As the title suggests, today’s article will be all about the large-screen cell phones. Before we move any further, let us define what do we mean by large because what may be large for some may not be large for others.
By large-screen cell phones or big-screen phones, we are referring to the biggest smartphones on the market. Those biggest phones are also known as ‘phablet phones’ (phone + tablet), which refers to large-screen cell phones with corner-to-corner (diagonal) dimensions of 5.5 inches or larger.
To put the above number into perspective – the first iPhone measured 3.5 inches while the latest one measures 6.5 inches.
Since an average woman’s hand size is 6.8 inches and man’s is 7.6 inches, many people find phablet phones simply too big. However, the majority of the population like the large display, thus basically all leading smartphone-producing companies have their flagship models larger than 6 inches in 2020.
In the article, we will cover all the ins and outs of the large-screen cell phones, which will enable you to confidently determine whether phablet phones are for you or not. We will also take a closer look at the 10 best big-screen phones, present you with their features and specification.
So are you ready to dig deeper? Let’s do this.
Why Are Phone Screens Getting Bigger and Bigger?
Why are phone screens getting larger each year? Well, the use of phones has changed a lot. Not long ago, we only used phones for calls and texting and the trend at that time was to make them smaller and smaller, which got to a point that there were some models that had keypads too small for a full-grown man.
These days the trends have shifted. This has a lot to do with the fact that smartphones are mainly used for taking photos, videos, playing games, watching videos, movies, series, and social media. Moreover, many use smartphones for work; emails, texts edits, etc. Calls and texting are at the bottom of the activities performed with most smartphones.
All of the listed activities are more or less visual content and as such make the user experience much better with a larger screen. Moreover, as the technology evolves, it also enables better batteries that can support such large displays (more on that in the following section).
Bigger Battery, Bigger Screen
If you know a thing or two about smartphones, you are most likely aware of the fact that their displays consume the most energy and use up battery life like crazy. As such, the bigger the screen, the larger and more capable the battery needs to be to support the all-day use.
With large screen cell phones measuring even 6.5 inches and more, the batteries must be quite large. And unlike in the past, when we wanted our cell phone’s batteries to last for a week, we are now pleased if the battery can last us through the whole day.
If we are being honest, a full-day battery is all most of users need as it is not a problem to charge our devices every night. However, despite the huge progress made in the field of batteries, there isn’t a single phablet phone that will manage to perform a full day of extremely demanding and power-consuming tasks, such as HD online gaming or similar.
As such, a proper power bank is still something most large-screen cell phones users use. Luckily the charging time has also been drastically improved, and most latest biggest smartphone models can be charged up to 50% or even more in less than 30 min, which really is impressive.
Screen Technology Is Improving
Some years back, the size of smartphones that are being produced at the current time wouldn’t make much sense. You see, the human eyes have an extreme capability of detecting quality and without a proper resolution, a large display is not an option.
Moreover, since all smartphones also offer to broadcast onto a TV screen, as the TV screens developed to extreme sizes, so must the smartphones to make the ends meet.
Did you know that with a single adapter, HDMI cable, computer mouse, and a keyboard one can use a smartphone as a computer? Yes, they are that capable. With many of them having 6GB or more of RAM, extremely advanced processors, and even huge internal storage, they outperform a great number of laptops and PCs.
We already have smartphones that are foldable and offer a perfect combination of the huge screen when opened and pocket-size dimensions when folded.
That said, screen technology has been improving with extreme speed and at this point, it seems like the dimensions have reached the human needs. So if not in enlargement where will the future development go? Only time will tell.
Smartphones Role Has Changed
As we mentioned above, smartphones these days are used for an extremely wide range of multimedia purposes. More and more people use them to watch their favorite shows and movies on the go. Smartphones are being used for emailing and other ‘office’ tasks regularly. Not to mention the multitasking, which is much easier on the larger smartphones. Thus, it makes much sense for those types of users to use large-screen cell phones.
