Yes, people no longer want small phones. If we want to buy a more compact mobile phone nowadays, we will be forced to make a series of concessions. In fact, try it for yourself; the devices you will find are mostly old and quite low in power.
In a world where “bigger” is perceived as “better,” compact phones have ended up losing the battle. The commercial failure of models like the iPhone 12 and 13 Mini speaks for itself. Apple’s launch of the Mini range was an attempt to somehow evoke the form factor that Steve Jobs so strongly advocated. His decision to “restrain” the size of the iPhone to 3.5 inches had its logic: nobody would “buy a large phone” because “you can’t use it with one hand.”
However, the poor reception of the iPhone 12 Mini indicated otherwise. According to Reuters, the device’s sales accounted for only 5% of the total iPhone sales during the first half of January 2021. And with the next generation, things got even worse.
Similarly, Apple has not been the only one to bet on portability. Asus‘s Zenfone division is also known for selling high-quality devices in a compact format. Their latest release, the Zenfone 10, was a clear statement of intent: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz, more than decent battery… A great device that, despite their efforts, still fails to capture the masses.
On a big screen, you play better
The audience has massively leaned towards larger phones. Over the last 10 years, mobile devices have continued to grow, making sizes below 6 inches now be perceived as “small.”
There are many reasons behind this change. Our phones have become a sort of personal digital hub where we can do practically everything, from consuming multimedia content and playing video games to browsing the web and editing documents or photos. The great multimedia experience is more than enough reason for many people to sacrifice the convenience of a smaller size.
However, compact phones have more advantages besides easy handling. They are usually synonymous with simplicity; fewer distractions, fewer apps, and a higher possibility of disconnection. One could say they invite us to remember a time when technology complemented our lives without consuming us entirely.
