Many people feel limited by small screens, especially when multitasking, watching videos, or editing photos. The demand for large-screen phones has grown rapidly in the past decade.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 currently holds the title of the phone with the biggest usable screen, reaching up to 7.6 inches when unfolded.
More and more users are switching to phones that blur the line between phones and tablets. But which brands lead this race, and do bigger screens actually help? Let’s explore deeper.
Which manufacturers focus on big displays?
Some brands design phones mainly for comfort. Others chase size. If you’re looking for large screens, not all brands will satisfy you.
Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi are the top manufacturers who consistently produce phones with very large screens.
Brands like Samsung created a whole product line—Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Note—built around screen size. Huawei followed with its Mate X series. Xiaomi joined with the Mi Mix Fold.
Top Models with Big Screens (Foldables and Slabs)
| Brand | Model | Display Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Galaxy Z Fold5 | 7.6 inches | Foldable |
| Huawei | Mate X3 | 7.85 inches | Foldable |
| Xiaomi | Mix Fold 3 | 8.03 inches | Foldable |
| Apple | iPhone 15 Pro Max | 6.7 inches | Slab |
| OnePlus | OnePlus Open | 7.82 inches | Foldable |
Foldable phones changed the game. Before foldables, 6.9 inches was considered huge. Now, 8 inches is becoming the new top tier.
Why Do These Brands Focus on Big Screens?
These brands understand their customers. Many professionals want to work, read, or watch content on a phone. A big screen turns the phone into a pocket workstation.
Samsung, for example, added stylus support to some big phones. Huawei offered multitasking modes. These features make big screens more than just flashy—they become useful.
Still, not all users want a huge screen. That’s why Apple, even though it offers a 6.7-inch screen on its largest phone, hasn’t entered the foldable market yet. It focuses on balance and simplicity.
What year had the biggest phones?
Phones didn’t always have large screens. In fact, earlier phones had tiny displays. But things have changed quickly.
The biggest shift toward larger phones happened between 2018 and 2023, with 2023 having the most big-screen releases.
Back in 2010, a 4.3-inch display felt huge. But around 2013, phones like the Samsung Galaxy Note pushed the boundaries.
Screen Size Growth Timeline
| Year | Notable Big-Screen Phone | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Galaxy Note II | 5.5 inches |
| 2014 | iPhone 6 Plus | 5.5 inches |
| 2018 | Xiaomi Mi Max 3 | 6.9 inches |
| 2020 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 | 7.6 inches |
| 2023 | Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | 8.03 inches |
2023 marked the peak so far. We saw more foldables than ever. Most brands released models above 7.5 inches when unfolded.
What Drove the Growth?
Three main reasons:
- Consumer Demand – People wanted better media experiences.
- Foldable Tech – This made big screens pocketable.
- Battery Advancements – Larger phones could finally support larger batteries.
Some years were important for breakthroughs. 2020 introduced more refined foldables. By 2023, most kinks were solved: better hinges, fewer screen wrinkles, and stronger glass.
How usable are massive screens?
Having a big screen sounds good—until you try to put it in your pocket or use it with one hand.
Massive screens improve viewing and working, but come with challenges in grip, pocket fit, and battery drain.
Most big-screen phones today are not easy to handle. Foldables help by folding down, but they still remain thick and heavy. A typical foldable weighs over 250g.
Pros and Cons of Massive Screens
| Usability Aspect | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Larger text, easier on the eyes | Can feel bulky to hold for long |
| Typing | Wider keyboard layout | Hard to reach corners with one hand |
| Multitasking | Split-screen apps work better | May confuse some casual users |
| Portability | Great when folded (foldables) | Still thicker than slabs |
| Gaming | More immersive experience | Heats up quicker, drains battery fast |
How Real People Use Big Screens
For example, one of my longtime customers, a repair shop owner in Spain, told me their clients often prefer foldables now, not just for style, but for comfort. They can read contracts, respond to emails, and check designs directly on their phones—no laptop needed.
Another customer in France runs a phone refurbishing company. They mentioned that younger customers especially enjoy big phones for watching YouTube or TikTok. Some even use their phone as a mini TV.
However, both also said that cases and grips are now more important. A slippery big phone is just asking for trouble. Drop one, and you’re looking at a costly repair.
Do big screens boost productivity?
People now work, shop, and learn from their phones. It’s natural to ask: does a bigger screen make you more productive?
Yes, big screens can boost productivity, especially for tasks like reading, writing, or multitasking with multiple apps.
Some people don’t need a computer anymore. A phone with a big enough screen can handle many daily tasks.
Tasks That Improve With Bigger Screens
-
Email and Messaging
Easier to type and read longer threads. -
Reading Documents
PDF files, spreadsheets, and web pages display more content with fewer scrolls. -
Design and Drawing
Stylus support on big phones (like the S Pen) helps digital artists and engineers. -
Video Calls and Conferences
Split-screen makes it easier to take notes while talking.
Case Example: Phone Used as Work Device
One Spanish client from Valencia uses a Galaxy Z Fold as a main business device. They travel a lot and find it perfect for checking orders, answering customer messages, and editing invoices on the go. Combined with a portable keyboard, it nearly replaces their laptop.
Foldable phones even offer "desktop mode." Samsung has DeX. Huawei has EMUI Desktop. You connect your phone to a monitor and get a full PC-like interface.
But there are limits. Heavy photo editing, long spreadsheets, or video editing still work better on a laptop or desktop.
When Big Screens Don’t Help
Not all tasks get better with size. A delivery driver doesn’t need an 8-inch phone. Neither does a child playing a simple game. For some people, big screens just mean more weight and less comfort.
Also, more screen means more battery use. Unless paired with a strong battery, the screen becomes a drain, not a gain.
Conclusion
Big screens have changed the way people use phones. From foldables to 6.9-inch slabs, the market now offers many choices. These large screens help in productivity, reading, gaming, and more—but they come with trade-offs in comfort and weight. Knowing what you need helps you choose the right size.
