Never needed a smartphone before because I was sitting in an office in front of computer most of the day. Now that I'm out and about all day, I'd like to get one. I am used to being able to slip my Nokia in the smallest of pockets and still be able to sit down. I don't want a 5 inch plus screen, but it seems that it's hard to find a decent model with a 4 inch screen. Screen size and processing power seem to increase together, seems you can't get 4 inch screen with decent processor and memory.

Having said all that, I really just want email access, messenger, etc. and occasionally look up a bit of info. Not running 3D gaming. What would a "Samsung J1 Mini" be like? It's got the 4 inch screen, runs 5.1 lollipop, 8GB storage + 1GB RAM, 800x480 screen, and inexpensive. I know none of that is groundbreaking, but I'm not after much, my priority is to have something small. I see reviews ranging from 'great' to 'hopeless', which leads me to think there are some people who just want a simple phone and like it, while the others simply had unrealistic high hopes for what is only intended to be a simple phone.

Would it be a total dog, or be just fine for my purpose?

If not the Samsung J1 Mini, any suggestions for other 4 inch screens welcome. I'll stretch to 4.5 inch if absolutely necessary, but not 5 inch. (No iOS thanks, and I don't want to start an iOS vs Android thread, even though I know that is exactly what is about to happen )

Moto E if you can still get it would probably suit. The camera isn't fantastic, the screen is 4.3. It was released about 2 years ago, so probably considered an antique by now. I'm happy with mine.
www.pcworld.idg.com.au/review/motorola/moto_e/551545/

Check the Chinese sites like Banggood & gearbest. The have great Chinese phones from xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, etc, great prices, fantastic specs, keep an eye on delivery times though if you're in a hurry.

This kinda thing
http://m.banggood.com/VKworld-F1-4_5-Inch-1GB-RAM-8GB-ROM-MT6580-1_3GHz-Quad-core-Smartphone-p-1040063.html

I hear what you say about size and when I jumped it was from a "rugged" android 2 o/s phone = small screen by default 5+.. yrs old) to Marshmellow = v 6.0.. I hesitated then bit the bullet and picked up a Nexus 6 (1 generation old at the time = removes the price hike experienced by "must have new" current models) = 6"(inch) screen. It is mostly used for entertainment and sourcing information.. work as required but desk and laptop used out of preference. I have not adapted my ward drobe - it fits. To be honest I am a bit over the hill to want skin tight clothes!! To get around the sit down problem I have a phone holder / charger (QNAP) in the car and get it out of my pocket if required.. - you will not be alone doing that !!.

Unless you are really opposed try a bigger phone out - I am wrapped - I also take it when out kiting in a pouch. I now have a habit of watching AFL - G8 app for this (NRL too) when working n the man cave and where ever I feel like it.. But regardless get the highest resolution you can it pays dividends for your eyes..

Thanks for the link Kiteboy Dave

Cheers
AP

I'd avoid the cheaper Samsungs -- had no so great experience with them as phones I got for family members--reliability problems. Might just be bad luck, but happened more than once. Have had good experience with Motorola, so I agree Moto E is a good choice if (like above) you can still get get hold of one.

I went to the smallest one possible for similar reasons you suggest, and it was a bad move. I know you are not suggesting something this small (samsung galaxy pocket neo GT S 5310B), but this is what I got. I have had great experience on average with samsung stuff in the past, but this smartphone is absolute crap. Slow, hard to operate, way too small. Screen size 60mm x 45mm.

If you just want a little smart phone that works get an iPhone SE. There said it.

I don't have one myself and will never get an iPhone however my wife has one and she loves it.

I got the SE and it's brilliant but it is 5". Basically the size of the iPhone 5 but all the running gear of the 6S.

I bought the SE for the same reason. Runs a treat no issues.

Missus also likes the SE. Me I'd pay not to have Apple. Moto g3, probably too big for your needs.

SE is looking good. I never realised it had the iPhone 6 guts. But I get the impression that iOS products suffer from built-in obsolescence more than Android. Is that a misconceived notion?

iphone 4
Sure it's old, but still powerful enough. And small.

The panhandlers (beggars) in my country sure could use smaller iPhones.
Every once in awhile I'll see a beggar on the corner with a cardboard sign in one hand saying "Need food, anything will help, God bless", or something to that effect, and then with an IPhone in the other hand.
What's wrong with that picture?

Select to expand quote

Harrow said..
SE is looking good. I never realised it had the iPhone 6 guts. But I get the impression that iOS products suffer from built-in obsolescence more than Android. Is that a misconceived notion?

That's a little bit of the reason I wouldn't want one. For less than half the money I can have something with better hardware and not locked into the ridiculousness of iTunes and computer syncing if locked out etc etc . But some people prefer the package that is apple. Along with the premium price.

Re the iPhone 4 yeah it wasn't a terrible thing and it still works ok but SE side by side they are chalk and cheese.

Might I suggest you take a look at the Sony Xperia Z3 and Z5 compact phones, they have got good reviews (Z5 = newer model of Z3, but more pricey). Brand new Z3 can be had on ebay for cheap..

I-Phone 5se , they are great and small enough to fit into your jeans pocket.

Value for money with a smallish screen motorolla moto g awesome phone. I wanted a bigger screen so I ve just upgrade to a ziaomi redmi 5.5 inch screen $208 inc shipping another great value phone. Some one on seabreeze suggested it in a post.

Good place to do some research in phones is on the Whirlpool forum.

https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/140

iPhone
4 or 5
Its standard unlike some smaller manufacturers, still does everything the same without an acre of glass, stick it in a Lifeproof case and its waterproof.... AND still has a headphone jack.

It's looking like the SE is leading. A 4 inch version of the iPhone 6 for $379 sounds pretty good.

Select to expand quote

Harrow said..
It's looking like the SE is leading. A 4 inch version of the iPhone 6 for $379 sounds pretty good.

You're starting to live up to you're avatar then mate

Select to expand quote

Mastbender said..
The panhandlers (beggars) in my country sure could use smaller iPhones.
Every once in awhile I'll see a beggar on the corner with a cardboard sign in one hand saying "Need food, anything will help, God bless", or something to that effect, and then with an IPhone in the other hand.
What's wrong with that picture?

Absolutely nothing.

What's the first thing you need to get a job? A phone. How about a home? a phone. Reconcile with your family? a phone.

What's the last thing you hang onto when everything turns to poo? Your phone.

What's the cheapest form of entertainment (that you can do in public). Phone.

An older model phone can be had for virtually nothing.

Do you subscribe to the old "christian" view that those in poverty need to wallow in abject misery to be virtuous?

Select to expand quote

kk said..
You're starting to live up to you're avatar then mate

Yeah, I know. Find me a 4 inch Android phone with the power of an iPhone 6, and I'll stop the madness.

Select to expand quote

kiteboy dave said..

Mastbender said..
The panhandlers (beggars) in my country sure could use smaller iPhones.
Every once in awhile I'll see a beggar on the corner with a cardboard sign in one hand saying "Need food, anything will help, God bless", or something to that effect, and then with an IPhone in the other hand.
What's wrong with that picture?

Absolutely nothing.

What's the first thing you need to get a job? A phone. How about a home? a phone. Reconcile with your family? a phone.

What's the last thing you hang onto when everything turns to poo? Your phone.

What's the cheapest form of entertainment (that you can do in public). Phone.

An older model phone can be had for virtually nothing.

Do you subscribe to the old "christian" view that those in poverty need to wallow in abject misery to be virtuous?

I never thought about it that way before, but it does make sense. They are that cheap that its not really a luxury any more.

S7 fits in my jeans pocket just fine Just get over it eventually I guess