Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
The debate about screen sizes reminds me of when the 5.3" screen Samsung Galaxy Note was launched back in 2011. For context, that same year and around the same time Apple announced the 3.5" iPhone 4S, the last phone of the Steve Jobs era. That original Note's screen was described as colossal, huge, or gargantuan, and reviewers claiming it was a cross between a phone and a tablet coined the term 'Phablet.' Some reviewers loved it, some loathed it, a lot of them could see no future for such big phone screens because they needed two hands and "looked ridiculous" when held to the ear. Well, it sold by the million because enough of Joe Public liked big screens, and it set a trend continuing to this day. It's still true that big screens require two hands, one to hold and one to poke, but I don't think anyone's bothered about holding a paperback-sized phone to their head, and who can seriously expect a mass move move back to smaller screens? Looking through this most interesting thread I can only see subjonas arguing for 3.5", but Apple insisted for years that was the ideal size based on average hand dimensions. There must surely be a limit to how big phone screens get, even if they fold or roll up like ancient manuscripts so can get them in our pockets. Mustn't there?
I don’t think the majority of society will ever shift back to small screen phones like before, but there could still someday be a large market for small phones if there is ever some sort of sweeping fad of trying to minimalize or cut down on screen time. But what I think will happen first is AR/HUD glasses will become prevailing screen of choice. This would allow people to have as big of a virtual screen as they want, which would cut out the need for a big screen phone. It still could be awhile before this happens though.
 
The debate about screen sizes reminds me of when the 5.3" screen Samsung Galaxy Note was launched back in 2011. For context, that same year and around the same time Apple announced the 3.5" iPhone 4S, the last phone of the Steve Jobs era. That original Note's screen was described as colossal, huge, or gargantuan, and reviewers claiming it was a cross between a phone and a tablet coined the term 'Phablet.' Some reviewers loved it, some loathed it, a lot of them could see no future for such big phone screens because they needed two hands and "looked ridiculous" when held to the ear. Well, it sold by the million because enough of Joe Public liked big screens, and it set a trend continuing to this day. It's still true that big screens require two hands, one to hold and one to poke, but I don't think anyone's bothered about holding a paperback-sized phone to their head, and who can seriously expect a mass move move back to smaller screens? Looking through this most interesting thread I can only see subjonas arguing for 3.5", but Apple insisted for years that was the ideal size based on average hand dimensions. There must surely be a limit to how big phone screens get, even if they fold or roll up like ancient manuscripts so can get them in our pockets. Mustn't there?

What happens is if you only offer a large screen then you’ll get used to it is the premise.
 
  • Like
Reactions: compwiz1202
Thanks just checked them out. I don’t think for me but an interesting case. I’ve always used a Magpul Field case.

Definitely not for everyone. I feel like more women use it than men, likely because if they have kids it seems like they always have their hands full, and it’s easy to catch the loop on your finger on the way out the door.
 
I wouldn't mind trying out a smaller phone, but this would be the smallest.

I've always liked the Galaxy Notes (and still is my daily driver), and as someone mentioned a 5.4 iPhone is still (original) Note-sized.

For me, small size as an excuse for one-handed use is not valid. Anything past the 3.5" iPhone screen necessitated me to shift to the lobster-claw technique (three fingers in the back, pinkie on the bottom mainly), and I've been using large-screen devices one-handed for so long that this is a non-issue.

I can almost do drummer-style stick tricks with my devices by now, without dropping them.

And a benefit of using Android, I place icons where I want them and hide the rest.
 
A 5.51 x 2.89 would be a 5.42” screen.

b3e29359e343303888fc1b1a2aca6c67.jpg
Pythagorean disagrees SQRT(5.51^2+2.89^2)=6.221913
 
With the reduction on bezel sizes rumoured to be coming in iPhone 12, this 5.4 inch could end up being the same total physical size as the 1st generation iPhone SE. Obviously it won't have the latest tech in it, like the larger models will but it'll be mostly up to date (unlike the SE series). For many that is a trade off that they are willing to take.
On the other hand you have people who would easily pre-order a new modern phone sized iPhone if they start existing again. These people have phone size as their #1 priority. I am one of these people. For the record, my daily driver is a 1st generation SE.

Rene Ritchie has a decent video up on the subject also. He asks the question - Buy a 2nd generation SE now or wait for a phone sized iPhone 12, assuming Apple is actually releasing them at all. There's a lot more than just size to consider. However, important as that is, many phone sized iPhone users mostly just want a phone sized iPhone. That's it really. As long as it gets the job done of being a phone with some small computing (like emails and on the go content consumption), that's all these people want.
For these people it'll mostly come down to the price as well as how new it is. Not for any specific features, but the newer iPhones last longer longer before they stop getting supported on new iOS versions. Yes these phone sized iPhones are cheaper, they are still not a cheap phone. People want to keep them for as long as possible.

