Large screen cell phones: Why bigger might be better for you

It wasn’t long ago that cell phones just kept getting smaller and lighter. Then touch screens took over and there was a shift. Big screens aren’t just for your living room anymore. Now Apple, Samsung and other phone manufacturers offer different size screens based on your needs. Generally, any phone screen over 6.5” is considered large. For example, the iPhone 16’s display screen is 6.1” while the iPhone 16 Plus measures 6.7”. So what size screen makes the most sense for your phone needs? Keep reading to see if a large screen cell phone will work for you. 

Benefits of large display cell phones

Phones are for way more than just calling people nowadays, and having a large, quality touch screen can make getting the most out of your phone even easier.

Video viewing

A bigger screen is optimal for watching movies, TV shows & social videos on your phone, in addition to providing a better view of loved ones during video calls.

Easier on the eyes

By allowing you to see more detail, bigger screens have been known to help alleviate eye strain for some users.

Multitasking

Many smartphones allow you to operate more than one app at a time, and having more screen real estate can make it even easier to do two things at once.

Bigger battery

Bigger phones tend to have more space inside, allowing for a bigger battery, so you can use your phone for longer periods of time without having to charge it as often. 

Gaming

With the larger display letting you see more detail and a larger battery letting you play longer without charging, large screen phones are ideal for mobile gamers.

Are there any disadvantages to big phones?

The main drawbacks of larger screen phones are all tied to their overall size. Having a 7” touch screen on you at all times might be more difficult to carry or use with one hand than a phone with a smaller display for some, and bigger phones definitely take up more pocket space than more compact models.

Best large screen phones

The word “best” is obviously subjective, depending on what you need your phone to do. That said, here are some of the most popular large screen phones that may be the right fit for you, based on your wireless needs.

iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a screen measuring 6.9” that is as bright & colorful as ever. It also boasts incredible photo capabilities and runs iOS 18 very smoothly. And we can’t forget the handy Apple Intelligence features. The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with all this, while also having the best iPhone battery life yet.  

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

If the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 1/10 of an inch too big for your taste, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has you covered with a 6.8” display that is ideal for viewing photos & videos—which you’ll do a lot with the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL’s incredible camera. Not to mention all the fancy AI technology, like Gemini Advanced for search and Add Me & Reimagine for photos. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

That’s right, a touch screen that folds. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 measures 6.3” when closed, but unfolds to reveal a 7.6” main screen that looks sharper & brighter than most televisions. The 6.3” cover screen is great for one-handed use like replying to text messages or quick searches, while the main screen is perfect for gaming, watching videos and utilizing fun features like Sketch to Image & Note Assist.

That’s the skinny on bigger phones

Now you know a little more about big phones, and what they can do for you. Of course, knowing what you need your phone to do is the key to knowing which phone makes the most sense for you. Recent high school graduates looking to bring a new phone to their new dorm should check out our best phones for college students article, while older users may want to check out our cell phones for seniors article to get more information on phones that may make more sense for people who are retired, or don’t care much for gaming. And if you’re ready for a big phone but also want big savings to go with it, check out the big deals available from Mint Mobile.