Consumer preference for bigger smartphones on the up

[Simon]

Smartphone owners not only like big screens on their devices – they actually want bigger displays when they upgrade, according to new research from Strategy Analytics.

The average consumer preference for screen size is now 4.5in, up from a preferred size of 4.3in at the end of 2011. And "nearly all" with a smartphone wanted their next phone to have a bigger screen.

But that average preference isn't quite keeping up with the latest devices, with Samsung especially pioneering phones with huge screens. Its upcoming Mega series will encompass two new smartphones offering 5.8in (pictured) and 6.3in screens, something reviewers have dismissed as too big. That compares with a 4in screen on the iPhone 5 and a 5in display on the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Nokia, which has so far shunned larger screens, is also reportedly planning to bring out a 6in 'phablet' in a bid to keep up.

Read more: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/381751/consumer-preference-for-bigger-smartphones-on-the-up#ixzz2T4TYr6zV

[Lance]

I don't particularly want a bigger screen. Height wise the iPhone 5 seems about right and although maybe it could be a little wider there is only so far you can go before using the phone one handed becomes uncomfortable or impossible.

If people want something with a much bigger screen why not just get a tablet?

[Simon]

The line between phones and tablets is certainly becoming blurred, hence, I guess, the 'phablet'.

[Steve]

Do they have any choice with a smartphone except to get a largish screen.

[zappaDPJ]

The line between phones and tablets is certainly becoming blurred, hence, I guess, the 'phablet'.

Runs of to trademark 'Phatphone'

[Simon]

[netn00b]

i agree that my preference for screen size has been bigger each time i've upgraded.

however i keep a phone about 2 yrs i guess so inevitably screen size and quality have increased.

old nokia's in yrs past with cr*ppy small screens to my first smartphone - the HTC Desire which i think was about 4.2 or .3".  I now have the HTC One X which upped that to 4.7".

So when i upgrade it early next yr i'll probably look for something that is 5" ish.  A friend already has the new Note 2 which is 5.3"?

But i also agree there comes a time when a phone is too big for a pocket etc - the Note 2 is in that category for me.

I think the issue with a tablet is that it's another device that has to be purchased - everyone tends to want/need a phone but not necessarily a tablet (esp if you have a PC/Laptop). If the smarthpone screen is good enough it could obviate the need to also spend £200 + on  another device ?