Enjoy our infographic, and let us know if nostalgia is already hitting you like a train!
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Here's how screen size preferences have changed through the years (infographic)
It's interesting how our perception changes with time. For a moment, it may seem like smartphones are getting simply too big to be handled comfortably, but fast-forward a couple of years, and we find ourselves willingly dealing with even bigger handsets... It's an astonishing trend that has been amazing us here at PhoneArena for a few years now. Besides enjoying this screen size evolution thing as viewers, though, we thought it might also be fun to visualize it in the form of a cheery infographic. And guess where the data came from - you! We reminisced about what you've been telling us when it comes to your display size preferences (thankfully, it so happens that we've asked you more than once), had a good laugh at what we've considered "huge" a few years back, and, ultimately, gave the data some colorful flavor.
Enjoy our infographic, and let us know if nostalgia is already hitting you like a train!
Enjoy our infographic, and let us know if nostalgia is already hitting you like a train!
60 Comments
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 17:27
41
1. Wolf_Blitza (Posts: 59; Member since: 30 May 2014)
I remember when people called the 4.3" Galaxy S2 way too big and that the iPhone was perfect at 3.5"... the same people have the 6 Plus now.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 18:45
18
12. Commentator (Posts: 3674; Member since: 16 Aug 2011)
Well, people were smaller in the past. It's scientific fact!
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 20:31
2
22. TBomb (Posts: 708; Member since: 28 Dec 2012)
lol that was a good one
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 01:04
5
39. Cyan3boN (Posts: 444; Member since: 23 Feb 2012)
Their brains are..
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 18:48
13
13. UglyFrank (Posts: 1617; Member since: 23 Jan 2014)
That is what annoyed me, people with iPhones made fun of large phone and they even made videos comparing Samsung's to tablets but now the same people have the 6 Plus even girls with small hands have the 6Plus and they struggle to hold it.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 22:05
5
29. sgodsell (Posts: 3453; Member since: 16 Mar 2013)
The thing is even though Apple increased the screen size. The iPhone 6 still has a mid to low range resolution for its physical screen size.
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 05:07
9
41. willzzz (Posts: 33; Member since: 27 May 2015)
And the 6 Plus is huge even compared to other phones with the same screen size.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 18:53
0
15. My1cent (Posts: 342; Member since: 30 Jan 2014)
One big reason for the larger screen size is the differrece between Latin alphabet(Roman alphabet) and Asian alphabets( Chinese, Japanese, Korean).
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 19:22
12
18. fyahking (Posts: 859; Member since: 28 Jan 2015)
Yeah, and the sheep said the iphone was perfect at 3.5in. Look at them now with 4.7 and 5.5 in iphones. It's funny how these sheep are so brainless. They even said full HD screen was too much.lol
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 19:43
1
20. nctx77 (Posts: 1839; Member since: 03 Sep 2013)
And the other sheep said plastic was best and SD card slots/removable batteries were deal breakers. Fast forward to 2015.........
23. devonblue4u (Posts: 68; Member since: 12 Apr 2011)
And you've only been around for less then 2 years.....Flashback to 2013.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 19:48
1
21. nctx77 (Posts: 1839; Member since: 03 Sep 2013)
Honestly, those 3.5 inch phones were a beast when it came to one handed use. I still have my old 3.5 incher. The 4 inch is nice as well, but you can't one hand it as easy. Basically, Steve Jobs nailed it when he said 3.5 was the optimum size. It just that now, people are more willing to give up comfort for real estate.and viewing pleasure.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 21:27
0
26. Mobilephile (Posts: 146; Member since: 25 Nov 2012)
No its just that no, we use our devices much differently than 8 years ago. Times have changed and so has form factors and the evolution of technology.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 22:46
1
31. talon95 (Posts: 501; Member since: 31 Jul 2012)
I just tried typing and reading web pages on that 4" screen last week and it was hideous. Yes, 3.5" is perfect, for a flip phone.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 23:05
7
34. PBXtech (Posts: 1032; Member since: 21 Oct 2013)
One hand operation was a gimmick used by Steve Jobs to justify Apple staying in their comfort zone of 3.5" while the rest of the world moved on.
