Thing is that phones are a lot different than they used to be (duh), cellphones used to be very limited devices which were really only capable of doing a few things: call, txt, email (sorta), some video but not really, and maybe some crappy games. But now phones represent a whole-lot more for a lot of people, there almost mini computers. We use them for browsing the web, watching videos, playing console level games, reading books and tons of other visual centric tasks, as a result we've realized that it is easier and more enjoyable to do these things on phones with larger screens and that is where the market has trended (the GS3 being one example). Now I will agree that there is a size at which a smartphone screen becomes too large to be used effectively (5" IMO), however there are plenty of other sizes that Apple could opt for that would vastly improve the user experience (4.3" would be good) without hindering the use of the device.
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What is up with people that think they need a bigger screen?
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I wanted a bigger screen but not at the expense of usability. A small 5-10mm change in body size was all I was willing to accept, and then use the area of the phone better to increase the screen size.
I am happy with the final iPhone size, at least the rumored size, we wont know if it is real until next week, but I believe it is. I watch a lot of TV and movies on the iPhone, so the "wider" screen (When held to watch a movie that is, taller if held upright) actually suits me, but I know it is not what others wanted
I am happy with the final iPhone size, at least the rumored size, we wont know if it is real until next week, but I believe it is. I watch a lot of TV and movies on the iPhone, so the "wider" screen (When held to watch a movie that is, taller if held upright) actually suits me, but I know it is not what others wanted
I have owned a lot of smart phones as I have worked in a Telecom company. And used for work, many-fold more handsets. As I have had a long time with many screen sizes, It's abundantly clear to me which size I preferred, and what implications it has to me personally.
For me personally the positive effects of having a 5" phone outweighs the negative effects for me. But tbh the perfect size for me is about 4.5", and I do preferred the new ratio that the next iPhone will have so I'm glad it fits so close to my preference.
For me personally the positive effects of having a 5" phone outweighs the negative effects for me. But tbh the perfect size for me is about 4.5", and I do preferred the new ratio that the next iPhone will have so I'm glad it fits so close to my preference.
Not to mention that some people actually use the smartphone factor ...
I really need a bigger screen for coding, terminals, remote desktops and I can go on and on ...
I really need a bigger screen for coding, terminals, remote desktops and I can go on and on ...
Web browsing an many other tasks are just so much easier on a larger screen. It just opens up a world of new possibilities. TBH I don't understand why you wouldn't want a larger screen.
Between the iPhone's 3.5'' and SG3's 4.8'' there is a lot of room. I don't think a lot of people want a screen as big as the the SG3, but somewhere in the middle would be good.
In my case, I think around 4.2-4.3 would be the ideal size.
Ah. The classic over-exaggeration defense.
Just because someone says they want something "larger" doesn't mean it has to be "largest you've ever seen".
Size can vary just as much as people opinions.
Yes. Specifically designed and tested in 2007 when the smartphone market was a completely different landscape.
You sound like my grandfather when he justifies that he doesnt need a new phone since his flip phone already does text, or says "Why do I need to get an HDTV when nothing is happening on the sides anyway". Times are changing and only the dinosaurs aren't noticing it.
A lack of forward thinking would be to think the ONLY way to do things is to do it ONLY the way it is done today. Enjoy that muslix grampa.
Which reminds me my love life is like an exotic sports car...
I don't own an exotic sports car!
I've stuck with my iphone through thick and thin, it was a true game changer when it first came out, but as apps get more involved and feature rich a bigger screen has become more important.
While my iphone was being repaired I used both a Galaxy Note and an S3. They were stunning. While the Note seem's huge at the start, you soon get used to it and it's so thin and light it's still very portable. I used a lot of the midi and music apps I have on the Note and the increased screen made them immensely more useable. I can see the Note becoming a good replacement for not just my iPhone but my iPad too, the screen is that good. For graphic design and art I' not sure there's anything at the moment that can touch the Note and its S Pen.
As a phone for texting, email and the odd bit of browsing there's nothing wrong with 3.5" or the proposed new stretched 4" but for some of the more demanding apps I use such as sketch pads, midi controllers, synths etc... I can't see I'll be happy going back to such a small size.
While my iphone was being repaired I used both a Galaxy Note and an S3. They were stunning. While the Note seem's huge at the start, you soon get used to it and it's so thin and light it's still very portable. I used a lot of the midi and music apps I have on the Note and the increased screen made them immensely more useable. I can see the Note becoming a good replacement for not just my iPhone but my iPad too, the screen is that good. For graphic design and art I' not sure there's anything at the moment that can touch the Note and its S Pen.
As a phone for texting, email and the odd bit of browsing there's nothing wrong with 3.5" or the proposed new stretched 4" but for some of the more demanding apps I use such as sketch pads, midi controllers, synths etc... I can't see I'll be happy going back to such a small size.
whilst some of you are comical when it comes to ruthlessly defending apple over anything they do/dont do,
I've just peeked on appleinsider and oh my sweet baby jesus, it makes everyone on here sound really reasonable and fair
I've just peeked on appleinsider and oh my sweet baby jesus, it makes everyone on here sound really reasonable and fair
I think the thing that Apple is trying to do is to create options in hardware that will address the screen size issue. Sure, some people want a 4" or bigger screen on a phone, but that isn't because they need a big screen for a phone, it's because they want to do other things that may benefit from a bigger screen.
