Best phablets: the top supersized smartphones
Our hands might not be getting any bigger these days, but our phones certainly are. Ever since the Samsung Galaxy Note was released – and proved a success – in 2010, phablets have been growing with lots of companies around the world jumping up their flagship phone sizes.
Flagship phones such as the OnePlus 3, iPhone 7 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge are now sat at the 5.5-inch and up mark. Other phones are breaking the 6-inch mark as some phablets are starting to resemble small tablets, arguably filling the roles of both a smartphone and a slate.
If you think that one device is better than two, or just have really big hands, then there’s a growing selection of phones to suit… and these are the best.
9. Moto G4
The fourth generation Moto G is here
Weight: 155g | Dimensions: 153 x 76.6 x 9.8mm | OS: Android 6 Marshmallow | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1080 x 1920 | CPU: Snapdragon 617 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16/32GB | Battery: 3000mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MP
Low price Bright Full HD display No NFC No fingerprint scanner
The Moto G4 is one of the best cheap phones you can buy right now and it just so turns out the latest Moto G handset is also a phablet.
It features a 5.5-inch Full HD display – a jump up from a 720p screen on the last Moto G – and it’s impressively powerful too with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 chipset and 2GB of RAM under the hood.
It doesn’t feature NFC or a fingerprint scanner, but for this price you wouldn’t usually expect those features on a phablet. If you want a phablet on a budget, go for the Moto G4.
8. Moto X Style
Customisable and affordable
Weight: 179g | Dimensions: 153 x 76.2 x 11.1mm | OS: Android 5.1.1 | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | CPU: Snapdragon 808 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 16/32/64GB | Battery: 3000mAh | Rear camera: 21MP | Front camera: 5MP
Bright, vibrant screen Pure Android Big and heavy Disappointing battery
The Moto X Style is one of three pretty high-end handsets Motorola has released back in 2015, slotting in between the Moto X Force and the Moto X Play in terms of specs and price, but with a 5.7-inch screen it’s the largest of the three.
It runs nearly pure Android too, so for fans of unadulterated versions of Google’s OS it’s a strong alternative to the Nexus 6P.
As the name suggests the Style is pretty stylish and hugely customisable, with a metal frame and a wood, leather or plastic back. It’s not quite as much of a looker as the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ or iPhone 6S Plus, but it’s not far off.
The battery life could be better and it’s a bit of a handful, but with solid performance, a decent camera and a reasonable price tag it’s well worth considering.
See the best Moto X Style deals
7. Sony Xperia Z5 Premium
The world’s first 4K screen in a phone
Weight: 180g | Dimensions: 154 x 75.8 x 7.8mm | OS: Android 5.1.1 | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 2160 x 3840 | CPU: Snapdragon 810 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB | Battery: 3430mAh | Rear camera: 23MP | Front camera: 5.1MP
Huge 4K display Impressive finger scanner Poor battery life Lacklustre design
This is Sony’s latest phablet, and it’s a pretty darn nifty one at that. Its main feature is the 4K screen it’s packing on the front – and it’s not as mental as you’d think.
It’s a brilliant display – there’s nothing more pin-sharp on the market at 806ppi density. We’re not convinced you’ll be able to SEE those extra pixels, and they’re not turned on all the time, but it’s there.
The Xperia Z5 is already a good phone, and that’s been supersized here – with the same brilliant camera, waterproof chassis and good Hi-Res audio.
Battery life could be better, but it’s no worse than a lot on this list – if you want to try something different, the Xperia Z5 Premium could well be it.
See the best Sony Xperia Z5 Premium deals
6. Nexus 6P
Google’s second-generation phablet is here
Weight: 178g | Dimensions: 159 x 77.8 x 7.3mm | OS: Android 6 | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | CPU: Snapdragon 810 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32/64/128GB | Battery: 3450mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 8MP
Nice-to-hold phablet Great specs for the price Ugly rear camera bulge No optical image stabilization
With an all-metal build, a fingerprint scanner, front-facing stereo speakers and high end specs the Nexus 6P is far and away the most premium device yet in the Nexus range.
The screen is big at 5.7 inches, though actually slightly smaller than the 5.96-inch monster on the Nexus 6. It’s a great display though, with a QHD resolution and vibrant if not quite true-to-life colours.
The Nexus 6P also runs Android Marshmallow. It’s one of the first devices to do so and it’s the stock version, which is superior to most manufacturer skins. Being a Nexus device it’s also promised quick updates to new versions of the OS, so it should stay fresh for longer.
It doesn’t quite feel as full-featured as some rival, as there’s no wireless charging for example, but it’s also a little cheaper and for the most part it feels every bit a flagship.
See the best Nexus 6P deals
5. OnePlus 3
OnePlus finally has a genuine flagship killer
Weight: 158g | Dimensions: 152.7 x 74.7 x 7.4mm | OS: Android 6 Marshmallow | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1080 x 1920 | CPU: Snapdragon 820 | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 32/64/128GB | Battery: 3000mAh | Rear camera: 16MP | Front camera: 8MP
Premium design Plenty of power Only 64GB, no microSD slot Full HD resolution
The latest phone from OnePlus is the real flagship killer the company has been looking for since 2014. With a metal uni-body design and a powerful processor set up this is one of the best phones money can buy.
