The trend of big smartphones that rival small tablets in size is continuing and Huawei is the latest handset maker to take the leap. The China-based company is expected to show off a 6.1-inch smartphone at next month’s Consumer Electronics Show, but a Huawei executive couldn’t wait for the event: At a Huawei store, the company’s Chairman of devices provided a short look at the large Android phone, reports Engadget. Here’s the quick peek of this part-phone, part-tablet.
The device is a bit larger than the 5.5 Galaxy Note 2 that I use as my primary phone, but there’s clearly a market for large-screened smartphones. Samsung’s second-gen Galaxy Note is selling faster than the first iteration from last year, which ended up selling 5 million units within six months of its introduction. HTC, Motorola, LG and even Apple have designed phones with big displays over the past year as consumer appeal for such devices is on the rise.
Why the desire for smartphones that have screen sizes similar to small tablets? I pointed out a few reasons for this trend earlier this year, when I suggested that for some, tablets will actually replace smartphones.
Mobile media consumption is on the rise, with no signs of slowing down: Watching high-definition video on a larger, yet still portable, screen is more enjoyable. Voice calls could be a challenge on big devices, although hands-free, Bluetooth headsets and traditional wired headphones can help. And short of voice calls, there are few functions that are actually better on a smartphone than on a tablet.
Are you ready for a 6.1-inch smartphone? Maybe not, but Huawei is betting that some people are.
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