In the fast-growing world of smartphones, display plays a vital role. The early era of iPhones and few Android handsets brought technologies like Retina Display and AMOLEDs to the mainstream. Likewise, the increasing demand for viewing desktop content on handy but smart mobile devices influenced the key contenders to introduce large-screen options to the arena. But with the fierce competition and a significant boost in the average price, the smartphone market has now started welcoming a new feature that is often called bezel-less. This helps to give you the most from your handheld piece of technology -- with sporting a futuristic design. But is it something that you should consider to be a part of your next smartphone?
The trend of bezel-less smartphones isn't the freshest one. Companies like Sharp established its founding stone back in 2014 with the launch of its first full-screen smartphone, dubbed Aquos Crystal. However, the present market has influenced almost every single popular brand to venture into this innovation.
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According to a recent report by analyst firm IDC, bezel-less display panels with new screen ratios will be among the few features that will uplift the growth of worldwide smartphone shipments by 4.5 percent in 2018. "Despite the 3 percent YoY (year-over-year) growth in 2017, we expect an abundance of new models to reshape the smartphone market heading into 2018," said Anthony Scarsella, research manager for IDC's mobile phones team.
All pervasive interest
In 2017, Samsung disrupted the market by launching the Galaxy S8 and S8+ as its new flagships with almost zero-bezel display panels. Apple also took the same direction and unveiled the highly anticipated iPhone X with a front-covering Super Retina screen that makes it an as handy device as 2016's iPhone 7. Companies like Xiaomi set a benchmark for Apple and Samsung by conceptualising the Mi Mix in October 2016.
In the coming days, Chinese vendors such as Oppo and Huawei's Honor are set to bring their mid-range, bezel-less smartphone options. While those developments are not likely to take on Apple's iPhone X and Samsung's Galaxy S8, the upcoming handsets would give you more choices to own a handset that won't have useless black outlines around the display.
Why does it matter
LG explains in an infographic that a bezel-less smartphone delivers an "expansive enjoyment" alongside "immersive gaming experience" and a "cool-looking" design. As per a survey conducted by insight specialist DataSpring with a total base of 1,000 people born between 1980-90 from the US, UK Brazil, France, Germany and Mexico, more than 88 percent of respondents consider video as the reason for picking up a full-screen smartphone. Most of the available models have an aspect ratio of over 18:9 that enables an ultra-wide viewing experience for watching videos.
In addition to enhanced video watching, a bezel-less smartphone is perfect if you don't want to carry a 7-inch or large tablet but looking for a way to have a desktop-like web browsing experience while on the go. You have more screen space for the content that appears too tiny to read or view on your existing smartphone.
Similarly, the advanced display feature takes your gaming experience to new levels. You have a wider door to enter the virtual world and spend hours on your favourite titles.
Prone to accidents
Notwithstanding the advancements, the minimalistic design makes the display panel on a bezel-less smartphone more prone to accidental cracks. You also need to search deeper for an appropriate case that fits on your modern handset.
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So all in all, a bezel-less smartphone should be your choice if you want to go for an upgraded experience. But at the same time, you need to be more cautious to continue to have that experience for a long time.
