Questionable Claims of a 4.6" Screen on Next iPhone, But 4" Screen Still Seems Very Possible

[ChrisTX]

Although I prefer the summer launch as well. I think the best time is to launch in the fall for Apple. Perfect gift to others to yourself.

I think the only reason we saw a fall launch last year is because of the delay in iOS. Regardless, something tells me they will stick with the fall launch. Otherwise we would have seen a preview of iOS 6 at the iPad event, which we did not.

Also, I'm a bit confused by your last statement.

 

[dgree03]

I just don't understand the need for a 4" screen. I don't want to carry anything larger around in my pocket -- and why be "competitive" just on screen size? Make a better device with the 3.5" screen and people will still flock to it. I don't want to carry a tablet around in my pocket, let alone pressing one to my face.

People with the large-screen phones look ridiculous, and then seem annoyed when it comes time they need two hands to operate it.

I guess I'm just one of the few that sees no need for a larger screen. I like the compactness of the current iPhone.

And you like everyone else complaining would buy one..

 

[MythicFrost]

You're exactly right. I have a feeling most people don't understand that the iPhone is based on 480x320 "points", even if there are more pixels. Developers can sort of use "fractional" points if they want to take advantage of the extra pixels in higher resolution devices but the OS is designed to think of the screen as <480x320> times the <scaling factor> of the device (an integer).

I see no reason why they won't continue this trend in the future. "Doubling" the resolution every time is unsustainable. Integer multiples of 320x480 is flexible enough to support many device configurations while still making it crisp and easy for developers to work with.

Exactly. At 4.6 inches, with a 1440x960 resolution, you get 374 PPI. It's only about 1.5 million pixels too, easy enough for modern hardware to handle.

If by "fractional points", you mean making their content smaller, then yes.

 

[dksram]

Why mess with perfection?
I think Apple will be doing the proverbial "Cutting off your nose to spite your face" if they make the iPhone larger...
You can increase hardware without enlarging the playing field. For me the 3.5 inch screen is perfect. I think if they stray to far away from the norm it will hurt their fan base ...


iLounge reportedly said that their guess about the new iPad was correct. If that is true then why didn't they realize the issue of overheating...Adding 0.7 mm in thickness does not cause alarm to most but real fans didn't care for thickness so why should we accept a larger phone?

I will stay with my 4S and live in the stone age as I watch Apple lose their fan base once the iPhone gets a larger screen. The iPhone 4 and 4S are works of art and Apple should rethink their reasoning before changing the iPhone.

I feel public input would discourage Apple and might cause them to stop any attempt of enlarging the iPhone...

If I'm making millions on a polished product shouldn't i just keep it simple?

I read articles all day and have yet to come across an article where the public is demanding a 4.0, 4.3 or 4.6 inch screen.

 

[mrblack927]

Right, I think bpaluzzi's mistake (and it's an honest mistake, I didn't get it either at first) is thinking that a "3x" display (1440x960) would try to take the retina image and scale it by 1.5. This would take a lot of extra rendering power and look poor (as he pointed out). But that's not the case. It would use the non-retina version and scale by 3. Take a button graphic for instance. In your resources folder, you might have:

button.png
button@2x.png

On a 1x device, the OS will use button.png. On a 2x device, it will use button@2x.png. On a 3x device, it will use button.png and scale each pixel to a block of nine pixels. This will look no worse than the original iPhone. Then when the developer gets around to adding button@3x.png, the OS will use that instead. Vector elements will render in full res regardless and the situation will be no different than the last resolution bump.

 

[mazz0]

Exactly. At 4.6 inches, with a 1440x960 resolution, you get 374 PPI. It's only about 1.5 million pixels too, easy enough for modern hardware to handle.

If by "fractional points", you mean making their content smaller, then yes.

The point about pixel doubling is for that for non-upgraded artwork pixel doubling looks better than pixel one-and-a-halfing.

I still don't understand your point. If you simply scale the existing content it will look inferior and you won't gain anything from the extra size as you've got the same amount of content. Of course you can provide higher resolution artwork but you're still not gaining any screen real-estate.

To take advantage of the increased screen size would mean recoding your app to have more content on it at once with the same sized elements, otherwise all you'd get would be bigger elements but the same number of them.

 

[ChrisTX]

If android oems had never decided to go with a larger than 3.5" display, would anyone even care if the iPhones screen was bigger? It seems like when the original iPhone was launched, Steve Jobs, and Apple had a pretty good reason to go with the 3.5" form factor. At the time, no one seemed to complain about it's size. It just seems like the larger display in the beginning was to compensate for poor user experience, and a mobile OS that was still in beta.

 

[MythicFrost]

Right, I think bpaluzzi's mistake (and it's an honest mistake, I didn't get it either at first) is thinking that a "3x" display (1440x960) would try to take the retina image and scale it by 1.5. This would take a lot of extra rendering power and look poor (as he pointed out). But that's not the case. It would use the non-retina version and scale by 3. Take a button graphic for instance. In your resources folder, you might have:

button.png
button@2x.png

On a 1x device, the OS will use button.png. On a 2x device, it will use button@2x.png. On a 3x device, it will use button.png and scale each pixel to a block of nine pixels. This will look no worse than the original iPhone. Then when the developer gets around to adding button@3x.png, the OS will use that instead. Vector elements will render in full res regardless and the situation will be no different than the last resolution bump.

