Not quite a smartphone, not quite a tablet - what exactly is a phablet, and do they still exist?
The term ‘phablet’ started gaining popularity from 2012 to 2014, although it’s a word you may not hear as much now, as smartphone screen sizes increase and phone technology leaps forward. Here’s our guide to phablets, including their defining characteristics, whether they still exist, and the current range of smartphones which are seen as modern-day phablets.
What is a phablet?
Phablets are a cross between a smartphone and a tablet - the term ‘phablet’ was used in the past for smartphones with very large screens.
The term was coined around the time when phones had 4.5-inch up to 5.8-inch screens, and phablets had 6-inch+ displays. The term ‘phablet’ isn’t relevant anymore as the majority of new smartphones have 6-inch+ displays.
The definition for ‘phablet’ is fluid as smartphone displays have become larger and the term has steadily fallen out of use. However, phablets tend to have the following characteristics:
- Large screens with smartphone processor functionality, yet smaller than a tablet
- Can be held and used in one hand
- Many are compatible with styluses
Do phablets still exist?
Technically, yes - there are several new smartphones available with large displays and powerful processors which have phablet characteristics.
However, as technology has moved on, what would have been considered a phablet in the past would now be considered a small smartphone.
When Samsung released the Galaxy Note in 2011, its ground-breaking 5.3-inch screen defined it as a phablet – it’s commonly cited as one of the first phablets available. These days, the Galaxy Note’s display would be considered small.
Why did people buy phablets in the past?
When large smartphone screens weren’t as commonplace as they are now, phablets were popular with people who needed to work on trains and planes, and people who wanted to watch videos and play games on larger screens. Some of their benefits included:
- More space on screen - people who had to work on the go found that a larger screen increased their productivity
- Immersive entertainment - larger screens meant more detail and a cinematic-style viewing experience
- Increased comfort - using and switching between apps was more comfortable on bigger screens
- Reducing eye strain - it was easier for people to read text, get notifications and read documents on a bigger display
Which iPhone has the largest screen?
The iPhone devices with the largest displays are the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro Max, which both have a 6.7-inch screen.
Which smartphone has the largest screen?
The phone we sell with the largest screen is the Xiaomi Mi 11, which has a bezel-free 6.81-inch AMOLED DotDisplay with quad-curved edges, WQHD+ ultra-high resolution and HDR10+ for crisper details and clarity. The 120Hz refresh rate lets you enjoy a seamless and smooth screen experience, especially when gaming, and AdaptiveSync display automatically optimises power consumption.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 has a 7.6-inch screen when it's opened up - when the hinge is shut, the 6.2-inch cover display is used.
Is 6.7 inches big for a phone?
Yes - any phone with a 6.7-inch screen (and above) would be considered a large phone. Phones with a 6.7-inch screen include:
Is there a 7-inch phone?
There are several 7-inch phones available to buy - if you'd like a slightly-larger screen, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 has a 7.6-inch main display when it's unfolded, and a 6.2-inch cover display when it's folded.
We don't sell any phones with exact 7-inch screens, but we do sell several phones which have ultra-large screens, such as:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: 6.81-inch
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: 6.8-inch
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3: 6.7-inch (when unfolded)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 6.7-inch
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 6.7-inch
- OPPO Find X3 Pro: 6.7-inch
- OPPO Find X2 Pro: 6.7-inch
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: 6.7-inch
- Samsung Galaxy A22 5G: 6.6-inch
A 7-inch phone will give you a slightly larger display than a 6.7-inch phone - that means more immersive entertainment and gaming, and easier multi-app viewing from one screen.
Large screen mobile phones
Looking for a smartphone with a big screen? Here are the phones with large displays we’d recommend.
Samsung
Galaxy Z Fold3
Unfold an immersive 7.6" display, featuring an under-display camera and Dolby Atmos sound so that you can truly lose yourself in your world. With 5G-readiness1 and a refresh rate that accelerates to 120Hz when you need it most, you can leave low-res, stuttering gameplay in the dust.
