What's your perfect iPhone 6 screen size? Find out!

By Rene Ritchie
published

There are rumors that the next-generation iPhone 6 from Apple — expected to arrive something this fall — will sport a screen size of 4.7-inches, and maybe 5.5-inches as well. That means it'll go from the old 3.5-inches and current 4-inches, which are now on the small side of the phone size spectrum, all the way up to middle and potentially large. From mini to maxi is broad range though, everything from easy to use with one hand to big enough you might not need a tablet anymore. That's why we asked the question — what's the perfect iPhone screen size for you? Well, here's your answer!

Turns out, as of publication time, more than half of you want a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 next the most. With over 10,000 votes counted, here's the breakdown:

Over a hundred of you took the time to elaborate on your votes as well. A lot of you fell into the happy medium camp:

4.7" would be just about perfect for me. 5.5" would be nice too, but I just don't want a phone that big. So 4.7" it is. Like the poll said, it's bigger but still a phone (rather than a mini-tablet). And I like what you said, Rene; "4.7-inches to strike the best balance of small enough to hold, big enough to enjoy" sums it up nicely.

Others, of course, feel like if you're going to go big, go big, especially if it would obviate the need to carry around a tablet as well.

I have a Note 2 and to me the size of the device is great, and neither I nor friends I've handed it to have ever had problems using it from its size or putting it in a pocket. But Android just isn't as good as iOS so I'm happy to come back for a bigger iPhone, especially now that iOS as of 8 will have just about every feature from Android I cared about anyway. I'd love a 5.5 inch so I wouldn't need a tablet, especially if it registered as a tablet to the apps that cared, but I'd still be happy with 4.7 if they, for instance, were just making 4 and 4.7 phones with 5.5 just being a giant iPod. :)

Not everyone thought bigger was better, though. For some, the current 4-inches is still best:

I want a 4" phone like my current 5s. It works great with one hand which is useful while on the bus or walking home carrying some stuff from the store. I know that there are lots of people that want a larger screen but that's the size that works well for me.

Very, very few wanted the 3.5-inch iPhone to make a comeback simply because 4-inches wasn't that different:

In all honesty, I would prefer to go back to the 3.5 but I manage with the 4. I really hope they keep the 4 around. Not everyone has freakishly large hands/arms that hold the phone 10 feet from your face.

Still others are either holding out to actually see and feel what Apple releases before making up their minds, or are trying out larger competing phones, and not always happily:

I have a confession... I bought an LG G3 two days ago, and for the third or fourth time I have walked away from the iPhone.I am back after 48 hours.Not only was Android frustrating (always is to me) but the size of the phone was a bit hard to handle. I was dead set in getting the 5.5 inch iPhone until I used the G3. It's looking like 4.7 for me.

That Apple does bigger is certainly one thing. How Apple does bigger will absolutely be another.

If you haven't voted yet, go vote now and check out the other comments while you're there. Then let me know — if a the 5.5-inch iPhone had a better camera and longer battery life, would it change your mind?

Rene Ritchie
Rene Ritchie
Contributor

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.

