The Rise of the Phablets

The term “Phablets” came to be to classify a mobile device that is deemed too big for a smartphone and too small for a tablet. Typically, phones with a screen size between 5.0 to 6.9 inches are classified under this category. Given that a mobile phone is specifically made to help us stay connected, which regards portability as its founding principle, then why on Earth were these ginormous devices made in the first place? Can the manufacturers of phablets find their niche that will spark the interest of consumers?

It may be hard to believe, but these oversized handheld devices actually are a big hit among Asian consumers. Not only that they’re physically big; they, too, are big in terms of patronage and generating sales in the region. But then again, we ask ourselves, “Why?” Considering its bulky make, which is challenging to use with one hand, too big to fit in one’s tight jeans, and not to mention the awkwardness it looks when pressed against one’s cheek just to make a call, why do people find the phablet their handheld device of choice?

Figures show that phablet sales have come to match the sales of both tablets and laptops combined, either from physical or online mobile stores, and their popularity is still on the rise. Over the past 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-sized tablets and 12.7 million notebooks were shipped to the same.

The proponent of this concept is Samsung with its Galaxy Note. However, shortly after, other smartphone manufacturers joined the bandwagon. They have seen the potential of this handheld device, which vindicated itself by augmenting its popularity by some 620% back in the third quarter of 2012. We can therefore say that the phablet has transcended its status of being a risky developmental prototype to a mainstream product in Asia.

However, it was not always smiles of fortune for Samsung and all the phablet manufacturers; the phablet market also has had its fair share of declines over the years. Be that as it may, it never stopped innovating the half-smartphone, half-tablet device to how it’s highly regarded today.

And now, we go back to our curiosity as why phablets are a hit in the Asian markets and why the quick shift from regular tablets and laptops to the said device. Well, the consensus seems to be that Asia-Pacific consumers are in search for convergence. They prefer having a single device that can cover communication and productivity that is fairly light and small enough to take with them on the go. They look for a handheld device that can provide a better viewing experience than a regular smartphone but without the extra burden of holding a bulky tablet or carrying the back-breaking weight of a notebook computer.

Source: EzineArticles by Author Harold Marshall . Harry is a resident of the humble state of New Jersey. He lives with his lovely wife in a suburban household where he has always pictured family life. Just recently, he worked as the co-editor in a publishing firm in New Jersey. At present, he is a part-time blogger for Ecell Global.

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