How big is too big and what’s just right when it comes to smartphones?
According to a new study released by Strategy Analytics, U.S. and U.K. smartphone users were most likely to be interested in a device with a display size of 5.3” overall.
Findings in a new report from the Mobile Device UX (MDX) group at Strategy Analytics also showed that respondents surveyed in the United States have a greater interest in the larger sized prototypes than those surveyed in the UK, while Android owners have a greater interest in phablet sized prototypes compared to Apple owners.
Current smartphone owners were also more likely to prefer a thicker prototype with a longer battery life over a thinner phone.
Monica Wong, analyst and author of the report, said in a statement that 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.
“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,” Wong said.
Similar to the second half of 2014, the prototype with a 5.3” display was most preferred by consumers overall in H1 2015; this was followed by the 5.0” and 5.5” prototypes. Even though the majority of smartphone owners surveyed preferred a prototype with a display larger than their current device, more than half of respondents expressed interest in a device that was only slightly larger than their current display size.
Paul Brown, director of Mobile Device UX at Strategy Analytics, added that longer lasting battery life is imperative.
“It is also important for OEM’s 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,” Brown said. “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.”