4.7" iPhone

[JH-]

Have you ever watched a film on a 5' screen? I find that there is a hell of a difference, YMMV. I find web surfing on a 4" screen impossible, a 5" screen is great. The screen is a big deciding factor for many.

I find that those that don't like a larger screen have never used one for any length of time. Mind, there are always those that have borrowed their friends large screen phone to be able to give an experienced opinion. Lots of those people about. Perhaps you're one

For me a 5 inch phone is too big for me to interact with. I really like the size of the Moto X. The few times I watch a feature length movie are overshadowed by the amount of time I spend doing other things when a smaller screen is more ergonomic.

 

[daveathall]

For me a 5 inch phone is too big for me to interact with. I really like the size of the Moto X. The few times I watch a feature length movie are overshadowed by the amount of time I spend doing other things when a smaller screen is more ergonomic.

Thats a fair one, but must admit that I am a bit curious as to what "other things" benefit from a smaller screen, personally, I find web browsing, e mail, looking at files, playing games, reading/sending text messages and watching movies are all enhanced by the bigger screen.

I am not saying you are wrong, after all, like most things, it is down to personal experience and in my case, ageing and less than perfect eyesight is the main reason that a larger screen works for me.

 

[gotluck]

For me a 5 inch phone is too big for me to interact with. I really like the size of the Moto X. The few times I watch a feature length movie are overshadowed by the amount of time I spend doing other things when a smaller screen is more ergonomic.

There is certainly a point where it comes down to ergonomics vs. ease of reading/lack of need to zoom indeed.

Zooming in and out of nonmobile sites on the iPhone is really not fun for me.

 

[blairh]

Is screen size really that big of an issue?

It's not going to be the deciding factor in what phone I choose next.

It's a big deal for many. Also some people think a smaller screen is their ideal size but then they use a larger screen and are surprised they enjoy it more.

When the rumors of a 4" iPhone lingered, I was convinced that would be my perfect sized screen. Then I used the S4 for 6 months and realized that I greatly prefer a 4.7"-5" screen.

 

[JH-]

Thats a fair one, but must admit that I am a bit curious as to what "other things" benefit from a smaller screen, personally, I find web browsing, e mail, looking at files, playing games, reading/sending text messages and watching movies are all enhanced by the bigger screen.

I am not saying you are wrong, after all, like most things, it is down to personal experience and in my case, ageing and less than perfect eyesight is the main reason that a larger screen works for me.

For me texting and phone calls are easier on the smaller screen because I prefer to swype with one hand. I also think browsing is easier on a smaller screen because I can reach all over the screen. My main problem with larger screen phones is when they're in my pocket they're ungainly. I also understand I have extremely small hands for my size.

I just wish the moto X had better battery life. I might have to choose the Nexus just based on that. I do the majority of my phone usage on lte and the Nexus is leaps and bounds better there.

 

[jaymzuk]

It's a big deal for many. Also some people think a smaller screen is their ideal size but then they use a larger screen and are surprised they enjoy it more.

When the rumors of a 4" iPhone lingered, I was convinced that would be my perfect sized screen. Then I used the S4 for 6 months and realized that I greatly prefer a 4.7"-5" screen.

I don't doubt that many people treat it like a deal breaker, but I question it's real world value to the average consumer.

The question asked in the poll was if Apple releasing a 4.7" iPhone would make people switch. I don't think screen size alone is that big a deal when Apple themselves made a a market for bigger screened devices with the iPad and iPad mini.

If anything, the Phone/Tablet/Phablet market is becoming one huge indistinguishable mess, and we don't need every manufacturer joining in on the 'me too' stakes

 

[tbayrgs]

Thats a fair one, but must admit that I am a bit curious as to what "other things" benefit from a smaller screen, personally, I find web browsing, e mail, looking at files, playing games, reading/sending text messages and watching movies are all enhanced by the bigger screen.

