Making a phone call
Phone
Making a simple phone call is the bread and
butter of any phone. The smaller size means it’s a lot easier to hold to your
head for a longer period of time.
Raking: First
Making
a simple phone call is the bread and butter of any phone.
Phablet
Despite the phablet having full phone
capabilities, holding a six-inch device can look silly. The larger screen also
means you can press buttons you didn’t mean to.
Raking: Second
Tablet
Tablets aren’t designed for phone calls so
there are few (the Asus Fonepad is one example) that even have the capability.
We doubt it’ll catch on.
Raking: Third
Sending a text
Phone
The smaller size of a phone means you’ll be
able to text with a single finger and there are now plenty of third-party
keyboard apps that users can download. Not ideal for bigger fingers though.
Raking: Second
Phablet
As well as being able to text with your
fingers, the phablet has the added benefit of being able to use a stylus to
make typing easier. With a bigger screen you can also be far more precise.
Raking: First
With
a bigger screen you can also be far more precise.
Tablet
There are apps on Google Play that add full
text capabilities to your tablet. The only problem with typing on a tab is that
it’s definitely a two-handed job, and it therefore lacks functionality.
Raking: Third
Read a book
Phone
Although you have plenty of choice when it
comes to reading, the smaller screen might be a hindrance. It’s also difficult
to read full pages - a problem you won’t have with a phone’s rivals.
Raking: Third
Phablet
With a bigger screen the phablet is a
perfect solution if you want to read. It’s small enough to put away, but the
screen is still big enough for you to view large quantities of text at one
time.
Raking: Second
Tablet
Its larger frame means it’s a pain to use
as a book substitute when you’re on the move, but text does look amazingly
crisp and clear when you’re reading on the massive screen.
Raking: First
Text
does look amazingly crisp and clear when you’re reading on the massive screen
Streaming a video
Phone
Your phone can be used to stream video on,
but the smaller screens won’t be up to scratch for many. Most phones include
either a micro USB or micro HDMI port that can be used to connect to your TV.
Raking: Third
Phablet
If you’re keen on watching movies on the
go, the size of a phablet is a great choice. Once again it might still be a
little small, but the likes of the ZTE Grand Memo include full Dolby Digital
sound.
Raking: First
Tablet
Using a tablet to stream movies is a good
choice if you’re lounging around your home as the screen size is perfect for
being on a lap. You also have plenty of viewing options.
Raking: Second
Taking a photo
Phone
Cameras are an area that have vastly
improved, with manufacturers finally realizing that users do want a decent
phone camera. Most now include some great photo features.
Raking: First
Most
now include some great photo features.
Phablet
Although cameras are often an overlooked
feature on phablets, they’re very useable. Built-in styluses also have the
addition of being able to perform really detailed photo editing.
Raking: Second
Tablet
Most tablets do come with some sort of
camera, but using them is a different story altogether. The much larger size of
a tablet means using it as a camera isn’t easy to do.
Raking: Third
Verdict
Although it doesn’t necessarily excel in
all areas, what the phablet does offer is a great Verdict middle ground for
those who want the functionality of both a phone and tablet, while not
having to compensate on the screen size and
usability of their device. If you’ve got a decent budget, then a phablet is
definitely a great alternative to both a phone and tablet.
How do phablets
stand up when they are used in everyday scenarios?
Making a call
Holding a phablet to your head is like a
throwback to the old days of mobile phones. A good solution would be to invest
in a Bluetooth headset to make it look a little more bearable.
Making
a call
Put it in your pocket
A common problem with the bigger phablets
is that pockets tend to be a bit small to cater for them. Having to stretch
your pocket to fit the phablet in will not just damage your trousers, but also
damage your device.
Put
it in your pocket
Messaging
The bigger screen means you can be far more
precise with your typing and being able to use a stylus is also a good addition
to have. But if you prefer typing with one hand, then you’ll probably find a
phablet to be too big to use.
The
bigger screen means you can be far more precise with your typing and being able
to use a stylus is also a good addition to have.