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iPhone 6 4.7-inch vs 5.5-inch: Which Would You Buy?

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When the iPhone 6 release date arrives later this year shoppers may face a bigger decision than normal. Rumors point to two models with larger screens that could leave buyers asking, iPhone 6 4.7-inch vs iPhone 6 5.5-inch, which one is best for me?

Each day that passes brings new iPhone 6 rumors and pulls us closer to an actual iPhone 6 release date, or dates, as well as an announcement that will finally show potential buyers what Apple’s plans are for 2014. A recent Apple product roadmap includes a new Apple TV, iWatch, a new MacBook Air and many other products in addition to two new iPhones.

The iPhone 6 name is not official, but it is how the press, analysts and leaks all refer to two new iPhone models for 2014. Assuming Apple delivers two iPhone 6 models in 2014 with larger screen sizes there will likely be a new name for one of the models.

We expect to see the iPhone 6 arrive this fall, but a larger iPhone 6 with a 5.5-inch display might not arrive until right before the holiday shopping season according to rumors which cite trouble adapting display or battery technology to an iPhone with a 5.5-inch display.

Apple is finally ready to compete with Samsung, HTC and other Android phones with larger screens according to rumors and it looks like the company plans to compete with all takers this fall. An iPhone 6 with a 4.7-inch display would square off against the Galaxy S5 and HTC One M8 that are on the market as well as the rumored LG G3 that should arrive soon. A 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would directly compete with the current Galaxy Note 3 and the rumored Galaxy Note 4 that will likely arrive in the same window as a larger iPhone 6.

Despite a growing number of rumors we still don’t know what the new iPhone 6 will look like. There are many great concepts that showcase potential designs. These are based off of rumors, leaks and sometimes Apple patents that suggest a direction that Apple is heading. As we move into the summer months it is possible that a leak will eventually show the new iPhone 6 design, but for now the best information is on the display size and resolution, potential features and possible specs.

In this comparison we will match up the latest iPhone 6 rumors to compare the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 vs 5.5-inch iPhone 6 to showcase the information that is out there and share the opinions of potential buyers.

iPhone 6 4.7 vs iPhone 6 5.5-inch Display

For consumers that plan on waiting for the iPhone 6, display size looks to be one of the prime differentiators. Most of the iPhone 6 rumors focus on a 4.7-inch model with a higher resolution than the iPhone 5s. iPhone 6 rumors for the larger model indicate a 5.5-inch or 5.7-inch display, with recent reports focusing on the 5.5-inch size.

The iPhone 6 with a 4.7-inch display may be slightly smaller than the Galaxy S5 and HTC One M8.

The iPhone 6 with a 4.7-inch display may be slightly smaller than the Galaxy S5 and HTC One M8. Mockup from deuxani

The image above shows how a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 might look next to the Galaxy S5 and the HTC One M8. A 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would be much larger. The image below shows an iPhone 6 concept from Martin Hajek with a 5.5-inch iPhone 6 next to a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and a iPhone 5s with a 4-inch display.

This concept from Martin Hajek shows a iPhone 6 4.7-inch vs iPhone 6 5.5-inch size comparison.

This concept from Martin Hajek shows a iPhone 6 4.7-inch vs iPhone 6 5.5-inch size comparison.

Apple will very likely increase the resolution of the iPhone 6 display to match the larger size. The current 1136 x 640 resolution on the iPhone 5s would not deliver as nice of a look as it does on the current model. Cook previously dismissed a jump to a larger screen size due to tradeoffs with screen quality, and recently stated that Apple doesn’t need to rush, telling The Wall Street Journal, “Our objective has never been to be first. It’s to be the best.”

While we don’t know the specific resolution of the new iPhone, rumors and leaks point to a few possibilities. The list below includes the most plausible iPhone 6 screen resolution for a 4.7-inch and a 5.5-inch model.

iPhone 6 4.7-inch Resolution

  • 1600 × 900 resolution, 386 ppi – NPD DisplaySearch
  • 1334 x 750 resolution, 325 ppi – Ming-Chi Kuo
  • 1280 x 720 resolution 312ppi – Various Analysts

iPhone 6 5.5-inch Resolution

  • 1920×1080 resolution, 401 ppi – NPD DisplaySearch, Kuo and Others

There are a number of iPhone 6 resolutions rumored, but all suggest an upgrade of some kind. Both Kuo and NPD DisplaySearch reports come with a good track record for Apple rumors, but neither is perfect so it’s tough to tell which resolution a 4.7-inch iPhone might use.

iPhone 6 Design & Specs

The biggest difference between these two iPhone 6 models is the display, but it may not be the only difference. The iPhone 6 design is still up in the air and despite many concepts we still don’t know what the iPhone 6 will look like or if two iPhone 6 models will look the same or offer the same specs.

