The idea of the return of real small phones, with screens under six inches in size, seems more and more like a finished chapter. According to the latest information from the industry, some manufacturers are already testing new models with screens with a diagonal of around 7 inches, with a much wider aspect ratio than is common today. This clearly shows that the phones are not going to reduce the dimensions, but quite the opposite.
Sources from China state that the experimental devices rely on wide proportions, close to the 16:10 format. Such an approach brings not only a larger screen, but also a different way of using the phone. The wider display enables more comfortable viewing of video content in a horizontal position, clearer split-screen work and more space for parallel tasks. In practice, the line between a phone and a small tablet computer is getting smaller and smaller.
7-inch wide phones are crowding out small models
In recent years, the market has already shown a clear trend. So-called “compact” models today generally range between 6.1 and 6.3 inches, which is a far cry from what was once considered a small phone. Main models have long exceeded 6.7 inches, while some high-end devices reach 6.9 inches. The new step towards 7 inches is only a logical continuation of that development.
Interestingly, wide aspect ratios are mostly associated with flip phones so far. If such a design really appears in classic, “flat” models, the market could get a completely new category of devices. In this context, Motorola is also mentioned as one of the possible manufacturers examining this concept, although there is no official confirmation yet.
All this means that the next period will bring even bigger and wider phones. Users who prefer a large screen and tablet-like operation will get more choices, while those looking for a truly small phone will likely be left without a realistic alternative. The trend is clear: phones are not only growing in length, but also getting wider, and “mini” models are becoming a thing of the past.