Given the transition from desktop PCs to handheld devices, one might wonder if size plays a significant role. There has been a steady rise in screen size throughout the years, starting from the days of basic feature phones to modern, cutting-edge smartphones. With the smartphone market reaching its peak and the tablet market evolving rapidly, it’s natural to ponder the future for the next groundbreaking device.
A phablet, a smartphone and tablet combination, could be the answer.
What Exactly is a Phablet?
Smartphones are well-known for their portability, but smaller screens often limit their capabilities. However, tablets, while powerful, cannot make phone calls. There is an opportunity for a device that falls between the two categories, known as a phablet.
These devices typically range in size from 5 to 7 inches and offer a combination of smartphone communication capabilities and tablet processing power. Phablets with a screen size of 5+ inches are perfect for effortlessly reading eBooks, enjoying high-definition videos, and working on documents and spreadsheets.
Advantages of Phablets
Phablets are known for their ability to seamlessly integrate the functionalities of a tablet and a smartphone into a single device. Phablet owners often mention a range of benefits:
- Enjoy the convenience of carrying just one device instead of two.
- The device boasts a larger screen than a smartphone, providing a more enjoyable experience for watching movies and reading ebooks.
- Ability to take notes using a stylus, just like on a tablet
- Phablets have a longer battery life compared to tablets and smartphones, as reported by Price Panda.
Disadvantages of Phablets
Nevertheless, phablets do come with a few disadvantages. Here are some examples:
- User discomfort: While phablets offer an excellent experience for reading, gaming, and entertainment apps with their larger screens, they can be uncomfortable to hold during long phone calls.
- Looks: Phablets are larger compared to smartphones, and when you hold one up to your ear during a call, it brings back memories of the bulky cell phones from the early 1990s. Some individuals are not visually appealing.
- Hard to Carry: Tablet users are well aware that their devices are challenging to carry around in their pants pockets. However, the expectation is that smartphones should be portable. Phablets are still not very convenient to carry in most pockets of jeans, pants, or jackets.
Screen sizes have been increasing steadily, and the latest Samsung models now feature screens as large as 6.3 inches. With the increasing screen size, phablets may become part of the tablet category. Carrying around extra weight can be a burden, not only making one’s pants look unappealing but also causing inconvenience.
Are Phablets Set to Dominate The Market?
According to some surveys, mobile phones currently make up 17% of all internet traffic, which is projected to increase. Phablets have the potential to accelerate the expansion of mobile internet access by seamlessly combining the features of tablets and smartphones. Various factors, such as consumer acceptance and pricing, will influence the adoption of phablets.
There are potential downsides to new technology as well. One major issue with the phablet is its size. We adore the larger screens, but they might not be the most practical for fitting in your back pocket or even for a lady’s bag. Several clothing manufacturers have started designing pockets that are big enough to fit phablets.
However, certain users desire greater functionality on their mobile devices, necessitating a larger screen for enhanced usability. Phablets will continue to gain popularity in the years to come, surpassing the status of a simple passing trend.
In Summary
Phablets are heading towards becoming the future. Although the current trend favours bigger and more powerful mobile designs, there will always be a group of consumers who prefer a more compact device. Despite the widespread popularity of smartphones, the traditional cell phone market continues to thrive. Nevertheless, it is evident that larger screens are more advantageous when it comes to the tasks that smartphones are typically utilized for. The companies that will excel in this industry are the ones that can strike the perfect balance, offering users a visually pleasing experience without the need to hold a laptop-sized device to their face.