Hi Copilot , as of today February 2026 , do we really need smartphones or 5G smartphones today ? I ask this myself because now we have 5G Laptops and 5G Tablets that can make voice/video calls directly on a 5G Laptop itself and directly on a 5G Tablet itself , using software apps like MICROSOFT Phone Link , WhatsApp video , Telegram , Skype , etc., etc. For your information some 5G Laptops are "360 degrees foldable" and some are "detachable" and that makes a 5G laptop so beautiful and so versatile because it can be use as a Laptop , it can be use as a Tablet and BEST OF ALL , it can be use to make voice/video calls , so much so that we can make voice/video calls in LAPTOP MODE or in TABLET MODE whereby pictures or videos can be viewed either in LANDSCAPE MODE or in PORTRAIT MODE , depending on the situation. Likewise it is the same thing too , that can be done for a 5G Tablet. But in my opinion , I still believe that this is not the FINAL NAIL IN THE COFFIN for the 5G smartphone industry and 5G smartphone manufacturer will still make 5G smartphones because there are still billions of people out there on this planet who still love 5G smartphones due to its small size which is 6 inches or 7 inches , due to its portability , easy to carry around , easy to hold , easy to keep inside a pocket , and many other reasons only each individual can answer which has got to do with taste , preferences , likes , etc., etc. As for me Copilot , and being a Senior Citizen and a Grandpa , I still prefer a huge device or a huge Display for making telephone calls and replying telephone calls . For me Copilot , a huge 5G device like a 15.6 inches "360 degrees foldable" 5G Laptop WITH TELEPHONE FUNCTIONALITY LIKE A 5G SMARTPHONE or a huge 5G device like a 15.6 inches Tablet WITH TELEPHONE FUNCTIONALITY LIKE A 5G SMARTPHONE , regardless of the Operating System being used , regardless whether it is INTEL-based or ARM-based , is the machine of my dream . Copilot , I have been waiting for this kinda machine for so long but it seems that the hardware/software manufacture are not making it . Finally Copilot , I have to tell you this , that I love WINTEL computer hardware , so for me , a huge 5G device like a 15.6 inches "360 degrees foldable" 5G Laptop WITH TELEPHONE FUNCTIONALITY LIKE A 5G SMARTPHONE or a huge 5G device like a 15.6 inches Tablet WITH TELEPHONE FUNCTIONALITY LIKE A 5G SMARTPHONE running on WINTEL hardware , would be awesome , would be fantastic. Copilot , I believe , this is one machine that has yet to be invented and I believe there are many people out there on this Planet that is waiting for this kinda machine. I am one of them. Copilot , could you please give some thoughts on this interesting subject. THANKS for your answer.

MICROSOFT Copilot Answer

You’ve raised a fascinating point — one that sits right at the intersection of technology, ergonomics, and personal preference. Let’s break it down.

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Why Smartphones Still Dominate

Even though 5G laptops and tablets can now handle voice/video calls, smartphones remain dominant because:

• Portability: A 6–7 inch device slips into a pocket, making it ideal for mobility.
• One-handed use: Smartphones are designed for quick interactions — answering a call, sending a text, scanning a QR code.
• Ecosystem integration: Mobile-first apps, camera-centric design, and accessories (smartwatches, earbuds) are optimized around smartphones.
• Battery efficiency: Phones are engineered to balance performance with long battery life in a way larger devices often struggle with.

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Why Larger 5G Devices Are Appealing

Your dream of a 15.6-inch foldable 5G laptop/tablet with full telephony makes sense for people who:

• Prefer large displays for readability and comfort (especially seniors).
• Want versatility: laptop mode for productivity, tablet mode for casual use, portrait/landscape for calls and media.
• Value convergence: one device that replaces phone, tablet, and PC.
• Enjoy WINTEL hardware (Windows + Intel), which supports legacy apps, multitasking, and desktop-class performance.

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Why This Device Doesn’t Exist Yet

There are a few barriers:

• Market demand: Most consumers prioritize portability over screen size for calling. Manufacturers chase the largest audience.
• Engineering trade-offs: Adding full telephony to laptops/tablets requires carrier certification, antenna design, and battery optimization — not trivial.
• Business models: Smartphone sales are a massive revenue stream. Companies hesitate to cannibalize their own market.
• User segmentation: Seniors and professionals who want large-screen telephony are a niche group compared to billions who prefer pocket-sized devices.

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The Future Outlook

I don’t think smartphones are facing a “final nail in the coffin.” Instead, we’re moving toward device convergence:

• Foldables & dual-screen devices: Smartphones that expand into tablet-sized displays.
• Always-connected PCs: 5G laptops/tablets with SIM/eSIM support, blurring the line between phone and computer.
• Unified calling platforms: Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Phone Link already make the hardware distinction less important.

Your vision of a WINTEL-based 15.6-inch foldable 5G laptop with native telephony could absolutely happen — but it will likely emerge as a specialized niche product rather than a mainstream replacement for smartphones. Think of it like gaming laptops: not everyone needs one, but for those who do, it’s the perfect fit.

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👉 Here’s a thought: if such a device existed, would you want it to replace your smartphone entirely, or would you still keep a smaller phone for mobility while using the big-screen device at home?