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Are smartphones too big?

With Apple set to introduce a new, smaller iPhone, we ponder the question--have smartphones gotten too big? Jefferson Graham reports on #TalkingTech. Sean Fujiwara

Chuck Asa from Hawaii shows off his small Samsung phone vs. Priscilla Cameron's larger Samsung Note.(Photo: Sean Fujiwara)

VENICE BEACH - Have smartphones gotten too big?

At a press event Monday, Apple is expected to introduce a back to future iPhone model, the SE, which will have most of the features of the newer 4.7 inch iPhone 6S and 5.5 inch iPhone 6S Plus, but in a smaller 4 inch body.

The new SE will be virtually alone among popular rival smartphones in its height--the majority of new phones from Samsung, LG, Google and others all have screens that are 5 inches or bigger. Smaller phones are now scarce. In fact, we visited the websites of the wireless carriers looking to find phones that were in the 4 inch range, but only could find two offered--the older Samsung Galaxy J1 and Coolpad Rogue.

The SE is expected to replace the iPhone 5S, first introduced in 2013. Apple joined the big-screen movement, pioneered by Samsung, in 2014, with the 4.7 inch iPhone 6 and 5.5 inch 6 Plus, followed in 2015 with the 6S and 6S Plus.

USA TODAY

New Apple iPhone SE looks to folks who think 6S is too big

Many consumers demanded bigger screens and the move paid off for Apple. The larger iPhone was Apple's best-seller ever.

But not everyone is happy with the super-sized iPhone.

iPhone 6S and iPhone 5C back to back (Photo: Jefferson Graham)

"They're like a flat screen TV in your pocket," says Chuck Asa, a tourist visiting from Hawaii. "Bigger phones are easier to break."

Christina Cameron, a student from Boston, has the old iPhone 5, is up for an upgrade, and is eager for the SE. "I could get the newer one in a smaller phone." Taking a look at the iPhone 6S Plus, she says, "It's like a mini-iPad to my face."

But Priscilla Peterson, also from Hawaii, says, "I like big phones--I hope they get bigger too."

Has the iPhone gotten too big? "No," says Monica Roldeder Duffy, a Los Angeles publicist. "When I switched from the 5 to the 6, I couldn't believe I ever used the 5."

But Gene Munster, an analyst with Piper Jaffray, sees the new SE appealing to about 20% of Apple's customer base--the folks who never bothered to upgrade to the bigger phones.

Tim Bajarin, an analyst with market research firm Creative Strategies, says Apple could make a huge impact with the SE by pricing it "aggressively," like around $399.

The 6S starts at $649 without a contract, while the iPhone 5S was being offered with no pre-payment and a two-year contract, or $450 unlocked. (It's currently no longer on sale on Apple's website.)

Meanwhile, with Apple paving the reverse direction in phone size and trying again with a smaller screen, "If Apple is successful, you can bet Samsung will be back," says Bajarin.

The new SE is expected in stores next week.

Apple declined to comment.

Follow USA TODAY tech columnist and #TalkingTech host Jefferson Graham on Twitter, @jeffersongraham.

Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1pyT3HF


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