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?
With a foldable phone, you have the best of both worlds: a large, bright screen so you can watch all your content in vivid detail while having the convenience of a pocket-sized phone that's easily transportable. The foldable phone with the largest screen is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold with a remarkable 8-inch display. However, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 isn't far behind with its impressive 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display.
When it comes to flat-screen phones, the largest you can get include iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, both of which have 6.9-inch displays.
Which iPhone has the largest screen?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max from the latest iPhone series boasts a 6.9-inch screen¹. Users can enjoy a Super Retina XDR display with the latest Ceramic Shield front - which is 2x tougher than any smartphone glass.
The iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Plus also have large screens, at 6.7 inches.
Which Samsung phone has the largest screen?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 have the largest screens of any Samsung folding phone. Both handsets benefit from a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display when unfolded. Look at our selection of folding phones to find out more.
Looking for a Samsung phone that doesn’t fold? The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a generous 6.9-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 9 Pro XL boasts an impressive 6.8-inch Super Actua display. It’s the brightest and most immersive Pixel display yet – with up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, full 24-bit depth for 16 million colours, and Smooth Display up to 120Hz¹.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch Super Actua display¹, with up to 1,600 nits HDR and 2,400 nits peak brightness², perfect for gaming and watching movies.
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. Phone with a 6.7-inch screen include:
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:
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 8.0-inch (when unfolded)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6: 7.6-inch (when unfolded)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: 7.6-inch (when unfolded)
We also sell phones that are slightly smaller than 7 inches, such as:
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9-inch
HONOR 200 Smart: 6.8-inch
HONOR Magic7 Pro: 6.8-inch
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: 6.6-inch
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: 6.6-inch
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.