Why 4.7 inches is the perfect screen size for the next iPhone

If Apple makes the jump to a larger screen size for a future iPhone, the Moto X's 4.7-inch display seems optimal.

Whenever we do a poll about what new features people would like to see most in a new iPhone, the No. 1 vote getter always seems to be "bigger screen" followed by "better battery life."

With the iPhone 5, the iPhone's screen did get bigger -- or at least longer -- but it's still not big enough for some folks, who are drawn to the more-spacious displays found on competingAndroid models, led by the Samsung Galaxy S4, which sports a 5-inch screen, compared with the iPhone 5's 4-inch screen.

The question, of course, is, just how big should the iPhone's screen be, or more broadly speaking, what's the optimal screen size for a smartphone?

Well, while Motorola's new Moto X may not measure up to the Samsung Galaxy S4, and theHTC One in terms of raw performance and screen resolution, after playing around with it for a few days, I think its 4.7-inch screen size is pretty ideal in the context of the overall design of the phone.

The Moto X is slightly taller and a bit wider than the iPhone 5. It also weighs 0.63 ounce, or 18 grams more.

 iPhone 5 (4-inch screen): 4.87 inches (123.8mm) x 2.31 inches (58.6mm) x 0.30 inch (7.6mm); 3.95 ounces (112 grams)

Moto X (4.7-inch screen): 5.09 inches (129.3mm) x 2.57 inches (65.3mm) x 0.41 inch (curve: 5.6-10.4mm); 4.58 ounces (130 grams)

Galaxy S4 (5-inch screen): 5.38 (136.65mm) x 2.74 (69.60mm) x 0.31 inch (7.87mm); 4.6 ounces (130.41 grams)

Galaxy S4 Mini (4.3-inch screen): 124.6 x 61.3 x 8.9mm 4.91 (124.6mm) x 2.41 (61.3mm) x 0.35 in (8.9mm); 3.77 ounces (107 grams)

The Moto X has a curved back and is around 0.1 inch thicker than the iPhone 5 at its thickest point. Presumably, some of that extra thickness is because of the size of the battery that powers the Moto X (the phone's battery life is rated at 24 hours or a "full day"). But I'm not going to get into what's inside the phone; I'm just focusing on its external design. What makes the size of the Moto X appealing is that it's basically right in between the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy 4.

I don't own an iPhone 5, but I've certainly played around with it plenty. It feels good in hand, though it does seem a tad narrow, particularly if you have no case on it (or a very thin one). I like how the Moto X feels in hand a little better. However, that's partially thanks to the curved design and texture of the back of the phone.

While it wasn't a serious issue, I did occasionally end up with my finger resting on the camera opening on the back of the Moto X (it's in the middle, toward the top, and covered by protective glass). Several other smartphones, including the Galaxy S4, have the camera in the same spot, but because the S4 is larger, I held the phone slightly differently and rarely ended up covering the camera with my index finger. The iPhone 5's camera is placed in the top corner of the phone, not the middle.

Naturally, when it comes to screen size -- and phone size in general -- everyone has his own preferences. For instance, some folks love the oversize Galaxy Note 2 and its 5.5-inch screen, whereas others scoff that it's just too big and ungainly.

In other words, that happy medium between not too big and not too small is a little bit illusive. But if I were selecting the screen size for a larger iPhone, I'd vote for 4.7 inches -- Retina, of course.

As Goldilocks might say, it seems just right.

Excerpt by cnet

Motorola Moto X REVIEW

Motorola Moto X bombs, launch event had the opportunity to experiment! Here are the first impressions!

Motorola Moto X on Thursday formally introduced in the pocket, the number of proliferating trying something different to get out of the pockets Great Android. Moto X, intensifies the experience of the technical features and the fact that it is very user sending a message to the other Android manufacturers.

Readiness for Moto X broke the first details of the device instead of the latest Android 4.3 Android 4.2.2 YLE was to come. Android 4.3 's unsung then Android 5.0' s already so I did not expect to get in on the device. Moto X, try to run the latest version of Android, Sense, TouchWiz user interface, such as not having any extra. However, this does not mean you do not come Moto X additional functions. These additional functions will talk about the next paragraph.

The power of dual-core 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro and 2GB RAM Moto X interface with fast response time is fine. Moto X makes it powerful as well, which is part of X8 quad-core Adreno 320 GPU Computing System.

Voice Control

X8 architecture mentioned earlier, Moto X, the most important additional features from its competitors. Additional functionality offered by most of the lead coming out of X8, voice control functions. Moto X, "natural language processing" and "contextual computing processor", it allows you to control any touching the ground. In this way, the "OK Google Now," he calls to startup, or you can search the web.



Invited to work only in your voice phone, so you can detect your voice, even in a crowd. Commands to the device easily perceive our room we saw a short demonstration of noisy trials. Apparatus, sound perception on the success of the above, below and in front of the microphone in three different borrower. Motorola Moto X claims that you can hear from a distance of 30 meters, but did not find the opportunity to try it during the event.

Photo Capabilities

The most important aspect of Moto X, photographing capabilities. Motorola Moto X removed from the pocket and made his best to capture a picture can say. Moto X, now you can open the camera application while making a twisting motion with your finger. Moto X button lets you take a photo on there, instead of the screen, tap any point enough.

Moto X is very easy to take a photo by tapping the screen, but the auto-focus function sometimes odaklanmayabiliyor to the right place. 10-megapixel rear camera, webcam approaches what the HTC One or Nokia Lumia 1020. Still RGBC image sensor captures more light allows you to take stunning photographs. In this theory, better pictures in low light, you may say, but the color of the photos I took note taking, and came extremely shiny.

A Information

Moto X, is a function of interesting information every 10 seconds to show off the OLED display device. Do not think that consume your battery will finish this function, since the energy is spent only for pixels shown in the function, very low power consumption.

Customizable Cases

Motorola, Moto X, has shown great effort to make the internal components of the unique original plan of the company, its users the option to present more views.

Online Moto Maker, front and rear face, the color of the wallpaper, the default, allows you to change a number of features. 16GB and 32GB versions to choose from as well as possible.

Moto X has no expandable storage space, but 50GB's free Google Drive, you can eliminate your need additional card.

No matter how good the design, pick up the phone when it does not give you a good grip feeling is meaningless. Moto X is a mobile with 4.7-inch to tell in our fully seated. Gorilla Glass screen mobile, 2.200mAh ² comes with a battery.

Moto X, the phone feels strong and durable as well as light. This is a totally unique, especially coupled with the pocket version of the device can produce wood accents.