I quite like the bigger screen, if they were going for multiple devices it'd be great if they'd make a smaller one too but, since they need to focus, I'm glad they went for a larger one. In addition since they're trying to feature compete at a lower price point it makes sense for them to go for the bigger one first.
P.S. does anyone know how they can afford to sell it for so cheap? just looking at the specs I find it hard to understand.
Too huge for the hand and pocket, IMO, as well as virtually all modern phones. Really, is there such a big difference between a 5" and 4"? It's a phone, first and foremost, a thing that has to be easily handled and pocketed.
I bought my first smartphone recently, was initially going for a used Nexus 4, since it's on the smaller side of what is considered the usual today, got nice specs and software directly from Google. But when I looked at HTC One mini in the store, I knew I would regret if I buy any other phone, since it's not just ok, but kinda nice; probably the best design you can get short of buying an iPhone (not that it's impossible, but I get a feeling that the competitors are hardly trying). Even though I'm not a fan of Sense UI, and there's no Cyanogen support. I'd like it to be even smaller still (maybe 4.0" instead of 4.3 screen, it shouldn't be a notable difference), but you can't get that with modern phones.
An evidence that current phones are too big is the existence of this: http://www.htc.com/us/accessories/htc-mini-plus/ Get a second, smaller, phone for your phone, so that you won't have to pull out your huge phone each time you need to make or receive a call!
The Moto X is almost exactly the same size as the HTC One mini, and only slightly larger than the iPhone 5S. It has a larger screen that either, due to not have an absurdly large bezel on all sides.
Seconded. With the Moto X you get great build quality and hardware, personalization, excellent form factor, stock Android with genuine enhancements, and the price is now down to $350/$400 unlocked. Sadly, some people are put off by the spec sheet, but I find that the X has excellent performance and a beautiful screen.
I find it quite a bit easier to reach across the width of the iPhone's screen than the Moto X. It's the difference between comfortable and not comfortable for me. I wish there was a high-spec Android phone with the screen size and dimensions of the iPhone.
The dimensions of the Z1 Compact are almost identical to those of the Moto X. Most importantly to my one-handed use concern, it's only narrower by 400 μm. The iPhone 5/5s is almost 7mm narrower than the Moto X.
android phones just try very hard to have the largest numbers in all features.
they can't have lots of pixels and cheap price if they go for a small screen. screens are absurdly cheaper as you lower the resolution. and since they can't lower the pixel count, they sell larger and larger phablets.
The bigger problem is that with such a low quantity of these devices on the market it'll be hard to get accessories like waterproof cases and such. I'll probably still try to get one, but that's definitely a downside.
