iPhone 5s same screen size?

[blairharrington]

I don't get the obsession with big phone screens. It's a damn phone, not a tablet. iPhone has a perfect combination between being a mini computer, phone and camera. And it is certainly more than the sum of its parts unlike the Galaxy S3. I was never an Apple "fanboy" but after getting an iPhone I couldn't find anything like it ever again. I bought a Galaxy SIII because of all the hype around it and I hated it, because it was just too damn big and didn't really excel at anything its trying to do. I couldn't comfortably carry it in my pants pocket because of the size. I felt like an idiot walking around with a huge bulge in my pocket. It was a pain to take it out every time, especially with a cover on. I don't really see the necessity of such a big screen unless you are watching movies. For that, I have an iPad, and the Android crowd has a Nexus 7 or 10. But then again, I never felt crippled watching movies on the iPhone's "small" screen either. Everything is crystal clear and looks good.

I find it really hard to believe that the S3 was so hard to fit in your front pocket unless you wear especially tight pants. It's really not that much larger than an iPhone 5. It also sounds like you had a bulky cover on it and that took away from the experience for you.

A big screen has huge benefits beyond watching movies. Snapping and viewing photos, browsing the web, playing games, and using most apps will benefit greatly from a larger screen. I have an iPhone 5 right now. I think it's great except the screen is too small for my needs. While a 5" iPhone (coming in 2014 I contend) would be a step up, so would an S4, HTC One, or Xperia Z/ZL, to name just a few bigger phones that aren't especially bigger than an iPhone 5.

That's why I'm planning on getting the Optimus G Pro. Browsing the web on my smartphone is very important to me and a phablet provides the best browsing experience while still being able to fit said device into my front pocket.

Tablets are another category entirely. Most people can't and won't carry a tablet around with them 24/7 as we will with a smartphone.

There is a strong market for small smartphones. (iPhone's and the like.) Large smartphones. (S4 and the like.) And now phablets too. (Note II and the like.) Everybody has different needs with their smartphone. Just because you didn't like the S3 for whatever reasons it doesn't meant that countless others do and would prefer it over a 4" screen on their smartphone.

 

[techie81]

I find it really hard to believe that the S3 was so hard to fit in your front pocket unless you wear especially tight pants. It's really not that much larger than an iPhone 5. It also sounds like you had a bulky cover on it and that took away from the experience for you.

I too find that funny since a Note II fits in my pocket.

 

[Red Storm]

I too find that funny since a Note II fits in my pocket.

Yeah, if an S3 can't fit in someone's pocket then the problem is their miniature pockets not the phone.

 

[AMDZen]

HAHAHAHAHA...

OMG, that's hilarious.

hahahaha

haha
ha
heh

No.

And just to add an example, I still haven't found a VNC or RDP client as easy to use as iTeleport on iOS and that shit cost me $25 in 2008. The fact that you would say "the best apps are free" as an absolute rule is simply ridiculous.

And to the OP, if screen size is important to you, you should probably be planning the move to Android now. There's absolutely no guarantee that Apple is going to enter the size arms race.

iTap RDP is the best app ever. They are totally awesome too.

FYI for anyone. I purchased it for $15 on the iPhone and sent a note to them that I was switching to android and since they had an android app, could I get a discount or something, they are giving me the Android app free of charge.

Great company and will earn my business in the future.

 

[atpokey]

Yeah, if an S3 can't fit in someone's pocket then the problem is their miniature pockets not the phone.

Might have other stuff in there. I know I carry a number of keys, wallet, phone, and my misc. of the day. Sometimes it gets crowded in there. (I use front pockets for everything, I don't want to be sitting on my stuff).

 

[MD90]

The issue IMO is more with one-handed usage. Can you pull down the notification shade with one hand? Can you reach across most of the screen with your thumb(because some apps stupidly place buttons on the corners)?. Can you dial with one hand? It depends on your hand size, but for me my 4.3" Evo 4G is perfect for me. I don't always have two hands when I need to use my phone, and it's nice that I can pull out my phone and make a call or check notifications when I have a bag in the other hand or if I'm holding onto a handrail when riding the subway, etc.

