The smartphone landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade, and nowhere is this more apparent than in screen size. What once seemed impossibly large now feels perfectly normal, as manufacturers continue pushing the boundaries of how much display they can pack into a device that still fits in your pocket—or at least your bag.
At the very top of the size charts, you’ll find devices that blur the line between phone and tablet. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands as one of the current champions, featuring a massive 6.8-inch display that stretches edge to edge. This Dynamic AMOLED screen offers stunning clarity and brightness, making it ideal for everything from streaming video to detailed photo editing. Samsung has long been comfortable in the large-screen space, and the S24 Ultra continues that tradition with a device that feels premium despite its considerable size.
Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max matches Samsung’s ambition with its own 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display. While Apple traditionally lagged behind Android manufacturers in the screen size race, they’ve fully embraced the bigger-is-better philosophy in recent years. The Pro Max model delivers that expansive viewing experience iOS users crave, wrapped in Apple’s characteristic attention to design and build quality.For those who want even more screen real estate, foldable phones represent the next frontier. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 unfolds to reveal a truly tablet-sized 7.6-inch main display, while still maintaining a more pocketable form factor when closed. This innovation allows users to have the best of both worlds: a conventional phone experience for quick tasks and a sprawling canvas for productivity and entertainment when fully opened.
Google’s Pixel 8 Pro enters the large-screen conversation with a 6.7-inch OLED display that showcases the company’s computational photography prowess. The generous screen size makes it easier to frame shots, review photos, and take advantage of Google’s AI-powered editing tools. The display’s high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch input across the expansive surface.
OnePlus has also embraced the large screen trend with devices like the OnePlus 12, which sports a 6.82-inch display. The Chinese manufacturer has built a reputation for offering flagship-level specifications at slightly more accessible price points, and their commitment to large, vibrant displays continues that value proposition.
Xiaomi’s flagship offerings regularly feature screens that push toward seven inches, with devices like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra showcasing the company’s willingness to go big. These phones often include high-resolution displays with exceptional brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor use even in direct sunlight.
The trend toward larger screens reflects changing usage patterns. People increasingly use their phones as primary computing devices, watching full-length movies, editing documents, participating in video calls, and gaming for extended periods. A larger display simply makes these activities more comfortable and enjoyable, reducing eye strain and allowing for more information to be visible at once.
However, size does come with trade-offs. These devices are heavier, require two hands for most operations, and can be challenging to fit in smaller pockets. Battery life becomes crucial when powering such large, bright displays, though manufacturers have generally kept pace with larger battery capacities to match.
As we move forward, the definition of “largest screen” continues to evolve. Foldable technology suggests that traditional size constraints may become less relevant, allowing phones to adapt their screen size to the task at hand. For now, though, the 6.7 to 6.8-inch range represents the sweet spot for conventional smartphones that want to maximize screen space while remaining practical for daily carry.
