The best lightweight smartphones

Mobile phones used to be large and bulky. Thankfully, those days are long gone, and we now enjoy a range of lightweight smartphones which feature sleek, modern designs alongside high performance features.

But what are the best lightweight phones? And how much do they actually weigh? All will be revealed in our guide to the best lightweight phones.

With the current generation of smartphones being the most lightweight to date, what are the actual benefits and key qualities of lightweight phones? They include:

Portability 
A lighter device is easier to carry, fitting comfortably in pockets or small bags, making it ideal for users on the go.

Ergonomics 
Reduced weight contributes to a more comfortable grip, decreasing the likelihood of hand fatigue during extended use.

Aesthetics 
Lightweight phones often boast slim profiles and minimalist designs, appealing to users who prefer sleek and modern aesthetics.

Innovation 
Manufacturers utilise advanced materials like carbon fiber or aluminum alloys to achieve durability without adding heft.

Right now, the best lightweight phones are below.

Weighing in at around 170 grams, or almost exactly six ounces, the iPhone 16 combines Apple's renowned performance with lightweight design. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, A17 Bionic chip, and long battery life. 

The iPhone 16 stands out for its cutting-edge performance, sleek design and range of colour options. The A17 Bionic chip ensures smooth multitasking and gaming, while the Super Retina XDR display provides stunning visuals with vibrant colors and deep contrasts. 

Its lightweight build makes it easy to use one-handed, and the durable Ceramic Shield front cover enhances its resilience against accidental drops. In addition to its lightweight and durable design, the camera system, featuring advanced computational photography, delivers professional-quality photos and videos, making it an excellent choice for content creators and casual users alike.

At around 162 grams, the Galaxy S25 offers vibrant 6.2-in Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite 8 processor, as well as a 50MP main camera, 12MP Ultra-Wide lens and 12MP selfie camera. Its lightweight build does not compromise on performance in any way.

The S25’s Dynamic AMOLED display delivers an immersive viewing experience with vibrant colors and excellent brightness levels, even in direct sunlight. The Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite 8 processor is Samsung’s fastest ever, with up to 40% better Ray Tracing and up to 18% smoother gameplay compared to Galaxy S24 Series.

Despite its slim and lightweight design, the S25 packs a robust battery that easily lasts through a full day of moderate use. Another standout feature of the Galaxy S25 is its camera system. The triple-camera setup includes a high-resolution primary sensor and an ultra-wide lens, allowing users to capture stunning photos in various conditions.

Weighing 171 grams, this device features a 6.4-inch OLED display, Snapdragon 7 series chipset, and a 50MP main camera. Its slim and lightweight design makes it comfortable for daily use, and it supports fast charging for added convenience.

The Motorola Edge 50 Neo has an OLED display with vibrant visuals which make it a pleasure for media consumption. The Snapdragon 7 series chipset ensures reliable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Its lightweight design, combined with a premium finish, offers a comfortable grip and a sophisticated look.

The 50MP main camera on the Edge 50 Neo excels in capturing detailed photos with natural colors. Motorola’s image software enhances the photography experience, especially in low-light conditions. 

So, now that you’re familiar with some of the best lightweight phones currently on offer, the only thing left is to decide which of these options suits you best. Each of them offers their own set of strengths, and while they’re all light on the scales, they each pack a wealth of performances features into their frames.

If you're still not quite sure which lightweight phone is best for you, don’t worry, you can take a look at our full phones range here. Keep in mind the weights listed in this article as a comparison for any other phones you look at.