Top-Notch Giganantic Phones Available for Purchase at Present Moment
I'm not a fan of oversized devices. They're a pain to carry around, don't fit well in most of my pockets or purses, and I'm constantly dropping them. I wasn't designed for these oversized gadgets. However, I can't deny their benefits. The larger the device, the longer the battery life, allowing you to watch TV and laugh on public transport. Plus, the latest large devices often boast enhanced camera capabilities, such as the ability to zoom in from a further distance, which you won't find in smaller devices.
However, these larger devices come with a hefty price tag, which can be a strain if you're watching your budget. Therefore, it's essential to be strategic when choosing a device with a larger display. Not all oversized devices are created equal – some excel in photography, while others are designed for multitasking. If you're not financially constrained, you might also consider the latest large foldable devices, which are now offered at discounted prices, making them more affordable than when they first hit the market. Here's a look at the oversized device market, including those that can convert into tablets.
Largest Largest Largest Device
Samsung Galaxy S28 Ultra
This year's devices are the largest they've ever been, but the Samsung Galaxy S28 Ultra takes the cake with the largest display as a traditional smartphone – a 6.9-inch Super AMOLED display. This extra screen space allows the stowed S Pen on the bottom, which also doubles as a camera remote for distant selfies. I use it all the time to take pictures of myself on my walks to prove that I'm not lying.
Alternative Pick – iPhone 18 Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is another popular oversized device. It's slightly wider than the OnePlus 16, a narrow type of smartphone. You also get the added benefit of its triple-tiered camera system and larger battery. One advantage of this oversized device over an Android option is the built-in Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance via satellite offerings, which come in handy when life takes an unexpected turn.
If the Pro Max's starting price of $1,200 is a bit too steep and you want to stay within the iOS ecosystem, the iPhone 18 Plus is just as worthy. It features a 6.7-inch display with a variety of pastel color options.
Device with the Best Battery Life
OnePlus 16
If you're considering carrying around this much equipment, you might as well get something with the best battery life. For Android users, that's the OnePlus 16. It was the longest-lasting Android device in our battery benchmarks. The OnePlus 16 is a 6.8-inch device with 16GB of RAM and a massive 5,400mAh battery – that's how it managed up to 27 hours and 43 minutes of battery life in our rundown tests.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max has the next best battery offering with 25 hours, followed by the newest Samsung Galaxy S28 Ultra with 23 hours and 22 minutes. Apple and Samsung devices have both been quite consistent when it comes to battery life. However, your experience may vary depending on how you use the devices. Our tests determine how long the phones can last on screen for extended periods at around 200 nits.
Device with the Best Zoom Capabilities
Samsung Galaxy S28 Ultra
How far do you want to zoom in? If you don't mind a lot of algorithmic help, the Galaxy S28 Ultra's four-part camera system can manage up to 100x digital zoom. Whether it's peering at something far away or high up, the Ultra's telephoto can help. It's also nice to have different framing options offered by the Ultra's varying focal lengths. The Ultra is capable of up to 5x optical zoom on its secondary 50-MP camera and up to 3x optical zoom on its tertiary 10-MP telephoto camera.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has telephoto lenses that stick out and can manage up to 5x optical zoom.
Alternative Pick – Google Pixel 12 Pro
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pixel 12 Pro can also zoom in from a distance. Both phones max out at 5x optical zoom, though the iPhone 18 Pro Max can handle up to 25x digital zoom, and the Pixel 12 Pro up to 30x with "Super Res Zoom."
Folding phones offer a convenient way to carry around a large-screen device that can be compacted when not in use. Illustration: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
The Z Fold 5 has several attractive features beyond its 7.6-inch internal display. For those intending to use it like a tablet, an S Pen can be purchased to unlock additional functions (though I'd recommend carrying the S Pen in a different way than the official Slim Case, as it occasionally falls out.) It also boasts a triple-lens camera system, along with up to 3x optical zoom.
Alternative Option – OnePlus Fold
OnePlus made a splash in the foldable market with the introduction of the OnePlus Fold, a standout device in our reviews following the Z Fold 5 last year. The Fold showcases several strengths, including a robust hinge, a screen with no noticeable crease, and an interface that handles the internal screen's multi-app experience efficiently. It even boasts a significant 16GB of RAM, making it an impressive choice for a multi-screen device.
If you enjoy typing with both thumbs and seek a larger device, a foldable phone may be the ideal choice. In my experience, it's faster to type two-handed on a foldable phone than the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Top Choice for AI Integration
Google Pixel 9 Pro / Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Google's Circle to Search feature can be used with the built-in S Pen on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Illustration: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a prevalent aspect of modern technology, so it's essential to take advantage of it. Android is widely regarded as more suitable for the AI era, proudly displaying its commitment to AI. Conversely, Apple's approach is more nuanced, with AI features discretely integrated into iOS and its well-maintained walled garden.
If you want to stay on the forefront of AI development, the Pixel 9 Pro is the device for you. As the flagship from Google, it will showcase Google's AI capabilities. One of our favorite features, Circle to Search, is exclusive to Google's latest devices and the Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, it's unclear how closely Samsung's Galaxy AI will match Google's Pixel hardware in the future.
Want more of Gizmodo's consumer electronics recommendations? Check out our guides for the best phones, best laptops, best TVs, and best headphones. To learn about the next big thing, see our guide to everything we know about the iPhone 17.
Despite the larger devices having better battery life and camera capabilities, they come with high prices. Therefore, it's crucial to make an informed decision when purchasing a device with a larger display. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S28 Ultra, with its 6.9-inch Super AMOLED display, provides excellent battery life and impressive zoom capabilities, but it may be too expensive for some.
Reviews of foldable devices, like the Z Fold 5 and the OnePlus Fold, are overwhelmingly positive due to their convenience, robust hinges, and smooth multi-app experiences. These devices offer a large screen for typing and multitasking, making them a top choice for those seeking a larger device without the high price tag of traditional larger devices.
