To be so frustrated that mobile manufacturers seem to ignore women

[SavannahHannah]

I want a phone I can hold and operate in one hand. Finding one these days is just impossible! I'm not in the market for a iPhone, I just want a not-too-fancy android phone. I'm happy to buy second hand if the battery is decent, but it feels like I'm looking for a unicorn!

All the ones I have tried are just too big. Too big to hold, to fit in a pocket, to operate the camera with one hand. It is so frustrating!

I know cameras have got big because video is such an important medium, but how many more women break or drop their phones because they just aren't made to fit their needs?

It seems such an obviously, overlooked area of the market.

If anyone has any non iPhone suggestions, I'd be really grateful!

Yanbu. I miss having one that sits in my pocket or hand nicely. I don't want an iPhone either.
Why cant Samsung make smaller models?? Drives me nuts.

I absolutely agree but no one else in real life seems to be bothered. I have an iPhone 13 mini which is on its last legs and no new iPhones are made in that size. I’m resigned to my next phone being far too big.

I must say that despite being quite hyper sensitive to manifestations of sexism I certainly hadn't noticed mobile phone models as particularly manufactured for male use rather than female.

I've had a few Sansung Galaxy models which I've been really happy with and which have been relatively compact.
Perhaps I'm being obtuse and not recognising the problems you have experienced.

I use a pop socket on mine to hold it, way more comfortable

My current Samsung isn't that old and it isn't massive

There are still the foldable ones aren't there?

The issue for women is presumably the ongoing issue with women's trousers not having pockets... not really the phone manufacturers' fault

I’m surprised I haven’t written this myself!

Some phones are like holding a paving slab! Definitely not ergonomic!

And yes I ant to be able to do everything with one hand!

Sony phones are great for this, but even their latest has got a bit wider.

Google pixel, but not the 'pro' option. The 'A' models are the smallest.
Today I've ordered a refurbished pixel 7 pro for the telephoto zoom, but I'm concerned I'm going to regret it because of the size. I wish they made a smaller phone with such a great camera so i didn't have to make this decision.

Not something I've ever noticed. I have a Google pixel 9. It fits in my hand and in all my pockets.

YABU, but only because you think that its ignoring women. Most of the people that I know would love a smaller phone, both female and male.

S25 would be fine size wise

I have quite small hands and have never noticed this but yes, I guess you're right.

On a different note, I'm always curious as to how women with long false nails manage their phones.

Hat's off to them but it looks difficult to even send a text.

my newer Samsung is not only bigger than my older one Its also heavier so even more weight in my handbag

No, it is a thing, they’re was a book out about it a few years ago. Just about everything is designed for the male frame, including vital safety equipment like seat belts; and yes, phones.

However, phone handsets are not likely to get much bigger, or they will be too large for the average male hand. And we can’t have that, can we?

My iPhone 13 mini is perfect for this - I can use it one handed (handy given I broke one of my thumbs in the summer!), it fits in jean pockets and is light. I got my as a refurb (it's essentially brand new) for £199.

Snap. I love my iPhone 13 mini & it’s just small enough, but I know at some point I’m going to have to change it.

Better spec phones are bigger because they can fit more in with a bigger battery to power it's functions, I'm pretty sure this isn't a case of sexism.

The book 'Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men' by Caroline Criado-Perez is an eye-opening read. It goes way beyond mobile phones, it looks at our whole social, urban and commercial structures, and how so much is designed by and for men. A fascinating read.

I have a Unihertz Jelly Star - it's teeny. Fits in front jean pockets easily. Younger people are amazed when they see it and older people ask if it's a pager 😂

Yup. I miss my iPhone 3 so much.

The data doesn’t suggest this is the case though. Apple stopped making minis as they didn’t sell well. though, that could because the smaller battery is crap. Mine has to be charged multiple times throughout the day at 3 years old, even when I’m not really using it.

How do you explain the huge popularity and the constant race to make the smallest phone in the 00’s? Thinner, smaller, flip phones etc.

In this day and age, this is consumer driver. High quality and resolution cameras for SM and high quality/resolution PLUS a bigger screen for watching stuff. This is what people want. This is what they’re given. Half a tablet basically.

Luckily I like iPhones and I don’t care about the latest model so I just buy mini versions.

YANBU. I thought I was the only one. I'm not a particularly dainty woman or anything but I do have quite small hands and it irks me that phones have to be used 2 handed now. I'd happily pay for a smaller phone that could be used one handed and also fit in my pocket.

I actually did manage break my previous phone by dropping it while carrying it one-handed. It's definitely a thing.

Amazing how people see misogyny everywhere they look, and how desperately hard they try to find it!

I'd love a smaller phone and fewer adverts on Mumsnet so the screen could easily read a few posts still.