46 Comments
  • You nailed it with "how apple does bigger"! That will be the key! I want to see how they do a phone in the 5+ range and would want to give it a shot. Sent from the iMore App
  • I'm genuinely confused on that front. I visit several tech blogs and some want a bigger screen for more content, but I thought people wanted a bigger screen so it's easier to read. I agree we don't just need a blown up OS, but take Safari for example. Do you want to see more of a webpage or a larger version of the webpage?
  • It's easy to read already, there are accessibility options to make text larger. Sent from the iMore App
  • Sorry, I think you're wrong. Accessibility options really don't help all that much. Sure it might help a little for reading some things but doesn't help the overall experience. For the older (not necessarily senior) generation a larger screen might make an already busy smartphone screen more comfortable to read/navigate. Which translate into an enjoyable experience. I think there is a big disconnect in option, between the young and older tech enthusiasts.
  • After using the Z10 for a couple of months, I found that screen size to be PERFECT for ME. The iPhone 6 (4.7) should fit MY needs and wants PERFECT.
  • It's been a nice poll. The results are interesting. Whatever Apple does, I can't wait for it to be done because the "taste great / less filling / I want it all" is worn out...
    Please Apple, tell us what we need.
    xP Sent from the iMore App
  • 4.7. But I don´t want a much bigger footprint than the current phone. I find big phones unwieldy and I enjoy using my iPhone in one hand while I do something with the other.
  • How are you able to look at the iPhone screen in one hand as you manipulate it while at the same time doing something else with your other hand?
  • Depends on what I'm doing I suppose. For instance wetting plants using a hose with one hand and responding to a text with the other. Point is, I find myself using my iPhone with one hand a lot. When I use a bigger phone, it's what I find myself missing.
  • This is exactly why I returned the G3. I am a big fan of texting and playing games with one hand. I have a 3 year old, so one hand usually needs to be free to keep her from jumping off the couch or eating the "raisins" she finds outside. When I had the Note 3 for a short time. I really liked the one handed mode and I used it a lot. It made one handed use much easier and it was implemented well. If Apple doesn't do something like that, it won't work for me.
  • I'm eating a donut while I'm typing this. Sent from the iMore App
  • I don't think a bigger iPhone is a better iPhone. The 4.7" will have to do. I was more excited for Touch ID last year vs these screen sizes. In the past it was a nobrainer to upgrade with annual upgrades. The leaps in performance were greater and selling the old iPhone paid for it. Now it makes more sense to do so every 2-3 years. Especially since carriers are knocking your bill down if out of contract.
  • Keep in mind that we are all nerds that like bigger screens. I however would like to stay at 4 inch and don't want anything bigger. I ask everyone I work with and a vast majority don't want a big iphone, they really want better battery life. This poll doesn't represent the average muggle, just the hard core nerds. Just something to think about.
  • Agreed. While I do want larger screen (my eyes, oh my eyes).. Battery life is by far a bigger concern to me.. In fact.. so much so that which ever screen size gets more battery WILL determine what phone I get.. not screen size itself..
  • I want the battery life and bigger screen too but I also wouldn't mind the device being the same or a little thicker than the 5/5s to accomplish it. I love my iPhone but hate trying to hold it without a case to make it larger and fit in my large hands. I accept that I am in the minority here though.
  • I agree. I like using my wife's 5C because the way it feels in the hand. A little thicker and more curves feel nice in the hand.
  • For me, anywhere between 4.7-5'' is the sweet spot for me. Anything over that starts to get ridiculous. That's not to say that I think those 5.5'' screens are cool ('cause they are) but it's just not for me. But I'll happily stick with 4'' if it means longer battery life.
  • Better camera and bigger battery, I'd stick with my 5S still. If only a 5.5" is offered, I'd switch to an android with smaller screen or a dumb phone and use my retina iPad mini for work/non dumb phone capable stuff!! Sent from the iMore App
