Next-gen phones push boundaries with giant displays

Smartphone screens are set to get bigger than ever, with reports suggesting that two major manufacturers are developing devices with displays at or above seven inches sizes traditionally reserved for tablets.

For years, smartphones have steadily increased in size, even as companies pursued slimmer designs. Yet consumers who prefer compact phones have still demanded powerful, smaller devices. 

The latest trends, however, indicate that small-screen options may become increasingly rare.

Currently, the largest mainstream smartphones, like the Galaxy S25 Ultra at 6.86 inches and the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra expected at 6.89 inches, have stopped just short of the seven-inch mark. 

Apple and Samsung have long pushed larger flagship models, but neither has officially crossed the threshold until now.

The move to bigger screens is driven by consumers seeking enhanced media and gaming experiences. Larger displays allow for more immersive visuals, making movies, videos, and games more engaging.

Alongside bigger screens, manufacturers may include larger batteries, potentially exceeding the current standard of 5,000 mAh. 

Advanced battery technologies, such as silicon-carbon, could enable longer-lasting devices without compromising performance.

However, these enhancements may come with higher price tags. The global memory crunch, driven by AI data centers and increased computing demands, could also impact the cost of next-gen devices.

As smartphone designs continue to evolve, consumers will have to weigh whether larger screens, extended battery life, and improved performance justify the trade-offs in price and portability.