Is a 4" screen going to be enough?

[dsa1971]

Can you define "pretty much not usable"? Because this is an incredibly misleading argument about larger devices. Can they be a little more cumbersome to use? Yes, I can see that, depending on different people's hand sizes. Are they unusable? Hardly. This is a dramatic (and tiring) argument. Even for small hands, we're talking about screens in the range of 4, 4.3, or 4.6 inches being literally different by millimeters. Even if you want to talk dimensions, we're talking about changes ranging in the ~1 inch vicinity when talking about 4-4.6" screens. This is not that dramatic, and does not render a device anywhere near "unsable".

Like I said, if Apple does release a larger screen/device, I'm sure people will suddenly find it possible to use with one hand (and fit into their pockets, which is the other common argument). They might even come to like it! The trade offs of a larger screen device (easier to read text, easier to type, better for games, pics/videos, browsing, etc.) over a few millimeters is well worth it.

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Simple. It was a different time back then. It was before apps really took off (think about how popular gaming is now on iOS devices; they rivals Nintendo DSes), it was before typing became so much more common (more than phone calls now), it was before using a smartphone to watch movies and TV shows (streaming or downloaded from iTunes) became common, etc.

This is like asking, "why are low ppi screens an issue now when it wasn't before?" Standards have changed. Tastes have changed, and so forth.

Maybe not all devices but for me the Samsung galaxy nexus was pretty much unusable one handed. If I held it one handed and tried to have any interaction on the screen with the same hand I felt like I was going to drop it because of the size of the phone. It might be fine for others but not for me so don't try to tell me what my experience with a phone was or was not! I know what my experience was!

 

[onthecouchagain]

Maybe not all devices but for me the Samsung galaxy nexus was pretty much unusable one handed. If I held it one handed and tried to have any interaction on the screen with the same hand I felt like I was going to drop it because of the size of the phone. It might be fine for others but not for me so don't try to tell me what my experience with a phone was or was not! I know what my experience was!

I own both devices -- the difference seems negligible to me, but fair enough. If the new iPhone should be similarly proportioned to the Galaxy Nexus (even if it's close to it), would you say the new iPhone is unusable too?

 

[mrochester]

I own both devices -- the difference seems negligible to me, but fair enough. If the new iPhone should be similarly proportioned to the Galaxy Nexus (even if it's close to it), would you say the new iPhone is unusable too?

Surely you can work out that the answer to that would be yes?!

 

[shinobi-81]

When is 4" ever enough?

That's what she said.

 

[dsa1971]

I own both devices -- the difference seems negligible to me, but fair enough. If the new iPhone should be similarly proportioned to the Galaxy Nexus (even if it's close to it), would you say the new iPhone is unusable too?

Let's be clearer. Unusable TO ME ONE handed. NOT totally unusable. It's less about being able to reach across the screen as it is about a well balanced device that I can use MOST features with one hand without feeling like I'm going to drop the phone. I am not opposed to a larger iPhone but am not desperate for one either. I have an iPad which I use when I need a larger screen.

 

[Sedrick]

Not sure I understand this obsession with using a smart-phone one-handed. Never in the history of phones have you needed to use them one handed. I never even used my old flip-phones one handed. Now, when smart phones can do so much more, all the sudden, everything has to be done with one hand.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Let's be clearer. Unusable TO ME ONE handed. NOT totally unusable. It's less about being able to reach across the screen as it is about a well balanced device that I can use MOST features with one hand without feeling like I'm going to drop the phone. I am not opposed to a larger iPhone but am not desperate for one either. I have an iPad which I use when I need a larger screen.

Right, unusable with one hand. That's what I'm asking. If the next iPhone size is in the proximity of the Galaxy Nexus, would you still say Apple has made an egregious mistake now that it's "unusable" with one hand, or would you somehow find a way to use it with one hand without dropping it?

My point is, either one hand usage is so important that you can't accept it regardless if it's Android, iOS, or Windows, or it's really not that important (ie. it's not that "unusable" with one hand).

