If you think the iPhone 17 and Galaxy S26 are boring, this rumored phone could be your last hope

For about a decade, all smartphone displays have been rather tall and narrow, including those of leading devices like the iPhone 17 and Galaxy S26. However, one major manufacturer could look into ways to do something radically different and reintroduce a form factor from a different age of smartphones.

Oppo may launch a wide-screen non-foldable phone

Oppo has given a green light to the development of a new phone with a wide screen, according to information shared (source in Chinese) by Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station. The intriguing detail of the leak is that the project is for a standard slate smartphone.

In subsequent comments, the leaker clarified that the device won’t be a tablet. Even though they haven’t given any other specifics about the upcoming phone, it would be safe to assume it’ll adopt either a 16:10 or a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Going full circle, again

Considering the development of this device is in the very early stages, we may not see it anytime soon. Still, once it’s out, it may very well feel more of a throwback than something new.

Smartphones with 16:9 displays used to be the norm across the industry, with the leading devices from basically every manufacturer sticking with it. That changed in 2017 when the Galaxy S8 and the LG G6 launched with surprisingly tall screens, shortly followed by the iPhone X.

We’re seeing a resurgence of the wider aspect ratio this year thanks to the rumored foldable iPhone Ultra, which gave a push to the latest wide-screen foldables trend. Huawei pioneered the idea with its flip foldable Pura X and the book-style Pura Max X, and Samsung is expected to join with the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

If this device truly comes out, it will make at least several people on Reddit extremely happy. One user was specifically looking for a wide-screen phone that would allow them to get a bigger on-screen keyboard, which sparked nostalgia for the days when 16:9 was the standard.

Indisputable benefits

Besides the bigger keyboard, a 16:9 display also provides a better experience when consuming content. Practically every video online comes in a 16:9 format, meaning it could use the whole wider screen without leaving black bars on the sides.

This format could also make reading certain types of documents easier. It’s also a better option for reading digital comics.

Having the choice would be welcomed

As much as I appreciate the benefits of a 16:9 smartphone display, I’d still choose a taller one for my future phones. Being able to easily handle my phone with one hand is more important for me than anything else, but I still appreciate having various options. That’s why I hope this sparks a wider adoption of the now-retro aspect ratio.

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