Is it just me or are screen sizes getting silly?

Wrathwitch · Jan 8, 2013, 09:22 AM

Seriously...

I have an S3. Amazing phone. Sweet spot for me would have been 4.5 -4.6". Now it seems that almost any company that makes a high end Android phone is going with the obscene 5.0" screen|!!

If Apple had offered even a 4.3" proportional screen I would never have switched. Now that i have, i can't imagine dealing with the Apple restrictions and lack of customization! notification light, pull down notifications with ease of access to most used phone features. The ability to say ANSWER or DECLINE and have your phone pick up for you and put itself on speaker phone.

4.8 is just too large. yes i love the larger screen, but i must say i would have been happier with an identical spec phone with 4.6...

3bs · Jan 8, 2013, 09:27 AM

Totally agree about the size. I'm not against bigger screen sizes for the people that want them but phone manufacturers are trying to make them the norm and their flagships are getting bigger and bigger. If they were offering 2 versions of their flagship with one between 4.5-4.8" and one 5"+ then I'd be fine with that.

I'm worried the S4 might be too big for me but I guess I'll have to wait and see.

AQUADock · Jan 8, 2013, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3bs

I'm worried the S4 might be too big for me but I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Me too im waiting to see what the S4 is like before a i get a new phone, if its larger than ill probably get a Nexus 4.

TheHateMachine · Jan 8, 2013, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3bs

Totally agree about the size. I'm not against bigger screen sizes for the people that want them but phone manufacturers are trying to make them the norm and their flagships are getting bigger and bigger. If they were offering 2 versions of their flagship with one between 4.5-4.8" and one 5"+ then I'd be fine with that.

I'm worried the S4 might be too big for me but I guess I'll have to wait and see.

What they will do with the S4 is reduce the bezel and increase the screen size.

The Note 2 is almost identical to the Note 1 in terms of dimensions yet the screen was increased by .25 inches.

3bs · Jan 8, 2013, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AQUADock

Me too im waiting to see what the S4 is like before a i get a new phone, if its larger than ill probably get a Nexus 4.

I have the Nexus 4 and it's a great device but I miss my S3. It felt way more comfortable to hold IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheHateMachine

What they will do with the S4 is reduce the bezel and increase the screen size.

The Note 2 is almost identical to the Note 1 in terms of dimensions yet the screen was increased by .25 inches.

It's taller though and that does make a difference for one-handed use, yes I still want to be able to use it one-handed

Sounds Good · Jan 8, 2013, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3bs

I have the Nexus 4 and it's a great device but I miss my S3. It felt way more comfortable to hold

Could you expand on this a bit? I'm curious.

Thanks!

3bs · Jan 8, 2013, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounds Good

Could you expand on this a bit? I'm curious.

Thanks!

Well the S3 is thinner and it's edges are more curved. If you can, go to a store and hold both of them and see for yourself. I'm sure there are people who prefer the way the Nexus 4 feels in the hands but not me. It's not that the Nexus 4 is uncomfortable to hold, the S3 was just more comfortable.

nickchallis92 · Jan 8, 2013, 10:02 AM

is that in the same way an S3 is more comfortable to hold than an iphone?

robanga · Jan 8, 2013, 10:02 AM

2013 will be another year of the Phablet. Zte is doing one at 5.7". That is getting close to iPad mini size.

3bs · Jan 8, 2013, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickchallis92

is that in the same way an S3 is more comfortable to hold than an iphone?

It is more comfortable to hold than the iPhone but the Nexus 4 is too.

Ericcc · Jan 8, 2013, 10:11 AM

Even if manufacturers minimize the bezel, you're going to have issues reaching the corners of the screen with ever-increasing screen sizes. Also, using the separate back/home buttons could be much more of a pain as well.

A lot of users dislike on-screen buttons, but I dislike separate buttons below the screen even more (such as on the S3). You already have a huge screen + bezel distance to wrap your hand around, and then you're supposed to bend/stretch your thumb to the bottom corners? Uncomfortable to say the least. I much prefer the N4's buttons, which I can use without re-adjusting grip.

I really hope manufacturers keep on releasing top-spec'd options around the 4.5" screen range.

Wide opeN · Jan 8, 2013, 10:35 AM

I think that the S3 is the perfect size.

It's funny because when I first saw images of the SG3 I thought it was ugly.

However, after having it two seperate times (once in July, and now more recently) I absolutely feel like it's close to being the perfect device.

The glass on this phone is the most comfortable I've ever experienced in a phone, period.

The screen size is delicious, anything bigger probably would be too much.

The SG3 is the best phone to date and made me for the first time not even make the iPhone a consideration.

My .02

Sounds Good · Jan 8, 2013, 10:43 AM

I keep reading complaints about the Pentile (?) screen on the S3 and how bad it is compared to others. How bad is it REALLY??

cynics · Jan 8, 2013, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounds Good

I keep reading complaints about the Pentile (?) screen on the S3 and how bad it is compared to others. How bad is it REALLY??

