Ask HN: What happened to normal-sized smartphones?

Hacker News Discussion ↗

Smartphone sizes have steadily grown, leaving fans of compact, one‑hand‑usable devices with almost no mainstream options beyond aging models like the iPhone 13 Mini and SE. Commenters debate whether this is driven purely by consumer demand for bigger screens and batteries or by self‑reinforcing industry choices and marketing, noting that even “poorly selling” small phones still move millions of units but aren’t worth it at Apple’s scale. Many now see large phones as inevitable as they’ve become people’s primary computers, while a vocal minority looks to niche Android vendors, folding phones, or wearables in search of a truly pocketable alternative.

Market demand and economics

  • Consensus that large phones dominate sales; small models are a niche.
  • One side: “the market has spoken” – most consumers prefer bigger screens and batteries, so small phones don’t sell enough to justify extra SKUs.
  • Other side: even a small share at Apple scale (e.g., ~3% of iPhone sales for the Mini) means millions of units and >$1B in revenue, more than many entire Android lines; argued that another vendor could “own” this niche.
  • Debate over whether it’s pure demand or a self‑reinforcing cycle: companies push big phones (easier to market battery/screen “bigger numbers”), consumers buy what’s offered.

Ergonomics, eyesight, and usage patterns

  • Many commenters miss “one‑handable” sizes (around iPhone 5 / original iPhone / Sony Compact range).
  • Complaints that current “mini” phones are still too big to use comfortably with one hand or thumb.
  • Counterpoint: typical users now spend hours per day on phones as primary computers; for long reading, video, and social apps, small screens are uncomfortable, especially for older users or those with presbyopia.
  • Some note that when fonts are enlarged on small screens, web and app layouts often degrade.

Specific devices and remaining options

  • iPhone 12/13 Mini and iPhone SE (2022/3) are frequently cited as last “normal‑sized” mainstream phones; many plan to keep them as long as supported.
  • Critiques that Minis were handicapped by not having “Pro‑level” specs, sending a “smaller = worse” signal.
  • Android “compact-ish” options mentioned: Asus Zenfone 9/10, smaller Samsung S-series, some Sony models, Pixel 3/3a/7/8, Moto Edge 30.
  • Very small phones (e.g., Jelly 2, qin f21 pro, various Chinese brands) exist but often lack recent Android, 5G, or reliable updates; considered niche or “shady” by some.

Platform and software constraints

  • Several want small Android phones specifically because iOS automation is limited.
  • Discussion around iOS Shortcuts: some automations can run silently, but anything involving SMS triggers and network requests generally needs user confirmation, likely to avoid abuse.
  • Some switched to iPhone solely for Mini hardware but find iOS comparatively buggy or restrictive; would prefer Android in that form factor.

Broader trends and analogies

  • Smartphones framed as general‑purpose computers where screen real estate is now prioritized over pocketability.
  • Analogies drawn to cars getting larger over decades, with “small” segments periodically refilled by new models.
  • Overall sentiment: small‑phone fans are a vocal minority; the segment is “practically dead” in the mainstream, sustained mainly by compromises and niche vendors.