The term “phablets” came about to classify a mobile device that is considered too big for a smartphone and too small for a tablet. Generally, phones with a screen size between 5.0 and 6.9 inches fall into this category. Since a mobile phone is specifically made to help us stay connected, which regards portability as its core principle, then why the hell were these giant devices made in the first place? Can phablet manufacturers find their niche that arouses the interest of consumers?
It may be hard to believe, but these super-sized handheld devices are actually a big hit with Asian consumers. Not only are they physically big; they are also big in terms of sponsorship and sales generation in the region. But, again, we ask ourselves, “Why?” Considering its bulky construction, which is difficult to use with one hand, too big to fit into skinny jeans, and not to mention the discomfort seen when pressed against one’s cheek just to make a call, why people find the phablet as their portable device? device of choice?
Figures show that phablet sales have come to equal sales of tablets and laptops combined, whether in physical mobile stores or online, and its popularity continues to grow. In the last three months, a total of 25.2 million units were shipped to the Asia-Pacific region (excluding Japan); on the other hand, 12.6 million full-size tablets and 12.7 million notebooks were shipped to it.
The exponent of this concept is Samsung with its Galaxy Note. However, soon after, other smartphone manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon. They have seen the potential of this wearable device, which vindicated itself by increasing its popularity by 620% in the third quarter of 2012. Therefore, we can say that the phablet has transcended its status as a prototype of risky development to a mainstream product. in Asia.
However, there weren’t always smiles of fortune for Samsung and all phablet manufacturers; The phablet market has also had its fair share of downfalls over the years. Be that as it may, it never stopped innovating the half-smartphone, half-tablet device to the way it’s beloved today.
And now, we return to our curiosity as to why phablets are such a hit in Asian markets and why the rapid shift from regular tablets and laptops to such a device. Well, the consensus seems to be that Asia-Pacific consumers are looking for convergence. They prefer to have a single device that can cover communication and productivity that is light and small enough to take with them on the go. They are looking for a portable device that can provide a better viewing experience than a regular smartphone, but without the added burden of holding a bulky tablet or carrying the tiresome weight of a laptop.