Pretty much, although scaling up the @2x would actually look better than using the original.

The point about pixel doubling is for that for non-upgraded artwork pixel doubling looks better than pixel one-and-a-halfing.

I still don't understand your point. If you simply scale the existing content it will look inferior and you won't gain anything from the extra size as you've got the same amount of content. Of course you can provide higher resolution artwork but you're still not gaining any screen real-estate.

To take advantage of the increased screen size would mean recoding your app to have more content on it at once with the same sized elements, otherwise all you'd get would be bigger elements but the same number of them.

Pixel doubling is upscaling or stretching, and it's what happens when you run an iPhone app at 2x on the iPad. Scaling, in this context, is the OS rendering it at a higher resolution.

We're not talking about gaining screen real estate here, we're talking about the exact same thing that happened from the 3GS to 4, and that's just about everything getting sharper.

 

[mytdave]

insane

I hope the next iPhone has a 4" screen, but not 4.6". A screen that big on a phone is just plain stupid.

I see some people carrying around these monster size phones and it just makes me laugh. I can't help but think they're overcompensating for some inadequacy in some other area.

 

[ChrisTX]

Anyone ever wonder why the iPhone apps on the iPad scaled at 1x use a size that is definitely larger than 3.5"? I've always wondered if that size is for an unreleased product, and if Apple wouldn't just go with that size for a future iPhone.

 

[dksram]

And you like everyone else complaining would buy one..

Sorry. Not everyone will rush out to buy one. 3.5 is optimal size. Why try and fix whats not broken?
They can release an iPhone that looks exactly like the 4S and call it iPhone 6 and people will still buy them.
Most people left android phones for the iPhone for two reasons.
1. They like the simplicity.
2. Its the right size......

 

[Genetheninja]

Wirelessly posted

People who say they want a bigger screen on the iPhone don't own an iPad or tablet, and people that want the screen to stay the same own an iPad or tablet.

Um.. Not.

 

[thenewyorkgod]

Wait...

Is it the 4 - 4.6" screen you could not handle, or the end result phone size? What if they managed to use a 4.5" screen, but made the top and bottom bezel 1/8" thick. Would that phone actually be the same dimensions as the current iphone?

 

[dksram]

I hope the next iPhone has a 4" screen, but not 4.6". A screen that big on a phone is just plain stupid.

I see some people carrying around these monster size phones and it just makes me laugh. I can't help but think they're overcompensating for some inadequacy in some other area.

I agree...example>Samsung Galaxy Note 5.3 inch screen. With a stylus? LMAO

Hey, just carry your desktop monitor with you and hold it up to your face...Yeah that's stupid... LoL

Apple might as well equip the iPad with a phone. Could you imagine? LOL

 

[MythicFrost]

Anyone ever wonder why the iPhone apps on the iPad scaled at 1x use a size that is definitely larger than 3.5"? I've always wondered if that size is for an unreleased product, and if Apple wouldn't just go with that size for a future iPhone.

That's just because the PPI of the iPhone is higher than that of the iPad by about 25%, so it appears larger on the iPad's display.

Sorry. Not everyone will rush out to buy one. 3.5 is optimal size. Why try and fix whats not broken?
They can release an iPhone that looks exactly like the 4S and call it iPhone 6 and people will still buy them.
Most people left android phones for the iPhone for two reasons.
1. They like the simplicity.
2. Its the right size......

No one screen size is perfect for everyone. Many like the 3.5 inch size, but many also want a larger device. Two pros that come with it are bigger batteries and more powerful hardware.

 

[Genetheninja]

Sorry. Not everyone will rush out to buy one. 3.5 is optimal size. Why try and fix whats not broken?
They can release an iPhone that looks exactly like the 4S and call it iPhone 6 and people will still buy them.
Most people left android phones for the iPhone for two reasons.
1. They like the simplicity.
2. Its the right size......

Says who? Where are you getting this info? Cite your sources. I know plenty of people who have dropped their iPhone for Android because it was too small. I personally didn't because of the retina display however after playing with a larger phone, the iPhone just looks too tiny.

 

[sclawis300]

The problem isn't the screen size, the problem is resolution. Making a change to one of them means making a change to the other in order to maintain the "retina display "claim. And this puts them in a precarious position because any change in resolution means developers need to update your apps yet again. And I suspect of this resolution will be the final resolution for any future iPhones. So Apple needs to make this decision carefully as they're unlikely to be able to change it again.

bigger=farther from face=lower resolution is acceptable. Besides, they are exceeding what they claim is necessary, so if the ppi goes down a little bit it will still fall into the "retina" category that they have defined.

 

[840quadra]

You must be dreaming. Apple is very uncomfortable when the word 'choice' comes up.