Xiaomi
Mi 11
Shoot like a pro on the Mi 11’s triple rear camera with a 108-megapixel Wide-angle main camera, 13-megapixel 123° Ultra-wide angle camera and 5-megapixel Telemacro camera. Browse in comfort on the 6.81-inch AMOLED DotDisplay and experience 5G speed◊ for almost-instant downloads and smooth streaming.
Apple
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro Max. The biggest Pro camera system upgrade ever. 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion for a faster, more responsive feel. Lightning-fast A15 Bionic chip. 5G connectivity². Durable design and the best battery life ever in an iPhone.¹
Representative Examples:
|
Example Phone Plan Breakdown |
|
|
Total Cost of Phone |
£1,000 |
|
Upfront Cost |
£100 |
|
APR |
0% |
|
Total Credit Amount |
£900 |
|
Length of Contract |
36 months |
|
Monthly Phone Plan Cost |
£25 |
|
Example Watch Plan Breakdown |
|
|
Total Cost of Watch |
£360 |
|
Upfront Cost |
£0 |
|
APR |
0% |
|
Total Credit Amount |
£360 |
|
Length of Contract |
36 months |
|
Monthly Phone Plan Cost |
£10 |
Figures used in the above representative examples (other than the Representative APR) are for illustrative purposes only.
Saving claims verification: see details on the relevant product page.
VAT: All pricing inclusive unless stated otherwise. For prices stated exclusive of VAT, the VAT rate payable is 20%.
◊5G: You must have a 5G enabled device on the Vodafone 5G network, a Vodafone 5G plan and 5G coverage in the area that you are in. Coverage may be affected by a number of factors. See for details - www.vodafone.co.uk/network/5G
Roaming in more destinations than any other UK network: for verification, please see vodafone.co.uk/mobile/global-roaming
Gift with Purchase: see details on product page including any additional terms.
Ultimate Flexibility: For verification, see the Ultimate Flexibility details
Pay Monthly
*Monthly price shown plus all out of bundle charges will increase by the Consumer Price Index rate published in January of that year + an additional 3.9%. If you have a Device Plan, this will not affect your monthly Device Plan payments: vodafone.co.uk/pricechanges.
Minimum term agreement, credit check and terms apply
Device plan: means a credit agreement for the duration of the plan. A Monthly Airtime Plan (i.e. Xtra Plan) is required with your Device Plan. Device Plans up to 12 months require either a 12 or 24 month Monthly Airtime Plan. Device Plans over 12 months require a 24 month Monthly Airtime Plan. You can pay off your Device Plan early, and if you do, you can then keep your Airtime Plan on a 30-day contract or leave. If your Airtime Plan ends for any reason, you will need to keep on paying your monthly Device Plan (either in full or monthly).
Minutes & text: to standard mobiles & landlines (UK: 01, 02, 03) & standard SMS in the UK & our inclusive roaming destination. A 1-minute minimum call charge applies.
Data: a 25GB fair roam policy on all Pay monthly plans, per 30-day period applies in our inclusive roaming destinations.
Unlimited data: available on Unlimited Lite Plan (max download/upload speed of 2Mbps), Unlimited Plan (max download/upload speeds of 10Mbps) & Unlimited Max Plan. Speed may vary by a number of factors.
Roaming: using your home plan to roam in the Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man (Zone A) are included in all of our Pay Monthly plans. For roaming in other destinations, charges will apply depending on which plan you are on. A 25GB roam fair use policy applies per billing month.
- For info on the latest roaming change, please visit vodafone.co.uk/roamingupdate22
- For information on roaming with Vodafone, please visit vodafone.co.uk/mobile/global-roaming
- For a list of our roaming destinations, please visit vodafone.co.uk/mobile/global-roaming/destinations
Trade-in: to trade in your device, please visit: https://tradein.vodafone.co.uk
Trade-in Guarantee saving claim: Available only on 24 month Xtra Airtime Plans using the Vodafone Trade-in Tool.
Save £504: £21pm when you trade in a Samsung Galaxy S10 5G or Note 10/Note 10+ and buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold/Flip3 or S21 series
Save £360: £15pm when you trade-in an iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max
Save £288: £12pm when you trade in a Samsung Galaxy S10/S10+/S10e/S10 Lite or iPhone 11
Save £192: £8pm when you trade in iPhone X/XR or iPhone XS/XS Max.
