282 grams.
Now about the characteristics of the screens. The size of the outer screen is 6.2 inches. The resolution of 2260×816 with a 25:9 aspect ratio. The matrix Super AMOLED. AlwaysOn Display Mode. The glass is scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 7. When unfolded, you get a large screen with a diagonal of 7.6 inches. Don’t be surprised by the slight difference in size, as the screen doubles in width and becomes almost square. The internal screen matrix – Dynamic AMOLED, the resolution of 2208×816, proportions – 22.5:18. The pixel density, respectively – 317 ppi. The refresh rate is the highest – 120 Hz. Also has a mode AlwaysOn Display.
Now let’s go over the performance, and it can not but be top-notch. Snapdragon 865 processor sets the main line, and the other components are chosen to match it. So, the RAM here is “in full” – 12 GB, built-in – 256 GB. Memory cards are not supported.
With communications in this model, too, all up to the highest standards, and some are made and even “for the growth. Sixth-generation Wi-Fi module (Wi-Fi 802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, all imaginable and unimaginable bands and LTE technology; 5G support, including NSA and 5G sub-6; there’s NFC and ANT+.
Powered by a lithium-ion battery capacity of 4500 mAh. Features fast, wireless and reverse charging. The charger is included with the device for 25 W which charges the regular battery of the smartphone in 65 minutes from zero to 100%.
Advantages
- Premium model, which emphasizes the prestige and status;
- Stainless steel case;
- flexible quality internal screen;
- full external screen;
- AMOLED matrixes in the outer and inner screens;
- Inner screen refresh rate – 120 Hz;
- top-of-the-line processor;
- 12 GB of RAM;
- The most advanced versions of communication modules;
- fast charging;
- wireless charging.
Disadvantages
- No memory card support;
- high price.
The best slim smartphones iPhone
Due to the strictly individual nature of iPhones in our review received a separate “exclusive” nomination. It just so happens, thanks to the efforts of the Cupertinians, that almost all iPhones of the latest and not so latest generations fall into the category of super-thin smartphones. We will consider the next three generations, although there are still plenty of eighth, and seventh, and sixth iPhones on sale, and they continue to be in demand and acceptance.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) 128GB
Rating: 4.7

And let’s start not even in chronological order, but by current cost as of October-November 2020. And by some happy irony it will be the iPhone SE in the new edition of 2020.
For those who have forgotten or do not know – iPhone SE is specially designed as a budget version of the winning total worldwide recognition smartphone. First came out in 2016 and represented then, in brief, the look of the 5S with the electronics of the 6S. Unlike the previous failed attempt to make a budget iPhone 5C, the iPhone SE variant has received explosive popularity and recognition. When the iPhone SE was discontinued, the target audience did not hide their disappointment, but then there were rumors of plans to release its updated version. This version was awaited for several years, and now it is finally out this year, and without the pompous presentation. In terms of camera capabilities it’s actually the same iPhone 8, in terms of electronics features – practically a full-fledged iPhone 11, plus the introduction of innovations of recent years.
As for the subject of the review, it should be said right away that this smartphone is thinner than any of the above, if we do not take into account the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 in unfolded form. Case dimensions – 138.4×67.3×7.3 mm, weighing in at 148 g.
Screen size – 4.7 inches. The format is classic in every sense with thick black bars at the top and bottom. Resolution is also not too impressive at first glance – 1334×750 with a pixel density of 326 ppi. But actually the image here is still “iPhone” in the best sense. The rear camera is the only one with 12 megapixels. This in 2020 may seem like a misunderstanding. However, the module here is the same as in the iPhone 8, which was then far ahead of its time in terms of photography. Independent tests show that in sufficient daylight the picture quality is not fundamentally worse than that of the iPhone 11 Pro Max. But when shooting in the evening, of course, the difference already becomes dramatic.
In terms of performance, here we see some serious upgrades in terms of SoC and connectivity. So, here is the six-core Apple A13 Bionic with the third generation of Neural Engine – everything is as in the iPhone 11. RAM – 2.88GB “pure.”. Storage – three options to choose from 64, 128 and 256 GB. In fact, independent tests confirm the claimed high performance – in benchmarks iPhone SE (2020) is as “fast” as the iPhone 11.
Innovations in this model apply to other aspects of the device – for example, it supports Wi-Fi 6, introduced technology for fast and wireless charging, supported by iOS 13.
The autonomy parameters of the iPhone SE (2020) are almost similar to its prototype – the iPhone 8. Tests show the smartphone’s ability to endure up to 10 hours in YouTube video playback as F
- lHD, which can be considered quite a decent indicator.
- prestigious, status brand;
- high picture quality even with not the highest resolution;
- Wi-Fi support 6;
- Performance at the level of the iPhone 11;
- fast charging;
- wireless charging;
- effective moisture protection;
- sharply expected several years of budget version of the iPhone;
- the most affordable iPhone in the official Apple store.
- No fundamental flaws detected, the critical reviews are mainly subjective.
- a full-fledged iPhone without conventions;
- Premium, impeccable quality of parts and assembly;
- ED matrix;
- image quality;
- high maximum brightness;
- high resolution;
- High quality photo and video shooting;
- battery life.
- The minuses of evening and night photography compared with the closest competitors of that time.
- leo. Electronics are driven by Apple’s latest A14 Bionic processor platform with 6 cores. Built-in memory – 128 GB.
All these dry numbers can not convey the real state of affairs, because after all, to paraphrase a popular expression, the iPhone is learned by comparison. The 12th iPhone really took a significant step forward even in relation to the next generation. Something for which, Apple gadgets have often been picked on and even ridiculed, namely, minimal generational differences, no longer seems to be relevant.
In the 12th iPhone we see progress in almost everything. A top-of-the-line OLED matrix without any compromises in terms of IPS, high-resolution without concessions even for lighter versions of the iPhone 12 mini, a fundamentally upgraded processor platform, all the latest innovations in terms of communication. Even the angular design with steel trim, referring to the already quite distant past, in 2020 received a new life.
About the flaws, let’s be fair, they are. Most are often subjective and evaluative, but here, a screen “monobrow”, which houses the camera and main sensors, it’s kind of awkward. However, this is Apple with their “alien” vision. Well, the absence of the charger in the set of delivery – this is more like a deliberate step to attract attention, so this decision is ridiculous. Otherwise, the 12th iPhone is certainly a landmark event, and it will long be the focus of fans, followers, experts and simply fans of gadgets.
Advantages
- The newest top flagship of the world’s most prestigious brand;
- Record-low thickness;
- Exceptionally high quality materials, impeccable build;
- IP68 protection;
- OLED matrix;
- A high resolution of 2532×1170;
- Powerful cameras with intelligent software;
- Maximum connectivity;
- the latest powerful Apple A14 Bionic microprocessor platform.
Disadvantages
- questionable on-screen “monobrow”;
- no charger included;
- Subjective remarks.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Apple iPhone XS 64GB
Rating: 4.8

