Big phones are uncomfortable.

[Brian Stirling]

The optimal max size for a phone can probably best be described by taking the distance between the tip of your middle finger to your wrist and multiplying that number by 2/3. For me that means a 5.5" screen. For most people it probably means something more along the lines of an iphone 5, which is probably why apple stayed at that size for so long... I'm sure they had a whole team of people doing all sorts of ergonomic tests, and I bet they came up with a similar formula to the one above. For those with small hands, even the iphone is probably unconfortably large.

Who says everyone bases phone purchase decisions based on one handed operation -- I don't!

I have an HTC One (original) with the 4.7 inch screen but fairling large top and bottom bezels to fit the speakers and I often operate one handed and I have average sized hands. But, when I want to interact more I tend to operate two handed and why should that be a crime?

My HTC One fits, comfortably, in my left front pants pocket while my iP5S fits in my left rear pants pocket -- I have a minimum case for my iPhone but no case at all for the One. There's not a mark on my One in 13 months of use and I use it 2X as much as my iPhone.

Again, not everyone bases phone purchase decisions solely or even at all on one handed operation...


Brian

 

[thedosbox]

You can make some argument *if* you value one handed use over anything else, but there's tons of people to whom a larger screen is a happy tradeoff for 2 handed use.

Indeed there are, but what's hilarious about this thread is that when anyone explains that they use their phone one handed, the "bigger is better" brigade react as if someone is taking their big phones away from them.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

I don't understand how me with small hands for a woman can use these phones just fine one handed (HTC M8 atm) and grown ass men whine on internet forums about them.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Can't we just let this die and agree there's no optimal size? You can make some argument *if* you value one handed use over anything else, but there's tons of people to whom a larger screen is a happy tradeoff for 2 handed use.

IMO it's like laptops - smartphones no longer have a single target use. Some people want an ultraportable, some people want something in between, and some people want a workhorse with a big screen.

I will agree that Android historically hasn't had very good choices in the 'smaller' category and it's a legitimate complaint if iOS is no longer satisfying. Excluding the one off Z1 Compact which is great, the current gen 'minis' at least look to be decent with 720p screens and fast enough SOCs to not notice any lag.

People just don't get it. There's different preferences for different folks. That's pretty much it.

At the end of the day, the OP is not asking for Samsung to stop making 5.5" phones or an end to the OnePlus One phone. He's wishing for reasonable choices for someone looking for a smaller phone. That's it. For those who want bigger phones, or smaller phones, that's all fine. There's isn't only one correct size.

 

[dawheat]

People just don't get it. There's different preferences for different folks. That's pretty much it.

At the end of the day, the OP is not asking for Samsung to stop making 5.5" phones or an end to the OnePlus One phone. He's wishing for reasonable choices for someone looking for a smaller phone. That's it. For those who want bigger phones, or smaller phones, that's all fine. There's isn't only one correct size.

One thing that's surprised me is that Samsung seems to be willing to create a phone for every niche and invent niches to make phones. So why haven't they even tested the waters with a high end mini phone. People may not like use of plastic, but packaging and manufacturing have always been their strength and I imagine they could create a S5 mini with high end specs if they simply chose to.

 

[cronos]

One thing that's surprised me is that Samsung seems to be willing to create a phone for every niche and invent niches to make phones. So why haven't they even tested the waters with a high end mini phone. People may not like use of plastic, but packaging and manufacturing have always been their strength and I imagine they could create a S5 mini with high end specs if they simply chose to.

I think this says a lot about what their market research results are compared to our perception.

If Samsung, the company that many says will just make dozens of different devices 'just because they can' and 'see what will stick' wouldn't do that, then it clearly means that these just won't sell at all.

 

[openwheel]

People just don't get it. There's different preferences for different folks. That's pretty much it.

At the end of the day, the OP is not asking for Samsung to stop making 5.5" phones or an end to the OnePlus One phone. He's wishing for reasonable choices for someone looking for a smaller phone. That's it. For those who want bigger phones, or smaller phones, that's all fine. There's isn't only one correct size.

No pal, "you" don't get it. You don't want to understand why the market wants 5 inch phones because Apple tells you otherwise.

So a few of you want extreme resolution, huge battery, high end SoC, Dual loud speakers, precious metal, kidneys, and everything in the kitchen sink all packaged into a 6.5mm thin phone with a screen small enough so your average sized thumb can reach all corners. Well tough luck, that device does not exist and will never exist. Not even the almighty Apple, Inc can make one.

The Moto X is not good enough because it does not have 1080p or quadcore, the S5 Mini is not good enough because it does not have the fastest processor.....blah blah blah.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

No pal, "you" don't get it. You don't want to understand why the market wants 5 inch phones because Apple tells you otherwise.

