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Larger iPhone 6 May Cause Massive Spike in Upgrades, Lure Android Users
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I have a 5 so it'll be time for me to upgrade regardless.
In general, I didn't think I'd ever have much need or want for a larger screen but the other day I had reason to hit an ATT store and for giggles I played with some of those preposterously large phones like the LG with the curved screen and a couple of others as well in the 5" and 5"+ range. Though I hated every second using the horrible OS they sported, I really really liked the way web pages and ebooks looked on them.
If Apple does come out with say a 4.7" and a 5-6" model I can't say which I'd take at this point (I think I'll have to hold them both in hand to decide), but I'm definitely looking forward to something with a bigger screen than the one in the iPhone 5.
In general, I didn't think I'd ever have much need or want for a larger screen but the other day I had reason to hit an ATT store and for giggles I played with some of those preposterously large phones like the LG with the curved screen and a couple of others as well in the 5" and 5"+ range. Though I hated every second using the horrible OS they sported, I really really liked the way web pages and ebooks looked on them.
If Apple does come out with say a 4.7" and a 5-6" model I can't say which I'd take at this point (I think I'll have to hold them both in hand to decide), but I'm definitely looking forward to something with a bigger screen than the one in the iPhone 5.
It seems to me that if the 5.5 model is the actual end product, then it could be close in fulfilling a niche market; a dual wielding device user, such as myself, in replacing my iPhone 5s and my retina iPad mini.
Right now I have a nice workflow using both of them while I am mobile or traveling. But if the 5.5 comes to fruition, then I could almost imagine shelving both for one device.
Right now I have a nice workflow using both of them while I am mobile or traveling. But if the 5.5 comes to fruition, then I could almost imagine shelving both for one device.
It is absolutely clear that there is a large segment of smartphone customers who desire a larger screen phone. It would be ridiculous for Apple to continue to ignore that market.
I am looking forward to a large screen phone done "the Apple way" - high-quality materials, beautiful fit and finish, great OS and ecosystem to go along with hardware. This would be a large screen smartphone done right, differentiated from nasty Samsung Galaxy line.
I do not believe they will release 2 new sizes, which would mean two new screen resolutions. Just too much change for one generation of iPhone. Expect to see one larger sized model (I suspect 4.7" - 5.0" screen), alongside with existing 4" form factor.
I am looking forward to a large screen phone done "the Apple way" - high-quality materials, beautiful fit and finish, great OS and ecosystem to go along with hardware. This would be a large screen smartphone done right, differentiated from nasty Samsung Galaxy line.
I do not believe they will release 2 new sizes, which would mean two new screen resolutions. Just too much change for one generation of iPhone. Expect to see one larger sized model (I suspect 4.7" - 5.0" screen), alongside with existing 4" form factor.
For me it's something like 95%, except for playing games. I don't really want a larger phone, but it's because the 5 just barely fits in my shirt pocket. I have a friend with the 6.3" Mega and it is pretty ridiculous watching him have it in a pocket. Any pocket.
I have some large screen envy, but that is for an iPad, not a 5" phone.
It seems to me that if the 5.5 model is the actual end product, then it could be close in fulfilling a niche market; a dual wielding device user, such as myself, in replacing my iPhone 5s and my retina iPad mini.
Right now I have a nice workflow using both of them while I am mobile or traveling. But if the 5.5 comes to fruition, then I could almost imagine shelving both for one device.
A 5.5 and a Air is the perfect combo.
Look at those renderings, they are not wider phones, just taller. Apple will keep the 16X9 ratio.
Mad Mac Maniac
macrumors 601
Even if Apple does "give up" on the small screen lovers, that likely won't have much affect on the phones they purchase. Considering how the only "new" phones that come out in the 4"-4.3" range are the bottom of the barrel budget phones. Will an iPhone user switch the a craptastic phone just to have a smaller screen? Doubtful. Especially because they could still get an iPhone 5C/S for the next 3 years if they prefer the small size to the performance of the phone.
The renderings are meaningless - someone just took the existing 5S drawing, removed the bezels, and blew it up in size. They have no bearing on what Apple may or may not release.
The thing is the original versions of the iPhone and by that I will say up to the present one were actually designed with the primary thought of actually making a phone call as the primary purpose. As we jump to the present day more and more of use use our devices for data vs actually making a call, and even when we do that often we are using a handsfree device or headset. Some I would even go out on a limb and say never make a phone call.
So based on that the time is right for larger format device(s). How big, well it has to fit the technology that is out there or that can reasonably be had. Some have mentioned battery life and jumping to Android because of it. Well I have friends and family had have said devices and they are always begging, borrowing and asking for a charger because their phone is low/dead. That never the case with my iPhone carrying brethren.
