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Other Apple no longer makes pocket-friendly phones

R

Rigby

macrumors 603
Original poster
Aug 5, 2008
6,278
10,300
San Jose, CA
So, I like phones that fit easily into my pockets, and also don't feel like a huge brick when exercising. I'm currently using an iPhone 8 which I find already borderline too big. And all of the new phones are now even bigger. For comparison:

iPhone 8: 5.45 x 2.65 inches
iPhone Xs: 5.65 x 2.79 inches
iPhone Xr: 5.94 x 2.98 inches

I don't like this trend at all. Some of the features of the new phones (particularly dual-SIM) would be highly useful for me, but I can't get them without carrying around a phablet. :( Am I the only one left who prefers more compact phones?

PS: When they claimed that the Xs Max is "cinematic" and showed a scene from Jurassic World on the screen I really had to laugh. In what world is a phone screen "cinematic"? :confused:
 
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I’m actually surprised that since these plus sized phones started being made that clothing manufacturers haven’t made and heavily marketed shorts with larger pockets.
 
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archer75 said:
I have an 8+ and never felt it was too big. Fits in my jeans or shorts pockets just fine.
Click to expand...
I'm curious. What kind of jeans (and which size?) lets you comfortably sit down with an 8+ in your pocket? None of mine are even close. And no, I don't wear skinny jeans and am not a dwarf either. ;)
 
I've been using an SE for about 2.5 years and it's the perfect size. Was hoping they'd release a bezel-less version this fall, allowing them to increase the screen to 4.5-5", while still keeping it compact, but it seems like Apple doesn't want my money.

I'll be using my SE until it dies, or an updated version is released. If no update is released by the time it is no longer usable, I'll likely be going to Android if I need to get a bigger phone.
 
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I have special phone pockets in my 5.11 pants and they don't fit a iPhone 8. I'm getting an Xs Max , but keeping my SE and still hope for an SE update. I'll use the Xs Max for other stuff, but not my daily driver.
 
You are not alone but I find the iPhone X/XS to be a good compromise on physical vs screen size. iPhone 4 and 5 are too small for comfortable web use to me because of how narrow the display is.
 
I don’t carry a purse most of the time, so it’s usually in my coat pocket if I’m wearing one, or carrying in my hand if I’m not.
 
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The size could be a deal breaker for me. I've been carrying my phone in my back pocket for years and want to keep it that way. I have an iPhone 7 which seems to be about the max size for my pocket. Thoughts on the Xs fitting in a back pocket? I'm medium size if it means anything.
 
Rigby said:
I'm curious. What kind of jeans (and which size?) lets you comfortably sit down with an 8+ in your pocket? None of mine are even close. And no, I don't wear skinny jeans and am not a dwarf either. ;)
Click to expand...

I regularly see women with stretchy jeans carrying giant phones in the back pocket. It looks weird... almost like the manufacturer made the back pockets extra stretchy just so they can accommodate large smartphones, but the pockets are quite deep enough so the top of the phone sticks out... inviting pickpockets or accidental drops. Men's jeans aren't typically made from stretch denim (at least not as stretchy).

I can put my iPhone X in my front pocket or back pocket on my jeans, but I don't like to carry it that way. I didn't like carrying older smaller iPhones that way either (3G, 4, etc.), but I don't like to carry a wallet in my pocket either... unless its super slim. I usually carry a bag or wear a jacket, and that's where I store my wallet, keys, iPhone. That should make me a good candidate for the Plus/Max size, but what bugs me about those is that I just can't use them comfortably one-handed. The iPhone X is even pushing the limits of one-handed operation for me.

Anyway, my idea of a pocket-friendly phone is a Motorola Razr. Anything larger should go in a jacket pocket or a bag. Maybe a belt-clip/holster if that's your style. Personal opinion of course, and yes...sometimes I break my own rule and carry my iPhone X in my front pocket. Fits better in shorts or pants with large pockets than it does in jeans. Looks equally dorky though.
 
For a hundred years or more shirts have not even been pen friendly.

Ever notice how the clip on your ball point pen just barely manages to grab the top edge of the pocket on your shirt? If the shirt manufacturers haven’t been convinced by now that the pockets have to be bigger then a fifty years from now people will still complain about a piece of technology that doesn’t fit in a shirt pocket.

This is assuming that people still wear shirts, and communication devices are not implanted in our bodies.

Actually I do not want an iPhone that fits in my pocket, I want an iPhone that I can use. For me that is the iPhone X’s Max. Pocket be da#mned.
 
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shoebobs said:
I've been using an SE for about 2.5 years and it's the perfect size. Was hoping they'd release a bezel-less version this fall, allowing them to increase the screen to 4.5-5", while still keeping it compact, but it seems like Apple doesn't want my money.

I'll be using my SE until it dies, or an updated version is released. If no update is released by the time it is no longer usable, I'll likely be going to Android if I need to get a bigger phone.
Click to expand...
I agree. I'm keeping my 5SE until it dies or I do.
 
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