I am not saying you are wrong, after all, like most things, it is down to personal experience and in my case, ageing and less than perfect eyesight is the main reason that a larger screen works for me.

Unlike J-H, I certainly don't find a larger phone more difficult to interact with and recognize there are clear benefits to doing certain tasks on a larger screen. I just don't often do many of those tasks on my phone that I think benefit the most from a larger display--web browsing, games, watching movies--and value the smaller footprint more as my phone is also used when I'm active (running, cycling, exercising, etc). I like how my iPhone is easier to tuck away in a smaller pocket or arm sleeve.

Granted, if I didn't usually have a tablet with me for more immersive tasks, I certainly might feel different about the screen size.

If I was to switch back to Android, I'd probably really only consider a Moto X or Xperia Z1 Compact because of my fondness for smaller phones.

 

[JH-]

Unlike J-H, I certainly don't find a larger phone more difficult to interact with and recognize there are clear benefits to doing certain tasks on a larger screen. I just don't often do many of those tasks on my phone that I think benefit the most from a larger display--web browsing, games, watching movies--and value the smaller footprint more as my phone is also used when I'm active (running, cycling, exercising, etc). I like how my iPhone is easier to tuck away in a smaller pocket or arm sleeve.

Granted, if I didn't usually have a tablet with my for more immersive tasks, I certainly might feel different about the screen size.

If I was to switch back to Android, I'd probably really only consider a Moto X or Xperia Z1 Compact because of my fondness for smaller phones.

This is more what I was trying to say.

 

[daveathall]

For me texting and phone calls are easier on the smaller screen because I prefer to swype with one hand. I also think browsing is easier on a smaller screen because I can reach all over the screen. My main problem with larger screen phones is when they're in my pocket they're ungainly. I also understand I have extremely small hands for my size.

I just wish the moto X had better battery life. I might have to choose the Nexus just based on that. I do the majority of my phone usage on lte and the Nexus is leaps and bounds better there.

Yes, I must admit that I use Swype but prefer to use it two handed, I have small hands and cant reach all of the screen.

 

[F123D]

At this point, a 5 to 5.5" screen won't even make me switch back.The limitations of iOS is whats stopping me. If jailbreaking was quicker to be released and less troublesome, it'd be a really hard decision.

 

[JH-]

Yes, I must admit that I use Swype but prefer to use it two handed, I have small hands and cant reach all of the screen.

I can, but just barely on the Nexus. That's why I prefer the Moto. It (Moto X) also works way better as a phone and as a speaker.

 

[daveathall]

Unlike J-H, I certainly don't find a larger phone more difficult to interact with and recognize there are clear benefits to doing certain tasks on a larger screen. I just don't often do many of those tasks on my phone that I think benefit the most from a larger display--web browsing, games, watching movies--and value the smaller footprint more as my phone is also used when I'm active (running, cycling, exercising, etc). I like how my iPhone is easier to tuck away in a smaller pocket or arm sleeve.

Granted, if I didn't usually have a tablet with my for more immersive tasks, I certainly might feel different about the screen size.

If I was to switch back to Android, I'd probably really only consider a Moto X or Xperia Z1 Compact because of my fondness for smaller phones.

Another valid post, gotta admit that the smaller footprint of the iPhone would prove a benefit whilst out running/fitness etc. The other point you brought up is the use of a tablet as well, when out and about my Nexus 5 is my sole device, if I had my iPad mini I would also probably opt for a smaller phone but only use it for calls.

 

[blairh]

I don't doubt that many people treat it like a deal breaker, but I question it's real world value to the average consumer.

The question asked in the poll was if Apple releasing a 4.7" iPhone would make people switch. I don't think screen size alone is that big a deal when Apple themselves made a a market for bigger screened devices with the iPad and iPad mini.

