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iPhone 5 or earlier Smaller iPhone
- Thread starter Radiogaga
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I’d never say never because who knows what trends will take hold in the future, but for now, it’s clearly not the way the industry (including Apple) is going. The rumored 5.4” iPhone 12 in a body size between iPhone 5 and iPhone 6 is probably as good as we’re going to do for the foreseeable future.
As an old SE lover and user who desperately wishes for an updated flagship in an SE-sized, full-screen iPhone, the answer is no. We MIGHT, however, get a folding or rollout phone that is closer to the size of the old SE one day, but it would be thicker, IMHO.
How far into the future do you want to peer? I think the near-term answer would be no. The fact that the new SE has a larger display than the previous SE is a good hint.
Overall, users seem to prefer larger displays, even though there are certainly those who would line up for a smaller model if it was available. Not only can larger displays be easier to read, but touch actions don't have to be as precise. Part of the point of edge-to-edge displays is to maximize display size while minimizing physical dimensions.
Overall, if one is willing/able to deal with the larger physical size one gets greater ease of use. Basically, a trend back towards smaller size means a significant number of users has tired of the larger physical size and are willing to trade that for usability, and/or there are some improvements in smaller-device usability (UI changes, etc.). Folding displays has been one attempt at reducing physical dimensions while maintaining or expanding display size... so far that approach has had problems, but who knows what the future brings?
So in 5 years, who knows?
Overall, users seem to prefer larger displays, even though there are certainly those who would line up for a smaller model if it was available. Not only can larger displays be easier to read, but touch actions don't have to be as precise. Part of the point of edge-to-edge displays is to maximize display size while minimizing physical dimensions.
Overall, if one is willing/able to deal with the larger physical size one gets greater ease of use. Basically, a trend back towards smaller size means a significant number of users has tired of the larger physical size and are willing to trade that for usability, and/or there are some improvements in smaller-device usability (UI changes, etc.). Folding displays has been one attempt at reducing physical dimensions while maintaining or expanding display size... so far that approach has had problems, but who knows what the future brings?
So in 5 years, who knows?
LOL!
The norm for questions like this used to be based off the size of the iPhone 4/4s. Now it's based off the size of the 5/5s/SE. Apple's already moved you toward a bigger size.
Weren't those the days when Apple was being accused of stubbornly resisting the trend towards larger displays?
I think larger sizes was one of those irresistible forces, and Apple, stubborn as they can be, is not an entirely immovable object. However, Apple being Apple, they aren't going to offer "too many" model/size choices. If most people want larger, than smaller is likely to go away altogether.
I think in part the trend towards larger displays reflects the increased importance/usage of smartphones in most people's lives. Things that gain in personal importance often justify a larger physical space. A smaller display may be fine when it's not used as frequently, but frequent use may uncover an annoyance with small image/text size. And so on.
If that theory holds true, if another device gains importance (a truly useful "glass" for example), or if voice interface reduces the need to view the display... preferences may move towards a more compact phone.
Yep. iPhone 4S was when the first Galaxy Note phablet was released. Nowadays, the original Note is smaller than most mainstream smartphones.
True. For me, even the S20+ Ultra or 11 Pro Max is still much smaller than I'd prefer my mobile device to be (I always carry an Air 3 in my purse).
Hence, a smaller phone is more ideal given I mostly just need it for communications and camera. When I'm at the office, even phone calls and SMS/iMessage are answered through the iPad. iOS Continuity is the primary reason I won't consider Android phones as daily driver.
That said, I've gotten used to 4.7" for the most part. Requires some finger gymnastics though. Can't really go any bigger than that.
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I’m never gonna say no or never because you don’t really know what will work in the future. Nobody thought Touch ID will come back but it did. That’s my biggest example of what to expect. Simple answer, nothing.
