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What size phone screen do I need?

How to decide between different smartphone screen sizes.

From the POV of a smartphone user, we see someone using their Galaxy phone at the table. From the POV of a smartphone user, we see someone using their Galaxy phone at the table.
A young man and woman face us - she holds a Galaxy Z Flip4 towards us and he holds a Galaxy Z Fold4, so we can see the different oriented and sized screens. A young man and woman face us - she holds a Galaxy Z Flip4 towards us and he holds a Galaxy Z Fold4, so we can see the different oriented and sized screens.

Deciding on the right phone screen size for you

Time for an upgrade? When it comes to choosing a new Samsung smartphone, one of the more important considerations is deciding on the screen size.

Several Galaxy phones are arranged face down and face up, in a geometric pattern. Several Galaxy phones are arranged face down and face up, in a geometric pattern.

How are smartphone screens measured?

Screen measurements for smartphones are calculated by measuring diagonally from the upper left-hand corner of the screen to the lower right-hand corner1. These measurements are expressed in inches. Larger screen phones are typically said to be 6.5-inches or above, such as the innovative Galaxy Z Flip5 with its 6.7-inch main display. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra2 boasts an impressive 6.8-inch display, or go even bigger with the Galaxy Z Fold5 7.6-inch3 Infinity Flex display when unfolded for immersive streaming and gaming.

Phone screen sizes

Phone screen sizes vary across different models. Depending on the length of your thumb and index finger, some phones will be more comfortable to hold and use. Different screen sizes also come with different functions. Smaller phone screens tend to be more compact and lightweight, while larger screen phone sizes allow more space for you to work on multiple applications at once. So, choosing the best size smartphone depends on how you plan to use your phone. We've put together some quick tips below to help you pick the best phone screen size for you.

A Z Flip5 and Z Fold5 side by side, both fold in half their respective directions. A Z Flip5 and Z Fold5 side by side, both fold in half their respective directions.

Small mobile phones

Phone screen sizes that are smaller than 4.5 inches are usually considered small mobile phones. You should choose a small-sized phone if you want a compact smartphone for everyday tasks such as replying to messages, reading and browsing. Looking for the best of both? The Galazy Z Flip5 is a small but mighty phone when folded, measuring in at under 3.5-inches, it also has a useful 3.4-inch cover display. When it's time to get things done, flip it open to reveal a full-sized 6.7-inch smartphone.

A young man holds a Z Flip5 to his forehead and smiles. A young man holds a Z Flip5 to his forehead and smiles.

Medium size phones

Medium size phones are ones between 4.5 and 6.5 inches. Perfect for those who want a good balance between portability, quality specs and some innovative features. Galaxy S23's 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen is a great medium size mobile phone, providing bright and clear images both in daylight and at night.

A woman smiles outside while using her Galaxy S23 Ultra A woman smiles outside while using her Galaxy S23 Ultra

Large screen phones

Smartphones with screen sizes larger than 6.5 inches are considered large screen phones. This is your best phone screen option if you are looking for a smartphone for multitasking, streaming, or playing graphic-intensive games. Looking for the largest Samsung Galaxy phone? That will be the sensational Galaxy Z Fold5 which features not one, but two incredible screens. You've got a 6.2-inch cover display for all your day-to-day tasks on the front and when it comes to the serious stuff, simpfy unfold to reveal a stunning 7.6-inch screen — that's the same size as a small tablet! It's optimized for getting everything done, all on one screen, at the same time.

A young man peeks out from behind an unfolded Galazy Z Fold5 that he holds in front of him. A young man peeks out from behind an unfolded Galazy Z Fold5 that he holds in front of him.
A young woman in a head wrap lays on her hands and looks at camera. A young woman in a head wrap lays on her hands and looks at camera.

How do you decide on the perfect phone screen size?

Our smartphones have become a really big part of our lives. We use our phones to listen to music, take pictures, study, work, or even pay. Whether we are standing, walking, on the way to work or doing just about anything, we mostly have our phones in our hands. Consider how you hold and use your phone to decide on the best screen size for you.

A man and woman stand in front of a scenic vista with a bridge in the background and use their Galaxy Z Flip5 to video chat. A man and woman stand in front of a scenic vista with a bridge in the background and use their Galaxy Z Flip5 to video chat.

What can your thumbs actually reach?

