Poll results: Is metal becoming the new plastic?

31comments
Samsung Galaxy J5
Dimensions

5.59 x 2.83 x 0.31 inches

142.1 x 71.8 x 7.9 mm

Weight

5.15 oz (146 g)

LG G5
Dimensions

5.88 x 2.91 x 0.29 inches

149.4 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm

Weight

5.61 oz (159 g)

Xiaomi Redmi 3
Dimensions

5.48 x 2.74 x 0.33 inches

139.3 x 69.6 x 8.5 mm

Weight

5.08 oz (144 g)

Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe
Dimensions

6.16 x 3.05 x 0.3 inches

156.4 x 77.4 x 7.5 mm

Weight

6.00 oz (170 g)

Samsung Galaxy J5
Dimensions

5.59 x 2.83 x 0.31 inches

142.1 x 71.8 x 7.9 mm

Weight

5.15 oz (146 g)

LG G5
Dimensions

5.88 x 2.91 x 0.29 inches

149.4 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm

Weight

5.61 oz (159 g)

Xiaomi Redmi 3
Dimensions

5.48 x 2.74 x 0.33 inches

139.3 x 69.6 x 8.5 mm

Weight

5.08 oz (144 g)

Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe
Dimensions

6.16 x 3.05 x 0.3 inches

156.4 x 77.4 x 7.5 mm

Weight

6.00 oz (170 g)

Compare these and other phones using our Size Comparison tool.


Today, even budget handsets like Samsung's new J-series, or affordable phones from Xiaomi or Meizu, can be clad in some sort of an aluminum alloy, down to the sub-$200 ones. That is why we asked you last week whether you think that metal is slowly turning into the new plastic, and, given how ubiquitous it has become, can we really call it a "premium" design anymore? 

Well, it seems that our respondents are pretty split on the matter, although just 30% of you think that a metal phone is nothing to write home about these days. The rest are either liking the material, no matter how popular it is becoming, or are considering a well-done metal handset to have a premium design still.

Is metal becoming the new plastic?

Yes, a metal phone is totally unremarkable now
30.38%
It might be, but I like metal chassis, so I'm cool with that
35.82%
No, metal still makes for a premium phone design if done well
33.8%

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