My (pipe)dream is for Apple to bring back a phone with the 3.5” 3:2 screen size and aspect ratio of the 4s. Not only does the 4/4s tie with the 5/5s/se as the best-looking iPhone in my book, but the original iPhone screen size (and casing size) was designed specifically for one-handed use—meaning it was intended for the average-sized hand to able to grasp the phone between its palm and fingers and access the entire screen with its thumb with relative comfort and without adjusting grip. The 5 screen, being taller, stretched that to its limit. With the 6 being both taller and wider, Apple completely gave up on this notion. From the 6 until now (minus the se), unless one has larger than average hands, one has to rely on resting the phone on their fingers in order to free their thumb to access the entire screen, which limits the ways in which one can use their phone one-handed. A welcomed trade off for the larger screen for most, obviously. But personally, when I’m out and about, I’d much rather have that secure one-handed usability in all situations, as well as the ability to almost forget that it’s in my pocket. Screen size is completely an afterthought for me, and I think it’s because of two major reasons: 1) I like to use my phone as little as possible when I’m out and about (edit- mostly referring to visual consumption—but I do end up using it a lot for communication, reminders, quick reference/notes, and audio consumption mainly in the car—things that don’t benefit much from a larger screen); and 2) at home and work I have bigger more ideal screens to choose from (iPads, Macs, and TVs). But I think #1 is where I differ the most from the mass market, which is of course Apple’s focus. That’s why I was ecstatic and surprised when the se was introduced, and depressed and not surprised when it was discontinued with no replacement. It’s kinda sad, at this point, I’m just holding onto my se for as long as possible, with no idea what to get after.