Save £ 96 : £4 when you trade in a Google Pixel 5 5G, Huawei P30 Pro, iPhone 8/8+, Samsung S9/S9+
Trade-in saving is applied to Airtime Plan first. If additional discounts reduce your Airtime bill to less than £0pm, your balance will remain at £0pm and additional credit won't be applied to your account. Returned device must be in good working condition. Subject to checks and terms: vodafone.co.uk/terms.
For more information on Vodafone Trade-in Guarantee, please visit: vodafone.co.uk/mobile/vodafone-trade-in
Upgrade from month 12: means a) buying new Device Plan (which is a credit agreement) and Xtra Plan (which is an Airtime Plan) and b) paying off the remaining amount on your current Device Plan prior to upgrading. Subject to credit check, eligibility & terms.
Benefits for selected Xtra Plans:
- Unlimited Picture Messaging (MMS): within the UK & our inclusive roaming destinations.
- Device Care: for the duration of the plan only. Applicable for IOS & Android phone devices. Includes a) health check giving you an indicator of the battery health & b) a valuation service giving you an estimated resell value of the phone.
- 50% off Smartwatch Connectivity : for compatible cellular (not WiFi only) smartwatches. Smartwatch Connectivity Plan (via Vodafone OneNumber) lasts for 30 days & will automatically renew every 30 days unless cancelled. The plan is £7pm reduced to £3.50pm. Discount not applicable to customers on a £5 OneNumber Connectivity or to customers on an existing 24 month watch plan.
- Unlimited Data Booster + Inclusive Roaming in 51 European Destinations: 24/12 month Xtra Plans come with 6/3 boosts. Each boost provides unlimited data for 30 days. Inclusive Roaming in 51 European destinations allows you to use your monthly allowance of minutes, text and data to roam at no extra cost in our Zone A and B destinations. A 25GB roam fair use policy applies each billing month. Information and destinations: vodafone.co.uk/mobile/global-roaming
- Inclusive Roaming in 83 Worldwide Destinations: Roam at no extra cost in 83 destinations worldwide (Zone A, B and C destinations) on selected Xtra Plans. A 25GB roam fair use policy applies each billing month. Information and destinations: vodafone.co.uk/mobile/global-roaming
Total Care Warranty: 24 month warranty starts from the date of purchase of a handset from Vodafone either on a Device Plan or outright. Warranty only applies to manufacturer faults. Not applicable with Refurbished Phones. Terms: Vodafone Total Care Warranty
Battery Refresh: applicable for phone devices purchased either on a Device Plan or purchased outright from Vodafone, with a Vodafone Pay Monthly Plan. Is available for the length of the plan (minimum of 2 years and maximum of 3 years). Battery Refresh is not available for phones that have been cracked, smashed or have water damage (i.e. damage that would not be covered under a manufacturer warranty) and chargeable repairs can be offered. An appointment is required for a health check and battery replacements. Book online at participating locations. Not applicable for Watch Plans or Refurbished Phones.
Vodafone Together discount: If you have signed up to an eligible Airtime and an eligible Pro Broadband plan, you are eligible for a discount on your Broadband plan. Both services must remain connected to continue to receive the discount. The discount amount will vary depending on what Airtime plan you have. Only selected Airtime plans include unlimited data, texts & minutes. Please see your Home Broadband Charges Guide for more information on discounts.
Home Broadband: For details and terms see vodafone.co.uk/broadband
Insurance terms are available here
If you’re a consumer go to Consumer/Insurance/Insurance – Current
- If you’re a Sole Trader go to Business/Insurance/ Insurance – Current
Smartwatch : requires a) Vodafone pay monthly airtime plan and b) Connectivity Plan (via Vodafone OneNumber). Lasts for 30 days & will automatically renew every 30 days unless cancelled. Terms apply
For full Pay Monthly terms and conditions, visit our terms and conditions page and select Consumer, then Mobile, followed by Pay Monthly.
