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MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Original poster
Jul 13, 2008
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I’ve found that through multiple iPhone generations I oddly haven’t liked the form factor of any of the 6.1” iPhones I’ve tried, which is doubly odd since Apple considers this to be the sweet spot for the average consumer.

I’m on iPhone 13 Mini now and I’m smitten by the size. I love this little device, and part of that may be attributed to the slightly higher pixel density compared to the standard iPhone 13. Now that I’m on board with this form factor I feel like this is the standard size that an iPhone should be. This almost brings me back to iPhone 5 days. I suppose since I’ve used every iPhone since the original I’m accustomed to all possible shapes and sizes.

Yet, I wanted a larger display on iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, and couldn’t even enjoy the standard iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro. I suppose 6.1” is just large enough to feel like it wants to be even larger.

That tells me that the next time I upgrade my iPhone in all likelihood it will end up being a Max model with Apple inevitably discontinuing the Mini, which is fine but also getting in the way of my life experiment to minimize smartphone usage.

I’m making the correlation regardless now that I haven’t loved any 6.1” iPhones, yet I also immensely enjoyed iPhone 12 Pro Max. It’s just funny that this is the form factor designated for the average consumer, yet it’s consistently been my least favorite of every modern iPhone generation.
 
I kind of see where you‘re coming from. The iPhone X at 5,8“ was the biggest a phone could be for me to be able to use it comfortably with one hand. 6,1“ is just big enough that using it feels more cumbersome, but it doesn‘t have the advantage of the larger battery.

Still, I probably couldn‘t use the Max. Even the standard 13 Pro almost sticks out of some of my pockets.
 
For me the 6.1 on my 13 Standard is ideal. It's not too large to one-hand the phone, but it's a large enough screen that playing Roblox with my grandson (?) is comfortable for my eyes. When it comes down to it, screen size is merely a matter of personal preference.
 
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Now that I’m on board with this form factor I feel like this is the standard size that an iPhone should be.
No offense to you, but I'm glad you are not in charge of determining the size of Apple's iPhones.

I’m making the correlation regardless now that I haven’t loved any 6.1” iPhones, yet I also immensely enjoyed iPhone 12 Pro Max. It’s just funny that this is the form factor designated for the average consumer, yet it’s consistently been my least favorite of every modern iPhone generation.
I loved my iPhone 5. because it was larger than my HTC Touch Pro and my iPhone 3GS. I'm not a fan of the iPhone 6 series, but I ended up with both the 6+ and the 6s+. Size wise, I will never go back.

My current iPhone is the 11 Pro Max. Every time I pick up my older iPhones (pre iPhone 6+) my hands get cramped. Having to adjust back to that size…just no. I can use them for a while but there is no way I'd go back to that size for a primary phone.

I'd like a bigger phone than the Max, but I also am not in charge of determining Apple's phone sizes. So I don't get what I want either.
 
There is no standard iPhone size. There's simply the mini, regular, and max (and SE). Pick the one you like. The regular just happens to be the most popular despite the mini being a cheaper option. I think what you mean is, Apple shouldn't discontinue the mini. ;)
 
Yes I’ve got an iPhone 11 for work and it’s just way too big and heavy. I just prefer smaller iPhones for the light weight and one handed form factor, hence why I use a 12 mini as my daily driver, just love this thing. I’ve also got a SE 2 as my secondary small iPhone, and for Touch ID.
 
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I love the idea of a smaller, lighter phone but once you go Max...well, it's nearly impossible to adjust to a smaller screen even if the phone itself is unwieldy and cumbersome. I rather put up with the weight and size if it means getting the largest display available.
 
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No offense to you, but I'm glad you are not in charge of determining the size of Apple's iPhones.
From a consumer perspective the market definitely prefers larger phones, so of course the primary flagship iPhone should be 6.1”+.

On the other hand, it does feel like the Mini is the size that a smartphone is supposed to be. It’s still adequately immersive for all types of content while being incredibly pocketable and equally suited for both one-handed and standard use. Many tech reviewers on YouTube hold a similar opinion that the Mini is the best iPhone of this generation, which is understandable since they’re able to test various models. Yet, many of them use an iPhone 13 Pro Max as their daily driver since it has the largest battery and most features.

If more consumers were able to experience the Mini size it would do better, but it’s automatically overlooked in favor of the larger sizes as smaller phones are looked at as more of a budget option unfortunately. I’d probably feel the same way if I didn’t test multiple iPhones this generation, and I still preferred iPhone 13 Mini to iPhone 13 or even iPhone 13 Pro.

That being said, Apple has no incentive to sell consumers that would otherwise want a larger display on the Mini form factor. It likely holds the lowest profit margins and may not be as practical for the average consumer due to its smaller battery. It makes sense why they would discontinue it, as consumers need to buy and use it to realize all of the benefits of this form factor.
 