IMO Apple should produce both a 4" and a 5" iPhone, just like how they produce both a 7.85" iPad and a 9.7" iPad. Everyone will be happy (except developers, maybe, who probably have to code for yet another screen resolution).

Also Android also needs some flagship 4"-4.3" phones.

 

[zerogear]

The issue IMO is more with one-handed usage. Can you pull down the notification shade with one hand? Can you reach across most of the screen with your thumb(because some apps stupidly place buttons on the corners)?. Can you dial with one hand?

Yes on SGS3, Yes on Note 2, Yes on HTC One. And I don't really have that big of hands, it's all a matter of how you position your hands.

 

[blairharrington]

The issue IMO is more with one-handed usage. Can you pull down the notification shade with one hand? Can you reach across most of the screen with your thumb(because some apps stupidly place buttons on the corners)?. Can you dial with one hand? It depends on your hand size, but for me my 4.3" Evo 4G is perfect for me. I don't always have two hands when I need to use my phone, and it's nice that I can pull out my phone and make a call or check notifications when I have a bag in the other hand or if I'm holding onto a handrail when riding the subway, etc.

IMO Apple should produce both a 4" and a 5" iPhone, just like how they produce both a 7.85" iPad and a 9.7" iPad. Everyone will be happy (except developers, maybe, who probably have to code for yet another screen resolution).

Also Android also needs some flagship 4"-4.3" phones.

All great points. I have average sized hands and on anything 5" or smaller I can operate all corners easily with one hand. With a 5.5" screen like the Note II I cannot reach the upper left corner without some shifting. The G Pro has slightly narrower side bezels and I'm thinking it will help me reach that corner. Also with the Note II and G Pro there is an option to shift the dialer and keypad which makes phone calls and texts a lot more doable with one hand.

Apple will eventually offer the iPhone in 4" and 5" varieties. I was hoping it would be this fall but it most likely will come in 2014.

The HTC First is a good option if you disable the Facebook launcher. It's stock Android and 4.3". But the camera kinda sucks. Apparently Motorola is bring some great 4"-4.3" flagships to the market this year.

 

[Zaap]

The one-handed argument is outdated. The Note 2 has a one-handed mode for typing/dialing and most operations that anyone would need it for. (Although personally I don't even need that to do most things with one hand.) Many Android keyboards also have a one-handed mode. Pulling down notifications one-handed isn't difficult either, and even if it was, some launchers like Apex let you pull down notifications by swiping down anywhere on the screen.

Just a week with my Note 2 and I realize that's just another argument people exaggerate to defend smaller screens without doing a shred of research on how easily remedied it is.

 

[Deeko]

The one-handed argument is outdated. The Note 2 has a one-handed mode for typing/dialing and most operations that anyone would need it for. (Although personally I don't even need that to do most things with one hand.) Many Android keyboards also have a one-handed mode. Pulling down notifications one-handed isn't difficult either, and even if it was, some launchers like Apex let you pull down notifications by swiping down anywhere on the screen.

Just a week with my Note 2 and I realize that's just another argument people exaggerate to defend smaller screens without doing a shred of research on how easily remedied it is.

Those one handed keyboard modes aren't the same - the phone is just too hard to hold with one hand, period. You don't have as good a grip on it and will be more prone to drop it - and yes, the notification shade is impossible to use, and no, I don't want to install Apex and use some hacky mode.

Why is it so hard for some of you to grasp the simple fact that not everyone has the same preferences as you - and that some of us want smaller screens?

 

[Zaap]

Those one handed keyboard modes aren't the same - the phone is just too hard to hold with one hand, period. You don't have as good a grip on it and will be more prone to drop it - and yes, the notification shade is impossible to use, and no, I don't want to install Apex and use some hacky mode.