  • The iPhone is too small, I'm going to upgrade to the HTC ONE M8, a 5 inch full HD screen is good enough for me with the all metal design and Boom sound you can't beat that iPhone. Sent from the iMore App
  • Downside is the camera for the m8. Sent from the iMore App
  • It's not bad at all. Sent from my Galaxy S4 running SOKP 4.4.2
  • I've been using the HTC One M8 for the last couple of months after being an iPhone user for 5yrs. I thought a 5" screen would be perfect but it feels a little too big to use comfortably as a phone for me. Also, I think I'm institutionalised as I can't get on with Android either, so I'll be getting a 4.7" iPhone when it's out. Just hope the specs aren't dumbed down compared to the 5.5" model. Sent from the iMore App
  • The M8 is a device of strange proportions. Try the Nexus 5. It makes a 5" phone seem completely normal. Posted via iMore App
  • I agree with that. I was skeptical about a 5+ inch phone as well until I got a Nexus 5. 5 inches is a great size and I don't even have big hands
  • Go big, or go home! Sent from the iMore App
  • Personally, I'm in the 3.5" camp. My daughter has my old 4, and every time I use it, I realise how much I miss it.
    I think the 5/5S is the worst possible size. It's too tall. If a 4.7 is a more balanced design, it'll probably "feel" more like the 3.5. But I'm not at all excited for a bigger phone. I've never felt the iPhone was cramped, and every time I use a friend's "big" phone, I can't wait to give it back.
    Now, let me replace default apps. Getting rid of Safari
  • Oh, and I don't understand why they are so obsessed with THIN. Make it as thick as the 4, and stuff it full of battery, so it'll actually last me past lunch. Sent from the iMore App
  • I agree with your comments on the 3.5" I voted for "keep the 4"" because i really would rather have the 3.5", but i really don't see Apple going back to it. They spent so much time trying to phase out the original screen size that I just don't see them going back.
    That being said, I think the best size (for me and single-handed use) was the 3.5". Jobs was right. Bigger is not better to be used as a "phone". I have kept every model of iPhone I've purchased over the years. I have just about 1 of every major design changed (Gen1, 3GS, 4, 5c and 5S). Of all the previous designs, i'd say the 3G/S was my favorite, with the 5c as my 2nd choice. Despite them being plastic, they are a high-end plastic and the curvature felt so great in my had and the screen size (3G/S) was perfect for my "average sized" man-hands. The 4" screen is too tall and i can't reach the top row icons without shifting my grip. Even so, I hated the changed to the iP4 with the sharper edges and now the slimmer 5s's even sharper and thinner chamfered edged. I've dropped my phone way more with the newer designs (due to hard edges and shifting my grip) way more than my 3GS. I LOVED the design of the 3GS and every time i pick it up to out of my desk drawer i miss it even more. I really hope Apple keeps a "small" iPhone in the line-up and just release multiple sizes (small, medium, large). That makes a lot of sense to me, hopefully too Apple as well.
  • First got the iPhone 3gs . And when my iPhone 3gs battery die then got atrix 2 . Then got HTC One M7 my current phone . The HTC One M7 got the best screen size . So I think if the iPhone get a 4.7 screen size I will get it. Posted via the Android iMore App!
  • According to my calculations, 4.5" would be the perfect size.
    If Apple doesn't increase the dot-pitch of the LCD panel, that is. First, let's figure out the current diagonal dot-pitch of the 5/5S/5C:
    Let x = the number of "diagonal" pixels. By Pythagorean theorem: x**2 = 640**2 + 1136**2
    x = sqrt(640**2 + 1136**2)
    x = 1304 pixels iPhone 5/5S/5C diagonal dot pitch = 1304 pixels / 4 inches = 326 ppi.
    Exactly as has been blogged over and over again since the "5" was released. So what would be the natural next step for iPhone screen resolution?
    How about HD? As in 720 vertical pixels. OK, so what would be the dimensions?
    Well, assuming the same 16:9 ratio, that would give us 1280x720.
    Keeping the same "Retina" dot pitch of 326, how big would that screen be? diagonal pixel count = sqrt(720**2 + 1280**2) = 1469
    diagonal length = 1469 pixels / 326 pixels/inch = 4.5 inches There you have it. 1280x720 at 326 ppi (diagonal) gives you a 4.5 inch screen.
    So why are all the rumors about a 4.7" screen? Maybe it's the extra edge border.
    Look at any iPhone and you'll see about a 0.1" border between LCD and bezel.