Pay As You Go
Unlimited Bundle: An Unlimited Pay as you go Bundle lasts for 30 days. Your bundle will automatically renew every 30 days if you have enough credit. To opt out call 2345. Unlimited minutes and texts: minutes to standard mobiles and landlines (UK: 01, 02, 03) and standard texts (excluding MMS) in the UK and our inclusive roaming destinations. Roaming data is capped at 25GB per 30-day period in our inclusive roaming destinations.
Pay as you go Bundles (Big Value Bundle): Minutes to standard mobiles and landlines (UK: 01, 02, 03), standard texts and data (excluding entertainment packs and Extras) to use in the UK and our Europe Zone. Last 30 days. Automatically renews every 30 days if you have enough credit. Opt out by calling 2345. For more information on Pay as you go Bundles (also known as Big Value Bundles).
Total Rollover: Any unused allowance from your current Pay as you go Bundle will only rollover from one bundle to the next, for use in the next 30-day period, if your Pay as you go Bundle renews automatically.
For full Pay as you go terms and conditions, visit our terms and conditions page and select Consumer, then Mobile, followed by Pay as you go.
Awards
Very Me Awards – (1) VeryMe won A Silver in the Brand Partnership Activation of the Year category and a Gold in the Loyalty Activation of the Year category at the 2020 IPM Awards. For verification: click here. (2) VeryMe helped Vodafone win Best Network for Loyalty and Retention at the Mobile Industry Awards 2020. For verification: click here. (3) Vodafone VeryMe, TMW Unlimited and Mando-Connect won Best Use of CRM at the Loyalty Magazine Awards 2020. For verification: click here.
Unbeatable Reliability: rankings based on the RootMetrics® UK RootScore® Report: H1 2021. Tested with best commercially available smartphones on 4 national mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. The RootMetrics award is not an endorsement of Vodafone. Visit vodafone.co.uk/network for the full report and www.rootmetrics.co.uk for more details.
For full terms and conditions, please visit vodafone.co.uk/terms-and-conditions
Finance subject to status and credit checks. 18 +. Direct debit required. Credit provided by Vodafone Limited, FCA reference Number: 712210, Vodafone House, The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2FN
15G network connection required.
S Pen Fold edition and S Pen Pro sold separately.
Submersion in up to 1.5m of freshwater for up to 30min (not advised for beach or pool use).
Tested to be folded and unfolded 100 times per day for 5 years. The lifecycle verification was tested based on Samsung's internal quality standards.
¹The display has rounded corners that follow a beautiful curved design, and these corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the iPhone 13 Pro Max 6.7-inch screen is 6.68 inches and the iPhone 13 Pro 6.1-inch screen is 6.06 inches diagonally. The iPhone 13 screen is 6.06 inches diagonally and the iPhone 13 mini screen is 5.42 inches diagonally. Actual viewable area is less.
²Data plan required. 5G is available in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds vary based on site conditions and carrier. For details on 5G support, contact your carrier and see apple.com/iphone/cellular.
³iPhone 13 Pro is spill, splash, and dust resistant and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529. Spill, splash, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
⁴The displays have rounded corners that follow a beautiful curved design, and these corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the iPhone 13 screen is 6.06 inches diagonally and the iPhone 13 mini screen is 5.42 inches diagonally. Actual viewable area is less.
1 Pixel 6 Pro: 128 GB UFS 3.1 storage for all colours. 256 GB UFS 3.1 storage in Stormy Black only. Pixel 6: 128 GB UFS 3.1 storage for all colours. 256 GB UFS 3.1 storage in Stormy Black and Sorta Seafoam only. Storage specifications refer to capacity before formatting. Actual formatted capacity will be less.
2 Estimate of typical capacity based upon testing and expected mobile behaviour.
3 Maximum resolution with RAW image files setting turned on. Setting is turned off by default. See g.co/pixel/photoediting for more information.
4 Compared to earlier models of Pixel phones.
5 Android security updates for at least five years from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US. See g.co/pixel/updates for details.