Are you one of those users or do you still mainly use your phone for calls and texting?
Are Large-screen Cell Phones Always Better?
Lately, due to the trend of an average user wanting a bigger display, it has been noticed that larger screens typically also mean better performance. Most leading smartphone producing companies still offer some smaller models, however, even those are normally larger than 5.5 inches.
As such, yes, large-screen cell phones are currently the ones that pack the best performance capabilities. Some of the most important ones are presented below.
Camera and photos
Large-screen cell phones have come to a point where they can capture stunning photos that may be used even for printing in huge formats. Specially Samsung, Apple, and Huawei took this extremely far and have currently the best cameras on the market that are capable of capturing impressive photos even in the low-light conditions.
Video
Though photos are still extremely popular, videos currently win the popularity contest. That said, it is not a surprise that phones are now able to capture 4K videos in high frame rates. Those videos can be played on the largest TV screens and still look impressive.
However, the reality is that most of the content captured with smartphones gets viewed on smartphones and as such larger displays come in handy.
Playing Games
Games have also taken their own evolution and are now at a point that can leave an average user speechless with the graphic quality. Of course, this still varies from game to game, however, if you are to enjoy the most demanding and extremely advanced games, large screen cell phones are a must.
Movies
In the past, no one ever watched a movie on a cell phone. Moreover, most of us would laugh if someone was to say that people will be watching movies on their phones, right? Well, this is reality. The amount of people watching movies on their smartphones is super high. And why not? We are on the go a lot and those phablet phones are larger than most airplane screens were not long ago.
If one is to enjoy the movie on their smartphone, it also makes sense to go with the biggest smartphone available.
Watching games
Watching others playing games has become extremely popular over the last years. The best around gaming has also developed and the COVID-19 situation has only boosted that industry. That said, it makes sense to have big-screen phones for that purpose as well.
10 Latest Large Screen Cell Phones
This is the section that is of main interest for many of you. Herein you will be able to learn the details about 10 latest large-screen cell phones that will provide you with all one could need in the biggest smartphone.
Aside from the obvious industry-leading models, we did our best to locate also a couple of more affordable large-screen cell phones that may be of interest to those of you who are not willing to spend a fortune on a smartphone.
HUAWEI P40 PRO – Large-Screen Cell Phones
Huawei P40 Pro is without a doubt one of the best and highest performing large-screen cell phones on the market. Though it may not be as practical to use since it is no longer a Google phone (due to all Chine-USA dispute), it sure offers one of the best cameras in the market. It also packs an extreme processor and battery. It offers some extra features, including on-screen optical fingerprint sensor, IP68 waterproof and sand proof.
Main Specs:
- Battery: 4200 mAh
- Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G; Octa core (2.86 GHz, Dual core, Cortex A76 + 2.36 GHz, Dual core, Cortex A76 + 1.95 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A55)
- Display: 6.58 inches
- Ram: 8 GB
- Internal storage: 256 GB
- Front Camera: 32 MP
- Rear Camera: 50 MP + 40 MP + 12 MP
- Dimensions: (158.2 x 72.6 x 8.9) mm
- Weight: 209 grams
SAMSUNG GALAXY S20 ULTRA – Large-Screen Cell Phones
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is another extremely high performing smartphone. It packs incredible multi-cameras that deliver up to 12000 x 9000 Pixels images, high-resolution display, and extremely advanced processor. It has a 6.9” display, which offers an aspect of 20:9, which means it is not as wide as some older phablet phones. It also features an on-screen fingerprint sensor (ultrasonic), light sensor, proximity sensor, accelerometer, barometer, compass, and gyroscope.
