I’m using a Sharp Aquos Wish from 2022, because it’s 5.8 inches tall. It just barely fits in my pocket, but honestly is a bit uncomfortable. I wish I had a phone about 5.5 inches tall. Ideally with the latest android OS, a good battery, and wireless charging.
NOTHING like that exists! The closest is maybe the Unihertz Jelly Max, which is Android 14 instead of 15, and doesn’t support wireless charging. It’s also made in China, and comes preinstalled with spyware.
I could use GrapheneOS if I got a Google Pixel, but Google doesn’t have a line of small phones. They even developed foldable phones so they could make a smaller foldable phone if they wanted, but instead they created the abomination that is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is a gigantic 6 inch phone when folded, and unfolds into a tablet-sized device. For the love of god, WHY!???
The whole point of foldables was to make phones smaller, not make them twice as big! Who was responsible for this?
I don’t know what to do. At this point I think I may never upgrade my phone. I’ll be using my Sharp Aquos Wish 10 years from now, and then abandon phones entirely when the network stops servicing Android 11.
Similar to vehicles, smaller phones probably would sell just fine.
The issue would be that not many people would buy a phone 2/3 the size unless it was also 2/3 the price. Even if the manufacturing of such a device was 2/3 the cost (it wouldn’t be), the bottom line for the manufacturer would be same number of devices sold, but 1/3 less money.
Companies don’t do less money.
Except, small vehicles are actually on the market, and there is a good selection to choose from.
Something else is going on with phones. There are many models in the mid and low range, but extremely few small models.
Small vehicle sales represent less than a fifth of the market. Major manufacturers have ceased production of sedans and hatchbacks in favour of larger platform SUVs and pickup trucks.
I realise that vehicles aren’t really the focus here, but the smartphone market isn’t too dissimilar in certain ways. The major manufacturers have discontinued their smaller for factor devices citing ‘sales’, but those devices cost nearly what a larger one did so it’s reasonable that consumers would opt for the bigger screen, especially when it’s typically coupled with a larger battery and superior camera.
Also similar between these two markets, if you look overseas, or at older used models, or make any of a variety of compromises, you can find something if you’re determined. Or you don’t find something and just deal with the giant phone that sticks half out your pocket and you can’t sit down without removing it.
Personally, I’m enjoying watching the advances in folding phones. They are approaching Westworld standards pretty quick. Trouble of course will be when they get there, it’ll cost the same as a car and at that point it better unfold some wheels too.
I’m not that familiar with the North-American market, but small cars are way more common in Europe and East-Asia.
That’s not my experience. But then I prefer somewhat loose fitting slacks.
I’ve seen some of the photos of people driving American-sized pickup trucks around Europe and I hope they get outlawed. Unfortunately, Europe and Asia do have so many more options - sometimes even by American companies much to my annoyance.
I occasionally look into getting a Kei car of some sort. Though it’s not really practical for me. Maybe one day, by the time a sub five inch flagship phone is developed perhaps.