This whole "it needs to remain the same size otherwise it's unusable one-handed" is a tiresome, dramatic and, worse of all, misleading argument. I concede that it may become slightly more cumbersome for some people with smaller hands; I totally understand that, but to say it's "unusable" with one hand? Remember, we're speaking about differences in millimeters (at most ~1 inch). I wager if and when Apple explains why they've gone larger, people will manage to find a way to use it however they want, one handed or not.

(Ditto to those who use "it needs to remain the same size otherwise it won't fit in my pocket" argument.)

 

[dsa1971]

Right, unusable with one hand. That's what I'm asking. If the next iPhone size is in the proximity of the Galaxy Nexus, would you still say Apple has made an egregious mistake now that it's "unusable" with one hand, or would you somehow find a way to use it with one hand without dropping it?

My point is, either one hand usage is so important that you can't accept it regardless if it's Android, iOS, or Windows, or it's really not that important (ie. it's not that "unusable" with one hand).

This whole "it needs to remain the same size otherwise it's unusable one-handed" is a tiresome, dramatic and, worse of all, misleading argument. I concede that it may become slightly more cumbersome for some people with smaller hands; I totally understand that, but to say it's "unusable" with one hand? Remember, we're speaking about differences in millimeters (at most ~1 inch). I wager if and when Apple explains why they've gone larger, people will manage to find a way to use it however they want, one handed or not.

(Ditto to those who use "it needs to remain the same size otherwise it won't fit in my pocket" argument.)

If/When Apple increase the screen size I'll see. Screen size will be just one factor. I'm not opposed to windows phone or an android phone. I'll have to weigh my options when that time comes. To me, one handed use is important. Important enough to switch if apple comes out with a 4.4 inch screen. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it

 

[chiefpavvy]

I always laugh, I mean come on. How big are your friggin' pockets? I want my phone to fit nicely in a jean pocket. 4" seems to be the top-end of that. I don't understand the fascination with screens nearing or even above 5 inches. If you want a tablet, buy one. I prefer a phone.

 

[cdmoore74]

4 inches is the sweet spot for Apple, but not for Android devices. Given Apple's track record 4 inches is a huge design change. You can't stay at 3.5 forever. Look at cars. If Honda never updated the size of their cars to match the competition the Honda Civic would be the same size as their 55hp 1972 model.
Trust me, Apple wants to continue on with the 3.5 inch display but Android is pushing them to make the change. The fact is that Android is increasing their market share at a faster clip and if Apple loses just 1 percentage point it hurts Apple more than Android.

 

[Black Dawg Down]

I always laugh, I mean come on. How big are your friggin' pockets? I want my phone to fit nicely in a jean pocket. 4" seems to be the top-end of that. I don't understand the fascination with screens nearing or even above 5 inches. If you want a tablet, buy one. I prefer a phone.

I'm 6 foot and 170 pounds and have no problem with my 4.8" phone. It fits nicely in my work pants and jeans pocket. Even the Galaxy Note with 5.3" screen still fits. I may not be able to tie my shoe laces, but it fits.

Unless you are either one of those people who wears super skinny tight jeans, or you haven't really tried or buy one.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I always laugh, I mean come on. How big are your friggin' pockets? I want my phone to fit nicely in a jean pocket. 4" seems to be the top-end of that. I don't understand the fascination with screens nearing or even above 5 inches. If you want a tablet, buy one. I prefer a phone.

Okay, this whole "if I want a larger screen device, I'll use my iPad" argument needs to stop too. The iPad is not as easy to own as an iPhone is. Not everyone can shell out $500+ dollars to have the luxury of the iPad (a lot more if you want to have it always connected via a data service). A $200 dollar iPhone subsidized is far more affordable, and practical since people nowadays feel the need to remain connected via a smartphone. But phones are becoming more than just "phones" aren't they? Therefore the desire for a larger device makes perfect sense. Apps, games, maps, reading texts, browsing, using the camera, pictures, videos, typing on the keyboard, watching movies/TV shows, etc. all benefit from a larger screen.

