Weekly poll results: Screen size matters a lot, ideal for most people is 6.1 inches

The ideal screen size for a smartphone has changed over the years, but it finally seems to have settled down. In a poll in 2019, 6″ emerged as the most popular option, which was confirmed the following year when the 5.9″ to 6.5″ range was chosen (most people leaning towards the lower end). And in last week’s poll, 6.1″ was the top pick among voters.

Previous Screen Size Survey Results: From 2020 • From 2019

This is the option chosen by a quarter of voters. The slightly larger 6.3-inch option received half the votes. This essentially matches previous results, which focused on 6 inches and slightly above.

The second most popular option was less than 6 inches, although this may be the result of a strong minority of voters. The market numbers just don’t support the idea that these small phones are popular – the iPhone mini was underselling the 6.1-inch iPhone, for example. And while Asus might be selling tens of millions of Zenfone 9s, we doubt it’ll shut it down.

On the other side of the fence, there are people who like bigger phones. Combining the 6.7″ and 6.8+” options, we get almost a quarter of the votes – for a number of people, bigger is better.

That said, the 6.5-inch middle ground was the second most popular option, excluding votes below 6 inches. As some have pointed out in the comments, weight matters too and while it’s not exactly a linear relationship, a bigger phone almost always means a heavier phone too. Most 6.5-inches weigh less than 200g (although there are plenty of exceptions).

How important is screen size, anyway? A lot, as it turns out. Most people say this is an essential consideration when buying a new phone. For everyone else, it’s still a big step, even if they’re ready to settle. As you may have noticed, the bigger phones tend to have the better screens and cameras.