Sunday debate: Curved vs. flat screens

25 August 2018
Curved or flat displays? Which make more sense and why? We look at the arguments for both in today's debate.

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Note 4 edge was the only handset that I recall that did the edge screen correctly.
It was just a fancy bit of curved glass that does bigger all but it was used for simple notafications and apps to display info.

These new trend are pathetic and costly in the way of repair replacements.

    • W
    • William Fan
    • v0q
    • 27 Aug 2018

    I am 50/50 on curved screens being an aesthetic to flagships. When the Note Edge was released, it,s more aesthetic than functional because that curve was too pronounced. Curved edges improve grip when you hold a bigphone as it makes the footprint smaller than the screen size suggests. Which was I thought when the Note 5 was released. It had a flat screen good for scribbling and using the entire screen area, BUT it had curved backs so you improve grip on the back.

    I would prefer a flat screen (cozyeah both curved and flat will have the possibility to shatter) and have a curved back for grip. But yeah, even the 2.5D on my Note 4 is quite annoying.

      Vic4BBM, 27 Aug 2018Exceptions welcome. I should have added as ' most of buye... moreI'm still using a curved screen - s9+. I plan on getting another curved screen phone in the future. My thumbs are well. And I will suggest a curved screen phone to anyone who asks my opinion on them.

        Zion, 27 Aug 2018Most people who are talking against curved screens here are... moreI agree. I am in camp curved screen

          • L
          • Lccy
          • pL$
          • 27 Aug 2018

          Curved screens are the only reason I haven't bought a Samsung flagship which is a massive shame because in every other way, they have what I want. Lg's oled's don't compare, Samsung have telephoto cameras, Huawei's displays are not 1440p, Samsung has a headphone jack etc.

          I cannot accept a curved screen as when I watch video, such as when I watch Netflix, what becomes the curved top and bottom is so unnatural, what should be flat and portrayed as flat such as a building suddenly curves inwards.

          The same is true when I browse Instagram, some well framed shots with useful information on the sides suddenly become distorted.

          For that reason, no matter how perfect Samsung's phones are in every other way, I won't buy it because of the curved edges, and I know I am not the only one, the s7 was Samsung's last hit, and it outsold the larger s7 edge, to this day the s7 remains one of the most popular android phones along with the s5, the s8 and s9 never replicated the success of the flat s7.

            • Z
            • Zion
            • Hkv
            • 27 Aug 2018

            Most people who are talking against curved screens here are flat screen users who have never used a curved display.

            I've been using curved screen for over two years. Once i switched to a flat pixel 2 for a couple of weeks and that is when i decided i couldn't go back to flat screens.

            The media consumption experience is totally different because the curve extends to the edges. Watching sports is perticularly better because the camera angle just rolls of the edges.

            There is absolutely no distortion in media. The curve even enhances the image and videos by providing an embossed effect on the screen.

            The problem of Accidental touches has been solved a long time ago and its laughable that its even mentioned. If u feel that the problem still persists there are specific apps which do the same thing.

            Not using curved screens fearing accidental drops is also not a valid argument. Screen can crack whether curved or flat.

            Overall, u guys are just missing out on a great experience


              Curved screens are just a stupid gimmick for OEMs to make more $$$ in terms of sales (saying curved screens are a great feature) and in terms of repairs (they're more expensive to replace and repair than a flat screen). Not to mention cases won't be able to fully protect the entire midframe of the phone (look at S6 edge, S7 edge, S8 and S9 series). They're also a pain to have screen protectors installed (regular screen protectors would lift off on the sides, while tempered glass screen protectors are hard to find).

                PricelessPaladin, 27 Aug 2018Is it that difficult to admit that there a people who legit... moreExceptions welcome.
                I should have added as ' most of buyers'. But my statement about curved screens still stand by.

                But are you still using curved screen? Are your thumbs ok? Have you improved efficiency while working with that curved screen phone?

                  Lol at curved edges providing less grip. You obviously haven't used a curved-screen phone for more than a few minutes.

                    • B
                    • Bob
                    • wdE
                    • 27 Aug 2018

                    I have the s9 plus and I don't like the curves. I find my self pressing 2 to 3 times on things, it's not as responsive around the edges as a flat screen , it also looks odd when looking a video and some apps.. the big reason I got the phone is because it had most of the things I need, NO notch, headphone jack that I use everyday, 256gb of space and sd slot, I hate the glass back, I prefer a metal or plastic phone.

                    It's a ok phone, but I still prefer my old mate 8, battery life is still much better on the almost 3 year old battery.. the phone is still fast with out lag.

                      I am one of those who find it ridiculous to have a smartphone with curve screen. Curves are beautiful in womans body but not in smartphone screen because it doesn't serve better usability for me. You can't protect the glass from any accidental drop.

                        Vic4BBM, 27 Aug 2018Curved screens are gimmick. It appears as if we have more s... moreWell said.

                        I despise curved displays. Superficial gimmick.

                          • I
                          • Igokero
                          • K6t
                          • 27 Aug 2018

                          A phone is not just for communication, but a phone, just like a good watch exhibits ones personality. because of that I would vote for a curved screen. I also see GSMArena have been spreading hatred against notches and in this debate there is an argument that the notch does not add any screen estate. I beg to differ on such an argument because a notch takes care of all those network signals, battery signals, wifi signals etc. out of the way of content for consumption. When one uses a phone without a notch, those signals take up valuable screen estate which could be used for content. I used to hate the notches until i started to use a phone with one.

                            I like curved screen but if it looks like an Samsung copy then no, like the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 or Huawei Mate 9 pro.

                              Phones really shouldn’t be hailed as some sort of cultural fashion icon, it’s all about the ergonomics. I’d rather people brag about their SOC and call reception than how voluptuous they are.

                                • t
                                • tuttuttuttut
                                • tVk
                                • 27 Aug 2018

                                curve screen definitely ~
                                and here is the reason;
                                1) obviously the looks, it's stunning, has depth, defining and outright not boring and flatliners (get it?)
                                2) the curve give added features example the notification alert, granted not many times they are in use but when you need it, it's there brothers.
                                3) more screen to display the video you are viewing, would i want to see borderless or a very fine thin stripe of metal/plastic ? of course borderless !!

                                  • ?
                                  • Anonymous
                                  • LKG
                                  • 27 Aug 2018

                                  curved displays are sexy
                                  flat displays are not
                                  real displays have curves

                                    Vic4BBM, 27 Aug 2018Curved screens are gimmick. It appears as if we have more s... moreIs it that difficult to admit that there a people who legitimately like curved screens? You say we've been cheated and act like we like curved screens because they're a sunk cost. But what about those of us who buy a curved screen phone again?

                                      • i
                                      • itsabana
                                      • kiQ
                                      • 27 Aug 2018

                                      Id prefer if they stay away from curves and make a bigger battery for multi day use.

                                        • D
                                        • AnonD-771260
                                        • Q$g
                                        • 27 Aug 2018

                                        Vic4BBM, 27 Aug 2018Curved screens are gimmick. It appears as if we have more s... moreSince I always using case for my phone I'm totally fine with curved screen and even like it better.

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