Why is it so hard for some of you to grasp the simple fact that not everyone has the same preferences as you - and that some of us want smaller screens?

Good grief, talk about closed-minded.
You're whole 'argument' boils down to "NUH UH!" to anything said that counters your nonsense about large phones not being practical, and "I don't want to do anything that makes it work because I declare that inferior just because I say so!"

Then you close with total nonsense like anyone is keeping you from getting a phone with a smaller screen. I couldn't care less about what your preferences for a phone are- get the phone you want and be happy with it. Just stop telling lies about MY choice.

 

[zerogear]

Good grief, talk about closed-minded.
You're whole 'argument' boils down to "NUH UH!" to anything said that counters your nonsense about large phones not being practical, and "I don't want to do anything that makes it work because I declare that inferior just because I say so!"

Then you close with total nonsense like anyone is keeping you from getting a phone with a smaller screen. I couldn't care less about what your preferences for a phone are- get the phone you want and be happy with it. Just stop telling lies about MY choice.

Only way they feel good about their purchase is to put down other products

 

[poofyhairguy]

Every discussion on iPhone screen size/resolution always leads me to the same conclusion:

iOS app makers are the most lazy/coddled/babied developers in the history of computerdom.

iStuff eventuantually needs more resolutions and sizes. The day of hard coded bitmap images in apps is at an end.

 

[blairharrington]

Those one handed keyboard modes aren't the same - the phone is just too hard to hold with one hand, period. You don't have as good a grip on it and will be more prone to drop it - and yes, the notification shade is impossible to use, and no, I don't want to install Apex and use some hacky mode.

Why is it so hard for some of you to grasp the simple fact that not everyone has the same preferences as you - and that some of us want smaller screens?

I can only speak from my personal experience but enabling one handed modes on the Note II eliminates the struggle to text, email, dial, with one hand. The weight of the device is a non issue for me when attempting said things with one hand.

Again, I can reach the top of the screen with no problems (notification shade, etc). The only problem area is the upper left corner.

Who the hell is making the case against smaller screens? I think most of us, if not all, would agree that there is a market for smartphones that range between 4" - 5.5" and maybe a touch larger too. If a phablet doesn't work for you, that's a non-issue. No one smartphone is going to bet the best fit for every single person. That's the problem with the iPhone right now. Providing one size leaves too much opportunity for other sizes to take advantage. The S4 and HTC One will greatly benefit from this fact in 2013. Less so in 2014 if/when Apple releases a 5" model (in additional to an updated 4" model).

 

[Deeko]

Good grief, talk about closed-minded.
You're whole 'argument' boils down to "NUH UH!" to anything said that counters your nonsense about large phones not being practical, and "I don't want to do anything that makes it work because I declare that inferior just because I say so!"

Then you close with total nonsense like anyone is keeping you from getting a phone with a smaller screen. I couldn't care less about what your preferences for a phone are- get the phone you want and be happy with it. Just stop telling lies about MY choice.

You're kidding, right? This has to be among the most hypocritical nonsense to ever be posted on these forums. I'm closed minded? You're the one that can't grasp the very simple concept that not everyone wants the same thing as you. You think these various modes fix the problem those who prefer small screens have with larger ones; however, seeing as you are not one of those people, who are you to say if it is sufficient or not? As someone that has long held a preference for smaller screens, I can tell you that it doesn't fix it for me. And no amount of insults or angry typing is going to change that, I'm sorry to tell you. Also, do find and quote where I told lies about your choice - I did not, anywhere. I said your suggestions don't help me. Please do not twist and distort my statements to fit better fit your argument.

What it comes down to is that all of your mitigations are just that - mitigations, not true fixes. A smaller device is still better for one handed typing than the Note's one handed mode. Actually being able to reach the notification shade is better than changing how it works. Therefore, while your fixes make it slightly less annoying, its still more annoying than just being able to use it by default.

