By Shereen Ashai, Kristen Kruus & HaeMee Lee
Phablet – (n.) a smartphone that combines the features and functions of a phone with those of a tablet, like a large screen. A play on the words “phone” and “tablet,” phablets have been taking over the phone market, especially because the recently hyped iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus launch. We know that bigger is not always better, but in the U.S., it seems that people always want to follow trends.
Samsung launched the first “phablet” through its Galaxy Note models back in 2011. These big phones with a 5.3” screen and stylus were a revelation. Since then, Apple has also taken a similar approach with its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The new Apple devices feature 4.7” and 5.5” screens, respectively, improved battery, and better performance overall.
These phones are an investment; however, thousands of people diligently wait in exhaustive lines days before the launch. Are these phones really worth it? Some models exceed $500 yet face a variety of limitations. The increased size and new design come with a heavy price to pay.
Some customers have noticed faults in the iPhone 6 designs, like a tendency to easily bend with human force. Victims claim that accidently leaving their phones in their pockets led to a noticeable bend in the middle of their phones. Others noticed that the enlarged size is an inconvenience because it doesn’t fit in their hands, pockets, or purses. It’s as if we are stuck in a decade of using bulky rotary dials and payphones.