Weekly poll: what is the ideal screen size?

14 May 2017
Big phones are big sellers, but the definition of "big" keeps growing.

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  • D
  • AnonD-632062
  • J7S
  • 15 May 2017

I guess with the advent of different aspect ratio's, we need a new poll:
"What is the ideal screen aspect ratio?"

Because with the advent of different ratio's, screen diagonal are no longer indicative of the actual size. I mean if the new iPhone does have a 21:9 screen, then sure you can have a 6.4 inch screen that fits comfortably between your fingers, but would need an extra-long thumb to reach the notification bar.

I think the ideal ratio should be around 16:9, with little wiggle room. Maybe 17:9 at max for smartphones (a la Mi Mix) and 16:10 for tablets.

Why? Because 16:9 is the most widely used standard. Most TV's screens are 16:9. Common Video resolution 720p, 1080p, 1440p, 4K 2160p are all 16:9. (The only exception are the occasional 21:9 movies, but IMAX is usually 16:9, but I digress from the point).

When we have a perfectly established standard (like the 16:9 ratio or the 3.5 mm headphone jack), why reinvent the wheel and create unnecessary problems?

Hence, I believe screens and native camera resolutions should be around 16:9!

    AnonD-163798, 15 May 20174.5 - 4.7" for me. Using the Oneplus 3T at the moment and f... moreIf you want a mini of the good phones, then aim for Sony. They are the only ones that give smaller phones without killing the power of the phone. They even give a good price for the smaller flagship. Sammy and htc rob people with their minis.

      • J
      • Jumbo
      • 8XX
      • 15 May 2017

      Savor , 15 May 2017It took me a very long time to adjust from 3.5" to 4.7". I ... moreHave you ever tried Swype/Swittkey with swiping input? Never be cramped again...

        • M
        • Mark
        • Hq5
        • 15 May 2017

        Should ask what the ideal phone dimensions, or width in particular, the fact that phone bezels differ greatly from each other even from the same manufacturer. This would also affect the size of the hand of the person using the phone.

          • E
          • Ethaniel
          • mYK
          • 15 May 2017

          AnonD-163798, 15 May 20174.5 - 4.7" for me. Using the Oneplus 3T at the moment and f... moreThey can't fit all the useless mumbo jumbo crap in 4.7 inch...

            • D
            • Don't Be Daft
            • nFq
            • 15 May 2017

            There is no one ideal size. We are all different. That means manufacturers must make several sizes to cope with all demand.

              • l
              • loewn
              • mi}
              • 15 May 2017

              4.6.. tiny hands

                • D
                • AnonD-163798
                • nU1
                • 15 May 2017

                4.5 - 4.7" for me. Using the Oneplus 3T at the moment and find it too big sometimes.
                Bring back S4 Mini size screens!

                  • D
                  • AnonD-263867
                  • PEZ
                  • 15 May 2017

                  it should be 5.8 inch but phone size should be compact and screen should be a tad wider rather being taller,

                    • ?
                    • Anonymous
                    • mJs
                    • 15 May 2017

                    4,7" or maximum 5". Not listed here...

                      • D
                      • AnonD-542706
                      • pGV
                      • 15 May 2017

                      5,3" or 5,5"

                        • ?
                        • Anonymous
                        • xv7
                        • 15 May 2017

                        non of above. it should be option less than 5"...
                        At the moment I use 5.2" but it's too big for me.
                        I hope this year will come new I-phone with 4" display so I can buy it.

                          • D
                          • AnonD-248589
                          • Rbq
                          • 15 May 2017

                          5 inches, the biggest you can get for universal one handed use.

                            • S
                            • Simon
                            • g01
                            • 15 May 2017

                            5,5 , 16:9 with small bezels would hit the spot for me.

                              • S
                              • Savor
                              • IbE
                              • 15 May 2017

                              xfrqnx, 15 May 20175" is enough for me now, but i want to change to 5.5"It took me a very long time to adjust from 3.5" to 4.7". I went from iPhone 4 to HTC One M7 with Nexus One (3.7") and Samsung Focus (4") in-between. Probably months until I found the M7 comfortable to hold. Then I used 5" for a few years until I started using 5.7" with a hand me down Note 3 and a new LG V20 recently.

                              Now HTC One feels very comfortable to me. I think it has something to do with typing and getting used it. Most people type in portrait mode. I tried typing on a 4.7" - 5" again and they both feel a little cramped. I rarely make typos anymore with 5.3" or higher.

                              For texting, I definitely need 5.3" as the bare minimum. If you ask me this like five years ago, I would've said 4". About last year, I would have said 4.5"-4.7". It is only a matter of time whether some get used to it or not. I adapted pretty quick beyond 5" in a few short weeks.

                                • H
                                • Hayaz
                                • mTV
                                • 15 May 2017

                                5.2 with physical home and navigation keys, 5.5 with on-screen nav keys.

                                  • D
                                  • AnonD-666047
                                  • SHP
                                  • 15 May 2017

                                  Not too big enough to fit the pocket, and not too small enough to enjoy porn. Nuff said

                                    • D
                                    • AnonD-122669
                                    • U2f
                                    • 15 May 2017

                                    WTF ? Where is the 4.5-5 inch category ? That's the real answer right there.

                                      In the end what favorite matter the most is what brand comes with.

                                        AnonD-664039, 15 May 2017Too many cry babies here saying big phones are too if for ... moreBetter to have bigger ding dong, than bigger hands. It's not about the hands, but the pockets.