So a few of you want extreme resolution, huge battery, high end SoC, Dual loud speakers, precious metal, kidneys, and everything in the kitchen sink all packaged into a 6.5mm thin phone with a screen small enough so your average sized thumb can reach all corners. Well tough luck, that device does not exist and will never exist. Not even the almighty Apple, Inc can make one.

The Moto X is not good enough because it does not have 1080p or quadcore, the S5 Mini is not good enough because it does not have the fastest processor.....blah blah blah.

Sorry, you're the one who has a comprehension problem. I get there is a market for 5" and 5+" phones. I myself am looking at the OnePlus One which is 5.5," but what you fail to recognize is that there is a market that wants below 5." It's not just because Apple said so. You're the one that continues to invoke Apple. Why don't you take a look at this /r/android thread about the Moto X+1. There's more than a few users there talking about how their phones are already at what they'd consider to be the upper limit of size for them. Are you going to call every one of those guys who are hoping for nothing bigger than a 5" an Apple fanboy?

What you fail to recognize is that there IS a market out there for less than 5" phones and its not just driven by Apple. Even if it is, so what? Why are you so against a sub 5" market? Does it hurt your 5.5" phone? Are you so butt hurt by those who want a smaller flagship that you have to lash out at them?

 

[openwheel]

I just love it when "Man thumb 101-4 inch is perfection Professor" first argues against large phones, writes a dissertation about it on Anandtech forum, then turns around to try to be the neutral "different stroke for different folks" guy.

Give it up already, it is ridiculous to claim Galaxy S4 as "GIGANTIC" while claiming iPhone as "forgets its there". Trying for argue for this statement is ludicrous and impossible without showing your heavy bias. We all know you are the fruit crusader, but come on....

Yes, there is a market for small, medium, and big phones. Duh! You simply fail to realize the trend is getting bigger, and people are adapting to bigger phones, including yourself. You shouldn't claim other people "don't get it" because it is merely "you" who aren't getting it.

Arguing on the internet, where everyone looks like a douche.

 

[TwiceOver]

I love my Mega 6.3" I wish it had better hardware, and I'll probably be leaving it for that reason alone in the near future, but it's still great. Can I one hand it? Not really, but just about. When I set it on a table people ask "How do you carry something that big?" and scoff at me. Then when they get up to leave, put their phone in their back pocket, same thing I do.

I personally don't care, use what is comfortable to you. My issue is that I've been through about 5 tablets now and eventually I just end up going back to my phone. So instead of continuing that insanity, just go up in phone size.

Now, I must say, I use the term "phone" very loosely to categorize a device on which I basically never talk on. I think I use 50 minutes a month, at best really. I carry a tablet, that sends and receives phone calls. It's also nice that I can make it ~50 hours between charges with regular use.

 

[Zaap]

The Galaxy Notes have a one-handed mode, if that's so damned important to someone. Just because you have a larger screen doesn't mean you *HAVE* to use the entire screen as a control surface. That's just the usual exaggeration-thinking that goes into most of these discussions. Its kind of like 'arguing' to buy a car with less legroom, rather than figure out how to adjust your freakin' seat.

Using Nova Launcher and others, you don't need to actually reach to the top to pull down notifications- just using a downward gesture anywhere on the screen pulls it down.

Anyway, all of this nonsense keeps going full-circle. When I was using a 4.3" phone, I recall all the tiny-warriors arguing til they were blue in the face that that was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo big, and that the perfect size was, of course, 3.5".

Nice to see now that the "perfect size" is once again whatever the iPhone is at (and will be stuck at for years). It'll be hilarious when a potentially larger iPhone 6 becomes the new "perfect size". Gee, let's hope so. Since it'll be YEARS before we see a further update in whatever form factor that is, it better be pretty damned perfect.

 

[Red Storm]

Nice to see now that the "perfect size" is once again whatever the iPhone is at (and will be stuck at for years). It'll be hilarious when a potentially larger iPhone 6 becomes the new "perfect size". Gee, let's hope so. Since it'll be YEARS before we see a further update in whatever form factor that is, it better be pretty damned perfect.

Even on the iPhone (have a 5 given to me by my employer), one handed operation totally depends on the app. Having to reach to the top left corner just to go back in Mail is ridiculously stupid and annoying, I really miss the dedicated back button in Android. And don't get me started on the keyboard, typing one-handed is an exercise in failure as well, no numbers on main keyboard, no frequently used symbols, no gesture based (aka swipe style) typing. Ironically on my huge Android phones one-handed operation is easier and more efficient than on the tiny iPhone.

 

[thedosbox]

The Galaxy Notes have a one-handed mode, if that's so damned important to someone. Just because you have a larger screen doesn't mean you *HAVE* to use the entire screen as a control surface. That's just the usual exaggeration-thinking that goes into most of these discussions. Its kind of like 'arguing' to buy a car with less legroom, rather than figure out how to adjust your freakin' seat.

