The Great Size Debate

[BMox81]

4" to 4.7" is much easier to swallow than the jump to 5.5".

I was a very happy Plus owner until I got into some real-world situations where I was trying to use my phone like I did my 5s, sending quick texts, getting my music ready for my car, and taking pictures, and well... it was pretty difficult to manage. It all became a much bigger deal to do any of this stuff that I consider phone essentials. I returned it for a 6 and I just enjoy it a lot more. The screen size bump is nice and the usability is pretty much the same as the last generation.

I mean, the Plus is an awesome device and all, and the screen and battery are unparalleled, but I have to tell you, the size becomes a burden if you're happy with using your phone how you are now.

If you went into the 6 announcement without a big emphasis on the size argument then I see no logical reason to why you'd want to jump into a 5.5" phone, which is a little ridiculous unless you know that's it exactly what you want.

The real issue isn't the screen size but the height of the device. They have to trim the bezels down for this to become a practical device.

I went into the 6 announcement totally thinking that I'd just get the 6, but after reading/watching reviews, there is a part of me that wants to give the Plus a try because of what I primarily use my phone for which is video content, web browsing and social media. That aspect I'm 100% sure of.

 

[enzo thecat]

I bought the 6 plus on launch day and was happy at first. Then I started doubting my decision and I think it had a lot to do with the threads here on MR. I started thinking it wasnt portable enough, hard to hold, everything that was promoted here by 6 owners. So I ordered the 6 from Apple. And while I waited on the 6, the 6 Plus started to shrink... A LOT!!! Now it feels completely normal. I'm used to holding it, using it, carrying it. I absolutely love it. So before the 6 even arrived, I realized I was going to keep the Plus. I never even opened the 6. Just sent it right back to Apple, unopened. Best decision EVER. Now, none of you envious 6 owners could convince me otherwise!

So I admit, there was an adjustment period. But now the phone feels completely NATURAL. And I think that's the best measure of all. It no longer feels big in the pocket. I dont notice any difference in holding it, texting or usage...Its all very NATURAL now.

FWIW, one of my assistants bought the 6. Its seems too small now.

Good luck with your decision.

----------

I went into the 6 announcement totally thinking that I'd just get the 6, but after reading/watching reviews, there is a part of me that wants to give the Plus a try because of what I primarily use my phone for which is video content, web browsing and social media. That aspect I'm 100% sure of.

If you get the Plus and stick it out through the adjustment period, you'll love it. Also, stay away from here during that time.

 

[ucfgrad93]

I never went into the 6Plus with the idea that it needs to be a "1 handed device". I love the size of the 6 Plus, just make the whole experience of using the phone that much better.

IMHO just go into it with a "it's a two handed device" attitude and the times when you can do a few things with one hand will just be a bonus.

That is a good way to look at it. For me, the question is "What is it like to carry around the Plus on a daily basis?"

 

[Cool Pup]

I went into the 6 announcement totally thinking that I'd just get the 6, but after reading/watching reviews, there is a part of me that wants to give the Plus a try because of what I primarily use my phone for which is video content, web browsing and social media. That aspect I'm 100% sure of.

Believe me man I pretty much hardly use my phone to speak to people, if ever (only emergencies usually), but there's something really uncomfortable about using the Plus out of the house and for menial tasks that you'd expect to do with ease.

If you want it go for it, you do have some time to exchange. But I think if you want the 5.5 inch you might as well just suffice for a tablet because it does video better due to the larger size (except the fact it's a widescreen device so no black bars). It's a hard sell until they trim the length of the device. The downsides do creep up later on IMO...

 

[Newtons Apple]

This is what I ended up doing. I haven't received my Plus from Verizon yet, though.

I have a friend who uses his 6 during the work week and changes over to his 6+ on the weekend. I might do the same but will wait for them to become available in the stores first!

I am very happy with my 6, it is what I had hoped the 5/5S would be!

 

[ET iPhone Home]

I'm going to be picking up a 6 or Plus next week - can't wait.

But I and probably many others like many others are still struggling with what version to go for.

For what I use my phone for as it stands (social media, youtube, web browsing and the occasional game here and there), the Plus definitely ticks all the boxes.

I've had a S3, N4 and N5 before coming back to my current 5S so I'm familiar with the 6 in terms of size.