You just can't get the same mobility and constant data connection (unless you pay a higher entry price) as you can with a subsidized smartphone. But can the smartphone increase its size to give users the aforementioned benefits? It can, and it should.

I want to be clear, this isn't an Android vs. iOS issue. A larger iPhone running iOS would be glorious to use. There may be a day when you get to find out for yourself (maybe as soon as this October).

As for the pocket argument... this is such a non-issue. Pockets don't have to be gigantic nor even significantly large to fit a device that is maybe ~1 inch larger diagonally than the current iPhone (especially if the device is thinner). I wager you'll somehow find a way to fit it in your pockets fine if and when Apple releases a larger iPhone. Or will you be laughing at yourself too for trying?

 

[bpaluzzi]

4 inches is the sweet spot for Apple, but not for Android devices. Given Apple's track record 4 inches is a huge design change. You can't stay at 3.5 forever. Look at cars. If Honda never updated the size of their cars to match the competition the Honda Civic would be the same size as their 55hp 1972 model.
Trust me, Apple wants to continue on with the 3.5 inch display but Android is pushing them to make the change. The fact is that Android is increasing their market share at a faster clip and if Apple loses just 1 percentage point it hurts Apple more than Android.

Wow. There is so much wrong with this post, but I'll summarize it here:

1 - You need to look at recent statistics for market share. I don't think it's doing what you think it's doing.
2 - Because there aren't any subcompact cars left in the world.
3 - Because a car and a pocket device are in any way comparable.

 

[twigman08]

meh, y'all are all wrong. I think 27" is the sweet spot! If this thing isn't the size of an iMac then I am leaving Apple!

Yes, that is a joke. 4" will be fine with me. Then again 3.5" is fine with me. Heck as long as my experience with the phone isn't hurt and I can still pocket it then any size is fine with me.

 

[dsa1971]

Okay, this whole "if I want a larger screen device, I'll use my iPad" argument needs to stop too. The iPad is not as easy to own as an iPhone is. Not everyone can shell out $500+ dollars to have the luxury of the iPad (a lot more if you want to have it always connected via a data service). A $200 dollar iPhone subsidized is far more affordable, and practical since people nowadays feel the need to remain connected via a smartphone. But phones are becoming more than just "phones" aren't they? Therefore the desire for a larger device makes perfect sense. Apps, games, maps, reading texts, browsing, using the camera, pictures, videos, typing on the keyboard, watching movies/TV shows, etc. all benefit from a larger screen.

You just can't get the same mobility and constant data connection (unless you pay a higher entry price) as you can with a subsidized smartphone. But can the smartphone increase its size to give users the aforementioned benefits? It can, and it should.

I want to be clear, this isn't an Android vs. iOS issue. A larger iPhone running iOS would be glorious to use. There may be a day when you get to find out for yourself (maybe as soon as this October).

As for the pocket argument... this is such a non-issue. Pockets don't have to be gigantic nor even significantly large to fit a device that is maybe ~1 inch larger diagonally than the current iPhone (especially if the device is thinner). I wager you'll somehow find a way to fit it in your pockets fine if and when Apple releases a larger iPhone. Or will you be laughing at yourself too for trying?

Disagreeing with the iPad argument is fine but it's still a valid argument for many and doesn't mean it should stop be because you don't like it.

Obviously people are doing more and more on their Smart phones it's a matter of opinion whether you like/need a larger screen. It certainly see seems the market is pushing towards larger screens so it will be interesting to see if apple follows.

I agree mostly with your pocket argument. A larger phone. An be slight more difficult to get out of your pocket bit I don't see it being a huge inconvenience.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Disagreeing with the iPad argument is fine but it's still a valid argument for many and doesn't mean it should stop be because you don't like it.

I understand your point, but even if one is both an iPhone and iPad owner, how often would he/she take the iPhone with them versus taking the iPad? How much easier is it to carry a smartphone than a tablet? How much easier is it to pull it out of your pocket, versus out of your bag? Or to hold it (think about the weight differences)? My point is, it's just not the same especially when it comes to mobility and to some extent, data access. I'm not saying they can't or don't switch to their iPads if they need the screen/room, but using that as an argument against increasing the iPhone's screen size is more than disagreeable; it makes little sense.

