I really don't care, or see what the fuss is about. It's 6mm of pretty unusable space at the top of a phone screen, with space either side for on-screen status icons and whatever.
Phones all look the same to me, these days, with barely anything between them. I actually had to get mine out and check to see if it had a notch or a big black bar across the top…
Meh! Really couldn't care less. Its what the phone does rather than how it looks that's more important to me.
Looks utterly ridiculous. Imagine a bite out of your monitor or TV! I kind of want a new phone but have had to dodge just about every flagship because of a notch or no headphone jack. Only option seems to be Samsung and they are too expensive for me to justify when I paid <£300 for my 1+1 still going strong.
The fact they've made the screens longer (taller?) so you're not actually losing screen estate makes it a meh thing for me. Don't care either way.
I think it looks dumb. They should just remove the speaker and the front camera ;)
Why put a notch in a screen? You wouldn't have a big lump taken out of the top of the monitor would you. Makes no sense to me.
They're an eyesore, the sooner they're gone, the better. In the meantime, the smaller the notch, the less of an eyesore it is. I'd rather have an anti-notch for senors and whatnot than cut into the display.
Hate it if course - its the worst thing to infect smartphones in recent years, and they serve absolutely no useful purpose.
You don't get a bigger usable screen - in many cases you actually get a smaller one (particularly if you “turn off” the notch on Android phones), and it just looks stupid. Completely unnecessary rubbish and I will not buy a smartphone that includes one.
It's done wonders for Samsung though, as they are the only major brand who sells a flagship phone without a notch at the moment, and it looks as though the S10 won't have one either. They did well to avoid the infection ;)
More the better - should be one on each side for symmetry!
It's a bit like buying jeans with rips in them really…
Don't really care. If we want more screen realestate then the notch is necessary !
I'd prefer it wasn't there.
The notch leaves less space to put your fingers to properly hold the phone in landscape mode. With wrap around screens there is less space to hold the phone without it detecting extra swipes and squeezes and fingers covering content. I don't buy a phone as a fashion/status symbol to just look at, I but them to use.
I strongly dislike it.
If the space is really needed for a camera and/or something else, then I'd rather it be bezel all across that part for uniformity.
I'd be happy with no front camera whatsoever however, which should mean the bezel would be smaller anyway.
Currently using a Sony XZ2 compact. I don't care about the notch but I'm picky in terms of screen type. I prefer LCD displays.
What do you think of the smartphone notch?
That's easy. What I think of the snartphone notch is …. what the hell is a smartphone notch?
Note: The question is rhetorical and should be taken as an expression of my opinion, not a request for info about notches.
I personally cant stand notches. I will buy the last phone they make that comes with a 675, 710 or next years mid range 730 chipset that does Not have a notch, and use it for as long as I can. I read Samsung will start making their phones with notches next year, that is disappointing.
The only thing I really care about these days is call quality, headphone jack (until there are some decent usb headphones) and battery life.
ETR316
I personally cant stand notches. I will buy the last phone they make that comes with a 675, 710 or next years mid range 730 chipset that does Not have a notch, and use it for as long as I can. I read Samsung will start making their phones with notches next year, that is disappointing.
Samsung will make phones with notches and phones without to cater for different people. I expect there to be a Galaxy S10 or Galaxy X without a notch and one with a notch. I'm more hoping they keep the 3.5mm headphone socket as I use that a fair bit. Wireless speakers still don't cut it for me the little clicks and things you get from multiple bluetooth connections etc. really annoy me. Mind you that might disappear when I upgrade my aging Pebble to something newer
Nothing more than a pointless marketing gimmick, rendered even more pointless by it's increasing ubiquity.
Give it another year or two and Apple will launch their latest notch-free phone, to much unwarranted fanfare.
If they can't get rid of it altogether they could probably do better things with the space, other than that I don't really care.
I think it is quite redundant really, I don't hate it but I don't think it adds anything to the device either. I have a Huawei P20 pro and in all honesty once you use it for a while you don't really notice it anymore.
I dislike the notch as it is just random thing that takes up what otherwise a beautiful screen. I like Samsung's design better and the recent nokia phones.
The people who hate have never used a phone with one. Facts.
Can't ever imagine buying a phone with a notch, unless there's no other option. I still think My Pixel 1 is a superb phone and can't imagine I'll be upgrading it for at least a couple of years.
You do realise that it takes just ONE person, anywhere on the planet, that has used a phone with a notch and yet hates it to show that up as anything but fact.
I'd love to see the market research that justifies your assertion.
Removed by Admin.
Totally inappropriate for this forum.
I intend to remain notchless for as long as possible. Luckily I don't fall for the £40 a month contracts with a ‘free’ phone (with probable notch or curved screen) and have a £4.99 a month contract with free choice of phones and a maximum cost being £200 if I expect 4 years+ from the phone. So as long as the notch stays away from the budget end I am happy.
Won't buy one with notch, Problem solved!
