What size phone
screen do I need?

How to decide between different
smartphone screen sizes.

 
Two hands holding a large Samsung Galaxy smartphone showing YouTube streaming application on screen

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.

A woman sitting on a bed while on a video call using Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Buds

How are smartphone screens measured?

Screen size 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 Flip6 with its 6.7-inch main display. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra² boasts an impressive 6.8 inch-display, or go even bigger with the Galaxy Z Fold6 7.6-inch³ Infinity Flex display when unfolded for immersive streaming and gaming.

  • ¹Measured diagonally, screen size is accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
  • ²Galaxy S24 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 Fold6 5G’s Main Screen size is 7.6” in the full rectangle and 7.6” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.

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.

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 Galaxy Z Flip6 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.

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. The Galaxy S24’s 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen is a great medium size mobile phone, providing bright and clear images both in daylight and at night. For an awesome budget-friendly option, check out the Galaxy A15 5G which has a solid 6.5-inch¹ Super AMOLED display and FHD+ resolution.

¹Measured diagonally, Galaxy A15 5G’s main screen size is 6.5” in the full rectangles and 6.3” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.

Large screen phones

Looking for the largest Samsung Galaxy phone? That will be the sensational Galaxy Z Fold6 which features not one, but two incredible screens. You’ve got a 6.3-inch cover display for all your day-to-day tasks on the front and when it comes to the serious stuff simply unfold to reveal a stunning 7.6-inch screen – that’s the same size as a small tablet! It’s optimised for getting everything done, all on one screen, at the same time.

¹Measured diagonally, Galaxy A55 5G’s main screen size is 6.6” in the full rectangles and 6.4” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.

Galaxy Z Fold6
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Galaxy Z Flip6
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Galaxy S24 Ultra
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Galaxy A55 5G
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 in silver shadow is shown on a grey background

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 work out the best screen size for you.

A man using large Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra smartphone with an S Pen

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 to right in a curved arched. This way, you can work out what size phone screen works for you. For a comfortable fit you should be able to reach to approximately the middle of the screen or more.

A woman holding Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G in one hand

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 Fold6.

Two Galaxy Z Fold 5s displayed on a white background with S Pen.

Streaming on your Samsung smartphone

Looking to watch the latest Netflix series or play your favourite game on your smartphone? If you intend to use your Samsung smartphone for streaming TV shows & films or playing games, opt 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.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra showing YouTube streaming application on screen

What’s the biggest Samsung phone?

The Galaxy Z Fold6’s expandable 7.6-inch display has the largest screen on a Samsung smartphone. If a foldable smartphone is not something you are looking for, the epic Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen is your next biggest option. Both flagship devices offer an exceptional amount of screen space for multitasking, gaming and browsing.

A Galaxy Z Fold 5 on slightly opened on an angle on a black background.

What’s the smallest Samsung phone?

The Galaxy Z Flip5 is the smallest Samsung phone measuring in at only 8.5cm x 7.2cm when folded shut. Alternatively, the Galaxy S24 has a 6.2-inch screen which makes it another great option if you’re looking for a smaller screen phone.

Two Galaxy Z Flip 5 folded over showcasing images on the cover screen.

Latest Samsung phones screen size comparison

Still not sure which smartphone to go for? We’ve listed a comparison of Samsung's latest smartphone sizes in the table below.

  •  

    Model

  •  

    Screen size

 
 
Galaxy Z Fold6
  •  Galaxy Z Fold6
  •  6.3 inch cover screen,
    7.6 inch main screen (full rectangle)
 
Galaxy Z Flip6
  •  Galaxy Z Flip6
  •  3.4 inch cover screen (full rectangle),
    6.7 inch main screen (full rectangle),
    6.6 inch main screen (rounded corners)
 
Galaxy S24 Ultra
  •  Galaxy S24 Ultra
  •  6.8 inch (full rectangle)

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 in a two-handed way

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 woman playing mobile games on Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with two hands

Choose a smaller phone screen if:

• You don’t use your phone for gaming or work purposes
• You only want to type & 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 6.2-inch Galaxy S24 or 6.5-inch Galaxy A15 5G.

A Galaxy Z Flip 5 folded over using the flexible hinge to rest on an upright angle.

Can’t decide? Why not choose both?

Explore our Galaxy Z foldable phones series for a large phone screen experience that's also compact. The Galaxy Z Flip6 comes with a 6.7-inch FHD+ Infinity Flex Display that folds in half to fit into your pocket. While the Galaxy Z Fold6 can be used both when folded or expanded. The 6.3-inch cover screen works in full function allowing you to have a compact phone that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.

Move everything from your old phone to your new device in a matter of moments.

Learn more
 
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Most common questions

Explore answers to frequent queries below.

Compare the models
Find the best phone fit for you.
Top view of various Samsung Galaxy phone models, including foldable and standard designs.

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