Why Do I Have to Compromise for a “Mini” Phone?

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I am past due for a smartphone upgrade, and my HTC Thunderbolt shows it. But after going big (as in screen size) two years ago to get a phone with Verizon LTE, I’m more determined than ever to find a model this time around that fits a little more snugly in my pocket.

The good news is there are a couple of “mini” Android smartphone models to choose from. The bad news is none of them come with top-of-the-line specs. I don’t need an incredible camera or tons of storage space, but there are other bells and whistles I’d really like to have.

NFC support, for example. Do I need NFC? No. But I’m pretty sure there’ll be new NFC applications to try over the next couple of years, and I hate to miss out. Then there’s wireless charging. Do I even want a wireless charging mat now? No. But I know there will be more charging surfaces popping up soon, and I want to be able to use them.

I find I’m leaning toward getting the HTC One Mini, but that has its own issues even beyond the feature set. For one thing, I worry about HTC’s future as a company, and its ability to dedicate resources to further software upgrades. For another, I’ve heard the HTC Bluetooth stack is lacking, which could have implications for pairing accessory devices.

When it comes right down to it, I use my smartphone for a handful of primary activities: email, music, texting, phone calls, casual photos, and GPS navigation. And the HTC One Mini should be able to handle all of them exceedingly well. Plus, I’ve liked my HTC phones, the Mini gets good reviews, and the phone even looks good in addition to being small(ish). In short, the HTC One Mini is probably the right choice for me.

I just wish I didn’t have to compromise.

20 thoughts on “Why Do I Have to Compromise for a “Mini” Phone?”

  1. Moto X…? Seems to strike a good balance in terms of size and performance. Supposedly some of the camera badness will be overcome via an incoming software update. Guess I should blog my loaner sometime soon – I’m quite liking it (especially compared to my oversized Note 2).

  2. The (HP) Palm Veer (Engadget Veer review) was a great mini phone that had almost everything you’re looking for (and WiFi hotspot too, which worked great when you needed a bigger screen like a tablet or laptop). I loved my Veer.

    Sorry for the duplicate post (bad html link in previous one; please delete it if you can).

  4. Why compromise ? Sounds like what you seriously want is an iphone. A 16gb model will only set you back $199 with a contract.

    -Ken

  6. THERE WILL BE NO IPHONE IN THE HOUSE OF SILBEY! Well, except for mine. Hang on: THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE IPHONE IN THE HOUSE OF SILBEY! There we go.

  8. The moto x camera problems are supposedly already fixed. Well, they fixed Josh Topolsky’s phone, anyway. I think it’s the perfect size for a phone.

    Republic wireless is getting it next month. If I was off contract, I would very seriously think about it. You can save a fortune over a postpaid plan.

  9. I’m a huge HTC fan and say go for it. HTC isn’t going anywhere with a market cap of $111 Billion. For comparison sake Verizon ‘s market cap $134 Billion.

  10. Who cares if HTC is around? You get new phones every 1-2 years anyway. If HTC dies, you just don’t go HTC in 2015.

  11. I second Dave’s Moto X recommendation. I’m quite happy with my Moto X. There are a couple little quirks (camera & choppy audio at times) that are being addressed by the upcoming update… of course with Verizon that could be 6 months after all the other carriers get it.

  12. I just wanted to point out that the HTC One mini is actually bigger than your current HTC Thunderbolt. I think Ken V’s suggestion above is your best bet if high end + size is your determining factor.

    I also agree with Rodalpho. Don’t worry about HTC. Your phone will still work no matter what. ;)

    Good luck!

  14. “email, music, texting, phone calls, casual photos, and GPS navigation” These are all things an iPhone really well. It’s the customization and control that it lacks. Sounds like you might want a 5s.

    I don’t care for the larger phones either.

  15. The Moto X is the way to go. Perfect size and a great (almost) stock Android experience. Once you use the Active Notifications you’ll never want another device without it. Camera issues are fixed in the latest software update.

  16. I think that the upcoming Droid Mini has the same specs as the Droid Ultra, just a smaller screen.

    After the Droid 2 came out and it was physically the same size and fit the same docks as the Droid 1 I had high hopes for a non-apple phone that I could buy every 2-3 years and not have to get all new accessories (car/home docks). Unfortunately starting with the Droid 3 and continuing with the Droid 4, Motorola went back to just slapping on the same name to an entirely redesigned and re-sized phone. Even the Droid 5 is still MIA for people who still like the keyboard with something that would have the battery life of the Moto X.

  18. Ummm… the Moto X has a 4.7 inch screen. Not sure its quite the Mini phone Mari seems to be asking for. Its both taller (5″ vs. 4.75″) and wider (2.51 vs. 2.44) than the Thunderbolt she’s complaining about being too big…

    Assuming you really are looking for an Android device with a 4.3″ or smaller display I don’t think you have a lot of choice honestly. Since you mention the HTC One Mini I’ll assume you’re on AT&T. It isn’t even available on Verizon. The only real alternative to the HTC One Mini on AT&T is the “Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro” (never heard of it). At least the One Mini I’ve actually heard of. The reviews I’ve seen haven’t been great, but hey, what other choice do you have?

    (Go with an iPhone)

  19. Arrrgh! You’re right, Glenn. I though the HTC One Mini was available on Verizon, but only the larger version of the phone is there. Sigh. I don’t want an iPhone! I don’t particularly like iPhones!

    Which means I may have to look at the Moto Droid Mini, but frankly that’s not terribly appealing either.

    My Thunderbolt already looks gigantic next to my old Droid Eris. I really don’t want to go bigger.

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