TLDR: Small flagship phones are extinct due to market trends towards larger screens, despite brief revivals by brands like Apple and Samsung. Key examples include the discontinuation of the iPhone Mini and the upsizing of the Asus Zenfone series.
This article is a summary of a You Tube video “Small Phones are Dead and We Killed Them” by Marques Brownlee
Key Takeaways:
- Extinction of Small Flagship Phones: The small flagship phone, once a staple in the smartphone industry, is now considered extinct.
- Evolution to Larger Screens: Smartphone screens have progressively increased in size, from four-inch screens to nearly seven inches for mainstream flagships.
- Brief Revivals by Major Brands: Companies like Samsung and Apple introduced smaller versions of their flagship phones, like the Galaxy S Mini and iPhone Mini, as the standard sizes grew, but these efforts were short-lived.
- Zenfone as the Last Stand: The Asus Zenfone series, particularly the Zenfone 9 and 10, represented the final noteworthy small flagship phones, offering top-tier specs in a compact size.
- Shift to Larger Models in 2024: The latest Zenfone model has shifted to a larger 6.8-inch screen, signaling the end of its small flagship offerings.
- Market Response to Small Phones: Despite positive reviews, small phones like the iPhone Mini did not sell well, leading to their discontinuation.
- Supply Chain and Market Demand: Apple’s strategic supply chain management, led by Tim Cook, reflects the company’s response to market demand, emphasizing the production of models that align with consumer preferences.
- Large Phones Dominate Sales: The most popular iPhone models continue to be the larger, higher-end versions, influencing other manufacturers like Asus to focus on larger phones.
- Enthusiast Phones and Market Challenges: The enthusiast phone dilemma highlights the challenge of balancing a devoted niche audience with the broader market’s preferences.
- Trend Toward Larger Devices Across the Board: Not only flagship phones but also budget models are increasing in size, indicating a broader trend toward larger devices.