But i agree with you, it'd be quite nice of Apple to offer two sizes. But that would require for Apple to realize that not every consumer wants the same size phone year after year.

However, the current 3.5" size I actually very much like in the iPhone. Even though I don't use one, I think the form factor is one of the best on the market. 3.7" is *my* ideal size. I would consider 4" acceptable if and only if it was edge to edge with a minimal bezel. All the gigantic 4.3+ inch android/windows phones that are being released are a nuisance. The only phone thats really impressed me is the HTC One V, but its not available for T-Mobile so it hasnt phased me much.

Not only are the 4.3+ inch phones big and bulky (and a drag to put inside front jean pockets) but THIS particular image should help understand things;

Image

I currently use a 3.8" HTC Glacier (aka MyTouch 4G) and even at its size I find it somewhat bulky.

I think the *perfect* phone size is (total size, not screen or anything) was the Nokia e71; 114mm x 57mm x 10mm

Some great points in that post.

I do understand Apples one size approach when it comes down to simplicity and cost of manufacturing, however, there are plenty of valid reasons for a larger screen and device for many people.

With their design team, I am sure they can do a multi-size strategy in a way that doesn't make it awkward for placing into pockets, or even from an aesthetics prospective.

 

[ChrisTX]

That's just because the PPI of the iPhone is higher than that of the iPad by about 25%, so it appears larger on the iPad's display.

Makes sense.

 

[powers74]

Next gen

We're talking next gen here. If Apple wants to keep up with next gen Andriod phones spec wise, a bump in screen size once every 5 years wouldn't hurt.

So I guess by 2017 the "next gen" of people's hands will have evolved to the point that they can comfortably hold a gigantic "phone" with a 5.6" screen.

Edit: I'd also be interested to see what screen sizes are the most popular in... That big new market that is not the USA...

 

[The Wedge]

Apple does tend to be closed minded once they've put their ego on the line. If they increase the display size they'd be following other manufacturers. If they go to 4.0" they're still on the small side of the spectrum. It's a tough situation. The apologists insist 3.5" is ideal, they will side with Apple without a second thought. Screen size will be a hot topic until we know for sure, upon launch.

I doubt any of the apologists have above averge/large hands. A good deal of the poplulation fall into this category, which explains the many complaints from people. 3.5" was good 4 years ago because there wasn't much of a choice. I just don't get how Stevie said we would need to file our fingers down to use a smaller iPad but then we are expected to type on a tiny 3.5" iPhone. 3.5" is just too small for some people, especially with that keyboard.

 

[Clown Boy]

I have the Galaxy Nexus and the screen is great, I was an iPhone user for 4 years prior but when I use one now its like using a toy phone, the difference is huge. Also the Nexus is lighter than the iPhone which makes all the difference as well, you barely even know its there.

The iPhone screen is far too small, especially for things like watching media and gaming.

I suggest before hating on something that you try it for a period. I guarantee if the iPhone 5 used a 4.6" screen that after 2-3 weeks you couldn't live without it. It would be like going back to the original display from the retina display.

 

[jclardy]

I'm calling it now. Next iPhone will keep the same form factor, 3.5" screen that is tried and true, but it will gain the A5X chip and 4G LTE.

But we will see claims for all different screen sizes for the next 7 months. I'm guessing at least 192 unique insider tips claiming so.

That would be a terrible upgrade in my opinion. LTE is great, but for a huge majority of AT&T customers it means they will have LTE by the time the iPhone 6 comes out.

Also I don't see the point of putting the A5X in the new iPhone. Since the number of pixels is staying the same, it would essentially make it a gaming powerhouse, but not much else. On graphics benchmarks it would blow past iPad 3 because of the small screen resolution (in comparison). I just think it would be weird because historically the iPad always outperformed the iPhone, and in this case it would not (iPad 1 > 3GS, iPad 2 > 4, iPad 3 > 4S - but not by as much...)

But the main reason...why waste the battery life? Normal application performance is not affected at all so again, a majority of users who are not "hardcore" gamers would see no benefit to upgrade. I guess they would put it in there "just because" but it doesn't seem that worthwhile to me. Although I think it would be an excellent selling point for iPod Touch to have graphics on par with PS Vita.

What I am saying is that most people who weren't enticed by the 4S won't be enticed to upgrade to the 4S with LTE and better graphics.

I think the next iPhone will have LTE but also a new form factor and some new feature that everyone won't be expecting, like the supposed tactile display technology that they bought.

 

[Clown Boy]

IMO, the stamp-sized iPhone display is too small. Once you've used a phone with a Samsung display of the Samsung AMOLED familiy, you won't go back to the tiny iPhone.

Totally agree, it would be like going back to the original iPhone screen from a Retina display.

 

[mirko.meschini]

I think 3,5" is too small, it's hard for most people to use the on-screen (vertical oriented) keyboard. 3,7-3,9 should be the right size, with phone not going to be much bigger, a little mm in width. The screen resolution can remain 960x640, and it's still retina because the distance view is higher. The SoC is not going to be more powerful, the A5 performance is ok on a phone, I hope they are going to increase battery life instead.