Absolutely hate them, will be getting a Mi Mix 3 when the prices come down a bit
Usernamist
The people who hate have never used a phone with one. Facts.
This person who hates, never wants to own a phone with one. Opinions!
I'd rather have more bezel than a notch. A nice symmetrical aesthetic over the jarring experience of a chunk precisely amputated from the centre of the top edge of the screen. I would find watching a movie in landscape too irritating with a notch. A bit like sitting behind a tall person at the cinema.
malculator
This person who hates, never wants to own a phone with one. Opinions!
I'd rather have more bezel than a notch. A nice symmetrical aesthetic over the jarring experience of a chunk precisely amputated from the centre of the top edge of the screen. I would find watching a movie in landscape too irritating with a notch. A bit like sitting behind a tall person at the cinema.
I'm not trying to sell the notch to you, if you don't like it then you don't like it, but the watching movies example is interesting. You see the parts of the screen either side of the notch are more like having extra screen than a part of the screen being missing, it is like they have removed part of the upper bezel. For example when you watch something in landscape mode, the parts of the screen that are either side of the notch-bezel go black so that you are left with the same size and shape screen that you would have without a notch. They really are not a big of an issue as some make out. I can honestly take it or leave it as it doesn't add anything useful, but it doesn't hinder my use in any way either.
peterb
More the better - should be one on each side for symmetry!
How about on the back?
Perhaps the more features the more notches … Apple could have the iNotch to be magical and revolutionary, or the bionic notch.
Should mid range phones have it midway?
Pretty much the definition of ‘restrictive view’.
Myss_tree
Should mid range phones have it midway?
Yes, indeed go further and make it a hole, then idiots can see where they are going, when walking down the street staring at their phone.
EvilCycle
. For example when you watch something in landscape mode, the parts of the screen that are either side of the notch-bezel go black so that you are left with the same size and shape screen that you would have without a notch.
Not quite, you are left with a
smaller screen than one without a notch. That's because they have had to cram in all the sensors etc that were in a thin line before into a notch that is 1/5th of the width; it has to be deeper than the original “sensor line/bezel”. Its an easy comparison if you take something with a very thin bezel like an S9/+ and compare to a similar sized phone with a notch - you lose screen size when you “hide” the notch for a full screen app.
Thats part of why it was a bonkers “invention” - sure you gain a few extra pixels when you are not using the phone, or when you don't need them…but you lose them when you actually do. It's madness.
It amazes me how much everyone bangs on about smartphone designs.. they're literally all identical - ooh an ‘edge’ (annoying btw), ooh a ‘notch’, ooh it's ‘blue’… yawn .. call me when there's something innovative or worthwhile (hello flexible/folding screens).
I can buy a decent PC or laptop for the price of most smartphones… they're products which are inherently flawed by their target market.
I'm not overly fussed. I'm sure I'd soon get used to it.
Spreadie
Don't care.
That's Billy Connelly's joke. Still a decent one though…
Spud1
Not quite, you are left with a smaller screen than one without a notch. That's because they have had to cram in all the sensors etc that were in a thin line before into a notch that is 1/5th of the width; it has to be deeper than the original “sensor line/bezel”. Its an easy comparison if you take something with a very thin bezel like an S9/+ and compare to a similar sized phone with a notch - you lose screen size when you “hide” the notch for a full screen app.
Thats part of why it was a bonkers “invention” - sure you gain a few extra pixels when you are not using the phone, or when you don't need them…but you lose them when you actually do. It's madness.
We will have to agree to disagree on this one. It seems there are two camps, those who think the notch takes away from the screen, then those like me that think that we will always want a front camera, and whilst they are still quite sizable, it is either a full bezel at the top to accommodate it, or have some extra screen either side of it.
- Re-read the post with both eyes and you are right about the depth of the bezel perhaps being bigger on a notch, maybe this entire discussion about notches is really a discussion about cameras needing to be smaller.
I'm still amazed that people get so wound up about such a silly trivial and (wrt everyday life) irrelevant thing.
They must have very stress-free and calm lives if something so irrelevant causes so much anguish! (or their lives are so stressful that they blank out the major things and concentrate on the really minor)
It's a phone - get over it!
Don't care. Can't see why such a hoo haa is generated over it.
Really couldn't care less about it - much more interested in the tech, useability and capability of the device itself.
As I sit here looking at my Moto E2 that I spend a grand total of £30 on 3 years ago.
Usernamist
The people who hate have never used a phone with one. Facts.
Or know their own minds enough to be certain they'll hate one if they did. Alternatives.
WTF is a “smartphone notch”? You mean the spot where the speaker is above the screen? That's always been there? It's stupid to have extended the screen up past the speaker, but that ‘notch’ has always been there on phones, guys…
IF they can hide buttons and finger print reader under the screen, why not the camera just remove the notch, as is, dont really think about it.
Can anyone tell me why this really matters?
I am genuinely at a loss to know why this trivial matter causes so much ire.
peterb
Can anyone tell me why this really matters?
