When selecting a smartphone, one of the features that stands out is the screen size. The industry has witnessed a significant shift towards larger screens, which cater to various user needs such as enhanced productivity, multitasking, and an immersive viewing experience. A big screen, often found in phablets, is particularly useful for gaming and streaming video content, making the device a versatile tool for both work and entertainment.
The largest smartphones on the market today have screens that typically start at 6 inches and reach sizes up to just under 7 inches. This size appeals to users looking for more screen real estate to improve their user experience. With the vast array of options available, identifying the phone with the biggest screen requires considering the latest models and their features to determine which offers the largest display while still delivering quality and performance.
Current Largest Screen Champions
In the world of smartphones, screen size has become a major factor for consumers who want the best viewing experience for videos, gaming, productivity, and daily use. With the release of the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, the landscape of large-screen phones has evolved once again. Here’s your complete guide to the phones with the biggest screens available in 2025.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – 6.8 inches
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra continues to lead the pack with its massive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This powerhouse offers:
- 6.8-inch screen with 120Hz refresh rate
- 3088 x 1440 resolution
- S Pen support for productivity
- Curved edges for immersive viewing
iPhone 17 Pro Max – 6.9 inches
Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, features the largest screen ever on an iPhone:
- 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display
- ProMotion technology with 120Hz
- Ceramic Shield front
- Enhanced brightness and color accuracy
Complete Screen Size Rankings (2025)
Large Phones (6.5+ inches)
Largest to Smallest:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max – 6.9 inches
- Apple’s biggest iPhone screen ever
- Released September 2025
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – 6.8 inches
- Android’s premium large-screen option
- S Pen included
- iPhone 17 Plus – 6.7 inches
- More affordable large iPhone option
- Same screen size as iPhone 16 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus – 6.7 inches
- Premium features without Ultra pricing
- Dynamic AMOLED display
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – 6.8 inches
- Google’s largest Pixel phone
- Pure Android experience
- OnePlus 12 Pro – 6.82 inches
- Gaming-focused features
- High refresh rate display
Mid-Size Phones (6.0-6.4 inches)
- iPhone 17 – 6.3 inches
- Increased from iPhone 16’s 6.1 inches (source: TechCrunch)
- Now more aligned with Pro models
- iPhone 17 Pro – 6.3 inches
- Professional features in standard size
- ProMotion display
- Samsung Galaxy S25 – 6.2 inches
- Compact flagship option
- Premium build quality
What’s New in the iPhone 17 Series
The iPhone 17 series brought significant screen size updates in 2025:
- iPhone 17: Increased to 6.3 inches (up from 6.1 inches in iPhone 16)
- iPhone 17 Plus: Maintained at 6.7 inches
- iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3 inches with ProMotion
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: New record at 6.9 inches
The iPhone 17 received a notable makeover with its larger 6.3-inch screen, representing a 0.2-inch increase that aligns it more closely with the Pro models (source: TechCrunch).
Screen Size vs. Phone Size: What to Consider
Advantages of Large Screens:
- Better multimedia experience
- Enhanced productivity
- Easier typing and navigation
- More content visible at once
- Better gaming experience
Potential Drawbacks:
- Harder to use with one hand
- Less pocket-friendly
- Higher battery consumption
- More expensive to repair
- Heavier overall weight
Choosing the Right Screen Size for You
6.7+ inches: Best for
- Content consumption (videos, reading)
- Mobile gaming
- Work and productivity
- Users with larger hands
- Those who prioritize screen real estate
6.1-6.3 inches: Best for
- Balanced everyday use
- One-handed operation
- Users wanting flagship features in manageable size
- First-time large phone users
Under 6.1 inches: Best for
- Compact phone preferences
- Easy pocket storage
- One-handed use priority
- Budget considerations
Future of Large Screen Phones
Looking ahead in 2025, we can expect:
- Continued growth in average screen sizes
- Better optimization for large displays
- Improved one-handed use features
- Foldable phones gaining mainstream adoption
- Enhanced durability for larger screens
Conclusion
As of 2025, the iPhone 17 Pro Max takes the crown for the largest mainstream smartphone screen at 6.9 inches, closely followed by the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra at 6.8 inches. The iPhone 17 series has notably embraced larger screens across the lineup, with even the base iPhone 17 growing to 6.3 inches.
When choosing a phone based on screen size, consider your primary use cases, hand size, and lifestyle needs. While larger screens offer obvious advantages for media consumption and productivity, they come with trade-offs in portability and one-handed usability.
The trend toward larger screens shows no signs of slowing down, with manufacturers continuing to push boundaries while improving the overall user experience. Whether you choose the massive iPhone 17 Pro Max or opt for a more manageable size, 2025 offers excellent large-screen options across all price ranges.
Key Takeaways
- Screen size is a crucial feature for smartphone users interested in productivity and an immersive experience.
- The largest current smartphones boast screens ranging from 6 to just under 7 inches.
- Choosing the biggest screen should also factor in the overall quality and performance of the phone.
Identifying the Largest Smartphone Screens
The largest smartphone screens combine immersive viewing with innovative technology. They cater to users who enjoy expansive display sizes for gaming, productivity, or media consumption. These devices showcase advanced display tech and design elements that elevate the user experience.
Overview of Big Screen Phones
Big-screen phones, often called phablets, provide ample screen space. They make tasks like reading, gaming, and watching videos more enjoyable. Mobile devices with large displays are popular for their ability to present vibrant visuals and detailed content that smaller screens cannot match.
Technical Specifications and Display Technology
Smartphones today feature OLED displays with high resolution and refresh rates. OLED technology improves contrast and color accuracy. Specifications such as aspect ratio and resolution define screen sharpness and layout, affecting how content is viewed.
Top Contenders for Biggest Screen
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and its successor, the S23 Ultra, boast some of the largest screens in the flagship phone segment. The iPhone 14 Pro Max follows closely, offering a notable 6.7-inch display. The Huawei Mate Xs and the Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold are examples of phones that offer even larger screen sizes when unfolded.
Performance, Battery Life, and Camera Integration
A big-screen phone must balance size with performance and battery life. High performance is often powered by chipsets like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the A16 Bionic. Large screens typically consume more power. Hence, manufacturers aim to integrate excellent battery life. These smartphones usually feature advanced camera setups, with multiple lenses offering diverse photographic capabilities.
User Experience and Additional Features
Larger screens enhance multitasking and productivity. Additional features could include always-on displays, stylus support like the S Pen for Samsung’s Galaxy series, or Apple’s Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. These contribute to a richer user experience for video calls and other interactive applications on big phones.
Considerations for Buying the Biggest Screen Phone
When choosing a large-display phone, consider display quality, durability, processing power, and the integration of features such as camera quality. Preference for iOS or Android also influences the decision, with Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra offering different ecosystems. Sustainability and price point are important factors as well.