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I’ve found that through multiple iPhone generations I oddly haven’t liked the form factor of any of the 6.1” iPhones I’ve tried, which is doubly odd since Apple considers this to be the sweet spot for the average consumer.

I’m on iPhone 13 Mini now and I’m smitten by the size. I love this little device, and part of that may be attributed to the slightly higher pixel density compared to the standard iPhone 13. Now that I’m on board with this form factor I feel like this is the standard size that an iPhone should be. This almost brings me back to iPhone 5 days. I suppose since I’ve used every iPhone since the original I’m accustomed to all possible shapes and sizes.

Yet, I wanted a larger display on iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, and couldn’t even enjoy the standard iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro. I suppose 6.1” is just large enough to feel like it wants to be even larger.

That tells me that the next time I upgrade my iPhone in all likelihood it will end up being a Max model with Apple inevitably discontinuing the Mini, which is fine but also getting in the way of my life experiment to minimize smartphone usage.

I’m making the correlation regardless now that I haven’t loved any 6.1” iPhones, yet I also immensely enjoyed iPhone 12 Pro Max. It’s just funny that this is the form factor designated for the average consumer, yet it’s consistently been my least favorite of every modern iPhone generation.
I am ? with you on this take! I’ve said it in other threads the 5.8” size was the ideal imo, easy to handle one handed while being large and immersive. Somehow the slight bump to 6.1 immediately made the 12 pro and 13 pro a cumbersome. I’d much rather use the max or mini (currently enjoying the mini but fleeting with the idea of getting a max second hand)
 
I wish they would come back with the 5.8”. I like my 13 a lot but I wish it was slightly smaller and lighter.
The 5.8" and 6.1" phones are basically the same size. The iPhone 13 is 3mm taller and 0.6mm wider than the X/XS. It's the same weight as the X, and lighter than the XS.
 
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The 5.8" and 6.1" phones are basically the same size. The iPhone 13 is 3mm taller and 0.6mm wider than the X/XS. It's the same weight as the X, and lighter than the XS.
It doesn't feel like that though. I am not sure if it's the flat sides or the slight height increase but I much prefer the X form factor. I still regret giving it away. I have gone back and forth between 13 pro and pro max several times and I don't like either of them. I ended up sticking with Pro Max. I am thinking of buying a used iphone x as a secondary device.
 
Replcaed my 12max with a mini a month ago. Tried to go back, but hated the weight and size. Much happier with the mini.
 
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I wish they would come back with the 5.8”. I like my 13 a lot but I wish it was slightly smaller and lighter.
This would confuse consumers too much as seeming like a potential downgrade.

Our next option for a miniaturized iPhone may not be until we potentially get a foldable iPhone.
 
Why are mini users so obsessively loud? Pick the phone size that works best for you. If Apple doesn't cater to that size, there is always the option of holding onto an older phone longer or finding an alternative.
 
I had an iPhone XS max for a few years but fell in love with an iPhone 13 Pro. The 6.1" size is perfect for me. Fits my hand where the XS Max did not (loved the larger screen though).
 
I had an iPhone XS max for a few years but fell in love with an iPhone 13 Pro. The 6.1" size is perfect for me. Fits my hand where the XS Max did not (loved the larger screen though).
It took me a minute to get used to the 6.1” form factor. I got a 12 Pro at launch and ended up selling it and going to a mini. After spending a couple of months with the mini I was on a snowboarding trip and got a chance to handle a buddy’s pacific blue 12 pro and it felt so my better than I had remembered so I had another one waiting for me at my local Apple store when I got home.

Nowadays I’m having to fight the urge to sell my 13 Pro off to upsize to a max.
 
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Yes I’ve got an iPhone 11 for work and it’s just way too big and heavy. I just prefer smaller iPhones for the light weight and one handed form factor, hence why I use a 12 mini as my daily driver, just love this thing. I’ve also got a SE 2 as my secondary small iPhone, and for Touch ID.
what about battery life issues??
 
Just got a 13 pro max and the thing is a beast but dear lord the battery life is amazing and its actually large enough to enjoy consuming content on it. I always found the X was a really nice size in general for well designed apps but for reading a lot of information and web browsing it was a bit rubbish compared to an ipad or laptop. The Max is just about large enough to remove the need for a lot of stuff.
 
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I love my Pro Max but it’s a big phone so when travelling I use a XR which is more compact and easier to carry

I am on the opposite end of the spectrum.

When I had the iPhone 12, found myself consistent squinting for certain content consumption, more often than not, I carried my iPad Pro around just so I had more screen real estate.

Upgraded to the iPhone 13 Pro Max last year and on paper it seems like a small 0.6 inch upgrade but practically I am able to leave home without carry my iPad Pro around.

Also the battery life has been phenomenal.
 
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