Lost track of how many times I saw people texting with two hands on iPhones with 3.5" screens.
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 05:28
2
44. QWIKSTRIKE (Posts: 1095; Member since: 09 Mar 2010)
Really...I really likes iPhone when it was introduced, but the damn screen was too small. I could barely see contacts, or anything else. HTC 4.3" evo made me leave Windows phone Mogul after many years of waiting for MS to get things right. Here I sit on Android with a Nexus 6.
My only complaint with Nexus phones is the inconsistent builds. The Nexus 6 dual speakers and screen size make it a perfect phone for "ME".
Google should keep dual speakers and make sure the next iteration has a screen at least as good as my Nexus 5. I like the Note series but the software upgrades is lacking.
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 07:21
2
48. yajia1 (Posts: 151; Member since: 22 Aug 2012)
Yes. And the stupid one handed use argument when nearly, if not all people who use iPhones with 3.5" screens use both hands when texting and/or typing. Lol.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 17:41
0
2. walid (Posts: 9; Member since: 11 Oct 2014)
I remember when i thought the galaxy S3 was too big, now i got a lumia 1520
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 17:58
3
3. bradley8795 (Posts: 61; Member since: 19 Nov 2013)
Why the hell is the ad on the mobile page larger than the infographic??? I can see at least 15 ads, but I can't even view the infographic. What the hell is up with that?
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 18:12
2
8. Ray.S (Posts: 323; Member since: 19 Jul 2011)
Sorry about that. We fixed it so it can be viewed on the mobile site.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 19:02
1
16. bradley8795 (Posts: 61; Member since: 19 Nov 2013)
Thank you. I know you guys gotta make money, but the ads have been doing this a lot lately and I finally decided to say something. Thanks for fixing it! ;)
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 18:00
4
4. theguy2345 (Posts: 1206; Member since: 24 Jun 2014)
I still think 4.3 inches is the perfect size. I went back to an old phone recently, and it was so much easier to use with one hand. It also wasn't too small that it was hard to read on it.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 18:52
2
14. UglyFrank (Posts: 1617; Member since: 23 Jan 2014)
Whereas I used a 5S the other day and struggled to type a text
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 19:25
0
19. fyahking (Posts: 859; Member since: 28 Jan 2015)
Shut up! You bought cause Apple told you it was the perfect size and 640p screen was the best.:)
25. BaffledTruffle (Posts: 506; Member since: 07 Dec 2013)
He just said 4.3" is the perfect size for him and went back to an old phone. No iPhones were mentioned, what are you talking about?
People don't need Apple to tell them that sub 5" is the way to go. It's all about how they use their phones. Now, go shut up and troll somewhere else.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 23:47
0
36. Swordylove (Posts: 183; Member since: 27 Jun 2015)
*High five!*
Me too! 4.3" if with on-screen buttons. But 4.0" if using capacitive/physical buttons.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 18:08
1
5. Ruturaj (Posts: 1297; Member since: 16 Oct 2014)
I had phone with 5 inch screen in 2012.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 18:09
3
6. kcombs (Posts: 275; Member since: 15 Dec 2010)
I remember when I had my original 5.2in Galaxy Note and it was too big, fast forward a few years now my 5.2in nexus 5 is too small. lol
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 21:31
2
28. devonblue4u (Posts: 68; Member since: 12 Apr 2011)
My GNote was big, thick, heavy and had fat bezels. Who cares, back then it was a flat screen home theater in your pocket! Went to a S4, FHD at 5". My pockets breathed a sigh of relief after the Note! Currently using LG's G3. At 5.5", QHD and a smidgen bigger than the S4 - the best of both worlds!
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 18:12
4
7. dorianb (Posts: 592; Member since: 24 Oct 2012)
Yes. I have a 6 inch phone. 4%-er FTW!!!
