What you need to know
- Google is said to change the design of the Pixel 8 Pro to include a flat display instead of a curved display.
- Over the weekend, we polled our readers on whether they would prefer a flat or curved display on their smartphone.
- Nearly 85% of the votes were in favor of flat displays.
Curved screens have been around in smartphones for quite some time, especially in top-of-the-line models from companies like Samsung and more recently Google. However, it looks like the days of curved displays may be coming to an end as both his OEMs seem to be starting to move back to flat screens.
Samsung’s shift is a bit more gradual, according to leaked Pixel 8 Pro renders, but the upcoming Google Pixel 8 series could get rid of the curved display edges entirely. Some people enjoy the curved aesthetic, but most users actually prefer flat displays, at least according to the latest research.
Recently, I asked readers whether they prefer flat or curved displays. Of the over 3,700 votes, nearly 85% said they prefer flat displays.
Following many flagship Android phones over the years, both the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro adopted curved displays. Aesthetically, it looks fine, but the curved display often leads to accidental touches, especially if you’re not wearing a phone case.
Unfortunately for many, the best Android smartphones often come with curved displays. I prefer flat panels myself, but I had to settle for curves with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the LG Wing (one of the few LG phones to feature scary curves). Frankly, it’s very annoying, especially if you’re using gesture navigation or the Galaxy’s built-in S Pen. It seems I’m not the only one who finds curved displays useless and annoying.
One of our readers, Bruce, commented that the first phone he bought with a touch screen was a OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren. And while they found it to be a great phone overall, the curved screen was the device’s biggest drawback.
“Unintentional touches to the sides, glare from overhead lighting when viewing content in landscape orientation, and finding the right case were the biggest problems.”
They ended up getting the Pixel 7 Pro, which features a more “subdued” curve, and found a case that works well with it. I prefer the flatter display of non-Pro Pixels.
Another reader, Richard, commented that it’s hard to protect a curved display.
“Curved edges are a nightmare when it comes to tempered glass screen protectors. Not worth squeezing the juice.”
That said, some argue that the curved display looks better and feels more premium.Leader Eugene Diaz comment They like the look of curved displays, but agree that a flat screen seems like a safer bet.
“I love the premium feel and look of curved displays, but I prefer flat screens. First, consuming content on a curved display distorts the top and bottom. As a wide range of users, I feel that it is less likely to suffer damage from normal smartphone drops.”
Luckily, perhaps the worst offender, Samsung, is slowly inching towards flat displays in its Ultra lineup of flagship phones. many Flatter than its predecessor, it offers the best of both worlds.
Hopefully with the S24 Ultra, Samsung will opt for a completely flat display, leaving all the bends to foldable phones.
