If this comes out, the sound of all those years of just I cations and excuses (perfect screen size, perfect jeans pocket size, etc.) Will only be drowned out by the new justifications and excuses (perfect purse size, etc.)<p>Sigh.
Makes sense and should come as no surprise. Lots of people enjoy the large screen, Apple may release a phone in that size arena to compete and join in on the action.<p>Samsung has proven that people like that screen size (S3). I live in Bolivia and the vast majority of people I've asked, "Why do you prefer the Samsung S3 over the iPhone?" answer "Because of the screen size".<p>People like to get their money's worth.
<i>Buyers wanting a small phone or better one-handed operation could still buy a 4” iPhone, and people who want a large screen would finally have an iPhone as an option.</i><p>If this is the case, why would Apple have increased the screen size for the iPhone 5 to 4"? It's obviously not big enough to satisfy people who want a huge screen, but it is big enough to make the phone (more) awkward for people with small hands. Seems like a better approach would have been to keep the 3.5" screen alongside the 5" Plus model, unless of course there's also an iPhone Mini in the works.
Why people love large screens because:<p>1) It's easier to see and read. Especially for kids and elderly people.
2) Bigger is better right? Almost like a cultural thing. You can show off to your friends!
3) Now you don't have to pinch zoom in anymore because everything should be readable without any action. Save some time, especially when you're driving -- which also makes the GPS more feasible.
This really sucks. I've always enjoyed the small (compared to those out there now) size of iPhone 4. And now it's just slowly getting bigger and bigger.<p>Wished they'd ditch iPhone 5 size, but go ahead with the iPhone plus model, this way those that prefer small and nimble devices gets satisfied too (but then not sure how many of us are out there).
I'm reminded of the Conan spoof: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J2Au80BmHc" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J2Au80BmHc</a><p>Its interesting to watch the conversation here. Whether or not Apple creates a new 'size' phone or ipad or ipod for that matter its really based on their idea that there is some segment of the market out there that hinges on a particular size. The only limit here is the cost to bring out a new SKU versus the expected revenue it will bring in over its lifetime. If that number crosses the threshold them bam! you get a new SKU.<p>A little as a year ago people were saying "There is no 'tablet' market, there is an 'ipad' market." Those people have, for the most part, stopped saying that but as a new market there is very little history to tell you what is and what is not important for consumers. That information is developed by releasing products and evaluating the reactions.
After using a 3GS for 3 years and iPhone 5 for a month, I have to say I like the 3.5" iPhones over 4" iPhone 5.<p>4" is marginally bigger in terms of screen size, but it's quite a lot more awkward to use with one hand only.<p>I also don't like the 16:9 aspect ratio of iPhone 5, it's too narrow in portrait and too short in landscape. 3:2 was so much nicer. I love iPad's 4:3.<p>Finally, it feels like there's too much bezel on the iPhone 5 (compared to say Galaxy S3 and Note 2).
The larger screen of my Nexus 4 is a bit of a mixed bag. One-handed manipulation definitely takes some getting used to (you rest the phone on your finger pads, instead of gripping it), but the greater screen real estate is an absolute godsend for reading and web browsing. My old 3gs just feels nowhere near as useful as a web device when compared to the Nexus 4, so I can certainly see Apple releasing a competing product.
I would understand phones tending to get bigger if the iPad had been a flop and tablets had not been able to prove they are relevant for consumers.
With tablets being superior on all aspects except for making calls and taking pictures, what I want is a minimalistic phone. Big enough that I can text, take pictures and make calls. And that I can plug to a tablet anytime to provide it with 3G connectivity.<p>And when I say "plug to a tablet" I mean that in the most meta sense you can imagine, what I want is somehow to be able to use my tablet using the same data plan as my phone, and that all my data can sync seamlessly from my phone to the tablet.
Argh<p>I want a smaller phone, to be less redundant with a tablet. Since I got a tablet I use my phone for audio, maps, calls, SMS, camera--all things I could do with an iPod nano-sized 2.5" display. A smaller phone would be clippable, lighter in my pocket.<p>But I think Marco might be right. I could deal with a bigger iPhone if it were cheaper and contract-free, I guess. But it's sort of disappointing to me how little interest there is in smaller screen sizes. Apple would be unlikely to issue a phone not compatible with any third-party apps, however.(3.5 inch screen with no bezel would be nice, too, and compatible with apps.)
I feel like a 5-inch iPhone is actually too big. The 4-inch iPhone I think is actually on the smaller side. I'd love to see data of the screen size of the most purchased Android phones over the last 12 months.
I can't believe Apple is stooping down to copying the Samsung phablets. I think the galaxy note is the stupidest thing around.<p>Apple should go the iPod nano/Shuffle route with the iPhone. I practically don't use mine anymore now that I have an iPad.
i've migrated from iphone to galaxy note
really like form factor<p>my wife's iphone5 works much faster and more stable (plus ive $500+ content in itunes)
once apple released big iphone i'll buy it right away
How long until Apple makes something the size on an iphone with the screen size of a note? (With some sort of magic, like the thinkpad butterfly keyboard.)