Not bad. Only a screen purist/snob get all up in arms about it. Back when pentile had a low PPI it was something noticeable. That's my opinion on it anyway.

AQUADock · Jan 8, 2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cynics

Back when pentile had a low PPI it was something noticeable. That's my opinion on it anyway.

That's true but an IPS LCD screen will always be better. Samsung skimped out on the screen on the s3.

Wide opeN · Jan 8, 2013, 12:33 PM

I'll chime in once again.

I used to think that AMOLED was wack, what with it's less that stellar brightness in the daytime and that blueish hue.

However, I've come to enjoy its' strenghs.

Deep blacks, sharper contrast, less glare, etc...

Now when I look at LCD screens they seem almost Grey and the same for blacks when powered on.

Brightness and DPI still go to LCD however.

MuffCabbage · Jan 8, 2013, 01:42 PM

I think the Galaxy Notes are just too big. Watching people use them is entertaining. Maybe people like to two hand their phones all the time, but I like my 4.3" phones and would probably be fine going GS3 size as well. 4" is a bit too small and above 5 a bit too big at this point for me.

TacticalDesire · Jan 8, 2013, 02:26 PM

After using the droid DNA I think that's the perfect screen size for me. I wouldn't go any bigger but I wouldn't go smaller than 4.65 inches (screen size). I have relatively large hands.

Zwhaler · Jan 8, 2013, 02:33 PM

Weird argument. 4.6 is perfect, but 4.8 is too big and 5.0 is obscene? The make a variety so customers can pick up what is right for them, which for me happens to be 5.5 at the moment ... keep in mind that certain features like split window multitasking really benefits from a larger screen size and wouldn't work well on something below 5" unless it was 1080p.

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounds Good

I keep reading complaints about the Pentile (?) screen on the S3 and how bad it is compared to others. How bad is it REALLY??

Not horrible but it is at a disadvantage, I'm glad they did away with it for the Note 2 and likely won't be using it in their top phones anymore.

Internaut · Jan 8, 2013, 03:07 PM

It's all a bit moot. The big screen phones sell. What amazes me is the UI designers haven't taken size into account and designed GUIs that can be sensibly used for important stuff with one hand (left or right). Perhaps this is why Apple hasn't ventured into the big screen phone space (i.e. it would violate some basic principles of UI design that Apple enforces rigorously).

ChazUK · Jan 8, 2013, 03:24 PM

I just saw this on Google+...

adder7712 · Jan 8, 2013, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounds Good

I keep reading complaints about the Pentile (?) screen on the S3 and how bad it is compared to others. How bad is it REALLY??

I didn't notice it. It's still a stunning display.

---

Wut, did Huawei just rip-off the stock S III wallpaper?

iEvolution · Jan 8, 2013, 05:36 PM

3.5" screen was totally overdue to go away in Apple land and in fact, the 4" screen is still pitiful compared to the competition.

For me the sweet spot is ~4.2-4.5". I've got a 5" Galaxy Player and while I like it it is just a bit too big for my liking.

Funny enough the new Galaxy Player coming out is going to sport a 5.8" screen which is just nuts unless you like watching movies on the go.

The phones/media player screen sizes are beginning to run into tablet world. Seems some companies have forgotten the idea portability.

bembol · Jan 8, 2013, 05:59 PM

2013 is all about 1080P so I can understand but I don't see myself buying a Super Phone bigger than 5.5".

onthecouchagain · Jan 8, 2013, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Internaut

It's all a bit moot. The big screen phones sell. What amazes me is the UI designers haven't taken size into account and designed GUIs that can be sensibly used for important stuff with one hand (left or right). Perhaps this is why Apple hasn't ventured into the big screen phone space (i.e. it would violate some basic principles of UI design that Apple enforces rigorously).

I think this is a great point. One idea could be quick controls from former android stock browser or the current android 4.2 camera controls that can brought up anywhere on the screen. Imagine able to bring up controls like that anywhere in the os. Also imagine this is a feature you can turn on/off for those who are fine using large devices and regular buttons.

Jan 8, 2013, 09:22 AM	#1
Wrathwitch macrumors 65816 Join Date: Dec 2009	Is it just me or are screen sizes getting silly? Seriously... I have an S3. Amazing phone. Sweet spot for me would have been 4.5 -4.6". Now it seems that almost any company that makes a high end Android phone is going with the obscene 5.0" screen\|!! If Apple had offered even a 4.3" proportional screen I would never have switched. Now that i have, i can't imagine dealing with the Apple restrictions and lack of customization! notification light, pull down notifications with ease of access to most used phone features. The ability to say ANSWER or DECLINE and have your phone pick up for you and put itself on speaker phone. 4.8 is just too large. yes i love the larger screen, but i must say i would have been happier with an identical spec phone with 4.6... __________________ Life is too short to dance with ugly men!
	0

Jan 8, 2013, 10:02 AM	#9
robanga macrumors 68000 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Oregon	2013 will be another year of the Phablet. Zte is doing one at 5.7". That is getting close to iPad mini size. __________________ Soli Deo gloria
	0

