3 Excellent Reasons Why The Improbable Phablet Sells Like Crazy

The name is ‘phablet’ is rather derogatory in nature. The word was used as a term of abuse by tech pundits who believed that smartphones with 5+ inches of screen size cannot succeed. The very word conjures up an image of a fat, bloated creature that looked podgy and lethargic next to its slimmer counterparts. Dell streak, the first phablet, bombed as it was difficult for consumers to accept such a large device at a time when they were just beginning to get comfortable with 3-inch screen of iPhone and other smartphones. At that time, it seemed that phablets do not have any place in the market.

But when Samsung entered the market with Galaxy Note, the market already had 4-inch smartphones. After using a 4-inch screen, the 5-inch and larger screen of the modern phablet was just what the tech-savvy customers wanted. On one hand most tech journalists were busy writing off phablets, while on the other hand Samsung was busy building them. In news that shook the foundations of the smart mobile market, Samsung Galaxy Note II showed that phablet sales are rising exponentially. This 5.5-inch giant smartphone (or mini tablet?) sold more than 2 million units in less than two months of its release.

Now, more and more device manufacturers – including big names like ZTE, Huawei, HTC, Lenovo, Sony and LG – are offering similar devices that stand at an intersection of smartphones and tablets. What is it that is making people buy large, unwieldy devices? Why does a device that seems doomed to fail turn into such a huge success? Let’s take a look at three solid forces that have propelled phablets to the top.

1. Calling Is Not A Big Concern Anymore

The mobile phones we used in the late 1990s served a primary purpose: they allowed us to make and receive calls on the go. The biggest concern of industry experts about the introduction of giant smartphones with more than 5-inch screen size was based on a simple logic – normal people cannot hold such a broad phone in their hands and talk comfortably.

However, industry statistics show that out of the total time users spend on smartphone, only 10-15% is used for calling. In addition, the trend of using handsfree while talking on the smartphone further reduces the need for a mobile that one can hold in one’s hands. So, the size of the device doesn’t work against it.

2. Ideal Size for Data Consumption

Most smartphone users spend nine-tenths of their time on smartphone accessing the Internet, playing games, watching videos, viewing social media sites, texting, or taking snaps. As the list of primary activities suggests, the smartphone is used for consuming data. All these tasks are made easy if the screen size is larger. Phablets, with over 5-inches of screen space are ideal for an average user. This screen size combines the facility of a tablet with the calling features of a smartphone.

3. Single Multipurpose Device

High adoption rate by consumers in Asian nations has played a substantial part in the success of phablets. In emerging markets, including India, Japan, China, and Brazil, the people do not see sense in buying and maintaining two separate devices. Until now, they have been forced to choose between smartphones and tablets.

Phablets are attracting a number of users who realize that they can use the same device as a mini-tablet and a smart mobile. For people with a limited budget, phablets are easily the best option in the market. Needless to point out, the same logic applies to consumers in rich countries who do not want to spend on wireless connectivity for two different devices.

To Wrap It Up

Phablets are here to stay and they are going to sell like crazy in 2013. They may be too big for one’s pocket, they may feel slightly chunky, and they many not fit the smartphone or the tablet category, but the benefits that they offer easily outweigh the minor discomfort their size may cause.