I am genuinely at a loss to know why this trivial matter causes so much ire.
Because until phones all get RGB and Gamerz styling, this is all people have to whinge about….?
peterb
Can anyone tell me why this really matters?
I am genuinely at a loss to know why this trivial matter causes so much ire.
Because if I'm going to buy something, it has to mean that I not only like the features, but how it looks too.
Amazed at this topic - was it a slow day in the Hexus news department or is this a legitimate debate among millions? Do people actually have the time and energy to discuss this, and if so, what is there to discuss? Were people forced to buy this, or did the notch suddenly appear along with an update? :D
Output
Because if I'm going to buy something, it has to mean that I not only like the features, but how it looks too.
Are you not going to hide it inside a case like most people?
Galant
Amazed at this topic - was it a slow day in the Hexus news department or is this a legitimate debate among millions?
HEXUS does seem to take long threads about points of contention and recycle them into QOTW threads….. Do you like RGB?; Apple or Microsoft?; What car do you drive?, etc….
Ttaskmaster
Are you not going to hide it inside a case like most people?
HEXUS does seem to take long threads about points of contention and recycle them into QOTW threads….. Do you like RGB?; Apple or Microsoft?; What car do you drive?, etc….
You'd be surprised how polarising this is… more so than a lack of expandable memory or missing 3.5mm headphones socket
Ttaskmaster
Are you not going to hide it inside a case like most people?
Nope. Any phone I've had in the past has been sturdy enough that they haven't needed a case.
I have had the occasional drops of course, but there's never been any damage to them.
3dcandy
You'd be surprised how polarising this is… more so than a lack of expandable memory or missing 3.5mm headphones socket
Not to me. If I were in the market for a phone, both of those would at least be important issues, and the lack of expandable memory a deal-killer.
Notch? Not so much.
But then, it's the internet, innit?
peterb
Can anyone tell me why this really matters?
I am genuinely at a loss to know why this trivial matter causes so much ire.
Because we're running short of issues that actually matter to argue about?
Seriously though, if it bothers someone, then it does. As per previous post removing the headphone socket and lack of card slot are major for me but I bet there's people, pissibly lots of ‘em, that don’t give a hoot about either but for whom, notch or not matters. If if does to them, it doesn't have to make sense to us why it does.
I hate the notch. I love the “second screen” 0of the LG V10 and V20. Part of the reason I haven't gone to a V40 is because they put in a notch and split the second screen in half, making it useless. In a way, this need is obviated by the always on screens of many phones now, but as far as I know you can't really interact with the screen at that point, so you don't get the full second screen effect.
Saracen
Not to me. If I were in the market for a phone, both of those would at least be important issues, and the lack of expandable memory a deal-killer.
Notch? Not so much.
But then, it's the internet, innit?
Yup - indeed it is. I'd never get a phone without expandable memory and the 3.5mm is really important. Notch - y'know I think it would be secondary. But I don't like it ;)
3dcandy
You'd be surprised how polarising this is…
I've met fans of different football teams…. Why would this surprise me?
At least no-one's
yet been shivved because of their choice of phone model… for the phone, perhaps, but not for the choice.
Output
Nope. Any phone I've had in the past has been sturdy enough that they haven't needed a case.
Any phone I have that got damaged was damaged by other people.
I mainly have a case now because the phone is too slim for me to hold, but it's still the best case I could find.
Saracen
Because we're running short of issues that actually matter to argue about?
Are we?
Do you want some suggestions? I seem to get dragged into lots of quite vicious ones, seemingly over the smallest things… Hold Assist technology in cars, for example.
Saracen
pissibly lots of 'em
If you're going to keep making mistakes like this, could you at least begin each of your posts by walking in and saying, “Good Moaning…”? :p
Ttaskmaster
Any phone I have that got damaged was damaged by other people.
I mainly have a case now because the phone is too slim for me to hold, but it's still the best case I could find.
You make a good point.
When I gave away a previous phone of mine, the screen ended up getting smashed by the new owner not too long afterwards.
I guess it's something I'll revisit upon the purchase of a new phone to determine whether I feel it would be necessary.
If I've paid a fair sum for a phone that I expect to last 4 or 5 years or more, a good case to protect it it is a small additional price to pay.
peterb
If I've paid a fair sum for a phone that I expect to last 4 or 5 years or more, a good case to protect it it is a small additional price to pay.
Even a cheap one is a pain in the bum if you need to source a replacement.
I cannot stand notches. but all the companies will be making all their phone with notches or similar, so why bother now discussing it, its a moot point. most people have accepted the annoying notches already.
I don't understand what the problem is with the notch, it's screen real estate you wouldn't have had anyway so what does it matter? if it bothers you that much turn it off with software and just have black bars either side.
r86x
screen real estate
AGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
He said the words, he said the words, the words, the words, the words, the words, the wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwords……….. !!!!! :eek::crazy::crazy::crazy::rant::puke:
