Why flagship phones should have mini versions

Over the years, flagship smartphones have gotten much better, but they have also gotten bigger. However, not everyone likes large phones. That's why flagship phones should have mini versions.

1. The mini version is relatively compact and easy to carry in your pocket

People love big phones these days. But that's not the only reason flagship phones are getting bigger. Bigger camera systems, bigger batteries to power high-resolution screens, and additional cooling systems to counteract increasingly powerful processors all require more space.

But some people still prefer smaller phones. They're more compact and fit better in your pocket - in fact, that's what modern foldable phones are all about! They're much easier to use, especially with one hand.

The weight is also moderate (which can be a relief for people with carpal tunnel syndrome). Plus, many women prefer smaller phones because their clothes often don't have pockets big enough to hold them.

2. Cheaper than larger versions

This may seem obvious, but it highlights the greater value that a smaller version offers. The Pixel 9 Pro XL costs $1,099, while the Pixel 9 Pro with nearly identical internals costs just $999. The obvious differences are the screen size and battery — however, battery life ends up being similar in both cases because the smaller screen consumes less power.

3. Less distractions help users focus better

Contrary to the claim that large screen size is reasonable, a small phone makes you more productive.

Yes, a big phone makes it fun to consume media or play games. We often hear the word “immersive” used in this context. But this immersive experience also makes us spend more time on our devices. People want to focus on getting things done on their phones and move on to the good things in life, rather than aimlessly scrolling through social media or wasting time searching for YouTube recommendations.

A smaller phone doesn't hold you back as long, allowing you to be more productive and reduce screen time without having to consciously make an effort.

While some brands do offer relatively small phones, they're mostly entry-level variants of their flagship lineups — like the Pixel 8 or the Galaxy S24 or S24+. Companies often reserve top-of-the-line camera setups and other advanced features for their oversized flagships.

Hopefully more phone makers will take a cue from Google and offer mini flagships for those who prefer compact smartphones. Sure, they may not sell as well as the larger variants, but companies can keep customers happy by giving them options instead of forcing them to buy a larger phone to get flagship features.