    A screen with 4.5 inches of pixels needs an LCD panel with a 4.7 inch diagonal. Of course, if Apple decides to change the dot pitch of the LCD (or OLED?) panel,
    then things would be completely different. Just for fun, using the same calculations, I got these numbers: 750 x 1335 -> 4.7" diagonal screen
    800 x 1422 -> 5.0" diagonal screen
    846 x 1506 -> 5.3" diagonal screen (for 0.1" border around visible pixels)
    879 x 1565 -> 5.5" diagonal screen
  • My head hurts Sent from the iMore App
  • LOL. Mine too.
  • I do construction and am pretty active running and working out, So the 5s is a perfect size for me. Now if they make the 5s the new C series I'll get that, but not a bigger screen.
  • I was thinking the same, if the current 5s becomes the new C that would be a great form factor in my business but I also see the need for bigger too. I use my iPad mini in my truck every day for receiving my job sheets because they are A4 PDF docs and not customised for a smaller screen but it was stolen yesterday so if apple do produce a 5.5" phone that will be my next purchase as it will remove the need for an iPad. Sent from the iMore App
  • I was thinking the same, if the current 5s becomes the new C that would be a great form factor in my business but I also see the need for bigger too. I use my iPad mini in my truck every day for receiving my job sheets because they are A4 PDF docs and not customised for a smaller screen but it was stolen yesterday so if apple do produce a 5.5" phone that will be my next purchase as it will remove the need for an iPad. Sent from the iMore App
  • Sort of like property it's the 3 b's for me. Battery, battery and battery. Like someone said earlier make it as thick as the four and stuff more battery in there. I work in beer cellars for most if the day and the battery drains like you wouldn't believe looking for a signal. Sent from the iMore App
  • I personally would prefer the 5.5. I used to have a galaxy note and I think 5.5 would be best. But if not, 4.7 inches is ok too. Sent from the iMore App
  • I personally would prefer the 5.5. I used to have a galaxy note and I think 5.5 would be best. But if not, 4.7 inches is ok too. Sent from the iMore App
  • Sony z1 Compact !!!! Perfect size !! Sent from the iMore App
  • I prefer the current size Sent from the iMore App
  • I'm excited about the prospect of getting a bigger iPhone this year but I'm worried the actual footprint of the device will be too big. Apple really has locked themselves in to a large bottom bezel with their round home button. Hopefully they will trim up the top and side bezels to keep the device a reasonable size for the screen size.
  • It will be interesting to see if sales of iPad take a hit once these bigger phones come out. In Asia (and Korea in particular) huge phones are commonplace and the only means the owner has of accessing the internet. Personally I'm going for the 4.7, but had there been an option of a 5, I'd probably have gone with that. The screen on the Galaxy S4 and 5 looks to be the perfect size to me.
  • You know, I kinda like the 4 inch iPhones already. 4.7" would make them useless for people that don't have big hands. That's why I'm planning to buy an iPhone 5s when they're getting cheaper after the announcement of the iPhone 6. Still a good phone, as well as the screen size fits perfectly. Currently using an iPhone 4S which even has a better size (I can reach the left hand corner with my thumb, whilst I had some struggles with that when I had an iPod touch 5G). Maybe that I'll buy an iPhone with a bigger screen about a few years, but for now 4 inch should do it well enough. Don't hope Apple is really going to chase after the competition. Wouldn't like to see an iPhone with 6" or even bigger display. That would be a big disappointment IMO. :P
  • I tell myself 5.5 inch, but I probably want know for sure until I get my hands on one. But I'm on a 2 year contract with my 5s (started December 2013) & idk if AT&T will let me get a new phone without supposedly "breaking contract". I'll still be with AT&T, I gotta check more into it because.. Let's face it... The iphone 6 is looking sooo damn sexy!!!!! Sent from the iMore App
  • Unless you've previously owned a phone with a screen size at or over 5 inches and know for sure its too big for you, I don't think it will be too cumbersome for the average person. At
    4.7 inches, you would get used to it really quick. Battery life shouldn't suffer too much. If anything, it would be the same if Apple threw in a slightly larger battery
  • 4.7 is the best size...