6 Measured diagonally; dimension may vary by configuration and manufacturing process. Not available for all apps or content. Display automatically adjusts to optimise for best viewing and battery performance.
7 Based on a count of independent hardware security subsystems and components.
8 Based on 2020 analyst research funded by Google LLC and conducted by Informa Telecoms and Media Limited. Evaluation considered features that may not be available in all countries. Evaluation did not include testing. See goo.gle/mobilesecurityscorecard for more information.
Buy a Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro (subject to availability), between 28/10/2021 at 00:01 am to 06/12/2021 at 23:59pm and claim Google Stadia Premiere Edition for free. Eligible customer accounts will be contacted within 2 working days of order completion with instructions to redeem. Participants must be 18 or older with a delivery address in the UK. Redemption window closes 16/12/2021 at 23:59pm.
iPhone 12 Pro Max Terms & Conditions:
¹Data plan required. 5G is available in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds vary based on site conditions and carrier. For details on 5G support, contact your carrier and see apple.com/iphone/cellular.
²The display has rounded corners. When measured as a rectangle, the screen is 6.68 inches diagonally. Actual viewable area is less.
³Claim based on iPhone 12 Pro Max Ceramic Shield front compared with previous-generation iPhone.
⁴Accessories are sold separately.
⁵Apple ProRAW coming soon.
⁶ iPhone 12 Pro Max is splash, water, and dust resistant and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
iPhone 12 Pro Terms & Conditions:
¹ Data plan required. 5G is available in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds vary based on site conditions and carrier. For details on 5G support, contact your carrier and see apple.com/iphone/cellular.
² The display has rounded corners. When measured as a rectangle, the screen is 6.06 inches diagonally. Actual viewable area is less.
³ Claim based on iPhone 12 Pro Ceramic Shield front compared with previous-generation iPhone.
⁴ Accessories are sold separately.
⁵ Apple ProRAW coming soon.
⁶ iPhone 12 Pro is splash, water, and dust resistant and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide
for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
iPhone 12 Terms & Conditions:
¹ Data plan required. 5G is available in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds vary based on site conditions and carrier. For details on 5G support, contact your carrier and see apple.com/iphone/cellular.
² The display has rounded corners. When measured as a rectangle, the screen is 6.06 inches diagonally. Actual viewable area is less.
³ Claim based on iPhone 12 Ceramic Shield front compared with previous-generation iPhone.
⁴ Accessories are sold separately.
⁵ iPhone 12 is splash, water, and dust resistant and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
iPhone 12 in Purple Terms & Conditions
¹ Data plan required. 5G is available in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds vary based on site conditions and carrier. For details on 5G support, contact your carrier and see apple.com/iphone/cellular.
² The display has rounded corners. When measured as a rectangle, the screen is 6.06 inches diagonally. Actual viewable area is less.
³ Claim based on iPhone 12 Ceramic Shield front compared with previous-generation iPhone.
⁴ Accessories are sold separately.
⁵ iPhone 12 is splash, water, and dust resistant and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
iPhone 12 mini Terms & Conditions:
¹ Data plan required. 5G is available in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds vary based on site conditions and carrier. For details on 5G support, contact your carrier and see apple.com/iphone/cellular.
² The display has rounded corners. When measured as a rectangle, the screen is 5.42 inches diagonally. Actual viewable area is less.
³ Claim based on iPhone 12 mini Ceramic Shield front compared with previous-generation iPhone.
⁴ Accessories are sold separately.
⁵ iPhone 12 mini is splash, water, and dust resistant and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
Promoter: Samsung Electronics (UK) Limited.
UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands or ROI residents (18+) only or registered companies.
Purchase a new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 from 11 August 2021 - 31 December 2021 and claim a Samsung Starter Kit comprising: Flip Case with S Pen and 25W Travel Adapter by redemption. No cash alternative. Customers must visit https://samsungpromotions.claims/starterkit to complete the online claim form, upload proof of purchase and provide all other required information by midnight on 30 January 2022. Maximum 1 claim per Promotion Product purchased and a maximum of 250 claims per Company Participant. See https://samsungpromotions.claims/starterkit for full Promotion terms.