One handed use isn't just about the control surface, it's about keeping a secure grip on the device when standing on the bus. Gloves come in different sizes for a reason.

Again, folks who want smaller devices don't have a problem with people who like bigger devices. Yet the latter group seem intent on dismissing the former.

Once again - nobody is saying stop making big phones.

The Moto X is not good enough because it does not have 1080p or quadcore, the S5 Mini is not good enough because it does not have the fastest processor.....blah blah blah.

How is this different from the "discussions" over any new flagship device? People complain about the HTC One's bezels, or Samsung's TouchWiz or LG's random UI choices.

 

[cronos]

One handed use isn't just about the control surface, it's about keeping a secure grip on the device when standing on the bus. Gloves come in different sizes for a reason.

Again, folks who want smaller devices don't have a problem with people who like bigger devices. Yet the latter group seem intent on dismissing the former.

Once again - nobody is saying stop making big phones.

As one of the people who don't think much about phones with tiny screens (4.5" or smaller), I completely agree with your opinion on this. I have absolutely zero need to voice any kind of concerns if manufacturers are making some of these super powered top of the line flagships with small screens. In fact, for heaven's sake, please do! At least it will stop some of the whining.

Having said that, read a couple of posts up about my thought regarding this. If even Samsung doesn't want to do it, there must be a good reason.

 

[ElFenix]

my nexus 5 doesn't really fit in my pants when i'm driving. kind of annoying.

 

[Zaap]

Again, folks who want smaller devices don't have a problem with people who like bigger devices. Yet the latter group seem intent on dismissing the former.

Yes, because you're posting this in a thread entitled "Tiny phones are dumb".

Oh wait... no you aren't.

 

[thedosbox]

Yes, because you're posting this in a thread entitled "Tiny phones are dumb".

Oh wait... no you aren't.

Keep up, we're on page 7. The conversation has moved on from the OP.

Having said that, read a couple of posts up about my thought regarding this. If even Samsung doesn't want to do it, there must be a good reason.

The market research comment? Sure, market research can tell manufacturers what people think they want. Doesn't mean it's infallible. Samsung's research apparently told them people didn't care about slippery plastic backs - despite some vocal press & "enthusiast" complaints. So they stuck with them through 3 generations and multiple product lines.

Then something changed that resulted in the S5 having a dimpled, matte back. Did they do that in response to market research? Or to their competitors going a different route?

Point being, market research can't tell you much about a market segment that hasn't been served.

 

[openwheel]

People will bitch and moan until the end of time. Never ending complaint about phones not small enough until new iPhone tells them otherwise. They want best SoC, OIS, big battery, no bezel, untra thin, precious metal, and everything in the kitchen sink all for $300 off contract. Remember all the bitching about Moto X initial launch price? It was hundreds below a typical flagship from Samsung and Apple but still not good enough because people are spec and brand whores. Turns out Moto X was one of the best phones regardless of price, and still is.

There are many small android phones in the market. How hard it it to just pick one? Can't pick a "mini" version of their flagship due to cellphone envy? Must be the guy who gets jealous of the other guy having a prettier phone with faster CPU?

 

[cronos]

The market research comment? Sure, market research can tell manufacturers what people think they want. Doesn't mean it's infallible. Samsung's research apparently told them people didn't care about slippery plastic backs - despite some vocal press & "enthusiast" complaints. So they stuck with them through 3 generations and multiple product lines.

Then something changed that resulted in the S5 having a dimpled, matte back. Did they do that in response to market research? Or to their competitors going a different route?

Point being, market research can't tell you much about a market segment that hasn't been served.

What I know is they've been really successful recently, and that's without making even a single one tiny flagship that 'a lot of people' seem to be drooling at.

Look, I don't know for sure what exactly have Samsung market research been saying. I'm not privy to their internal documents. All I'm saying is in the past three years Samsung zipped through to the top and that means they are doing things right. If they neglected to make this very specific type of phone while making dozens of different types throughout the years (to the ridiculous point where people are mocking them for whoring out all kinds of different combinations of stuff just to see what will sell), I'm sure it's not by chance.

That's why I said that it's about perception. What we read on the internet (and this includes the 'slippery plastic backs' as you mentioned) and what they believed to be true clearly is not in agreement. People are whining on the internet, they still didn't do it, and they kept getting more successful.

There's also a slight chance that you guys don't whine loud enough. It won't hurt to try harder. I mean, what have you got to lose? Sony is probably the only one who got pretty close with the Z1 compact. Who knows, maybe in the next few months some other company will take a chance as well.

 

[blairharrington]

I just sold my Nexus 5 (which was great) for a Moto X. I prefer the smaller footprint greatly with respect to ergonomics. The Nexus 5 definitely felt a touch too big for my liking. The majority of new Android phones hitting the market are larger than the Nexus 5.