Most women think phones have gotten too big

The Ipsos Consumer Tracker asks Americans questions about culture, the economy and the forces that shape our lives. Here's one thing we learned this week.

Why we asked: This was a question posed by a new SXSW friend. Mobile phones started off as enormous brick-like things you carried like a briefcase. Then, as the tech evolved, they got smaller and smaller and fit in your pocket or clipped stylishly to your belt. But of course, now they have ballooned again to maximize screen size as we scroll and stream. Since 2010, they have nearly doubled to an average 6.5 inches. Apple now makes a sling that is almost as stylish as the belt-holster of old. What hasn’t gotten bigger: Our hands and our pockets.

What we found: There are some things most of us agree with. Usability is key. Four in five Americans (80%) prefer a smartphone they can comfortably operate with only one hand. Portability is also a non-negotiable for most, as 80% of consumers say it is essential that their phone fits easily into a standard pocket. But that’s problematic, because half of Americans (51%) feel modern phones are becoming too wide to grip securely.

There are, of course, gender splits here, as women on average have smaller hands. Men’s hands are almost an inch longer than women’s, on average, and about half an inch wider, according to NASA. 

Men are more likely to be willing to make a trade-off (55% to 43%) of “a heavier, larger device if it means I have more screen space for media and reading.” And women are more likely to agree (56% to 45%) that “modern smartphones are becoming too wide to grip securely and comfortably.” Interestingly, older Americans (55+) are less likely to agree with both of those statements than younger Americans. 

• 80% prefer a smartphone they can comfortably operate with only one hand.
• 80% of consumers say it is essential that their phone fits easily into a standard pocket.
• 51% feel modern phones are becoming too wide to grip securely. 

More insights from this wave of the Ipsos Consumer Tracker:

Americans think they need to keep up with AI, but AI needs to slow down

Americans think AI is already having a profound effect on society

Americans' private label purchases are rising amid the gas price crunch

Couples who collect mostly collect different things

The Ipsos Care-o-Meter: What does America know about vs. what does America care about?