Analysts and bloggers take it for granted that Apple’s 4.7-inch iPhone 6 employs smart desing in order to make it perfectly usable with just one hand.
Whether or not the handset adheres to Apple’s supposedly “unwavering principle of one hand use,” as one analyst put it, is anyone’s guess because no one’s seen the phone yet.
Most people would agree that older 3.5-inch iPhones are perfectly suited for one-handed use.
And by making the 4-inch screen taller but not wider, Apple’s made recent iPhones efficient enough for the vast majority of users for whom one-handed use is a priority.
But 4.7 inches is on a different level than 4 or 3.5 inches. Unless Apple pulled some dark magic tricks, not everyone may be able to hit the top left corner with their thumb.
In today’s poll, we challenge you to focus on the conceivable usability issues with the upcoming iPhones stemming from their much-talked-about bigger screens.
So, is being able to use an iPhone 6 with one hand important to you? Cast your vote below and meet us in comments…
A word of caution: we’re not asking you to choose between one-handed use of the iPhone 6 and new hardware features such as a higher-resolution camera or a faster processor.
This poll is about you and the importance you attach to being able to use your phone comfortably with just one hand.
As we stated earlier today, the 4.7-inch iPhone model may achieve the one-handed nirvana by shrinking its side bezels down, and making the bottom area where the Home button is located slimmer.
The top part where the earpiece, FaceTime camera and proximity sensor are located is already packed to the gills and therefore unlikely to see a significant size reduction.
On the software side, with the iOS 7 overhaul Apple has implemented a few under-appreciated features that make the iPhone a joy to operate with a single hand.
Firstly, iOS 7 simplifies navigation by removing much of the ornamentation and unnecessary buttons. But more importantly, the system-wide swipe from edge gesture is a God-sent addition for those who otherwise experience difficulty reaching the Back button with their thumb.
Comparison of purported 4.7-inch iPhone 6 panel versus the iPhone 5s.
Again, we can’t possibly determine for a fact that the aforementioned design and software features will be enough to allow for one-handed use of the 4.7-inch model until we get our hands on the actual device.
As far as I’m concerned, I can see the 4.7-incher being one handed. The supposed 5.5-inch model, not so much.
And with that in mind, I’m ready to kiss the one-handed mantra goodbye. I’m most definitely willing to cope with having to adjust the handset up, down and sideways to keep a grip on it — as long as Apple gives me a phablet-class canvas for my apps, faster everything and a longer-lasting battery.
Yes, I’m that cheap!
Of course, your guess is as good as mine so don’t be shy and join us for a discussion on the topic. We’re right down in the comments.