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 06:39
3
46. walkman800 (Posts: 113; Member since: 26 Aug 2014)
In two years your category will be the most preferred screen size ;)
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 18:13
0
9. realjjj (Posts: 366; Member since: 28 Jan 2014)
This reminded me of dumbphones and how some are still trying to make a better dumbphone but on our wirsts now. Because somehow they think we want lots of apps and internet borwsing and pictures on 1-2 inch screens.All driven by wheels and buttons because it's 1945 and we don't have touchscreens.
Watches might have nicer UIs and more fluidity but the core experience is that of a dumbphone and has anyone ever liked using the internet on dumbphones? Google is kinda starting to get it but others still want killer apps instead of focusing on what such a device can actually do better than other form factors.
Anyway an article and video with watches vs dumbphones would be fun. Nokia C1-01 vs Gear S lol
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 18:32
1
10. Hama22 (Posts: 36; Member since: 17 Jul 2015)
it`s good to see that there`re people who still love 4.5-4.99 phones they`re my personal favorites but companies nowadays even make 5.2 inch phones and call it MINI!(like the ZTE Axon Mini) it`s crazy it feels like in a couple of years there won`t be any phones with top specs and quality below 5 inches in fact even now I only know 3: Xperia Z3 Compact(the best one),Apple iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy Alpha(which is powerful but clearly prefers thinness rather than a decent battery life lol) are there any others guys?
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 21:27
3
27. 14545 (Posts: 1483; Member since: 22 Nov 2011)
It's funny how 32% of the respondents prefer a 4.5-4.99 phone, but yet all the OEM's currently refuse to make them
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 06:43
5
47. tx2ma (Posts: 7; Member since: 15 Sep 2012)
Exactly. I just got a Z3 Compact - unlocked obviously - and instantly fell in love. I can text with one hand again! Every comments thread, every forum, etc all have a contingency of folks who want a smaller high-end phone... Yet you have to look high and low just to find one. Who the hell is in charge of marketing at the carriers and OEMs ? Seems like a cocky omission on their part to me, not to mention a lot of ignored profit.
54. 14545 (Posts: 1483; Member since: 22 Nov 2011)
Exactly. I would probably buy a Z3c if it were on VZW. But.... I have the worlds chittiest carrier, so not so much luck.
60. nghtwng68 (Posts: 91; Member since: 26 Nov 2009)
I have the Z3 Compact as well.
PERFECT SIZE! With a great battery and does everything I need it do flawlessly!
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 08:08
0
49. SitiNurbaya0 (Posts: 153; Member since: 22 May 2015)
It no crazy.
The OEM know more than we.
that 4.5-4.99 is mostly cheap phone.
noone want expensive small phone.
Youre the funny.
53. 14545 (Posts: 1483; Member since: 22 Nov 2011)
I want an expensive small phone. Only there are no on my carrier. So clearly you don't know what you are talking about. You have no proof that all the people that want a
57. SitiNurbaya0 (Posts: 153; Member since: 22 May 2015)
The reason is vote with money. i know you want expensive small phone. but only you and 1 or 2 or 3 other you.
manufacture build phone base what people want. (vote with money), and fact people want as big screen they can put in pocket. they donnot care 1 or 2 or 3 hand usage.
the infograpic say it.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 18:44
1
11. Commentator (Posts: 3674; Member since: 16 Aug 2011)
I always wondered what PhoneArena polls were for, and now I know!
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 19:13
0
17. dimas (Posts: 1997; Member since: 22 Jul 2014)
I'm still part of the quite lonely down here club.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 21:20
3
24. Mobilephile (Posts: 146; Member since: 25 Nov 2012)
This infographic is confusing and poorly designed, seriously.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 22:22
0
30. KaptainKlutch (Posts: 23; Member since: 16 Jul 2015)
I love big phones, back then I complained about them I'm not lying. Nowadays I won't settle for less than 5 inches. I use a phablet that's 5.5 and I think it's the perfect size. Most of my friends use IPhones and they comment on the size of my phone.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 22:55
1
32. Loveneesh (Posts: 156; Member since: 14 Jul 2015)
I think phones with 4 inch to 5.2 screen size phones are best.
who wants that phone which not comfertable hands and you have to use it by both hands.
