Is the smaller form factor dead?
I'm a l620 user. Prefer about a 3.7-4" screen. The announcements to date on this form factor have been bleak. Should i get my hopes up for a thin, oled, tiny bezelled premium lumia in 2014? or mini surface phone?
the way the markets been going, I doubt a really high end one in that area would pop up.
I too would love a mid to high end phone the size of a 520. My 822 is about as big as I want to get.
Maybe Microsoft can standardize on four sizes for phones: Small (3.75"), Medium (4.25"), Large (4.75") and Extra Large (5.25"). Above that could be two sizes of phablets (ick, I hate that portmanteau) at 5.75" and 6.25" and several tablets from 7-11".
The smaller form factor (say around 4") works for me because I just use my phone for texts, email and calls. Occasional web browsing and gps use round it out. I think the 520 is a wee bit underpowered but I'd could be very happy with something like the 822 stuffed into that size. I realize hardware considerations my impact the size but I can live with a less than bleeding edge phone.
It's gone, even the next iPhone will be bigger. Sorry!
One never knows! Trends have a way of coming and going. For instance, I never thought I'd see clothes in bright colours like those that were popular when I was a teenager in the 80s, but the bright coloured clothes are back. Smaller phones might make a comeback too.
No flagship specs in site for smaller form factors except for Sony's Z1 Compact, unfortunately.
Well yes that's true. This issue with phones though is different than being a trend. It's a practicality thing. Unless humans in the future develop keener eyesight and sharper fingertips, I don't see screen sizes getting smaller unless the whole smartphone paradigm changes.
4.3" or 4.7" is a sweet spot. 4.3" would be ideal with Iphone 5s form factor using thinner bezels. Moto X perfected it with the 4.7" screen size buy using super thin bezels and slightly curved back design.
I think the sub four inch phone is a no-go at this point for a full featured smart phone.
Personally I don't find the phablet form factor very practical. I don't want to carry my phone around in a backpack... I can read my 520 just fine. I'm pretty sure I won't buy anything larger than my 822.