I for one don't want a phone that what large Android phones are and look like, cheap, flimsy, plastic and fly apart at the least little drop.
So based on that the time is right for larger format device(s). How big, well it has to fit the technology that is out there or that can reasonably be had. Some have mentioned battery life and jumping to Android because of it. Well I have friends and family had have said devices and they are always begging, borrowing and asking for a charger because their phone is low/dead. That never the case with my iPhone carrying brethren.
I for one don't want a phone that what large Android phones are and look like, cheap, flimsy, plastic and fly apart at the least little drop.
Really? On What Planet is Apple lagging Android?
I'm thinking of switching to T-Mobile so I picked up an Alcatel Evolve, $49. Android 4.1, 4" Screen, etc. Pretty much stock Android or so the reviews say.
It's a decently built phone - nice in the hand (better than the iPhone, IMHO), OK display, nothing to write home about.
But, The Android experience is still a mess since I left it for 2.2.
- Swype? No use for that crap - turned it off within 10 mins.
- The Android keyboard is nowhere near as accurate as iOS.
- Contacts? Great but where's the alphabet on the side to jump in the list? Nope.
- Chrome? It stutters worse than a kid with Turrets. (May be due to the CPU but it's a common complaint.)
- Go to the top of a list or webpage? Double tap the top? Nope, no way to do it.
- Music. Where? Google Play App, Music app or where? Why do I need 2 apps.
- Plugged it into my USB in the car to listen to tunes. Nope. It's on Media and Ford's Sync won't read it. At least with iOS I plug it into the car and it comes up playing whatever.
- Apps seem to be second rate and not as feature rich on Android.
- E-mail is OK but the app won't really word-wrap e-mails from my IMAP (non Google account).
- Corp. E-mail is a JOKE! Not integrated with the mail application and needs some jacky workaround not needed on the iPhone.
- Multitasking is cool until your phone gets unresponsive due to too many apps open.
- The background Zoom/Pan/Whatever is the stupidest thing I've ever seen. Yes I have it disabled on my iPhone.
- T-Mobiles non removable bloatware is a PITA
- First phone I've had that has a Reboot option next to shut down....
- Fonts are so huge it feels like "My First Phone". In some places they are small.
Those are it off the top of my head and most are not the fault of the phone but the OS.
There are some things iOS could implement
- Notifications are cool
- Widgets are nice
- Hold the top row of letters for #'s is awesome
- The size of the Evolve is nice - nice large screen and not much bigger than my 4s.
In the end I'll be glad to be on an iPhone if I switch. Should we switch, the plan is to deal with this POS until the iPhone 6 comes out.
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The reason I am drawn to the Nexus 5 is because it is a bigger screen not just a taller phone. I want a phone that I can actually read and hold without dropping.
First, I'm sure what I'm about to say will offend someone. So let me just apologize for that ahead of time.
Now, I know I'm in a very small minority, but I thought the iPhone 4 and 4S were the perfect size and shape for a smartphone.
I know there are many people who one want to need to just carry one device. But for me, I'd rather carry a tablet and a phone.
I'd use the tablet whenever possible and the phone when it wasn't possible.
For the times when I can't carry a tablet, I want the phone to be as small as possible.
Again, I know this is just me and Apple isn't going to design a device (or devices) just for me.
Now, I know I'm in a very small minority, but I thought the iPhone 4 and 4S were the perfect size and shape for a smartphone.
I know there are many people who one want to need to just carry one device. But for me, I'd rather carry a tablet and a phone.
I'd use the tablet whenever possible and the phone when it wasn't possible.
For the times when I can't carry a tablet, I want the phone to be as small as possible.
Again, I know this is just me and Apple isn't going to design a device (or devices) just for me.
if bigger means more upgrades then my gf would have left me years ago for a bigger man
Some would say that bigger is the upgrade.
If Apple remained hard headed and refused to change their minds throughout their entire history, they wouldn't have gotten where they are today.
Steve Jobs saying video on an iPod was stupid, putting WiFi on an iPod with iTunes Store was stupid because of screen size (now more than half of iTunes sales happen on iOS devices), not making a phone, not making a tablet, yada yada yada.
We could be here all day quoting things Apple changed their mind on. And they all happened to change their minds for the better. This won't be any different. Whether or not you want one doesn't matter, the fact is Apple TRULY is missing out on some customers due to screen size, and getting mocked by competitors and its starting to alter public perception. Its real, its happening, its ridiculous, but that doesn't change reality.
We all know that if Apple does this, they're going to do it in an Apple way. Which means thoughtful and considered. They aren't just going to blow up the iPhone and make it a huge block. They're going to figure out every miniscule detail to make sure it still feels as excellent in your hand.