Too big, too small, just right: the size of our devices

If there is one virtue of Android we’ve extolled over all others, it’s the platform’s ability to work on dozens upon dozens of handsets. It’s not just one device, and it’s not a bunch of different takes on similar devices. There are different manufacturers creating devices that vary in performance. This means a greater chance that an Android handset — one of the dozens — fits your needs. Yet it’s not all about performance. Device size has become an important factor in choosing a smartphone. We’re seeing plenty of variation in that aspect, too. Touchscreens, it seems, come in all different sizes. The Nexus One, among other devices, bears the standard, which is around 3.7 inches. This has become pretty well accepted, since it’s big enough to watch short videos, and it’s small enough to stow in a pocket or a small purse. The Galaxy S series comes close to this, with screens of 4 inches. Of course, not everyone wants the standard. There was demand for larger-screened smartphones, and a few handsets, most notably the Motorola Droid X and the HTC EVO 4G, filled that void. They have screens a bit larger than the 3.7-inch standard, measuring around 4.2 or 4.3 inches. These are a bit more difficult to stow, but offer a bit more vibrant video experience. Not to be outdone, the market for even smaller handsets seems to be in demand now, too. The LG Optimus One, a very popular second-tier model, has a screen that measures just 3.1 inches. Yesterday we saw T-Mobile announce a pair of smaller phones. The Samsung Galaxy mini will feature a 3.2 inch screen, similar to the Optimus. Even more interesting is the T-Mobile Move, which will be even smaller at 2.8 inches. The size differences extend to tablets, too. The seven-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab won over many consumers, but I’ve been wondering lately whether a heavy smartphone user would benefit all that much from a seven-inch tab. Fret not if you feel the same way. The Motorola Xoom measures 10.1 inches, as will the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. We’re also seeing rumors of a few 9-inch tablets, including the Sony S1. The basic idea is that Android does not shove specs down your throat. It does not tell you what kind of device you want. It is adaptable. Want a smaller smartphone? You’ll have more than a few options. Want to combine that with a seven-inch tab? You’ll find one running Android. Want a 3.7-inch smartphone and a 9-inch tablet? You can find them. It’s all part of the beauty of Android.

About the Author

Joe Pawlikowski is the Senior Editor at MobileMoo.com and has been covering the mobile industry full time since 2007. When he's not writing about the tech scene, he can be found discussing his personal love - baseball (and more specifically the New York Yankees) as well as writing on his personal blog.