Specs:
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 9 Octa 990; Octa core (2.73 GHz, Dual core, M5 Mongoose + 2.5 GHz, Dual core, Cortex A76 + 2 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A55)
- Display: 6.9 inches
- Ram: 12 GB
- Internal storage: 256 GB
- Front Camera: 40 MP
- Rear Camera: 108 MP + 48 MP + 12 MP
- Dimensions: (166.9 x 76 x 8.8) mm
- Weight: 220 grams
APPLE IPHONE 11 PRO MAX – Large-Screen Cell Phones
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the best that Apple has to offer at the moment. It has a smaller brother with similar capabilities. This is the first iPhone that earned the ‘Pro’ title, which alone is a strong statement. If you are an Apple fan and in need of a powerful big-screen smartphone, then this is the model for you. It packs extreme cameras, a powerful processor, and many advanced features, including Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, and Gyroscope.
Specs:
- Battery: 3969 mAh
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic; Hexa Core (2.65 GHz, Dual core, Lightning + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Thunder)
- Display: 6.5 inches
- Ram: 4 GB
- Internal storage: various options
- Front Camera: 12 MP
- Rear Camera: 12MP + 12MP + 12MP
- Dimensions: (158 x 77.8 x 8.1) mm
- Weight: 226 grams
ONEPLUS 8 PRO – Large-Screen Cell Phones
The OnePlus 8 Pro is another marvelous model among impressive large-screen cell phones selection. It is packed with the latest technology and offers the most advanced performance capabilities. It offers an advanced camera for image and video creation and a powerful processor that enables the most advanced multitasking. It also features an on-screen fingerprint optical sensor, light sensor, Proximity sensor, RGB sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope.
Specs:
- Battery: 4510 mAh
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 9 Octa 990; Octa core (2.84 GHz, Single core, Kryo 585 + 2.42 GHz, Tri core, Kryo 585 + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 585)
- Display: 6.78 inches
- Ram: 8 GB
- Internal storage: 128 GB
- Front Camera: 16 MP
- Rear Camera: 48+48+8+5 MP
- Dimensions: (165.3 x 74.3 x 8.5) mm
- Weight: 199 grams
SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 10 PLUS -Large-Screen Cell Phones
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus is an amazing smartphone, best for those who want to make the most with the use of S pen. It takes some time getting used to, however, once you master it, it makes multitasking a breeze. The S pen also supports air action gestures. It also packs an on-screen ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, and Gyroscope.
Specs:
- Battery: 4300 mAh
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 9 Octa 9825; Octa core (2.73 GHz, Dual core, M4 Mongoose + 2.4 GHz, Dual core, Cortex A75 + 1.9 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A55)
- Display: 6.8 inches
- Ram: 12 GB
- Internal storage: 256 GB or 512 GB
- Front Camera: 16 MP
- Rear Camera: 12 + 12 +16 MP
- Dimensions: (162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9) mm
- Weight: 196 grams
APPLE IPHONE 11 – Large-Screen Cell Phones
The iPhone 11 can really compare with its superior ‘Pro Max’ brother by camera performances nor size. However, it is still large enough and more than capable of performing even the most advanced tasks (it pack the same processor). Its main advantage is without a doubt more affordable price. It is available in various colors and also packs the highest level of water and dust resistance (IP68).
Specs:
- Battery: 3110 mAh
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic; Hexa Core (2.65 GHz, Dual core, Lightning + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Thunder)
- Display: 6.1 inches
- Ram: 4 GB
- Internal storage: various options
- Front Camera: 12 MP
- Rear Camera: 12MP + 12MP
- Dimensions: (150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3) mm
- Weight: 194 grams
SAMSUNG GALAXY S20 PLUS – Large-Screen Cell Phones
The Samsung Galaxy S20+ may not be as extreme an its ‘Ultra’ brother, though it is still very large, extremely high-performing smartphones and still one of the best large-screen cell phones on the market. It packs the same processor as the Galaxy S20 Ultra but has less advanced cameras, smaller battery, and 0.2 inches smaller display. It also packs an ultrasonic on-screen fingerprint sensor, Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, and Gyroscope. It is also IP68 waterproof and dustproof.