This is what it comes down to sport. You can like your bigger screen, and that's fine, but when those of us who prefer smaller state our preferences, who are you to belittle us for that preference? I don't attack yours, no matter what you seem to think. If we want to bemoan the lack of high end smaller devices, we will - you should be happy that Samsung is catering to you rather than attacking us for something else.

TL;DL - grow up.

 

[Deeko]

Who the hell is making the case against smaller screens? I think most of us, if not all, would agree that there is a market for smartphones that range between 4" - 5.5" and maybe a touch larger too. If a phablet doesn't work for you, that's a non-issue. No one smartphone is going to bet the best fit for every single person. That's the problem with the iPhone right now. Providing one size leaves too much opportunity for other sizes to take advantage. The S4 and HTC One will greatly benefit from this fact in 2013. Less so in 2014 if/when Apple releases a 5" model (in additional to an updated 4" model).

I agree with you and I'm simply responding to those that claim we are somehow "wrong" to prefer a smaller screen.

 

[Zaap]

among the most hypocritical nonsense to ever be posted on these forums.

Yup. And the amazing irony is, you don't even realize it.

I'm closed minded? You're the one that can't grasp the very simple concept that not everyone wants the same thing as you. You think these various modes fix the problem those who prefer small screens have with larger ones

Case in point. YES, you're extremely closed-minded. You're also dense.

Everything you accuse others of (who haven't even made the arguments you're jousting against) is true of yourself. You're the one that can't stand other people's choices. MY choice is a larger screen. I don't give a rip what your choice is- that's not up to me. Choose your own damn phone and shut up. If no one makes a phone you like, who's problem is that?

And once again mr. self-centered, I don't care if the 'various modes' that fix the problems work for YOU or not. They work for people that actually own the phone. Too difficult a concept? Can you not grasp that? Of course not, you'd actually have to start using your brain. So go back to your hypocrisy tolling lies about larger screen phones even as you accuse others of somehow limiting your choice, which you seem too dense to be able to make for yourself.

 

[blairharrington]

I agree with you and I'm simply responding to those that claim we are somehow "wrong" to prefer a smaller screen.

My apologies for misunderstanding.

 

[Zaap]

No one said he was wrong for preffering a smaller screen. He's a wanna-be victim projecting his nerd-angst onto every one else, as he even goes the opposite step and tries to make out like others are wrong for preferring a larger screen. It's called hypocrisy.

 

[WelshBloke]

You're kidding, right? This has to be among the most hypocritical nonsense to ever be posted on these forums. I'm closed minded? You're the one that can't grasp the very simple concept that not everyone wants the same thing as you. You think these various modes fix the problem those who prefer small screens have with larger ones; however, seeing as you are not one of those people, who are you to say if it is sufficient or not? As someone that has long held a preference for smaller screens, I can tell you that it doesn't fix it for me. And no amount of insults or angry typing is going to change that, I'm sorry to tell you. Also, do find and quote where I told lies about your choice - I did not, anywhere. I said your suggestions don't help me. Please do not twist and distort my statements to fit better fit your argument.

What it comes down to is that all of your mitigations are just that - mitigations, not true fixes. A smaller device is still better for one handed typing than the Note's one handed mode. Actually being able to reach the notification shade is better than changing how it works. Therefore, while your fixes make it slightly less annoying, its still more annoying than just being able to use it by default.

This is what it comes down to sport. You can like your bigger screen, and that's fine, but when those of us who prefer smaller state our preferences, who are you to belittle us for that preference? I don't attack yours, no matter what you seem to think. If we want to bemoan the lack of high end smaller devices, we will - you should be happy that Samsung is catering to you rather than attacking us for something else.

TL;DL - grow up.

No, the way its going is people are saying they like large screens and you're arguing with them saying that large screens dont work. You're even doing it in this quoted post.

People aren't criticising small screens in the way your criticising large ones. Personally I'm fine with you criticising large screens, just don't get all whiny when people disagree with you.

 

[Deeko]

No, the way its going is people are saying they like large screens and you're arguing with them saying that large screens dont work. You're even doing it in this quoted post.