Apple has one solution to that issue already - the iPad. And if they indeed release an iPad mini, they'll have two options. And I believe that we will see at some point in the near future a move away from the idea that a phone is a phone. This is especially true with a large demographic already - those that use their phones for texting, games or FB, including my kids, who rarely use voice services, but would "die" without the ability to FB their "friends".
Once this shift happens, which is being pushed by the telco's already with their shared data plans, there will be less reason to make a giant screened phone when a bigger screened tablet may be the better solution.
For me, I still communicate the "old-fashioned" way by talking with people, and I do not want a overly large screened iPhone. In fact I may prefer to have the phone shrink in size some so it's easier to pocket, then use an iPad mini for quick digital communication to supplement the use of my Air when I'm stationery.
I did find the image someone posted of the S3 screen shot of the Apple site to be funny - can the browser not render the site correctly? That's just bad, especially when compared to the iPhone screen shot of the same site.
Apple has one solution to that issue already - the iPad. And if they indeed release an iPad mini, they'll have two options. And I believe that we will see at some point in the near future a move away from the idea that a phone is a phone. This is especially true with a large demographic already - those that use their phones for texting, games or FB, including my kids, who rarely use voice services, but would "die" without the ability to FB their "friends".
Once this shift happens, which is being pushed by the telco's already with their shared data plans, there will be less reason to make a giant screened phone when a bigger screened tablet may be the better solution.
For me, I still communicate the "old-fashioned" way by talking with people, and I do not want a overly large screened iPhone. In fact I may prefer to have the phone shrink in size some so it's easier to pocket, then use an iPad mini for quick digital communication to supplement the use of my Air when I'm stationery.
I did find the image someone posted of the S3 screen shot of the Apple site to be funny - can the browser not render the site correctly? That's just bad, especially when compared to the iPhone screen shot of the same site.
Although I'm going to be keeping my 4S for a while I do have to limit my use due to eye strain. That's the only reason I'd want a bigger screen.....health reason you could say lol..
Since it appears the new iPhone's screen will only be elongated the text won't get bigger, just more text on the screen (unless you use landscape) I'm just going to wait. New windows Nokia phones are getting more and more appealing.
Since it appears the new iPhone's screen will only be elongated the text won't get bigger, just more text on the screen (unless you use landscape) I'm just going to wait. New windows Nokia phones are getting more and more appealing.
Personally, I don't want to carry two or more devices all the time. One of the main reasons I bought an iPhone (and Treo before that) was to eliminate the need for a music playing device, cellphone, and Delphi XM unit. The iPhone does all three and makes it easier to have everything I use daily in one device.
The iPad came along and (for me) is better at everything (except portability) because of the larger screen, but I still don't want to lug it around all the time when I am out and about...I don't see a 7 inch device being any different.
In other words, one device for running around town is plenty. As a result, I like larger screens....assuming there is no issue fitting the device in a pant pocket.
I agree. I don't want a Note sized phone, but a little taller and wider would be great.
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I have small hands, and I think the GS3 is fine in one hand.
I notice it less in my pocket as well. The problem with the iPhone and getting a bigger screen is all of dead space on the front face of the phone.
I like the idea of having a 4" screen, however, I am not fond of the new iPhones rumored longer screen images. I'll hold my final opinion till I see it in person, though.
The S3 is a great size for doing things other than texting or calling. Was with a friend yesterday and she was driving. Handed me her 4s to look something up for her online and it was so small and I had to zoom and pan so much, it was beyond ridiculous. For those of us who actually use our phones to web browse, watch movies, play games etc...a screen like the S3 makes a screen like the iphones look like a joke. Do you like watching a 32 inch TV when you could be watching a 55 inch?
its stupidly too big, if thats even a word lol
i wonder what it feels like to walk around with a tablet in your pocket
I hear ya, OP. I absolutely love the 4/4S form factor and size. I wish they kept it identical and just updated the internals for the 5. I will live with the 4" but yeah screen sizes are getting out of hand. I don't need a tablet in my pocket. Despite musings here to the contrary, some of us still use the PHONE and not merely play games or browse the web 24/7. Some of you have too much time on your hands LOL. 3.5" is perfect fit in hands and jean/jacket pockets.
I use the Note which is a cm or two bigger than the S3! It's so thin, light and flat it actually fits very well in my pockets and you soon forget how big it is. It also means I don't have to carry a phone plus my iPad. If you use a lot of apps, books, browsing etc.. and demand a bigger screen I think it actually makes more sense to have something as big as an S3 or Note that can effectively replace two devices, but to be fair I use it as a heavy duty media device, sketchpad, midi controller etc.. I make very few voice calls these days.
It is a pretty small screen. I look forward to getting my 5s. (or new iPhone-s)
It's okay for some people to want a bigger screen and for some people to think that it makes you evil or materialistic for wanting one.
It's okay for some people to want a bigger screen and for some people to think that it makes you evil or materialistic for wanting one.