The End of Powerful, Pocket Sized Androids?

When I switched up to a Galaxy Note II a couple of years ago (now a Note 3) I was worried that it might not fit in my pockets too. But it wasn't a problem at all.

It does make a difference which pocket you use. I keep the phone in the left front pocket, no case on the phone, and the screen facing my leg so it's well protected. That pocket is dedicated to the phone only. Keys and coins go in the right front pocket, wallet elsewhere depending on the pants (cargo or not).

Interestingly, these larger Note phones fit better in the front pocket than my old Droid Charge and previous phones did. That's because the smaller phones would settle sideways in the bottom of the pocket. So they used a lot less pocket height, but a lot more width. When I sat down, the ends of the phone (in its sideways position) would stick out relative to the curve of my leg.

The Note phones settle vertically in the pocket since they are too long to tip over sideways there. So when I sit down the phone is much more flat against my leg.

Of course there are some pants that have pockets that are just too short for this - I don't wear Levis jeans any more but I seem to remember short little front pockets in those. But most are fine. I just make sure to test the phone pocket when I try them on.

I suppose that's more about my pants then you all wanted to know, but there you go...

AFAIK currently only Sony manufactures "mini" versions of their flagship phones that feature the same processor, memory and camera as their 5+ inch siblings.

You should check out the 4.3 inch Xperia Z1 Compact, or wait for the soon to be released 4.6 inch Xperia Z3 Compact.

http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/phones/xperia-z...

They are also dust and waterproof.

Is the Nexus 5 not considered a 'powerful' device?

http://www.heise.de/preisvergleich/?cat=umtsover&xf=2794_200... lists about 20 smallish phones, are all of those plastic crap?

That said, I see the point. The love of my live will have a real problem finding a new android phone that she can use one-handedly.

I went from an S4 to a Moto G LTE (job change) and was worried about the Moto being underpowered. So far I have to say I am far happier with it than I ever was with any Samsung phone (less bloatware means I spend less time managing the phone, more time just getting stuff done, and the battery life is impressive).

JOOC, what apps are you eschewing owing to lack of power?

The Moto X is slightly smaller and more powerful that the Moto G.

The Samsung Alpha looks very promising, due to be released very soon.