I've held both devices a few times now but I don't have the largest hands in the world so while I can totally hold the Plus and do stuff with it, I found myself having to shuffle down the phone to reach the home button if using one handed. Does anyone have to do the same?

With the 6, looking at it, I don't really see it as a true upgrade given I've had phones that size before - "been there done that" type situation.....

I always envisioned that I'd go with the 6 for the ease of use but I'm really tempted to give the Plus a go but's its taking that leap I guess into Phablet territory as a daily driver....

Really stumped so any thoughts from both sides of the fence would be appreciated.

You've answered it - 6+ is is. Use your 14-day return/exchange policy wisely.

 

[From A Buick 8]

That is a good way to look at it. For me, the question is "What is it like to carry around the Plus on a daily basis?"

And for me the "carrying it around" part really has not changed that much. All of my shirts have pockets, so I carry my 6 Plus the same way I carried my last phone.

The only change is that I am now looking for shirts that have a deeper pocket so the phone does not peek out, but that will be a slow transition.

Daily use of the phone has been nothing but great, never got hung up on it being difficult in one hand because in my view it is not a one handed device.

----------

I never said I wasn't willing to change things/habits, but it's still a reasonable argument to suggest that you shouldn't need to buy a pocket that you put on your belt in order to have a 6 Plus.

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. IMHO it is not a reasonable argument to expect your daily habbits to reamin the same when you go with the Plus.

The phone demands a Plus lifestyle.

 

[rGiskard]

It's all about carrying the phone around all day. If you can baby it, get the 6+. If you're active and can't deal with a bendy phone, get the 6.

 

[enzo thecat]

It's all about carrying the phone around all day. If you can baby it, get the 6+. If you're active and can't deal with a bendy phone, get the 6.

Envy much?

 

[BMox81]

Believe me man I pretty much hardly use my phone to speak to people, if ever (only emergencies usually), but there's something really uncomfortable about using the Plus out of the house and for menial tasks that you'd expect to do with ease.

If you want it go for it, you do have some time to exchange. But I think if you want the 5.5 inch you might as well just suffice for a tablet because it does video better due to the larger size (except the fact it's a widescreen device so no black bars). It's a hard sell until they trim the length of the device. The downsides do creep up later on IMO...

I have an Air so no need for a tablet.

The 14 day exchange would be ideal for me given my situation I guess.

I agree that they should remove the top bezel but the bottom is never going to go-especially with Apple Pay on the horizon.

 

[bunnicula]

I have an Air so no need for a tablet.

The 14 day exchange would be ideal for me given my situation I guess.

I agree that they should remove the top bezel but the bottom is never going to go-especially with Apple Pay on the horizon.

Buy a 6. See if that feels too big to you. If it doesn't, and you find yourself wanting more... trade it for a 6+.

Baby steps.

I've owned of the 6 so far and a 6+... I'm about to go back to the 6+ (gave my other one up because my [adult] kid really wanted one and I'm a sap like that, but hey...)

 

[BMox81]

Buy a 6. See if that feels too big to you. If it doesn't, and you find yourself wanting more... trade it for a 6+.

Baby steps.

I've owned of the 6 so far and a 6+... I'm about to go back to the 6+ (gave my other one up because my [adult] kid really wanted one and I'm a sap like that, but hey...)

I've held the 6 and had a N4/N5 so I'm totally comfy with that size of phone hence this thread really.

 

[bunnicula]

I've held the 6 and had a N4/N5 so I'm totally comfy with that size of phone hence this thread really.

Argh. I got you confused with the other thread about 6/6plus.

LOL.

Sorry about that.

Go for the 6+ and a rigid case and just enjoy it. It'll fit in a back pocket easily enough and if you're the type who takes out your phone when you sit down anyway, it should be easy to manage.

 

[srshaw]

I'm coming from a 4 to 6 plus (although I had a samsung galaxy for a while), for me the new iphone is great. I never really used the the 4 for browsing due to the screen size, the 6 plus is great with the use of tabs, pretty much like an
Ipad.

Obviously it is much bigger, but I just put it in a jacket pocket rather than my trouser pocket.

 

[CEmajr]

I tried the HTC One M7 last year for a week so I already knew that 4.7" was the perfect size in my mind for a phone.