New iPhone 6 rumors point to a iPhone 6 with that is thinner between 6mm and 7mm thick. This is a decrease of .6mm to 1.6mm from the iPhone 5s. It is possible that Apple could pull off a thinner iPhone 6 by using a slimmer battery that is taller and wider in a bigger iPhone frame. Rumors also point to slimmer bezels on the side of the device to keep the width of the iPhone in check even with a larger screen. The top and bottom bezels may not change in order to keep the home button with Touch ID and a symmetry between the top and bottom of the phone.

iPhone 6 design

This new iPhone 6 concept brings real iPhone 6 rumors to life. Via Martin Hajek & Nowhereelse.fr

Ming Chi Kuo claims the iPhone 6 5.5-inch battery may include 50-70% more capacity in watt hours compared to the current iPhone. Another rumor suggests Apple is moving the power button to the right side on both models to make it easier to use with one hand. Kuo’s report claims the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 design will offer one-handed use, but a 5.5-inch iPhone 6 is designed as a device that the owner uses with both hands.

A rumor from Macotakara claims the larger iPhone 6 will come with multiple color options, like the iPhone 5c. The report does not indicate that the iPhone 6 with a 5.5-inch display will use a plastic design like the 5c.

iPhone 6 rumors suggest the specs will be similar between these two iPhone 6 sizes. A recent report outlines key iPhone 6 details,

  • iPhone 6 Camera – No major Megapixel bump, but added image stability.
  • iPhone 6 Specs – A8, 1GB RAM, Touch ID, 6.5mm to 7mm thickness, NFC.

NFC is a continually rumored for the iPhone to enable mobile payments at cash registers that accept PayPass or other touchless payments. Only time will tell if this comes to the iPhone 6.

We also hear that Apple could be planning to include a Sapphire screen cover on the iPhone 6. Kuo believes that this feature may only be available on a higher end model such as a 64GB iPhone 6 with a 5.5-inch display. It is too early to tell if Apple will limit the Sapphire display cover to a 5.5-inch model or to more expensive models. A Sapphire display cover would protect the iPhone from scratches better than the current cover according to some demos.

While there are vocal users that would buy a 128GB iPhone 6, rumors do not yet point to Apple increasing the storage space on the new iPhone.

Ultimately Apple will likely keep the same design for the iPhone 6 4.7-inch and the iPhone 6 5.5-inch models. Hopefully the larger iPhone 6 will come with the same specs as the 4.7-inch model, even if the price is higher.

iPhone 6 Release Dates & Price

Another big difference between the iPhone 6 4.7-inch and the iPhone 6 5.5-inch models could be when shoppers can buy them. Recently iPhone 6 rumors point to two iPhone 6 release dates in 2014.

An iPhone 6 release date in August or September for the 4.7-inch model. This is around the time that Apple typically announces a new iPhone.

The iPhone 6 release date for the 5.5-inch model could come later in the year, closer to the holiday shopping season. This could be due to issues with battery tech or display tech, depending on the rumor.

The iPhone 6 release dates may be weeks apart.

The iPhone 6 release dates may be weeks apart.

Whenever Apple plans the iPhone 6 release dates it would make sense to announce both models at the same event, so that consumers don’t hold off buying a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 just to see what a 5.5-inch iPhone 6 looks like. This would result in a longer than average wait for a 5.5-inch iPhone, but it would offer developers more time to prepare apps for this bigger iPhone.

The iPhone 5s is $199 on a two-year contract, but the iPhone 6 price could jump to $300 according to several rumors. The most recent rumor suggests Apple is trying to convince carriers to sell a more expensive iPhone 6. This possible price hike comes as many carriers are trying to push consumers towards plans that cover the full cost of a new phone.

In a best case scenario Apple will set the iPhone 6 price at $199 for a 4.7-inch and a $250 or $299 for the 5.5-inch model.

Which iPhone 6 Will You Buy?

In 2013 Apple delivered two iPhone models, but choosing between the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c was not a very difficult decision for many users. If Apple offers two iPhone 6 models with the only real difference being the screen size it will be a bigger decision for shoppers. A recent thread on Reddit, a social news sharing website, asked users this same question and the responses highlight an array of preferences for the iPhone 6 size.

iPhone 6 with a 4.7-inch Display

Here is a look at what some users would buy, and why they prefer a 4.7-inch iPhone 6. In the thread many users want the 4.7-inch iPhone for extra space to browse the web, while still offering a size that they can use with one hand or fit in a shirt pocket.

