Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
The iPhone is uncomfortable to hold
- Thread starter iOSOS
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Yeah, the 4/4S/5 are not really that ergonomic. Beautiful, pretty etc, but not ergonomic. Apple has gone the pretty design look for these models. Now if they could combine ergonomic and pretty together, they'll be golden.
I don't find it uncomfortable to hold. I do, however, find it to be more "slippery" than the 4/4S. I know that sounds strange but I have nearly dropped the naked 5 more times than the 4/4S.
These debates are silly. Apple is going to do what Apple wants to do. Like Steve said, vote with your dollar.
So I'll make this simple, if it is uncomfortable that you don't like it, don't buy it. Tell Apple by not giving them your hard earned cash, that's the best way to be heard.
So the best way to stay comfortable now is don't hold it.
put on a hard case, plus a pouch (those fabric type would have very comfortable touch feel)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/118768113/iphone-5-pouch-iphone-5-sleeve-iphone-5
https://www.etsy.com/listing/118768113/iphone-5-pouch-iphone-5-sleeve-iphone-5
When The iPhone 4 was released I thought it looked uncomfortable to hold due the the flat back and straight edges, even put off upgrading from my beloved 3GS. However when the 3GS died it was replaced with a 4S and I loved that phone.
No I have an iPhone five and think it is great although I still prefer the smaller screen on the 4S. A near perfect iPhone for me would be the 4S retina display with the slim, lightweight feel of the Five. That would be a killer form factor and super comfortable.
No I have an iPhone five and think it is great although I still prefer the smaller screen on the 4S. A near perfect iPhone for me would be the 4S retina display with the slim, lightweight feel of the Five. That would be a killer form factor and super comfortable.
I have no such problems but that doesn't mean anything if it's uncomfortable for you.
For your particular preferences? No. No massed produced product is going to kowtow to an individual or a minority of their consumer base. If it's uncomfortable for you to hold and that's a dealbreaker then find a device that is comfortable to hold for you. No device is one-size-fits-all (literally in this case). Use what works for you.
Or try a case and see if that improves comfort for you.
Neither the 4, 4s or the 5 are blocking 3G or GPS signals either.
If it's a dealbreaker, yes. If not, you deal with it or find a workaround. Your call.
Last edited:
The only discomfort I get in holding my iPhone is the mental discomfort in knowing I'm finger printing/smudging/greasing up such a beautiful device. 
But for real though, it feels great to me. I especially like the feel of the "slate" backing on the 5 as opposed to the glass backing on the 4. I feel like the slate offers a little more grip. Also, with the 4 I felt like I was constantly smudging and greasing up the back, making for a sort of dirty/greasey/uncomfortable feel. That's really nit picking though.
But for real though, it feels great to me. I especially like the feel of the "slate" backing on the 5 as opposed to the glass backing on the 4. I feel like the slate offers a little more grip. Also, with the 4 I felt like I was constantly smudging and greasing up the back, making for a sort of dirty/greasey/uncomfortable feel. That's really nit picking though.
I learned somwthing in this thread. Discussing the ergonomics of a hand held device in the proper area of a discussion forum is bad.
I think people discussing these things does not equal hate, no reason to take it personal.
I think people discussing these things does not equal hate, no reason to take it personal.
Buy Lab C 105 case. I have one and its great. It has a curved back and comes with a usb stick that you never will use. It feels great in the hand and fits the phone perfectly. http://www.lab-c.co.kr/product/product_c100.html?pid=c105&kind=3
I use my 4S without a case and I don't have any complaints on how it feels to hold it.
...or a Galaxy Note 2. Unless you have abnormally large hands, of course.
I have tried to hold the Galaxy Note 2 and I had a problem holding it. What were they thinking!?
----------
I have tried to hold the Galaxy Note 2 and I had a problem holding it. What were they thinking!?
----------
Yes, I had the original iPhone, a 3GS and an iPad 3. I still have no complaints.
This was taken out of context. The "do I return a new car if the spare tire is hard to access" was my attempt to point out how absurd the argument "if you don't like it, return it" was.
If I just quote you saying "you deal with it or find a workaround," then it sounds like you were saying "Don't ever complain here." I don't think you meant that. Did you?
I've been saying it for years. I 3G/3GS had the best body hands down. Perfect shaped for holding. VERY sturdy construction. no need for a case.
I wish they would have kept that design, slimmed it just a touch (not that its too fat), cram it with the latest hardware and a retina screen.....BOOM prints money!
I wish they would have kept that design, slimmed it just a touch (not that its too fat), cram it with the latest hardware and a retina screen.....BOOM prints money!