People aren't criticising small screens in the way your criticising large ones. Personally I'm fine with you criticising large screens, just don't get all whiny when people disagree with you.

I will make the same request to you that I made to Zaap (which naturally he did not do - he just spit more vitriolic nonsense) - show me where I did that. He came in attacking those who like smaller screens saying that its outdated and that those people "don't do a shred of research". I had not said anything in this thread against large screens or those who prefer them with that size. He fired the opening salvo at those who prefer small screens, and when I replied that those things don't actually fix it for everyone, he got his feelings hurt and started slinging insults.

This is a technical sub forum and not P&N so I am not going to indulge him in his dishonest attempt to put words in my mouth any longer - I will just circle back to my initial post that the iPhone 5 screen size is acceptable to a lot of people.

 

[WelshBloke]

I will make the same request to you that I made to Zaap (which naturally he did not do - he just spit more vitriolic nonsense) - show me where I did that. He came in attacking those who like smaller screens saying that its outdated and that those people "don't do a shred of research". I had not said anything in this thread against large screens or those who prefer them with that size. He fired the opening salvo at those who prefer small screens, and when I replied that those things don't actually fix it for everyone, he got his feelings hurt and started slinging insults.

This is a technical sub forum and not P&N so I am not going to indulge him in his dishonest attempt to put words in my mouth any longer - I will just circle back to my initial post that the iPhone 5 screen size is acceptable to a lot of people.

Well this

What it comes down to is that all of your mitigations are just that - mitigations, not true fixes. A smaller device is still better for one handed typing than the Note's one handed mode. Actually being able to reach the notification shade is better than changing how it works. Therefore, while your fixes make it slightly less annoying, its still more annoying than just being able to use it by default.

Certainly sounds like you're saying large screens don't work.

And with this

Those one handed keyboard modes aren't the same - the phone is just too hard to hold with one hand, period. You don't have as good a grip on it and will be more prone to drop it - and yes, the notification shade is impossible to use, and no, I don't want to install Apex and use some hacky mode.

You make a complaint and disregard any solutions with a very spurious reason and finish with

Why is it so hard for some of you to grasp the simple fact that not everyone has the same preferences as you - and that some of us want smaller screens?

Which would be fine if you'd just said "I prefer smaller screens" rather than making up lots of really strained reasons why large screens don't work.

But thats as far as I'm going to dig through your posts.

 

[nickbits]

iOS app makers are the most lazy/coddled/babied developers in the history of computerdom.

If being lazy is not wanting to test on 100 different configurations then call me lazy. Right now I have a production bug in one of my apps on Android that only happens on a droid 4. When I plug the D4 specs into the emulator, the bug doesn't happen.

Give me iOS anyday.

 

[poofyhairguy]

If being lazy is not wanting to test on 100 different configurations then call me lazy.

Done.

100 Phone configurations (which seems like a lot of phones to cover but I believe you) where each always has one CPU/GPU/Sound card is much easier then PCs where any system could be made from trillions of combinations of CPUs/GPUs/Sound cards each with their own driver quirks and problems.

The only way I get Android being so hard is if you came from developing for consoles where there is only one config you are trying to max out. Otherwise pretty much all other consumer-level development is going to be harder than iOS.

 

[Deeko]

Well this

Certainly sounds like you're saying large screens don't work.

And with this



You make a complaint and disregard any solutions with a very spurious reason and finish with



Which would be fine if you'd just said "I prefer smaller screens" rather than making up lots of really strained reasons why large screens don't work.

But thats as far as I'm going to dig through your posts.

Context matters. He opened with the claim that arguments for a smaller screen are invalid because of (x). I disagreed with his claim, and refuted his attempt to insult people that prefer smaller screens. I didn't say large screens are bad, I didn't say the reasons he is was trying to refute are the only reasons to prefer a small screen, nor did I claim that he shouldn't be happy with a large screen. I was simply responding to his claims.