Reddit user fat_apollo writes, “4.7. My previous phone was Nexus 4, I love iOS so much more than Android but i surf much less since i have iPhone.”

User derach123 adds that this would be the upper limit, “I personally believe the smaller screen size is one of the merits of the iPhone since nowadays it’s almost impossible to find a competent phone at a smaller screen size. 4.7″ would be my extreme upper limit for screen size; 4.3″ or 4.5″ would be more preferable for me. Anything larger than 4.7″ would start becoming awkward to use single-handed, especially since I have small hands.”

Redditor dela_haze weighs in with the importance of fitting the iPhone 6 in the pocket of a work shirt, “4.7. It has to fit in pocket easy and any bigger you might as well get a tablet.”

iPhone 6 with a 5.5-inch Display

Some users want iOS 8 on a bigger display with the ability to make phone calls, and don’t care if the device requires two hands to use properly. Some users would prefer a 4.7-inch display unless Apple delivers a iPhone 6 5.5-inch feature that justifies a larger display like itsmepicasso on Reddit who writes,

“4.7”. I had a Nexus 4 and it was large enough that it wasn’t always easy to use with one hand. Unless iOS 8 has a Swype style keyboard, it will be even more difficult to type on iOS with one hand.

I’d consider the 5.5″ if there was some sort of justification for its size rather than just being bigger. The Galaxy Note has the S Pen, but what major advantages do other phablets have over regular sized smartphones?”

i_mormon_stuff would pick a bigger iPhone 6 for the benefits of browsing the web, “I’d have to see them side by side in the store to truly make a decision but just based on my initial impressions I’d probably go with the 5.5″ because I want a much larger screen for content, especially browsing the web.”

Reddit user A2dam will pick based on battery life, writing, “Whichever one has the better battery life, which I am almost certain is going to be the 5.5″ one.”

Another user, Ch4rm woudl also pick a bigger 5.5.-inch iPhone 6 for more room for activities like reading, “Definitely 5.5. I read a lot on my phone and pdf files are a nightmare”

iPhone 6 with a 4-inch or Smaller Display

While many potential iPhone 6 buyers are excited about a larger display, some would like to buy a new iPhone with a 4-inch or even a 3.5-inch display.

User talones picks a smaller size writing, “3.5 for me.” Other users like PiercingHeavens wants a 3.5-inch display as well writing, “The old iphone 4 size screen.”

Rogerss93 wants the same 4-inch iPHone 5s display size, but in a smaller iPhone with an edge to edge display, “4, the current size is perfect, just needs to make the most of it’s real-estate.. edge-to-edge display please Apple.”

With everything you know right now, which iPhone 6 would you buy?

[poll id=”55″]

9 Comments

9 Comments

  1. Jamie

    04/28/2014 at 12:51 pm

    The iPhone 5.5 inch is my choice. I have saved the money MUST get the 5.5

    • Apple2bgone

      04/28/2014 at 1:59 pm

      Are you an idiot???? This is just rumor mill !!!!!! The 5s was my first and last!!! Want a real device?? Samsung galaxy note 3

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  3. Tim

    04/28/2014 at 1:56 pm

    5.5 iPhone is the way to go. I hope these rumors are right.

    • Osama bin Ladin

      04/28/2014 at 2:02 pm

      Don’t count on it!! Can’t wait to get my paintball gun and go see all the nerds waiting in line for the new iPhone, buuuuaaahhhh I’m back!!!!

  4. Jamie

    04/28/2014 at 2:28 pm

    Very good article Josh

  5. Nathaniel

    04/29/2014 at 2:24 am

    Well until iPhone learns what a processor is they will NEVER equal up to Android so stop comparing the two. And besides Samsung builds apple’s processors so they will never be able to beat Samsung. Bottom line iPhone sucks

    • Osama bin Ladin

      04/29/2014 at 8:01 am

      You sure got that right there Nathaniel my note 3 is great!!! Never had a great device like it!!

  6. kakorako

    06/21/2014 at 7:32 pm

    I have note 2 now but (awesome phone but does too much things I need more useful simplicity) and will be going back to iPhone 5th soon. I would consider iPhone 6 but am afraid they will ruin the thing about being truly portable light and easy to use if they copy Samsung with giant screen. I have now heavy huge pocket and it’s annoying after some time. I just hope they continue making the 4 inch (10CM?) I phones so we have different size for everyone as does Samsung produces…they have like 5 sizes u choose..I’m going back to small after experiencing big

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