So what do you think about the rumoured 5.4 inch iPhone 12? Does it interest you?
Nope, I’m way too spoiled by phones larger than 6”. Would not be able to go back even though it’s a more manageable size.
 
Any news about the expected battery life?

Highly variable. Battery life expectancy every year improves with the iPhone, so we all know that. But what matters, is the efficiency of the A-Series processors and iOS calibration. But it’s clear where the battery improvements are the most obvious, and that would be with the larger Pro models. Either when the battery become slightly thicker or even when they converted over to the ‘L-shaped battery‘ configuration, we saw significant improvements.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lucas284
Depends on what you want to use the iPhone 5.4” for. It’s not going to give you ultimate movie viewing but it’s somewhat compact. Also cost is going to be a deciding factor
 
One of the most exciting financial factors of the iPhone 12 is the effect it will have on the price of last year’s iPhone 11. New phone launches are the ideal time to buy older models with prices rapidly falling.

"When the iPhone 11 launched, the iPhone XR was dropped by £100 in the UK, and we'd expect a similar effect to kick in this year for the iPhone 11 range.
 
One of the most exciting financial factors of the iPhone 12 is the effect it will have on the price of last year’s iPhone 11. New phone launches are the ideal time to buy older models with prices rapidly falling.

"When the iPhone 11 launched, the iPhone XR was dropped by £100 in the UK, and we'd expect a similar effect to kick in this year for the iPhone 11 range.

Just so. Don't think I'd have bought an XS at the original Apple price, a ferocious £999 for the 64GB model. £649 I could live with.
 
Depends on what you want to use the iPhone 5.4” for. It’s not going to give you ultimate movie viewing but it’s somewhat compact. Also cost is going to be a deciding factor

Also depends on the Floss factor.
 
The 5.4" iPhone 12 is the most interesting iPhone Apple have released in years.
I think it’s highlighted that the smaller size is still very popular. I’ve seen so much excitement for it and it’s not because it’s going to be one of the cheaper options, but because it’s so compact. I reckon it’ll be the most in demand iPhone this year to be honest.
 
I would go for the 5.4”, but am instead moving up to the Pro Max this year because I want to finally go to only one device. When I first became an Apple user, I had a 6s+ and an iPad mini. This duo allowed me to ditch the pc/laptop. Loved them both but hated juggling devices. I used them 50/50, depending on what I was doing. Then I went to the iPhone X. This allowed me to pull away from the iPad more except for things like movies and note taking. So my usage with my iPhone X became around 70% and my mini about 30%. I could finally leave the house without tossing the iPad in my purse. Now I am very interested in moving to the 12 pro max to get a little more screen real estate and hopefully be able to ditch the mini for good. I feel like the increase in weight and bulk will be worth it if it means I can finally have just one device for everything.
 
  • Like
Reactions: compwiz1202
I would go for the 5.4”, but am instead moving up to the Pro Max this year because I want to finally go to only one device. When I first became an Apple user, I had a 6s+ and an iPad mini. This duo allowed me to ditch the pc/laptop. Loved them both but hated juggling devices. I used them 50/50, depending on what I was doing. Then I went to the iPhone X. This allowed me to pull away from the iPad more except for things like movies and note taking. So my usage with my iPhone X became around 70% and my mini about 30%. I could finally leave the house without tossing the iPad in my purse. Now I am very interested in moving to the 12 pro max to get a little more screen real estate and hopefully be able to ditch the mini for good. I feel like the increase in weight and bulk will be worth it if it means I can finally have just one device for everything.
I’m kind of surprised people can get by with only a phone (or even an iPad mini). Never need to do any serious typing? Or never need desktop websites?
 
  • Like
Reactions: compwiz1202
I’m kind of surprised people can get by with only a phone (or even an iPad mini). Never need to do any serious typing? Or never need desktop websites?

Nope, I can type perfectly fine on my iPhone, or use dictation. And if I need a desktop website (rare) I just scroll to the bottom and usually there’s a little “desktop version” link to click. I haven’t used or owned a laptop or pc for almost 5 years now. I’m not a white collar professional though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: subjonas
Nope, I can type perfectly fine on my iPhone, or use dictation. And if I need a desktop website (rare) I just scroll to the bottom and usually there’s a little “desktop version” link to click. I haven’t used or owned a laptop or pc for almost 5 years now. I’m not a white collar professional though.

If it works for you then it’s right for you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stridr69
I’m kind of surprised people can get by with only a phone (or even an iPad mini). Never need to do any serious typing? Or never need desktop websites?

I actually hardly ever use a desk top or my iPad. The only time I use my desk top is when I need to access some Chrome extensions for my online business.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.