Specs:
- Battery: 4500 mAh
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 9 Octa 990; Octa core (2.73 GHz, Dual core, M5 Mongoose + 2.5 GHz, Dual core, Cortex A76 + 2 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A55)
- Display: 6.7 inches
- Ram: 8 GB
- Internal storage: 128 GB
- Front Camera: 10 MP
- Rear Camera: 12MP + 64MP + 12MP
- Dimensions: (161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8) mm
- Weight: 186 grams
GOOGLE PIXEL 4 XL – Large-Screen Cell Phones
The Google Pixel 4 XL is a great choice for all Android fans. It may lack slightly behind Samsung or Huawei in size and performance, however, it is probably the best choice for all Google apps. It is still large enough even for movies watching and offers extreme performance capabilities.
Specs:
- Battery: 3700 mAh
- Processor: Snapdragon 855; Single core (2.84 GHz, Single core, Kryo 485 + 2.42 GHz, Tri core, Kryo 485 + 1.78 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 485)
- Display: 6.3 inches
- Ram: 6 GB
- Internal storage: 64 GB
- Front Camera: 8 MP
- Rear Camera: 12.2 MP + 16 MP
- Dimensions: (160.4 x 75.1 x 8.2) mm
- Weight: 193 grams
XIAOMI MI NOTE 10 – Large-Screen Cell Phones
The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 smartphone is slightly more affordable compared to the above models, mostly due to the Xiaomi brand being less reputable. However, it is still extremely high-performing phones and offers an extremely powerful camera (at least on the paper; in tests, it does not match those of iPhone 11 Pro, Huawei P40 Pro, or Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra). The phone also packs an on-screen fingerprint sensor, Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, and Gyroscope.
Specs:
- Battery: 5260 mAh
- Processor: Snapdragon 730G; Octa core (2.2 GHz, Dual core, Kryo 470 + 1.8 GHz, Hexa Core, Kryo 470)
- Display: 6.47 inches
- Ram: 6 GB
- Internal storage: 128 GB
- Front Camera: 32 MP
- Rear Camera: 108 MP + 5 MP + 12 MP + 20 MP
- Dimensions: (157.8 x 74.2 x 9.6) mm
- Weight: 208 grams
MOTO G7 POWER – Large-Screen Cell Phones
The Moto G7 Power is Motorola’s biggest smartphone. Compared to most of the above models, it is smaller, less capable in terms of camera and processor power, however, there is one area where this phone bits all others; IT HAS THE MOST POWERFUL AND LONGEST LASTING BATTERY. That makes it an extremely competitive and popular choice. It also packs a rear fingerprint sensor, Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, and Gyroscope. It is also extremely affordable compared to other models.
Specs:
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 662; Octa core (1.8 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 250 + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 250)
- Display: 6.2 inches
- Ram: 4 GB
- Internal storage: 64 GB
- Front Camera: 8 MP
- Rear Camera: 12 MP
- Dimensions: (159.4 x 76 x 9.3) mm
- Weight: 193 grams
How to Maximize the Performance of Large Screen Cell Phones
In this section, you can find some extra tips that will enable you to maximize the performance of large-screen cell phones.
Use a screen protector
Phablet phones and all big-screen phones have an extremely large display surface, which means there is a lot of areas that can get scratched. As such it makes even more sense to use a proper screen protector for these models.
Use power-saving tips
Large displays tend to drain the batteries. However, most new smartphones offer you many power-saving tips and adjustments, which can save you a lot of battery power and prolong your phone use.
Use a lightweight phone case
Since large-screen cell phones are big, they tend to weigh more than some smaller models. Thus, it makes sense to use a lightweight case to add as little mass as possible. These days, there are many lightweight cases available for all popular phablet phones.
Scratch proof
A proper lightweight phone case should protect your phone from scratches; make it scratch proof.
Drop-proof
A proper lightweight phone case should incorporate some shock-absorbing features to minimize the impact on the biggest smartphone when it hits the floor. Ultimately, it should make your phone drop-proof.
