Smartphones - anyone downsized to a smaller screen?
Discussion
I have an Android handset with a 5.2" screen.
I find myself tempted by an iPhone SE because I feel like a change, I quite fancy trying iOS, and I resent what an iPhone 6s costs.
I do find the 5.2" screen great for the amount of screen estate, but of course it results in quite a large phone.
I wondered if anyone has spent a decent amount of time switching between a larger and smaller screen to offer any feedback?
Bit of a first world problem I know, but not something that 2 minutes in Carphone Warehouse will answer.
Mods please don't spot "smartphone" and move to the Computer & Tech forum as it's not a technical question it's about usability
I find myself tempted by an iPhone SE because I feel like a change, I quite fancy trying iOS, and I resent what an iPhone 6s costs.
I do find the 5.2" screen great for the amount of screen estate, but of course it results in quite a large phone.
I wondered if anyone has spent a decent amount of time switching between a larger and smaller screen to offer any feedback?
Bit of a first world problem I know, but not something that 2 minutes in Carphone Warehouse will answer.
Mods please don't spot "smartphone" and move to the Computer & Tech forum as it's not a technical question it's about usability
I haven’t switched back, but I have deliberately avoided upgrading due to Apple bringing out the iPhone 6, which I found too big to use comfortably in one hand. I’ve just ordered the SE.
I think it boils down to what you use it for – in my case, music, text messaging the odd app and minimal web browsing. Some of my work colleagues use their phones to do the majority of their web browsing - even at home, which I find odd - but explains why they like larger-screened phones.
I think it boils down to what you use it for – in my case, music, text messaging the odd app and minimal web browsing. Some of my work colleagues use their phones to do the majority of their web browsing - even at home, which I find odd - but explains why they like larger-screened phones.
but for texting or checking my diary, it doesn't have to be big. I got on fine with a 3" HTC before.I had a 2nd gen Moto G with a 5 inch screen. Used it for a while and then downgraded to a Moto E with 4.5 inch, no flash and a basic camera. That's all I needed at that point, and I haven't looked back since.
The smaller screen size is much more comfortable for my small hands, and the consequently improved battery life is a nice bonus. Having to use both hands to operate it really bothered me with the old, more advanced model. People don't normally think about it, but more advanced doesn't always mean better fit for purpose. Eventually the G went to my elderly mom who appreciates the bigger screen size, so now everyone's happy.
Looking back, the best smartphones I owned were a Galaxy S2 (4.3") and a Palm Pre (3"), ergonomics only went downhill since then. I'd gladly pay for a new Pre with an up-to-date spec if HP decided to make it.
The smaller screen size is much more comfortable for my small hands, and the consequently improved battery life is a nice bonus. Having to use both hands to operate it really bothered me with the old, more advanced model. People don't normally think about it, but more advanced doesn't always mean better fit for purpose. Eventually the G went to my elderly mom who appreciates the bigger screen size, so now everyone's happy.
Looking back, the best smartphones I owned were a Galaxy S2 (4.3") and a Palm Pre (3"), ergonomics only went downhill since then. I'd gladly pay for a new Pre with an up-to-date spec if HP decided to make it.
Edited by Derish on Tuesday 29th March 17:24
For size vs battery life I guess it depends on manufacturer, the Sony Xperias Z's tend to be pretty similar battery life across the 3 sized phones in each range as the bigger phone has a bigger battery, but the bigger screen uses more power.
I've not downsized though, just avoided the big screens for something more pocket friendly.
I've not downsized though, just avoided the big screens for something more pocket friendly.
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hstewie said:
hstewie said: Mods please don't spot "smartphone" and move to the Computer & Tech forum as it's not a technical question it's about usability
I don't get the mods at times I really don't 
It's not a technical question so it gets moved to a place where only people who have an explicit interest in this kind of thing will see it.
Not a huge downsize, but went from a Galaxy S4 (5 inch screen) to an Xperia Z5 Compact (4.6 inch screen) about 2 months ago. I didn't want anything bigger than the S4, so this fitted the bill perfectly.
It took a little bit of getting used to as I'd had the S4 for almost 3 years, but I don't feel like I'm missing out at all now. If I really want a bigger screen, I'll just use my iPad.
It took a little bit of getting used to as I'd had the S4 for almost 3 years, but I don't feel like I'm missing out at all now. If I really want a bigger screen, I'll just use my iPad.
Edited by 0llie on Wednesday 30th March 07:57
I have a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ as my personal phone and an iPhone 5C as my workphone. Work also gave me an iPad.
Outside of work hours I find that the Galaxy replaces both of the Apple devices. In fact the iPad has been in a drawer for two months.
I now only use the iPhone for work calls. I find the screen miniscule and yellow-ish in comparison to the Galaxy.
I could happily survive with the Galaxy and a laptop (if it was not for work requirements a Chromebook, actually).
Outside of work hours I find that the Galaxy replaces both of the Apple devices. In fact the iPad has been in a drawer for two months.
I now only use the iPhone for work calls. I find the screen miniscule and yellow-ish in comparison to the Galaxy.
I could happily survive with the Galaxy and a laptop (if it was not for work requirements a Chromebook, actually).
Craikeybaby said:
Since getting the iPhone 6 I've found it slightly too big for my hands, so was keen to go back to a smaller iPhone. However, whenever I use the iPhone 5 test phone I have at the office it feels way too small. Decided to stick with the iPhone 6.
I know what you mean. But it will take some getting used to after the size of the 6. Shouldn't be too much of a hindrance because when I had the 5, I thought it was perfect and never wished for a bigger phone. I only went for a 6 for the higher specs. Now those specs are in the SE.
Gone from a 3.5 year old 5 to an SE. Have picked up the wrong one more than once today but I like the size and couldn't go for a 6S (hate the 6S that the Mrs has) as it fits my pocket and the old case
Only got it because the old 16GB 5 was always full but I'm already in love with TouchID (I'm easily pleased).
Only got it because the old 16GB 5 was always full but I'm already in love with TouchID (I'm easily pleased).
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