Jan 8, 2013, 03:24 PM	#21
ChazUK macrumors 601 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Essex (UK)	I just saw this on Google+... __________________ Laptop: Acer Aspire V5 \|8GB Ram \|500GB HD \|Windows 8 Media Player: 5th Gen iPod Touch 32GB Phones: Nexus 4 16GB \|iPhone 4 8GB \|Lumia 620 Tablets: Nexus 7 3G 32GB \|iPad2 3G 16GB \|iPad Mini 16GB
	0

Jan 8, 2013, 05:59 PM	#24
bembol macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: iCloud	2013 is all about 1080P so I can understand but I don't see myself buying a Super Phone bigger than 5.5". __________________ SHIFT_ 27" iMac Late-2012 Base w/32GB RAM & 3TB Fusion apple TV 3 (x2) \| White 72.44GB S^MSUNG Galaxy S4 \| Silver 32GB hTc One
	0

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Jan 8, 2013, 09:27 AM	#2
3bs macrumors 601 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Dublin, Ireland	Totally agree about the size. I'm not against bigger screen sizes for the people that want them but phone manufacturers are trying to make them the norm and their flagships are getting bigger and bigger. If they were offering 2 versions of their flagship with one between 4.5-4.8" and one 5"+ then I'd be fine with that. I'm worried the S4 might be too big for me but I guess I'll have to wait and see.
	0

Jan 8, 2013, 10:02 AM	#8
nickchallis92 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Mar 2012	is that in the same way an S3 is more comfortable to hold than an iphone?
	0

Jan 8, 2013, 10:11 AM	#11
Ericcc macrumors member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Montreal	Even if manufacturers minimize the bezel, you're going to have issues reaching the corners of the screen with ever-increasing screen sizes. Also, using the separate back/home buttons could be much more of a pain as well. A lot of users dislike on-screen buttons, but I dislike separate buttons below the screen even more (such as on the S3). You already have a huge screen + bezel distance to wrap your hand around, and then you're supposed to bend/stretch your thumb to the bottom corners? Uncomfortable to say the least. I much prefer the N4's buttons, which I can use without re-adjusting grip. I really hope manufacturers keep on releasing top-spec'd options around the 4.5" screen range.
	1

Jan 8, 2013, 10:35 AM	#12
Wide opeN macrumors 6502 Join Date: Aug 2010	I think that the S3 is the perfect size. It's funny because when I first saw images of the SG3 I thought it was ugly. However, after having it two seperate times (once in July, and now more recently) I absolutely feel like it's close to being the perfect device. The glass on this phone is the most comfortable I've ever experienced in a phone, period. The screen size is delicious, anything bigger probably would be too much. The SG3 is the best phone to date and made me for the first time not even make the iPhone a consideration. My .02
	4

Jan 8, 2013, 10:43 AM	#13
Sounds Good macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jul 2007	I keep reading complaints about the Pentile (?) screen on the S3 and how bad it is compared to others. How bad is it REALLY??
	0

Jan 8, 2013, 12:33 PM	#16
Wide opeN macrumors 6502 Join Date: Aug 2010	I'll chime in once again. I used to think that AMOLED was wack, what with it's less that stellar brightness in the daytime and that blueish hue. However, I've come to enjoy its' strenghs. Deep blacks, sharper contrast, less glare, etc... Now when I look at LCD screens they seem almost Grey and the same for blacks when powered on. Brightness and DPI still go to LCD however.
	2

Jan 8, 2013, 01:42 PM	#17
MuffCabbage macrumors regular Join Date: Nov 2012	I think the Galaxy Notes are just too big. Watching people use them is entertaining. Maybe people like to two hand their phones all the time, but I like my 4.3" phones and would probably be fine going GS3 size as well. 4" is a bit too small and above 5 a bit too big at this point for me.
	0

Jan 8, 2013, 02:26 PM	#18
TacticalDesire macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2012	After using the droid DNA I think that's the perfect screen size for me. I wouldn't go any bigger but I wouldn't go smaller than 4.65 inches (screen size). I have relatively large hands.
	0

Jan 8, 2013, 03:07 PM	#20
Internaut macrumors 6502 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: All over the place but mostly Somewhere in England	It's all a bit moot. The big screen phones sell. What amazes me is the UI designers haven't taken size into account and designed GUIs that can be sensibly used for important stuff with one hand (left or right). Perhaps this is why Apple hasn't ventured into the big screen phone space (i.e. it would violate some basic principles of UI design that Apple enforces rigorously).
	1

Jan 8, 2013, 05:36 PM	#23
iEvolution macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jul 2008	3.5" screen was totally overdue to go away in Apple land and in fact, the 4" screen is still pitiful compared to the competition. For me the sweet spot is ~4.2-4.5". I've got a 5" Galaxy Player and while I like it it is just a bit too big for my liking. Funny enough the new Galaxy Player coming out is going to sport a 5.8" screen which is just nuts unless you like watching movies on the go. The phones/media player screen sizes are beginning to run into tablet world. Seems some companies have forgotten the idea portability.
	0