Consider why people love larger screened Android smartphones. If the argument made sense, why would anyone bother? They'd just go to their Android tablets for the extra screen, but you just don't see this happening to a large extent. People want larger screened smartphones regardless if tablets exist or not.

For what it's worth, I'm an iPad owner, and I love the device.

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I agree mostly with your pocket argument. A larger phone. An be slight more difficult to get out of your pocket bit I don't see it being a huge inconvenience.

Personally, I find a larger device actually easier to pull out of my pocket. In fact, in my case, my Galaxy Nexus sits in my pocket way more comfortably than the iPhone 4/4S ever did. Something about the slight curvature and the thinness makes it comfortable. Also, the small lip at the bottom of the device makes pulling it out easier.

 

[jatin92p]

It's enough for me. Huge displays are main consumers of battery life. It also affects erogonomics of device. Android OEMs have only 'large screen' advantage over iPhone.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Any size larger is good for me. I have no problems with the current screen size. I've even watched full movies on it. I'll be satisfied whether it's 4, 4.3, or larger. But the same size won't interest me at all. I'll give Android another try if Apple was to stick to the same size again.

 

[mrsir2009]

Certainly.

 

[bembol]

I got bored and sold my 64GB 4S this weekend. I picked up Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (White).

My boy picked it up a few weeks and loved it. I knew it wouldn't be a problem consider I carry my 32GB BlackBerry PlayBook. It's 5.3" and it's perfect.

This is my 6th upgrade over the last 18 months and I'm happy that Apple is making changes but after the Note, it seems 4" is too small now. Like I said, I get bored and I know I will pick it up a few months after it comes out.

 

[SR45]

I'm happy with the 3.5 inch screen, and I would be just as happy with the 4 inches if that is what it is. I will not be happy nor will I buy an iPhone that is as wide as those Android phones. Too wide for me.

 

[applefanDrew]

I'm happy with the 3.5 inch screen, and I would be just as happy with the 4 inches if that is what it is. I will not be happy nor will I buy an iPhone that is as wide as those Android phones. Too wide for me.

That's opposite of what my gf tells me. She says not wide enough.

 

[Reach9]

Back 2 years ago when the iPhone 4 came out, a lot of people where stunned when Apple didn't go to a 4" screen. Most of the competition had moved to 4" and they were wonderful to use.

I was peeved and very disappointed, so I did not get the iPhone 4 and stuck with my 3GS. A year later, there was much clamoring and expectations of Apple's new phone going (finally) to 4". Nope. Just the 4S. Again, I stayed with my 3GS. Having an iPad made this a decent arrangement.

The 3GS finally gave up the ghost, but no way was I going to give Apple my money for a 4S, so I bought a used 4 off ebay. I'm still using that.

Now, it's about 5 long months until the next iPhone drops and my choices are to wait (for the 3rd year) for Apple to finally get with the times and go 4", or to jump ship and get a modern size phone by another maker.

Now, to the point of the Poll: At this late date, is 4" going to be enough for you? Almost everyone else has moved on to 4.3" or more (sounds very similar to what happened when the iPhone 4 was released, doesn't it?).

I'm not sure a 4" iPhone will be enough after 2 years of waiting. How about you?

nothing will ever be "enough", but using my iPhone 4S.. the main feature that will make me buy the next iPhone would be a better external design, and a 4" screen which doesn't make the phone like a Galaxy one.
Apple should be able to make technology to fit a 4" screen into the current form factor, i love using it with one hand, and I don't fancy a longer iPhone at the moment.

That's opposite of what my gf tells me. She says not wide enough.

that made me lol

 

[OutSpoken]

What i really want is a longer lasting battery and better & faster loading camera.

Im cool with the 3.5 screen because im really not a fan of the giant android type phones but of course wouldn't say no to a 4" iP5.

 

[FlatlinerG]

I don't want 4", at all. I LOVE the current 3.5" screen size. I have relatively small hands so a 4" screen is just going to be too difficult to navigate.