If anything, the Phone/Tablet/Phablet market is becoming one huge indistinguishable mess, and we don't need every manufacturer joining in on the 'me too' stakes

Yeah I totally disagree on a few things. Apple should make a larger iPhone because I'm confident there is a strong market for such a device. All OEM's would benefit from offering premium phones in a variety of sizes. Personally I see 3 clear categories. Compact (4"-4.5") Mid Range (4.6"-5.2") and phablets (5.3" - 6"). I, like some others, left the iPhone 5 for the S4 mainly due to the screen size. By offering a larger iPhone, Apple covers two categories with clearly defined strong markets. You literally can't make the case against a 4.7" iPhone with the established fact that the 4" model stays in the lineup.

I don't think screen is a 'deal breaker' per se but plays a large role in what phones people will consider buying. 4" vs. 5" for example is a hugely different smartphone experience. I think what's really helped Apple the past few years is iOS and the strength of what the iPhone offers. So while some consumers will have wanted a larger screen they ultimately decided that the other pluses of the iPhone trump a larger screen. For now that is. When given a larger iPhone as an option they may instead opt for that model.

iPad Mini and Air are completely different stories. Tablets aren't as portable for many. Consumers have to decide how large a screen they want with them at all times given the fact that almost everybody has their phone with them 24/7. Most people don't do the same with tablets.

 

[adder7712]

Maybe.

But still not willing to sacrifice a more open-ended software environment. You might argue it's still not optimised, but still allows me to determine what apps I want to use for certain actions.

 

[Savor]

- Bigger screen

- WiFi ac

- Metal as standard

Welcome to 2013, Apple.

HTC One had all of that and then some.

 

[noles1983]

so how much do u guys think a 5" iPhone would cost? I mean the current one is already expensive. I cant see Apple having the same price for the 2 sizes

 

[blairh]

so how much do u guys think a 5" iPhone would cost? I mean the current one is already expensive. I cant see Apple having the same price for the 2 sizes

Great question. Most 4.7"-5" flagships are $200 on-contract in the States. The same price as a 5S in most places. I could see a 4.7"-5" iPhone being $300 on-contract but that would be a big red flag when the S5 and other flagships will be $200 on-contract. If the iPhone 6 has a 4" model it would be great to see it go down to $100 on-contract and offer the larger iPhone at $200. No clue how Apple is going to approach this.

 

[AppleRobert]

Apple should of had a larger screen option in their last release. The 5c especially the way it was priced had dud written all over it.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/pressure-mounts-apple-expand-horizons-210434883--finance.html

 

[tjl3]

Great question. Most 4.7"-5" flagships are $200 on-contract in the States. The same price as a 5S in most places. I could see a 4.7"-5" iPhone being $300 on-contract but that would be a big red flag when the S5 and other flagships will be $200 on-contract. If the iPhone 6 has a 4" model it would be great to see it go down to $100 on-contract and offer the larger iPhone at $200. No clue how Apple is going to approach this.

Didn't the note launch at $300, carrier price? I don't see any way possible that the entry level 16gb iPhone starts at less than $200. I think we can reasonably expect a $300 carrier price for the entry level, larger iPhone 6. It will sell. Actually there is no doubt in my mind that it would sell really well.

 

[ChrisTX]

I'm a Note 3 user. The only way I'd consider switching is if Apple made a 5.5" phone, or larger. I can't sacrifice screen real estate for iOS. That's what my iPad is for.

 

[blairh]

Didn't the note launch at $300, carrier price? I don't see any way possible that the entry level 16gb iPhone starts at less than $200. I think we can reasonably expect a $300 carrier price for the entry level, larger iPhone 6. It will sell. Actually there is no doubt in my mind that it would sell really well.

I agree it will sell very well. Even at $300 on contract. But it will still be $100 more than a similar sized Android flagship. And the Note is a phablet so I don't think that's a fair comparison.

What will most likely happen is that the iPhone 6 will start at $200 for the 4" model and the 4.7"/4.8" model will be $300.