What’s especially great is the price. Compared to other flagship phones, the OnePlus 3 is much cheaper and won’t cost you anywhere near as much as the number one on this list.
If you’re after a cheap yet high-end smartphone, the OnePlus 3 may well be the best choice for you in 2016.
See the best OnePlus 3 deals
4. Moto Z
Modular and the world’s thinnest
Weight: 136g | Dimensions: 153.3 x 75.3 x 5.2 mm | OS: Android Marshmallow | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | CPU: Snapdragon 820 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32/64GB | Battery: 2600mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MP
Creative modular accessories Fingerprint sensor with a twist No 3.5mm headphone jack Big camera bump
Much like the LG G5, the Moto Z is a modular phone but it’s much easier to use on this Motorola phone. You can just snap on the modular elements and take them off again when you want to switch the features.
It’s also one of the world’s thinnest ever phones so if you’re looking for a large screen without the bulk in your pocket, this may be a good choice.
You should note there’s no headphone jack on the Moto Z though, which you may find impractical if you own wired headphones.
3. Samsung Galaxy Note 7
Like an S7 Edge with an S Pen thrown in
Weight: 169g | Dimensions: 153.5 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm | OS: Android Marshmallow | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 pixels | CPU: Exynos 8890 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB| microSD slot: Yes | Battery: 3500mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP
Elegantly curved design Samsung’s leading camera Extremely expensive Touchy capacitive buttons
Samsung’s second entry in the top three, the Galaxy Note 7 is much like a stretched out Galaxy S7 Edge with a few extra features added for good measure.
If you’ve used a Note phone before and like the S Pen stylus functionality, you’ll love it on the Galaxy Note 7 as it adds even more features than before.
On top of that you’ll also get a top of the range processor, the best mobile camera technology on the market and a great looking curved display to make everyone you know jealous.
Be warned, the Galaxy Note 7 is an expensive phone though so you may want to check your bank balance before dropping all your dough on this phone.
See the best Samsung Galaxy Note 7 deals
2. iPhone 7 Plus
The best iPhone money can buy
Weight: 188g | Dimensions: 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3mm | OS: iOS 10 | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1080 x 1920 | CPU: A10 Fusion | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32/128/256GB | Battery: 2900mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
Excellent camera Solid battery life Screen still only full HD No headphone jack
If you don’t mind spending a lot of money, the iPhone 7 Plus is the best phablet made by Apple you can buy right now. In fact, it’s even the best iPhone you can buy today, but it’ll cost you.
It’s finally water resistant, has two cameras and is the fastest iPhone we’ve seen yet with a A10 Fusion processor chugging away inside.
The issue is there’s no headphone jack on the iPhone 7 Plus so you’ll likely need to buy new headphones – unless you have Bluetooth ones – plus the look hasn’t changed much compared to the iPhone 6S Plus.
If you’re a fan of iOS and want the best phablet running that software, be sure to go for the iPhone 7 Plus.
See the best iPhone 7 Plus deals
1. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
The Edge screen finally reaches the top spot
Weight: 157g | Dimensions: 150 x 72.6 x 7.7mm | OS: Android 6 | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | CPU: Snapdragon 820 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32/64GB | Battery: 3600mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP
Beautiful screen Great feel Slight plastic feel Expensive
Samsung now has two entries in the best phablet list, with the Galaxy S7 Edge reaching the top spot. The new curved handset is a beautiful 5.5-inch phone that includes even more functionality on those side screens than we’ve seen on past iterations.
It’s one of the more expensive handsets on this list, but it’s worth the extra money for such a gorgeous looking phone.
Plus the design is even more impressive when you realise this is the first waterproof Galaxy Edge product. If you want a top of the range phone that looks a little different to every other square slab out there on the market, the Galaxy S7 Edge is probably the choice for you.
See the best Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge deals
Source: techradar.com
Top Brands
Price points on the newest Blu phones are knocking all of these in the dirt
I've had a Sony Xperia Z Ultra for over 6 months now. It's absolutely fantastic around the house or on your desk at work and it's great for watching videos, reading, or playing games on; I really do love it as a device… but I have to admit, it just isn't practical as a phone. It's too big to take to the gym, or on a run or to put in my golf bag, and I get a lot of stick using it out in public (everyone asks you what it is with a look of horror/confusion on their face). I've also had to consider the size of my phone when buying new trousers to make sure it fits in the pocket (not a joke!). On the plus side however, they're very cheap to pick up now because they sold so poorly. The next time I upgrade I might have to try the Samsung Galaxy Note, unless Sony come up with a more practical phablet.
