Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Okay I think I prematurely hit 'like'--I wouldn't say the ergonomics are terrible. I just know that many people find them more difficult to grip. Personally, I like the curve better aesthetically and ergonomically. Hold my iPP carves into my hands. Found the smoother edges easier on my flesh. However, my point in 'liking' still remains: I like that you pointed out that we might like the look of something more than the use of something: good point. :)
Why thank you, good Sir/madam 🧐

yes, terrible is a strong word 😄 what I don't like is that the curved aluminum is really slippery, and it slides out my hand more than the 5s did.
also, the curve kind of hurts my fingers when I squeeze hard to keep it from sliding out my hand. All in all, I just prefer the flat edges and think they are better for gripping things. The only way the round edge would be "better" is if it was a larger radius. (Think iPhone 3gs)
[automerge]1594940693[/automerge]
Definitely not. Curved edges are meant to contour to the hand comfortably (And please don’t use the ‘slippery’ argument due to rounded design). What it comes down to, ergonomics depends on one’s hand size and the overall size of the phone. I’ve never had an issue with the rounded edges being ergonomically frustrating based on my grip. In Terms of accountability and ergonomics, the rounded design simply just works. If we start discussing the squared edges for example on the 2016 iPhone SE, those became slightly uncomfortable given a sharp edges for one-handed use, which there was a few threads on that very topic.
I absolutely will use the "slippery phone" argument that the radius of the edges of iPhone 6-X makes it slippery! 😂
It's also uncomfortable if gripping the phone tightly to avoid dropping it.

the edge of the phone doesn't "contour" to the hand because the radius is to small. The curve of the 3GS is a better representation of a curve that contours to the hand.

but please continue telling me what I shall and shan't do 😂 I'll have to give you a thumbs down. (Do thumbs down mean anything, really? Haha)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Barbareren
I love the curved edges of today’s phones. I’m going to miss them when the 12 Pro Max debut. I have a 12 Pro Max dummy unit and it’s actually not uncomfortable to hold. Knowing me I will put a case on my phone on day 1.
 
  • Like
Reactions: trevpimp
It is interesting, I remember when the iPhone 6 came out how many people were happy with the curved design and saying it no longer dug into their palms.

Now everyone seems to be clamouring for the squared design again

I think it really depends how you use your phone - I ended up using a case on my 4 and 5 because the edges were not comfortable For me

That said it wasn’t a huge issue. It was an annoyance but one I gave little attention to in day to day use

The benefit of the squared design was it did feel a bit easier to grip. But was that the shape? Or the size?

Remember how nice the 3G/S felt in the hand?

The design looks nicer with the squared off edge, as it’s more simple and cleaner - sort of like how the back of the iPhone 7 looked cleaner because it was simplified vs the 6

In terms of function though, I like to use my phones naked - I’m look forward to how it will feel vs 11/11 Pro

[automerge]1594954835[/automerge]
Agree... There's been so much hype about the iPhone 12 design from those dummy models. And I have to say, I find the current 11 Pro much prettier than those dummys.

Watch the curve design be a welcome return in 5 years time haha
 
Most people snap their iPhones into a case so the edge geometry, round or square doesn't matter to them.
A square edge provides a more secure grip than the current slippery bar of soap curved edge design.
While I always use a case, making the edge design irrelevant to me, I look forward to the square edge because (personally) I think the current slippery design is an ergonomic nightmare.
A square case also means more room for a battery and likely a stronger construction is possible. Give me square corners any day.
 
I think the flat edges will do the opposite. They look very old hat.
I kind of agree with you, rounded edges look more futuristic, and for bigger sizes it may be more confortable, specially in models like the X, XS, and 11Pro where the steel edges are thicker than the aluminum ones.

But... I still love the flat edges, and the 2018 iPad Pro design. I mean, I have one and I just love it, same way I loved this design on my first gen iPhone SE.
 
Why does anyone care what your phone looks like? They’re all rectangular dumb boxes with a screen.
 
I love the design of the iPad Pro with straight edges, so welcome with the iPhone 12.

I did use to always carry my iPhone in case, but when Covid started removed case to make it easier to sterilise and have since lost the case and now prefer the phone naked anyway. The iPhone 11 Pro is a nice phone, but I still look on with affection to my original iPhone 4 with straight edges.
 
I think the iPP design looks great as well, but I also don’t hold my iPP in one hand and try to do anything with it one-handed. I can see how the squared edges may not be as comfortable for that. I don’t really remember what they were like - it’s been a while, and I always keep my phones in cases anyway.

