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I have an HTC One M8, which is really tall because of the dual speakers. I also have large hands. That said, there are a few things I don't or can't use my ph

by eitally 12y ago

I have an HTC One M8, which is really tall because of the dual speakers. I also have large hands. That said, there are a few things I don't or can't use my phone for because the screen is too small, but there is almost nothing I can't do because the phone is too big. Yes, it's more comfortable in a pocket to have a smaller device, and it's better UX to be able to reach the top corner with your thumb, but I have started thinking that phablets are the future of smartphones, small tablets are going to disappear, and we'll end up with three categories of devices: 1) small screen feature phones (which are actually perfectly competent smartphones, just with reduced hardware specs) like the Moto G), 2) 5.5-6.5" high end smartphones/phablets, and 3) large tablets (9"+). There will be outliers, of course (Sony Z3 Compact anyone?), but it seems apparent that with apps & advertising being the primary revenue stream, the bigger the screen the more money to be made. If I had a 6" phone I'd get rid of my 7" tablet. With a 5" phone I can't say that.

mittortz 12y ago
What are the few things you can't/don't use your M8 for because of its "small" screen? I have the original One, with its 4.7" screen, and have never seen the need for more than that. I only see it as cumbersome. The One is still cumbersome at times as it is, but has its benefits. I think that around 5" is the maximum sweet spot of cost/benefit from a usability standpoint though. Then again, I have never seen the need for tablets in general. My phone is perfect for everything on the go, and if I want to use a larger device for more complex/power tasks, my ultrabook does a much better job than a tablet/phablet on every front.
- deong 12y ago
  I much prefer a big tablet (currently a Nexus 10) to a laptop for several things, most notably reading-heavy tasks (RSS, Magazines). I usually use a Kindle for novels and the like, but I read technical books or illustration-laden books on the tablet as well. If I were in a position to really have to sweat the $500 or so it takes to buy a good tablet, I doubt I'd say it's worth it just for the extra bit of convenience, but I do like it a lot, and as my Nexus 10 feels pretty ancient now, I'm going to preorder the 9 tomorrow.
- eitally 12y ago
  Just as one example, Ankidroid is pretty unpleasant on a phone, especially searching for new decks. There are quite a few other apps, too, that are "tablet optimized" for larger screens than phones have, and use internal detection to change the UI/UX you're presented with. Web usage on sites that are menu or image heavy can be problematic, too, as is working with tabular data any time. I don't enjoy watching movies/tv on my phone, either (and the battery life is horrendous).

by eitally 12y ago

mittortz 12y ago

What are the few things you can't/don't use your M8 for because of its "small" screen? I have the original One, with its 4.7" screen, and have never seen the need for more than that. I only see it as cumbersome. The One is still cumbersome at times as it is, but has its benefits. I think that around 5" is the maximum sweet spot of cost/benefit from a usability standpoint though. Then again, I have never seen the need for tablets in general. My phone is perfect for everything on the go, and if I want to use a larger device for more complex/power tasks, my ultrabook does a much better job than a tablet/phablet on every front.

deong 12y ago
I much prefer a big tablet (currently a Nexus 10) to a laptop for several things, most notably reading-heavy tasks (RSS, Magazines). I usually use a Kindle for novels and the like, but I read technical books or illustration-laden books on the tablet as well. If I were in a position to really have to sweat the $500 or so it takes to buy a good tablet, I doubt I'd say it's worth it just for the extra bit of convenience, but I do like it a lot, and as my Nexus 10 feels pretty ancient now, I'm going to preorder the 9 tomorrow.
eitally 12y ago
Just as one example, Ankidroid is pretty unpleasant on a phone, especially searching for new decks. There are quite a few other apps, too, that are "tablet optimized" for larger screens than phones have, and use internal detection to change the UI/UX you're presented with. Web usage on sites that are menu or image heavy can be problematic, too, as is working with tabular data any time. I don't enjoy watching movies/tv on my phone, either (and the battery life is horrendous).