Are 7-inch phones really a good idea? a tech skeptic's take

The rumor mill: mega-phones on the horizon

It seems the smartphone landscape is about to get even bigger! According to prolific leaker Digital Chat Station, at least two companies are exploring the possibility of 7-inch phones, or even larger. While Chinese manufacturers like Huawei and TCL have already dabbled in this territory with devices like the Huawei Mate 70 Air and TCL NxtPaper 60 Ultra, the idea of major players like Samsung, Motorola, or even Apple jumping on board is certainly intriguing… and a little concerning.

Why i'm not excited about giant phones

Let's be honest, the practicality of a 7-inch phone is questionable at best. While the desire for bigger screens is understandable, there's a point of diminishing returns. I've personally experienced the challenges of handling such large devices. I recall reviewing the Huawei Mate 20 X, a 7.2-inch behemoth, and it was simply unwieldy—difficult to use one-handed and a hassle to carry around.

The foldable alternative: a more sensible solution

The rise of foldable phones, in my opinion, addressed the need for larger screens in a more practical way. Devices like the Honor Magic V3, Galaxy Z Fold models, and Huawei Mate X series offer a large display when you need it, but fold down to a more manageable size for everyday use. While foldables come with their own set of considerations (price and durability), they seem like a far better option than a traditional, oversized candy bar phone.

Durability concerns: the bigger the screen, the bigger the risk

Let’s talk about durability. A larger screen inherently means a greater surface area prone to damage. Even with Gorilla Glass protection, a simple drop can lead to a cracked display. Remember my wife’s experience with her Galaxy A9 (2018)? A drop with a plastic hairbrush resulted in a cracked 6.3-inch screen. A 7-inch screen amplifies that risk considerably. Adding a case and screen protector only adds to the bulk.

Do we really need phones bigger than 6.9 inches?

The current sweet spot for smartphone screen sizes seems to be around 6.9 inches, with models like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra setting the standard. Tablets already fulfill the need for larger displays, and foldables offer a compelling alternative for those who want a big screen on the go. Introducing a massive, non-folding phone feels redundant and, frankly, unnecessary.

The tablet and phablet landscape - a crowded field

The trend of larger phones also impacts the market for smaller tablets. Tablets are often relegated to secondary roles, used for entertainment or as digital cookbooks. A giant phone would further encroach on this space. With foldables already providing a larger-screen experience and tablets readily available, the need for a traditional 7-inch phone seems questionable. It’s a crowded market already.

My verdict: keep it under 6.9 inches

While innovation is always welcome, I’m skeptical about the viability of 7-inch phones. They seem to lack the practicality and durability of existing solutions. I hope companies continue to refine foldables and focus on optimizing the user experience within a more manageable size range. Let's stick with screens under 6.9 inches – it’s big enough!