Screen sizes...thoughts and opinions

[NormChar]

So...I am up for an upgrade and I've begun the search for a new phone. Currently I have the HTC Aria. With it's 3.2 inch screen size it was one of, if not the smallest, Android phones available 2 years ago in the US market. But, that was ok. That's what I was looking for.

Now while looking for a new phone, I still would prefer a smaller phone. However, those options now seem very few to none. Outside of the iPhone(which was considered a larger screen 2 years ago) there just aren't many <4" screen size phone options. My intent of the post is not to stir an iPhone vs Android debate. I'm strictly speaking in regards to screen size.

My curiosity is...am I the only Android fan who would like a smaller screen size option? Is there not a market for this type of user? Not only do I seem to be in the minority, but the screen size options still seem to be growing. Just in the last quarter(roughly) AT&T has released Nokia Lumia<HTC One<Sony Xperia<Samsung GS3. The "less than" signs do not represent phone quality in this comparison. But rather the phone size has increased with each new phone issue.

Finally, a has anybody heard of any rumors of new phones the might fit the screen size I'm looking for? I've already given up on a new 3.25" Aria type option. At this point I'd probably be content in the 3.5"-4" range. I was anxiously awaiting the Sony Xperia release with AT&T. But alas they opted to go with the 4.6" Xperia Ion, rather than one of the Japanese Xperia Go or Xperia Sola.

 

[LiveFaster]

I think you should look into the Samsung galaxy s blaze 4g. Its roughly a four inch screen. But to me its perfect.I didn't want a big phone I wanted something that would easily fit in my pocket but still have the spec power to run all the newest features and apps. And that is exactly what this phone does. Its like a galaxy s2 withthe huge screen similar specs but a more better size for people looking for something more fitting.

 

[Demache]

It seems that smaller screens on smartphones that are still fairly powerful are a small niche unfortunately. You're sort of at the mercy of the demands of the market there.

 

[NormChar]

I think you should look into the Samsung galaxy s blaze 4g. Its roughly a four inch screen. But to me its perfect.I didn't want a big phone I wanted something that would easily fit in my pocket but still have the spec power to run all the newest features and apps. And that is exactly what this phone does. Its like a galaxy s2 withthe huge screen similar specs but a more better size for people looking for something more fitting.

Probably not 10 minutes after I posted this thread, I stumbled across the Blaze. I agree. It's more or less exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for the suggestion. Sadly, it's not on At&T. Yes, I know I can switch carriers. But I like having my services(cell, home phone, internet, tv) all under one umbrella.

 

[NormChar]

It seems that smaller screens on smartphones that are still fairly powerful are a small niche unfortunately. You're sort of at the mercy of the demands of the market there.

That's what I'm wondering though. Are the demands really controlling the market?

I can't state with certainty, but my guess is the iPhone is the most owned smart phone. I'm not referring to the operating system, but the phone model itself. Keep in mind that's happened while for a long time only being with a single provider and having the most expensive cost of purchase. Yet, the iPhone screen is smaller than virtually all of the new smartphones.

 

[itsallgood]

Me personally, I think a screen around 4" to 4.3" is just right. My screen is 4" and I can use my phone with just one hand, even when typing. The bigger the screen, the harder it will be to reach certain parts of the screen using just one hand. On the plus side though, a bigger screen allows you to see things bigger and if your into watching media, its good for that too. Ever since Motorola introduced the lapdock concept, turning your cellphone into a laptop/netbook, we now have cellphones getting as big as a tablet, but not necessarily a tablet. Just look at the size of the Samsung Galaxy Note with its 5.3" screen. Cellphones are such a big part of our lives now, that if we can have all the functionality of multiple devices all in one, tablet laptop, that's what we will spend our money on if affordable.

 

[hessodreamy]

I'm with you - I've had the original desire for a few years and I'd like something a tad smaller (119 x 60 x 11.9 mm with a 3.7 inches screen), like the wildfire, I guess, but not dog slow. I'm after something faster than my slightly laggy desire, in fact. But smaller phones do seem to be getting forgotten and manufacturers are putting their power into larger phones = more "impressive".

 

[dan330]

if a user is going to take FULL advantage of a smartphone..
they will surf, chat, email, consume data, stream media, navigate, search, socialize, and talk... all on one device.

so.. the bigger that screen is the better...
but there is a limit.. in the OPTIMUM physical PHONE size.

IMO.. the best combination would be keeping the original EVO size.. and fill it with a 5" screen. NO bezel

 

[Stuntman]

The following phones have a 4" or smaller screen: HTC One V, Desire V and Desire C. Not sure if they are available for your carrier. There are others as well. If you are purchasing a carrier phone, you'll have to check on your carrier's web site.

 

[NormChar]

Thanks. I am trying to stick to a carrier phone(AT&T). I would love to stick with HTC. But sadly all of these options seem to be outside of the US. For whatever reason, it seems Europe and Asia have more options with these size phones.

So far the Samsung Galaxy Exhilarate seems to be my best option, if I want to stick with AT&T.

 

[MWB123]

I have the Razr Maxx and, without knowing specifically how big the screen is, I can't imagine having a screen much bigger. If it were I think it would be borderline inconvenient. Just my .02!