Phablets: what are they and why do I want one?

February 27, 2013    |    By +
Pin It

Phablet_Feature

With the tech and gadget world evolving at a dizzying pace, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with all the products and technology. But a new and quickly growing class of products is actually pretty easy to understand…although it’s not that easy to say.

The “phablet” is a hybrid device that combines the utility of both a smartphone and a tablet.  The consensus is a phablet’s screen size is between five and seven inches. So it’s larger than a smartphone yet smaller than a tablet. As for functionality, phablets are full-service mobile web and smartphone devices as well.

So if a phablet is basically an over-sized smartphone, why are they such a big deal? Well, they’re a huge deal for two big reasons. First, sales of the phablet device category were impressive in 2012 and seem set to blow up in 2013. Some estimates have phablets sales doubling this year to around 150 million units.

To date, Samsung, with their Galaxy Note series (current version being their Galaxy Note II) has been the dominant phablet player. But others seem to be ready to get in the game.  At this year’s CES, there was a lot of buzz around Sony’s entry into the fray with their upcoming (water-resistant!) Xperia Z device.

It’s important to note, for the most part, the Android operating system has been powering the phablet craze so far, and it begs the question, will Apple get into the game? While rumors abound, one can probably assume if Apple does come out with larger-screened iphone, it won’t like be called an iPhad.

The second reason phablets are a big deal is that they’re big! Consumers see tons of advantages with the larger phone. There seems to be a form and function sweet spot developing in the smartphone world. The 5-7 inch screen size, to many, delivers the best of all mobile device worlds.

It should be very interesting to watch the phablet category grow and evolve.

Hopefully, some confusion about this new term is cleared up a little, and the next time you hear the word “phablet”, you won’t instinctively reply “Gesundheit”.

Phablet_400



You May Also Like:

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Gifts for Men, Gifts for Women, Sneak Peek, Trend Alert!    

Comments

Newsletter Sign Up

Follow Me on Pinterest

Meet the Gurus


Dana H.
Dana is Editor in Chief at Gifts.com. She loves helping make every occasion stand out with her unique gift ideas, handy tips & special touches. She has over a decade of experience with matching fabulous products with fabulous people.

Dan T.
As the Men’s Gift Editor, Dan is fortunate to be able to blend his work week with off-hour hobbies. Dan’s marketing background goes back over a decade, but he's always been passionate about the “guy” things like sports, electronics and grilling.

Gillian J.
While Gillian oversees Merchandising & Content for Gifts.com, she focuses on Women & Home Gifts. Prior to Gifts.com, she spent over a decade honing her gifting skills in the retail industry.

Michelle D.
Michelle is the Gifts.com Gift Guru who specializes in Teen and Beauty gifts. For the last half-decade Michelle has been refining her teen and beauty gifting expertise by working for Urban Outfitters and obsessing over social media.

Liz T.
Liz is the children & baby gifts trend editor at Gifts.com. Prior to Gifts.com she spent several years matching people with products while working retail. Her niece and nephews give her the inside scoop on kids. She also knows the best gourmet gifts for every occasion.

Felicia W.
Felicia works as a "Gift Guru" with a focus on pet and flower trends. While she is still learning the art of gift giving, Felicia loves focusing her attention on pet gifts. She is always on the lookout for the best and most unique items for our lovable cats and dogs.

Donna K.
Donna is Gifts.com's very own Editorial Assistant. You have her to thank for all of our fabulous Facebook posts and for making sure the blog is up every day. She is a "Gift Guru" in her own right.

Friends of the Gurus