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I'm a Note 3 user. The only way I'd consider switching is if Apple made a 5.5" phone, or larger. I can't sacrifice screen real estate for iOS. That's what my iPad is for.

I think there would be a strong market for an iPhone at 5.5". For now thought it's more important they release a 4.7"/4.8" model.

 

[jrswizzle]

I agree it will sell very well. Even at $300 on contract. But it will still be $100 more than a similar sized Android flagship. And the Note is a phablet so I don't think that's a fair comparison.

What will most likely happen is that the iPhone 6 will start at $200 for the 4" model and the 4.7"/4.8" model will be $300.

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I think there would be a strong market for an iPhone at 5.5". For now thought it's more important they release a 4.7"/4.8" model.

Why is it not a fair comparison? The current 4" iPhone sells at the same price as current 4.7" - 5" Android devices. So a 4.7" iPhone can't sell at the same price as a 5.5" phablet?

I see the 5C being free, the 5S being $99, the 4" 6 being $199 and the 4.8" 6 being $299.

It would work even better if they bumped up the initial storage offering to 32 GB but I doubt that would happen.

Oh and regardless of being 2-yr old tech, the 5C at free on-contract, $450 off would probably sell pretty well. More in line with where they should've priced it to begin with.

 

[carjakester]

i would have to hold it first, 4.7" seems a bit large. depending on how it was made such as wider or taller. to be honest ill be getting whatever iPhone comes out next, wether i like it or not.

 

[blairh]

Why is it not a fair comparison? The current 4" iPhone sells at the same price as current 4.7" - 5" Android devices. So a 4.7" iPhone can't sell at the same price as a 5.5" phablet?

I see the 5C being free, the 5S being $99, the 4" 6 being $199 and the 4.8" 6 being $299.

It would work even better if they bumped up the initial storage offering to 32 GB but I doubt that would happen.

Oh and regardless of being 2-yr old tech, the 5C at free on-contract, $450 off would probably sell pretty well. More in line with where they should've priced it to begin with.

This is a puzzling reply. I clearly state that I think the iPhone 6 at 4.7"/4.8" will retail for $300.

I agree with your 2014 Q3 iPhone pricing and lineup.

I think it's pretty telling that a larger iPhone will be the same price potentially on-contract as a phablet. Shows that the market will pay more for less (size-wise) just because it's Apple/iOS. That's exactly what's happening now when you compare the S4 and 5S.

My point about it not being a fair comparison is simply that they are two very different devices. (Phablet vs. roughly 5" phone.) To keep playing the hypothetical game, what would a 5.5" iPhone retail for on-contract? $400? I don't think Apple is releasing a phablet this fall but if they were that's what it would probably retail for.

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i would have to hold it first, 4.7" seems a bit large. depending on how it was made such as wider or taller. to be honest ill be getting whatever iPhone comes out next, wether i like it or not.

You'll purchase a phone you don't like???

 

[jrswizzle]

This is a puzzling reply. I clearly state that I think the iPhone 6 at 4.7"/4.8" will retail for $300.

I agree with your 2014 Q3 iPhone pricing and lineup.

I think it's pretty telling that a larger iPhone will be the same price potentially on-contract as a phablet. Shows that the market will pay more for less (size-wise) just because it's Apple/iOS. That's exactly what's happening now when you compare the S4 and 5S.

My point about it not being a fair comparison is simply that they are two very different devices. (Phablet vs. roughly 5" phone.) To keep playing the hypothetical game, what would a 5.5" iPhone retail for off-contract? $400? I don't think Apple is releasing a phablet this fall but if they were that's what it would probably retail for.

Yes - I see that you agree with the pricing structure, I just was pointing out that we currently have about a 0.8" -1" size difference in iPhones vs typical Android devices and they sell for the same prices. So is this not a fair comparison? If it is - than why is comparing a 4.7" iPhone to a 5.5" Android. The only thing that makes a phablet a phablet is the screen size....