Finally got my iPhone 6 a few days ago and I'm still blown away by how perfect it feels in the hand. It's almost as if it were tailor made to fit in my hand. It's such a pleasure to hold. I'll admit as well that when I'm at home now sometimes I reach for my iPhone to do things I would've otherwise done on my iPad Mini before.

The 6 Plus looks beautiful as well but I like to wear fitted jeans and I'm also pretty active when it comes to the gym and runs. No way would I be able to manage comfortably carrying that thing around. So 4.7" it is for me.

 

[boomhower]

For me it's the 6. With a case it is absolutely stretching as the largest phone I could use. One handed use with it is difficult and will take some more time to adjust to. With a smaller case(actual phone not aftermarket case) it would be as big of an issue. My wife has the 6 Plus. Unless your hands are very large it's going to be a mostly two handed only phone. It doesn't fit in my pockets well either. It's certainly personal preference but day to day the 6 fits my needs much better. I am certainly glad they made both devices though, there is a market for them. I think there is still a market for a 4" device too.

 

[Archer1440]

It's all about carrying the phone around all day. If you can baby it, get the 6+. If you're active and can't deal with a bendy phone, get the 6.

I carry all sorts of things daily.

My iPhone 6 plus is trivial by comparison.

Learn to dress around your gear, if it's important to have it with you.

 

[Jimmy James]

I find that the 6 is already sometimes a nuisance in my pocket. Can't imagine the 6+.

I think my ideal phone size is about an inch shorter than the 6.

 

[davewolfs]

I honestly think people say they like the size of the 6 plus just so that they can convince themselves that they made a good choice in purchasing it.

There is nothing to like about the ergonomics of the 6 plus. It has a nice display and good battery.

 

[Archer1440]

I honestly think people say they like the size of the 6 plus just so that they can convince themselves that they made a good choice in purchasing it.

There is nothing to like about the ergonomics of the 6 plus. It has a nice display and good battery.

Perhaps a person with small hands or who has not lived with a plus for 24 hours would say that. Ergonomics are more than fine for me in a power support air jacket.

 

[davewolfs]

Perhaps a person with small hands or who has not lived with a plus for 24 hours would say that. Ergonomics are more than fine for me in a power support air jacket.

Definitely don't have small hands. Even the ergonomics of the 5 are better. My stance is that the 6 is more practical for me but the 6 plus is definitely nice. I think if Apple can bring down the size slightly (less bezel) I would probably buy both!

 

[enzo thecat]

I honestly think people say they like the size of the 6 plus just so that they can convince themselves that they made a good choice in purchasing it.

There is nothing to like about the ergonomics of the 6 plus. It has a nice display and good battery.

You're honestly wrong. I had both and chose the Plus. I honestly think people say they like the size of the 6 just so that they can convince themselves that they made a good choice in purchasing it.

There is nothing to like about the screen size of the 6. It has a obsolete display and terrible battery.

(See what I did there? lol)

 

[EdMan]

You're honestly wrong. I had both and chose the Plus. I honestly think people say they like the size of the 6 just so that they can convince themselves that they made a good choice in purchasing it.

There is nothing to like about the screen size of the 6. It has a obsolete display and terrible battery.

(See what I did there? lol)

So true. There are no winners of these arguments. Everyone has their own preferences and should buy the phone that satisfies them.

 

[Lyn2012]

I have smallish hands and found the 6 wasn't very comfortable to use one handed. My thoughts were that if I needed to use two hands, then I may as well get the 6 Plus and enjoy the extra real estate. I'm finding it great as I mainly surf, email/text, listen to music and use sat nav.

 

[ea9]

I had the 6, gave it to my brother after 10 days. Got the 6+ now for about 10 days.

Now that you know my background. Here's what I think.
It really depends on what you do. When I'm at my desk or on a couch waiting for something, I love the 6+.

When I'm at the gym with the phone in my pocket or in a bar I miss the smaller size factor. Even sometimes at restaurants with small tables this thing takes some serious space.
Now that doesn't mean that I can't deal with it, just that it's just cumbersome sometimes.
Even in my car, the phone doesn't fit in my cup holder. I have to put it in a space in my door handle and I sometimes worry it'll fall out.

But even after all those con's (which is much of the same) I will keep the 6+ for my lifestyle. Also the battery life is amazing vs reg 6