Large-screen smartphones have proved popular with end-users as OEMs and vendors have introduced a variety of large-screen handheld devices, such as phablets. So, what is the optimal smartphone screen size? According to new research results from Strategy Analytics’ Mobile Device UX group, U.S. and U.K. smartphone users are most likely to be interested in those with a display size of 5.3 inches.
Shown smartphone prototypes, U.S. smartphone users showed a greater interest in larger screen size formats than their U.K. counterparts, Strategy Analytics highlights in a press release. Android smartphone owners, in turn, have a greater interest in phablet size prototypes as compared to Apple smartphone owners.
Preferred Smartphone Screen Size
Similar to market research results for 2014, prototypes with 5.3¨ displays were the most preferred overall in Strategy Analytics Mobile UX group’s 1H 2015 survey. Prototypes with 5.0¨ screens ranked second and those with 5.5¨ screens third.
The majority of research participants preferred smartphone prototypes larger than their current handsets, the market research provider noted. That said, more than half said they were interested in a handset with a display only slightly larger than that of the smartphones they had at the time.
“While interest in larger displays is considerable for current consumers it is still imperative to keep in mind that a device with good ‘fit in hand’ is important,¨ commented report author and analyst Monica Wong. ¨Strategy Analytics has found previously that mobile devices with a thinner bezel, optimizing display, while still fitting well in hand overall, has far more appeal to consumers.”
Also of note, smartphone owners preferred thicker prototypes with a longer battery life over thinner phones. When it comes to thickness, survey participants initially preferred thinner 6mm smartphone prototypes. Informed they could expect one-third more battery life with a thicker phone (i.e. 8mm), they changed their minds, Wong continued.
¨Consumers were willing to give up thinness for a longer lasting battery,¨ she stated. ¨As consumers continue to use their smartphones daily, they expect their phone to keep up with their busy lifestyles.”
OEMs should bear that in mind, added Mobile Device UX director Paul Brown. ¨As Strategy Analytics’ has found, it is important for OEMs to keep in mind that a long lasting battery is imperative to satisfy the consumers’ needs.
¨It is also important for OEMs to take into account that the largest battery capacity does not always mean the best battery life and finding a way to optimize battery performance is key. With that said, features such as ‘fast charging’ would aid consumers considerably in providing the ability to charge a larger battery in a shorter amount of time.”
In recent market research, J.D. Power found that mobile subscriber satisfaction is typically higher for those who bought smartphones with 5-plus inch screens as compared to those who purchased smartphones with smaller screen sizes of 4 inches or less.
