Member Avatar for Coloradojaguar

I keep waiting for tablets and phones to merge. Perhaps I'm hoping for too much. But, with the CES in Las Vegas this week a few potentials seem to be attempting to make this leap. A 6.8" smartphone might be a near solution. Are others waiting for the tablet and smartphone markets and makers to converge?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by johnland8193

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This thread asked a good, practical question about “tablet vs phone” convergence. Early reactions in the thread — from wondering when the two would merge, to worrying about pocketability and phone calls, and and weighing single-device tradeoffs — highlight the two real decisions buyers face: screen real estate vs. ergonomics. The industry answered both paths: larger slab phones for most users, and later foldables for people who want tablet-sized screens in a pocket-sized device. ()

How that played out: Samsung’s Note line proved there was real demand for “phablet”-sized hardware, and Apple’s move to 4.7/5.5-inch iPhones in 2014 pushed large phones into the mainstream. By the 2020s most flagship phones cluster around the 6.7–6.8 inch range, while foldable designs (the first widely publicized attempts landed in 2019) opened a second route to full-phone-plus-tablet functionality. If the single-device idea appealed to , today’s market gives that option — with compromises. ()

Practical guidance when choosing a “phablet” today:

  • Try the grip and pocket test for 10 minutes before buying; weight and thickness matter more than the diagonal.
  • Prioritize battery capacity (many big phones ship with ~5000 mAh) and software scaling (one-handed modes, adjustable keyboard). Use built-in one‑handed modes or a Bluetooth headset if you, like , are concerned about taking calls. (samsung.com)

Quick checklist for the single-device route: match screen size to how much reading/video multitasking you do; check weight and case options; confirm carrier bands and repairs/cost; and consider a foldable if you need a near-tablet canvas without carrying two devices. If in doubt, bring both hands: a 7–8 inch tablet plus a 5–5.5 inch phone still remains the simplest, lowest-risk setup.

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Member Avatar for creamtown

I think 6.8-inch device is too huge for a smartphone. I still prefer to use 4.5 to 5-inch smartphone and 7 or 8-inch tablet as my companion device. But maybe, a 6-inch phablet is the one i'm looking forward in the future. But that's gonna be weird everytime we use it to answer the call. It's pretty huge for a smartphone. People would laugh if you dared to do that. :D

Member Avatar for happygeek

I recently swapped my iPad 2 for a Google Nexus 7 2013 LTE, and once my iPhone 5s is off contract I am seriously thinking about taking the phablet 'one device to rule them all' route.

Member Avatar for pritaeas

Am seriously considering a Nokia Lumia 1520 (6").

Member Avatar for happygeek

I know someone who is using one and is very satisfied with it. They are a die-hard Windows user across all platforms including mobile though, personally I think I'd find the jump from iOS and Android a leap too far. I'm seriously considering dumping iOS altogether when the next hardware upgrade decision has to be made, as Android simply gets the flexibility over finesse edge for me, but Windows Phone (even WP8 Black in the Lumia 1520) just seems a little too lacking in functionality right now - it reminds me of iOS at the start of the development cycle.

Member Avatar for johnland8193

CES 2015 will come with a lot of products which many people are waiting like Sony Xperia Z4.

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