Smartphone screen sizes continue their upward trajectory, even as manufacturers strive for more compact designs. While some consumers express a desire for more manageable devices, the industry appears poised to push the boundaries of display real estate even further. Recent reports suggest that at least two phone companies are actively developing smartphones with displays measuring seven inches or larger.
New Display Sizes Under Development
According to reports originating from supply chain insiders (translated from Chinese sources), these manufacturers are aiming for displays at or exceeding seven inches diagonally. This size evokes memories of early tablet designs, when phones were considerably smaller. Currently, seven-inch displays are largely confined to foldable smartphones, with very few traditional handsets reaching this dimension.
Will Samsung and Apple Follow Suit?
Apple and Samsung have consistently increased the screen sizes of their flagship iPhones and Galaxy devices over the years, but neither has yet crossed the seven-inch threshold. However, they are approaching it rapidly. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is currently 6.86 inches, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max is also 6.86 inches. Reports indicate the Galaxy S26 Ultra may reach 6.89 inches.
Given the industry’s tendency to quickly adopt new developments, it’s plausible that Samsung and Apple will follow suit. Beyond the enhanced viewing experience, larger displays could potentially accommodate larger batteries. This could be particularly relevant given recent U.S. Restrictions that have prompted manufacturers to limit battery capacities to around 5,000 mAh.
The current flagship phones from both companies are already nearing what was once considered “phablet” territory, and a move beyond seven inches could redefine the upper limits of smartphone screen size.
The push towards larger screens isn’t happening in a vacuum. The market for 7-inch displays is experiencing growth, driven by demand for interactive displays in automotive and smart home applications, as well as the continued popularity of foldable phones. The global smart display market, which includes 7-inch screens, is projected to reach $5.49 billion in 2026 and grow to $11.82 billion by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.58 percent.
While the broader smartphone industry is seeing a shift towards larger screens, the 7-inch segment remains particularly relevant in the foldable and compact phone categories. A larger display offers a better viewing experience and improved productivity, with features like split-screen multitasking becoming increasingly useful.
Currently, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate leads the pack with its 10.2-inch tri-fold OLED display, making it the largest screen size smartphone available as of 2025. However, its high price (around Rs. 2,00,000, or approximately $2,400 USD) and limited availability make it a niche product. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers a more accessible 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, priced between Rs. 1,64,999 and Rs. 1,84,999 (approximately $1,975 – $2,215 USD).
The United States market currently offers several 7-inch options, including the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 ($1,299.99), Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 ($999), Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 (512GB) ($799.10), and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (512GB) ($1,149.97). Oukitel and Cubot also have upcoming models in this size range, offering more budget-friendly options.
However, larger screens aren’t without their drawbacks. Fragility is a key concern, as a larger surface area is more susceptible to damage from drops or impacts. Manufacturers will need to address this challenge through improved materials and designs to ensure the durability of these larger devices.
The move towards larger smartphone displays represents a continuation of a trend that has been underway for years. While it remains to be seen whether Apple and Samsung will fully embrace the seven-inch-and-beyond revolution, the groundwork is being laid for a new generation of large-screen smartphones that could blur the lines between phones and tablets.