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 23:05
0
33. brasstax (Posts: 283; Member since: 16 Apr 2014)
Actually, screen sizes have rather stalled in 2015. Back in 2013, we had the 6.1 inch ascend mate, the 6.3 inch mega and the 6.4 inch z ultra.
In 2014, the largest mainstream phone was the 6 inch Nexus 6. LG released a smaller G Flex 2 and Samsung released a smaller 5.96 inch mega 2. The note 4 remained stuck at 5.7 inches.
So far this year, most phablets have been 5.5 in inchers with an occasional 6 inch phone from ZTE or Gionee. But those are unlikely to be available outside China.
So infact, 2013 was the year of humongous mainstream phones & the size has shrunk steadily since.
Personally, I have the z ultra & am fervently hoping for Sony to out a successor this year. I also wish that the Note 5 has a 6 inch screen. I think the Note deserves a screen bigger than 5.7 inches. After all, Samsung has perfected the art of making use of large screens. Note multitasking features in a 6 inch screen will do fine.
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 05:16
0
42. Leo_MC (Posts: 1232; Member since: 02 Dec 2011)
How about 7" huawei phones?
posted on 24 Jul 2015, 23:39
3
35. Swordylove (Posts: 183; Member since: 27 Jun 2015)
Well well well... looks like I'm in the 6% minority (4"-4.49"). No wonder not a single phonemaker cares about me now. :( Thanks PhoneArena for further encouraging the trend for larger phones. I want to leave this world.
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 08:09
0
50. SitiNurbaya0 (Posts: 153; Member since: 22 May 2015)
No.
phonemaker already know
phonearena just telling you to not cry for small phone.
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 00:27
2
38. p51d007 (Posts: 233; Member since: 24 Nov 2013)
I started out in 2010 with a Dell Streak 5, people said I was nuts...no one wants a screen THAT big. Then in mid 2011, I jumped on the Galaxy Note, people said really? THAT big?
Last June, I got a Huawei Mate2 (6.1"). People said I was nuts. No, just ahead of my time.
I don't like to squint at TINY screens!
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 08:15
0
51. SitiNurbaya0 (Posts: 153; Member since: 22 May 2015)
agree with you.
but you will surprise if go to asia.... in asia, you were the average
in asia, low end, high end.. everything must at least 5"+ (last-last year), or better 5.5"+ (now).
you can find 5.5" phone for US$ 150, US$200, US$ 250 and so on.
even school children use cheap(or no cheap) 5"+ or cheap(or no cheap) 5.5"+ phone.
noone care one hand use in asia.
they donnot read english news.
they donnot know apple 1 hand marketing.
so they don't care
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 01:25
1
40. Sovat_fc (Posts: 224; Member since: 30 Aug 2014)
As an addicted reader, 5.5 inch is perfect for me!!
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 05:17
0
43. Leo_MC (Posts: 1232; Member since: 02 Dec 2011)
How about reading a book?
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 19:47
0
56. Sovat_fc (Posts: 224; Member since: 30 Aug 2014)
No, I don't read a book but a blog. XD
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 05:34
1
45. mixedfish (Posts: 1161; Member since: 17 Nov 2013)
Phones need to stay at 5" or a number that rounds down to 5".
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 23:17
0
58. SitiNurbaya0 (Posts: 153; Member since: 22 May 2015)
In 5 year, the clothes we wear will be evolution.
the front pocket can put 7" phone.
the pants pocket can put 9" tablet.
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 09:35
3
52. RandomUsername (Posts: 808; Member since: 29 Oct 2013)
4.3" is perfect for me. For everything that needs a big screen, I've got an 8" tablet.
posted on 25 Jul 2015, 19:29
0
55. joevsyou (Posts: 740; Member since: 28 Feb 2015)
i think 5in is that Perfect size for the average person. obliviously we want bigger screens but you have to balance that with the the conformity in the average person hand
posted on 26 Jul 2015, 21:42
1
59. aldridhl (Posts: 72; Member since: 12 Feb 2011)
the argument saying that people are "voting with their wallets" about screen size is moot when OEMs wont even bother making high end sub 4.5" phones anymore.
