Phablets and large screen phones
Not quite a smartphone, not quite a tablet - what exactly is a phablet, and do they still exist?
The term 'phablet' started gaining popularity from 2012 to 2014, although it's a word you may not hear as much now, as smartphone screen sizes increase and phone technology leaps forward.
Here's our guide to phablets, including their defining characteristics, whether they still exist, and the current range of smartphones which are seen as modern-day phablets.
What is a phablet?
Phablets are a cross between a smartphone and a tablet - the term 'phablet' was used in the past for smartphones with very large screens.
The term was coined around the time when phones had 4.5-inch up to 5.8-inch screens, and phablets had 6-inch+ displays. The term 'phablet' isn’t relevant anymore as the majority of new smartphones have 6-inch+ displays.
The definition for 'phablet' is fluid as smartphone displays have become larger and the term has steadily fallen out of use. However, phablets tend to have the following characteristics:
Large screens with smartphone processor functionality, yet smaller than a tablet
Can be held and used in one hand
Many are compatible with styluses
What is a phablet used for?
With screens larger than your average phone, phablets are fantastic for people who regularly use their phones for gaming, streaming, and working on the go. The increased display dimensions promote a more immersive experience and make multitasking easier, and if taking pictures is your thing, there’s more room to get creative with your snaps. All this, together with the new features of artificial intelligence phones, can boost your productivity.
Do phablets still exist?
Technically, yes - there are several new smartphones available with large displays and powerful processors which have phablet characteristics.
However, as technology has moved on, what would have been considered a phablet in the past would now be considered a small smartphone.
When Samsung released the Galaxy Note in 2011, its ground-breaking 5.3-inch screen defined it as a phablet - it's commonly cited as one of the first phablets available.
These days, the Galaxy Note's display would be considered small.
Why did people buy phablets in the past?
When large smartphone screens weren't as commonplace as they are now, phablets were popular with people who needed to work on trains and planes, and people who wanted to watch videos and play games on larger screens. Some of their benefits included:
More space on screen - people who had to work on the go found that a larger screen increased their productivity
Immersive entertainment - larger screens meant more detail and a cinematic-style viewing experience
Increased comfort - using and switching between apps was more comfortable on bigger screens
Reducing eye strain - it was easier for people to read text, get notifications and read documents on a bigger display
Which phone has the biggest screen?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has one of the biggest screens, unfolding to an expansive, super-smooth 7.6-inch display. Not only this, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has the brightest foldable screen ever¹, so you can watch all your favourite content in vivid detail and fold it neatly into your pocket when you’re finished.
Likewise, with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4's immersive unfolded 7.6-inch display, you can lose yourself in your world. Nothing will come between you and your favourite content when you have a cinema and games arcade in your pocket.
Which iPhone has the largest screen?
Some iPhone models have a 6.7-inch screen¹, including iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus from the latest iPhone series. Users can enjoy a Super Retina XDR display which is up to 2x brighter in the sun compared to iPhone 14, along with a 120Hz refresh rate on iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Similarly, iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Plus benefit from a 6.7-inch screen.
Which Samsung phone has the largest screen?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Fold4 have the largest screens of any Samsung folding phone. Both handsets benefit from a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display when unfolded. Take a look at our selection of folding phones to find out more.
Looking for a Samsung phone that doesn’t fold? The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a generous 6.8-inch screen with QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. With an ultra-thin frame, you can enjoy a true edge-to-edge viewing experience.
Other Android phones with large screens
The Google Pixel 8 Pro boasts an impressive 6.7-inch Super Actua display¹, with up to 1,600 nits HDR and 2,400 nits peak brightness². The Pixel 8 Pro is perfect for gaming and watching movies, with Smooth Display up to 120Hz³. Thanks to the powerful 5,050mAh battery⁴, fast charging⁵, and wireless charging⁶, you can easily do your daily tasks on the go.
Is 6.7 inches big for a phone?
Yes - any phone with a 6.7-inch screen (and above) would be considered a large phone.
Phones with a 6.7-inch screen include:
• Google Pixel 6 Pro
Is there a 7-inch phone?
We don’t sell any phones with exact 7-inch screens, but we do sell several phones which have ultra-large screens such as:
iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus: 6.7-inch
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 and Fold5: 7.6-inch (when unfolded)
Xiaomi Mi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G: 6.67-inch
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra: 6.8-inch
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5: 6.7-inch (when unfolded)
Google Pixel 6 Pro and 7 Pro: 6.7-inch
Samsung Galaxy S22+ and S23+: 6.6-inch
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: 6.6-inch
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: 6.6-inch
A 7-inch phone will give you a slightly larger display than a 6.7-inch phone - that means more immersive entertainment and gaming, and easier multi-app viewing from one screen.
Looking for a small phone?
If you're after a neat, slimline phone which you can easily operate with one hand or slip into a pocket, check out our guide to the best small phones with hardworking processors, fabulous features and crystal-clear screens for gaming, browsing and working.