Decent compact (<6.3") phone WITHOUT squared frame

[u/biersackarmy]

While it doesn't sound like much it seems to be asking for the moon. Currently using Xiaomi 12 which I love the form factor and ergonomics, but getting pretty frustrated with the software. Annoyingly it seems to be one of the last decent phones made in this design.

I just HATE the squared sides design as it feels so uncomfortable in the hand, defeating a large part of the purpose of a compact phone, but yet literally every manufacturer has been adopting it to try and copy iPhone.

I've tried to have it grow on me, I've used iPhone 14, S24, and Pixel 10 for some time each, but kept hating it and going back to the Xiaomi every time because it just feels sooo much better that it's worth putting up with the atrocious software.

Motorola Edge 2026 seems to be the only recent offering I've found, with the next recent after that going back to the Pixel 8/8a. Are those seriously the only TWO options within the past three years??

Edit: Located in Canada but willing to buy from any market.

[u/thenamelessone7]

Put a case on it, problem solved. It's also 2 birds with 1 stone

[u/biersackarmy → u/thenamelessone7]

Have tried that route already. Any case that would make the sides more rounded off would add significant bulk. I also strongly prefer not to, as I've always been good with handling phones and have never used a case since my first touchscreen smartphone in 2012 (and have still never cracked a phone).

[u/-Wiseone-]

Get a refubed Pixel 5, it runs Android 16 via Rom (very stable) performance, camera etc all still great. Although will just want to keep a charger nearby, only downside. But not a deal breaker perhaps, means you use your phone less 🧘🏼‍♀️ size, weight, feel, it's the greatest phone ever made IMO.

[u/biersackarmy → u/-Wiseone-]

I don't know if I want to go that old, but considering Pixel 8 and S22 as options if there's basically no other choice.

Moto Edge 2026 seems to be literally the only modern option, but also only comes in one atrocious "dehydrated piss" color.

[u/RahulChaudhary_]

Xiaomi 17, OnePlus 13s, Vivo x300 FE

Edit: Maybe try Motorola signature. It does have some subtle curve edges.

[u/-Wiseone- → u/RahulChaudhary_]

Every one of these has a square frame 🙄

[u/RahulChaudhary_ → u/-Wiseone-]

Wym by square frame? Aren't we taking about rounded corner of the phone?

Edit: I got what the post is saying after I search for xiaomi 12. OP is looking for rounded corners from the back side.

[u/biersackarmy → u/RahulChaudhary_]

Signature is bigger than I'm looking for, as there are multiple other options once you're in the 6.7-6.8" class but I have small hands so even a 6.3" is already hard enough to hold.

The Edge 2026 I mentioned however is basically the same design as the Signature in a 6.3" size. It only comes in a nasty color and the performance is apparently mediocre, but it seems to be literally the only option on the current market. At least I do like Motorola's software so it's on the short list.

[u/Quirky-Coast-1845]

I have a very similar issue. The sharp, flat edges on newer phones can be really uncomfortable, especially when using the phone for longer periods. For now, I’m using a cheap, thin, clear TPU case, which at least softens the edges a bit without adding too much bulk. Still looking for a phone with a more comfortable design though.

[u/noobqns]

The Motorola Edge 60 Neo is in the same family as the Edge 2026(believed to be the Edge 70 Neo, but just wasn't release globally) but should be cheaper and also have 8/256GB 12/256GB instead of the very awkward 8/128GB of the Edge 2026

I have a S25, i think it's the best of the bunch since it's still only 6.2"(but smaller than most 6.1" because of slimmer bezels and weight). I would probably slap on a casing with "smoother edge" and call it a day if i were you because its 6.2"+lighter weight gotta beat out most other chunky 6.3"

[u/biersackarmy → u/noobqns]

The frames are different. The Edge 60 Neo is still basically a squared "brick" phone, whereas the Edge 2026 has chamfering along the back and front edges of the frame to round them off. From a glance they look similar, but if you look at a top or bottom view of both (as this sub doesn't allow pics in comments) you'll see what I mean.

I did try S24 for a while as I mentioned, which is essentially same size as the 25, and was really not a fan of how it felt. A rounded case might help a bit with ergonomics but detract at least as much from extra bulk, especially as I've always used phones bare, at most with a rear skin (and since my first touchscreen phone in 2012 have still never cracked one).

[u/Independent-Gain6716]

vivo V50 was the last nice phone I held.