The second thin iPhone offered for consideration will be the iPhone Xs. This is a conscious “trip to the past”, the more so that it is the recent past, and judging by the ratio of supply and demand, the model remains, and even for some considerable time will remain relevant and in demand. After all, this is still a full flagship iPhone without any budgetary conventions, but which in 2020 you can buy for more than 50 thousand. new.
XS dimensions 70.9×143.6×7.7 mm, that is gentle, not as big as the XS Max, and this attracts many users who do not like “shovels. Available in gray, silver and gold colors. The body material is habitually for this class of iPhones premium, implemented a reliable moisture protection.
Screen size – 5.8 inches diagonally, the matrix is OLED type with a resolution of 2436 × 125 and a dot density of 458 ppi. The brightness margin of the screen is very high – manually adjustable up to 620 cd/m², and even higher in automatic mode as a response to the illumination. This means that the screen will not “glare” in daylight for sure.
The cameras in this model are represented by the rear unit – a pair of 12 MP each, one of them leading, almost exactly like the main camera in the iPhone X, only with some software changes. There is optical stabilization, autofocus, macro mode, 2x optical zoom. No complaints about the quality of photos, but we are talking about fundamental claims. At the time of the release of this model, the flagship competitors of the same Huawei showed much more impressive results, especially in terms of evening photography. In the future a sharp qualitative leap will make the iPhone 11, but we will not consider it, because we are interested all the same minimum thickness.
The electronics of the smartphone is controlled by the Apple A12 Bionic processor platform. RAM – 4 GB. Just in case we remind you that 4 GB of RAM in the iPhone and with iOS operating system is not even close to the same as the Android system. Due to impeccable optimization, all other things being equal, iPhones can afford to have less RAM without sacrificing speed.
In terms of battery life the iPhone XS shows significantly better results than its direct predecessor the iPhone X. Independent tests show more than 3 hours of continuous play of demanding 3D games.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Apple iPhone 12 Pro 128GB
Rating: 4.9

Finally, the final model in the review of the best thin smartphones according to the online publication Expertology is the most recent and top in absolutely all senses “star” of the market – the new iPhone 12 in the maximum Pro version. It also happened to be the thinnest among the full-fledged modern iPhones.
The body size of this brilliant high-tech novelty – 71.5×146.7×7.4 mm. The smartphone weighs 187g. The body is dominated by premium materials, including high-quality stainless steel. Implemented IP68-level dust and moisture protection.
The screen size is 6.1 inch, OLED matrix with a record within the review resolution of 2532×1170 and dot density 457 per inch. The rear camera unit consists of three components – super-wide angle, wide angle and telephoto, all three with 12 Mpixels. There is autofocus, optical stabilization and 2x optical zoom. The front camera with exactly the same resolution of 12 megapixels.
Communications in the iPhone 12 Pro deserves a separate mention. There is no doubt that they are top-of-the-line, but we will still list the key points. It has support for all current and future cellular technologies, up to 5G. 6th generation Wi-Fi – 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.0, there is a near-field communication module NFC. Supports all four satellite navigation systems, including the European Ga