When trying out a new phone, a great tip is to swipe your thumb across the phone screen from left too right in a curved arch. This way, you can figure out what size phone screen works for you. For a comfortable fit you should be able to reach to approximately the middle of the phone screen or more.

A woman holds a Galaxy device outside with tal grass behind her. A woman holds a Galaxy device outside with tal grass behind her.

Do you use your phone with two hands?

Think about how you type on your phone – do you use one hand or two? Large phone screens will probably feel more comfortable if you use two hands, whereas a smartphone with a small phone screen will be less of a stretch for one-hand typers. Can't decide? Get the best of both worlds with the dual screen on Galaxy Z Fold5.

Upclose we see two hands opening on a Z Fold5. Upclose we see two hands opening on a Z Fold5.

Streaming on your Samsung smartphone

Looking to watch the latest Netflix series of play your favorite game on your smartphone? If you intend to use your Samsung smartphone for streaming TV shows and films or playing games, go for phones with large screens (6.5 inches or larger). This will enable a fully immersive experience from the palm of your hand as bigger screens mean less squinting and less block out from your thumbs.

A Galaxy S23 lays on a table with a popular program streaming on the screen. A Galaxy S23 lays on a table with a popular program streaming on the screen.

What's the biggest Samsung phone?

From the Samsung Unpacked event in July 2023, the Galaxy Z Fold5's expandable 7.6-inch display made it the largest screen we had ever seen on a smartphone. If a foldable smartphone is not something you are looking for, the Galaxy S23 Ultra's 6.8-inch screen is your next best option.

A Z Fold5 lays, unfolded against another Z Fold5, closed with an S Pen laying nearby. A Z Fold5 lays, unfolded against another Z Fold5, closed with an S Pen laying nearby.

What's the smallest Samsung phone?

Alongside the biggest phone, Samsung also launched Galaxy Z Flip5 in July 2023, the smallest Samsung phone measuring in at only 8.5cm x 7.2cm when folded shut. Alternatively, the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen which makes it another great option if you're looking for a smaller screen phone.

Three Galaxy Z Flip5's lay in a row partially unfolded. Three Galaxy Z Flip5's lay in a row partially unfolded.

So, which phone size is best for me?

All of us want a phone screen that is not too small, but large enough - just the right size for our needs. We've put together some pointers to help you choose the best smartphone size for you.

Choose a bigger phone screen if:

• You use your phone for streaming, gaming and reading
• You work on your phone
• You have previously been using a large screen phone
• You feel comfortable typing on your phone with two hands

If you like to watch a lot of videos, play games or want to take advantage of a full and clear screen, look for a smartphone with a screen size of 6.5 inches or above.

A Galaxy Z Fold5 lays unfolded with an S Pen nearby, on top of a Galaxy S23. A Galaxy Z Fold5 lays unfolded with an S Pen nearby, on top of a Galaxy S23.

Choose a smaller phone screen if:

• You don’t use your phone for gaming or work purposes
• You only want to type and browse using one hand
• You want a phone that can fit comfortably inside your pocket

If you usually use your phone with one hand, get a smartphone with a screen that’s between 4.5 and 6.5 inches like the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 or 6.4-inch Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy S21.

A woman taking a Galaxy Z Flip5 out of her small purse. A woman taking a Galaxy Z Flip5 out of her small purse.

Can't decide?
Why not choose both?

Explore our Galaxy Z foldable phones series for a large phone screen experience that's alos compact. The Galaxy S Flip5 comes with a 6.7-inch FHD+ Infinity Flex Display that folds in half to fit into your pocket. While the Galaxy Z Fold5 can be used both when folded or expanded. The 6.2 inch cover screen works in full function allowing you to have a compact phone that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.

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On a boardwalk, two pairs of friends ride mopeds. Frames of Galaxy devices are placed on top of each couple giving the appearance like they're in the phone screens. On a boardwalk, two pairs of friends ride mopeds. Frames of Galaxy devices are placed on top of each couple giving the appearance like they're in the phone screens.
  • ¹Measured diagonally, screen size is accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.

  • ²Galaxy S23 Ultra's screen size is 6.8 inches in the full rectangle and 6.8 inches accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.

  • ³Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold5 5G’s Main Screen size is 7.6” in the full rectangle and 7.4” with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.