Average phone screen size is 5+ inches for 2 years now. This list isn't even mediocre. It's like a small chinese woman wrote this article. What about the P8Max? The Xioami Mi Max? The Sony Ultra? The upcoming Zenfone 3 Ultra and P9 Max and the list goes on
I know most cell phone users want small to medium sized screens, but there are those of us that have a couple of issues with small screens. Visual impairment and financially limited as well. So I wish someone would make at least a 8 inch high res screen (I'd personally prefer a 10 inch) smart phone that does not cost a fortune. I would use a bluetooth headset for the phone calls, you can get those with a high volume if your hearing isn't great like mine is., So the big screen wouldn't have to be held to my head while talking on the phone, but when I needed a tablet it would provide that function as well. Something for us old folks would be nice! just saying!
I have an 8" Samsung Galaxy Note 8 that has an 8" screen I have carried for 1 1/2 years. Outdated but I love the phone and until I can find a suitable replacement, this will remain my choice. I had to buy an International model to have the phone included so I only have 3g and it's still worth the sacrifice. Samsung, are you listening?????
To much bloatware in Samsung's phones. It takes the power out of the phone.
Yeah I don't know of that phone either, really is a mystery
galaxy note 5 & the galaxy s7 edge are by far the best phablets.. nxt lvl down are the nexus 6p, iphone 6s & moto x style.. then the rest bringing up teh rear are the lg v10, sony xperia z5.. I'd give the s7 edge an "edge" over the note5 for ppl looking for more of the "phone" aspect of the "phablet" experience & ppl wanting a more "tablet" style experience in their "phablet" will love the note 5..
the clinchers either way are:
1.expandable storage
2.stylus
if expandable micro sdhc is a deal breaker then the s7 is your phone.. if you want the functionality & productivity of a stylus & the suite of apps that go with it then the note 5 is by far the phone for you..
last but not least, at this moment, the s7 comes running marshmallow out the box while the at&t note 5 is still running 5.1.1 lollipop but is queried for the marshmallow update
I prefer the original size of the iPhone, Do not wish to hold a Large board up to my head. I rather use an iPad for the other uses Separately. Sizes going insaine.
The note edge should top the list. I just switched from the note 4 to the edge and I'm liking every bit of it, other than the shorter battery life. The edge is an underrated phone and many reviews dismiss the side bar simply as a fancy nice to have feature.
i switched to the note edge specifically for the, well, edge. The edge functions exactly like the 4 but the added side bar serves almost like a task bar found on your pc. Coupled with the near mouse like feature of the s-pen, the phone is a blast!
After i look up a location on chrome, i can use the button on my s-pen to copy the address, click on map app on the side bar and paste the address on the newly opened app and voila! after that i can just click on the chrome icon on the side bar and switch back to chrome. If i were to receive an incoming msg on whatsapp while I'm doing something else, i can just click on the app icon on the side bar without closing or minimising my app. Now these are things my note 4 couldn't do, so in my list i would have the edge right at the top.
lol only an midget thinks that 5.5inches if big, is someone a bit small down there XD
Lumia 950?
Where's the Note 5?
I like you can remove the battery on the LG G4 but the phone is ugly, which doesn't really bother me as you stick them in a case, but the interface is so cluttered that puts me totally off.
The only thing the LG G4 has got going for it is the removable battery (which you've not bothered to mention) and microsd (others have that too).
All it's other top features can be found elsewhere BUT with a much better interface.
Personally I'd put the Note 5 at number 1, as the stylus is arguably more useful than the Edge's curves.
The Nexus 6P is also very stylish too (I have one) AND stock Android is simply so much cleaner and less cluttered. It really makes a difference not to have an app draw full of apps you'll never use.
Most want large screens now. woooo!
When will you people get it through your heads that 5.5" is NOT a phablet anymore. That's just and average size for phones now, as evidenced by just how many of the phones on this list are that size.
Has this list been updated? There is a monster from Huawei called the Mate 8 which should be near the top of the list. It's a true phablet too.
Get the iPad
The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is my choice for best phablet. The 'edge' feature adds added access to functions and apps outside the main display. This makes the Note 4 a little more attractive in both looks and features.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! iPhone 6 Plus is just a great looking toy, compared to the Lumia 1520 or Samsung N4! Get real! I thought this was a safe place that offers objective info. I've used the iPhone 6 Plus and it is considerably better to sit in your hand than any of the listed devices, but after about a month or so, I got bored of the not-a-full-day battery life, the ordinary camera and the overall mundane day-to-day use of it. The Lumia is far superior in terms of battery life and camera to pretty much all of the listed devices here.
I was asking why it wasn't on the list
NOTE 4 THE KING ……….
If this was my list I'd obviously put the 6s And lush at Number 1 followed by the 6, sorry but the LG G4 is not above the 6s Plus and Nexus 6P, I don't care about the other phones on the list.
Seriously? A 10" phone? I have the 10.1" Tab 3 and it's heavy as hell and in no way would you ever want it to be a big ass phone to carry around. I'd say 7" would be pushing it for a phone.
Where is oneplus one or oneplus 2? Flagship killer very cheap to buy that is if you can get hold of a invite ?
you're not looking for a phablet. A phablet is a phone and a tablet combined and is at least 5.5 inches and goes up to 6 (Nexus 6). What you're looking for is a tablet and I suggest like an iPad mini 2 or the Samsung Note Galaxy Note pro.