I like the look and feel of the rounded edges on the phones. I mean honestly, I still like the iPads that have rounded edges fine - I just prefer the cleaner looks of the pro displays with the smaller bezels and no home button.
 
It is interesting, I remember when the iPhone 6 came out how many people were happy with the curved design and saying it no longer dug into their palms.

Now everyone seems to be clamouring for the squared design again

I think it really depends how you use your phone - I ended up using a case on my 4 and 5 because the edges were not comfortable For me

That said it wasn’t a huge issue. It was an annoyance but one I gave little attention to in day to day use

The benefit of the squared design was it did feel a bit easier to grip. But was that the shape? Or the size?

Remember how nice the 3G/S felt in the hand?

The design looks nicer with the squared off edge, as it’s more simple and cleaner - sort of like how the back of the iPhone 7 looked cleaner because it was simplified vs the 6

In terms of function though, I like to use my phones naked - I’m look forward to how it will feel vs 11/11 Pro

[automerge]1594954835[/automerge]


Watch the curve design be a welcome return in 5 years time haha

IMO the curved design is/was great for smaller phones (6, 6s, 7, 8, SE2) that actually fit in the average persons hand. Problem is that, with plus and max phones getting bigger (even the X/XS), the curved design looses its ergonomic feel in the average hand and "slips" out. . .
 
If its sesigned like the ipad pro, I can see phones getting bent in pockets, my Ipad Pro 1TB (2018) is straight thanfully and the iPhone 11 Pro which I wont update this year, (no 5G near me and it works just fine) will b wekasoned I think my the flat sides, a curve is stronger, hence if you put force on the current iPads the bend, so you do have to take care with a big screen like 12.9" and the bigger iPhone 12's first gen I bet have structural issues that will be sorted in the next generation.Well that's my guess.
 
I prefer the square edges to the curved edges as the square edges fulfill 2 use cases for me that the curved edges do not.

1) Better grip on flat edges. I do not own a GoPro so when I go skiing I like to take a 2-minute or so video while skiing and holding the phone in one hand. I tuck my poles under one arm and ski while holding the phone in the other. Having flat edges allows for a better grip. I did this using the 2016 SE and before that the 4S many times. I have not attempted it yet using the 11.

2) Flat edges allows for standing the phone on edge on flat surfaces and taking time-delay group photos.

I've attached a couple of frame grabs from video taking while skiing doing this:
sch2.JPG
sch3.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: ElectronGuru
Most people snap their iPhones into a case so the edge geometry, round or square doesn't matter to them.
A square edge provides a more secure grip than the current slippery bar of soap curved edge design.
While I always use a case, making the edge design irrelevant to me, I look forward to the square edge because (personally) I think the current slippery design is an ergonomic nightmare.

Why the hell would anyone go without a case? We’re all fumbling idiots. I dropped my Otterbox cased phone 3 times yesterday. If it were naked, it would be very afraid of me...
 
  • Like
Reactions: The-Real-Deal82
Im impressed with the stainless steel curve edges on my 11 pro max so I will say Im happy with it. But all other shapes are welcome 12 pro max.
 
A vote for rounded edges here. I think they make the device feel thinner, nicer to hold (no sharp corners) and fit better with Apple’s rounded aesthetic in software design.

The iPad Pro for example I find uncomfortable after some time with the edges digging into your hand. The iPad Air is comfy in comparison and just feels lighter and slimmer even though technically it’s not.
 
I’m not. Im ready off a change. Well a return to an old friend. 4/5s design have always been my favorite.
 
I've always preferred the angular design of the iPhone 4/5 series. I do agree that curved edges are probably a bit more "ergonomic" in a large phone size (I think Apple even said that as part of the marketing for the iPhone 6), but I don't think it really makes that big of deal.

I personally am very excited.
 
I have HATED this same curved frame they’ve used since the iPhone 6 nearly 6 years ago now.

it’s dated and used by EVERY Android OEM with Only the surface Duo using flat sides.

the 4/5 era was the best design that no one ever copied even at that time.

it’s time for that industrial design to return
 
  • Like
Reactions: mistsate86
Ever try to pick up a curved edge phone caseless without dropping it. It’s nearly impossible. I’m glad they went back to the square design. It also makes it easier to pull out of your pocket.
 
Aesthetically, straight/flat vs curved is very subjective. I personally prefer the former. Functionally, round edges are more comfortable in the hand but slip out easier; flat edges are easier to grip securely but not as comfortable. The disadvantages of both were minor enough in the small phone days, but they become magnified as phones get bigger.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.