Thin and light enough to go unnoticed
The best thing about the lightweight cases is that they are relatively thin and do not contribute to excessive weight nor bulkiness in a hand.
Screen protector friendly
Most lightweight cases are fully compatible with screen protectors. It is always best to use both simultaneously to achieve maximum protection and be worry-free even if you accidentally drop your valuable smartphone.
What To Consider When Buying Large-screen Cell Phones?
This section is a large-screen cell phone buyer’s guide. It will help you choose the best big-screen phones for you and your loved ones. It will be especially useful if you decide to stray away from the list of the latest 10 large-screen cell phones presented above.
Display Size
These days most large-screen cell phones have diagonals over 6 inches. However, differences in size can be up to 0.9 inches. They also have different ration aspects, which is definitely something to consider. Choose the size that will best suit your needs and most come use. If you mostly use your phone for movies and videos watching aim for the biggest smartphone, however, if you also want to use it often with a single hand, then consider those on the lower end.
Processing Power
All the latest large-screen cell phones have very powerful processors. For an average user, those won’t really make a difference. However, if you plan on playing the most advanced games or perform extremely demanding multitasking, aim for the best one.
For video watching, they should all do extremely well.
Memory and Storage
When it comes to RAM, you will find it hard to find a new large-screen phone that does not have at least 4GB, which should cover all your everyday needs. However, if you are a hard-core gamer, go with the 6GB+ ram models. As far as the memory is concerned, you should consider getting models that offer at least 128GB if you plan on taking a lot of photos and videos. Though, this can be solved by moving files to your computer or using and external memory card (if applicable).
Cameras
Unless you are a professional photographer, the cameras in most large-screen cell phones will meet all your photography needs. In most cases, they will surpass then by miles. However, if you are a professional photographer looking for a smartphone capable of taking pro-like photos, you should limit yourself on Huawei P40 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, or Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra.
Size and Weight
Bigger the screen, bigger the size, and heavier the phone. These are the facts. Thought, the weight is always around 200g, and to be honest an average user won’t really notice this difference. The important angle to consider it the size – how it feels in your palm and whether you want to carry it in your pants’ pocket. Some models are slimmer and fit a palm and pockets more easily.
Battery Life
As mentioned above, most large-screen cell phones come with powerful all-day batteries. However, if you plan on performing extremely power-draining tasks, you should consider getting a power bank. Anything below 3100mAh may not be enough to meet your daily needs.
Operating System
Android or iOS is the question that many smartphone users ask themselves. The decision is not always easy. If you prefer safety, you should lean towards the iOs, however, if you appreciate free apps and extreme compatibility with other devices, then Android should be your pick.
Why Big-screen Phones Are Becoming A Problem
Herein we will cover some of the most common points why some people do not like large-screen cell phones. These are definitely worth looking at if you are considering buying a big-screen phone for the first time.
They Use More Power
Due to larger displays, the large-screen cell phones use more battery. However, they normally have larger batteries, which evens this one out almost completely.
They’re Easier to Drop
That one is a problem, at least until one gets used to it. If you have smaller palms, you will need to use phablet phones with both hands. It is important to protect your big-screen smartphone with a proper case and screen protector.
Prone to Scratches Easily
Since the surface that can get scratch is huge, they tend to get scratched more often. However, the use of a screen protector and phone case can eliminate that threat.
Difficult to Keep Inside Pockets
This is a big issue for many people. They can fit only large pockets and can be extremely unsuitable for pants with narrow pockets. Moreover, you will find it difficult to keep them in your pocket when seated as they will poke you in the hip.
Lack of Accuracy and Sensitivity
This may be a problem with some of the older large-screen cell phone models, however, it is not the case with the latest big-screen smartphones.
Expensive
High performing large-screen cell phones are the most expensive phones on the market and can cost more than $1000. As such, they are something everyone can afford. There are some less expensive models, which still offer great user experience and all the benefits of a large display.
If you want to know about government free phone then visit Government Free Phone Guideline
