Smartphone design secrets: Why shape, materials, and balance matter
Smartphone design secrets: Why shape, materials, and balance matter
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Have you ever wondered why some smartphones feel better in your hand, while others feel uncomfortable to use? Or whether the small changes manufacturers make actually make a difference? Each design choice - from form to materials - is shaped by physics-based choices, aiming to balance practicality and elegance.
Smartphone manufacturers don't just prioritize aesthetics; It carefully balances function and durability. The materials, shape, weight distribution, and even the thickness of your device are all dictated by physics. Manufacturers have to juggle all these elements perfectly to ensure that the phone is not only comfortable to use but also resilient against wear and tear, as well as efficient in its performance. But we all know that no phone is perfect, so there are always some trade-offs, which we'll talk about in detail.
As someone who has used a fair number of phones over the years, I've often noticed how design can directly impact my daily experience. For example, I vividly remember when I went from my Galaxy S3 to an iPhone 6s. It felt like I was holding a completely different device. It was much thinner and easier to handle, and it was enough for me to change the way I held my phone, and I was much more adept at using it, not to mention I could barely feel it in my pocket.
Shape and Form: Square vs. Circular Designs
The Galaxy S23 Ultra was completely round, with a very curved screen and sides. It was a relief, but there's a good reason why Samsung is moving away from that approach with the next generation. | Image by PhoneArena
The look of a smartphone is one of the first things users notice. We may not want to read a book by its cover, but many people often make a purchasing decision based largely on how the product looks. While appearance affects how stylish a phone is, it also comes with an odd shape that has unique physical characteristics, which affects durability and ergonomics. These days, we've moved from oval and curved phones to rectangular phones with sharp edges. Of course, there is common sense behind both approaches.
Phones with flat sides, e.g The iPhone 14 series offers better durability. Pressure is evenly distributed across square frames, reducing the possibility of structural distortion. Additionally, the flat sides provide more internal space for components like batteries and larger sensors.
However, these designs may feel less comfortable during extended use due to sharper edges. For example, I found iPhone 14Its flat edges are neat but aren't particularly enjoyable during long gaming sessions because they can cause scratches on my palms, which can sometimes hurt. Honestly, this probably means I should reduce the time I spend on the phone, but again, that's one of the reasons why cases exist.
On the other hand, curved edges, such as those on... The Galaxy S23 Ultra provides better ergonomics by contouring to the shape of your hand. However, they are more susceptible to damage during falls, as curved surfaces concentrate impact forces. I had a couple of friends who had Galaxy phones with curved edges and they ended up breaking them easily. It is also very difficult to protect even with a case.
But it seems that in the last couple of years, manufacturers have found the right shape that balances comfort and durability. By giving their phones flat sides with tapered edges, the device can have good structural integrity while also feeling comfortable to hold. Apple has moved to such an approach by The iPhone 15 series, which initially looked exactly like its predecessor, but after I held it, I was immediately convinced by how much better it felt in the hand. I had a similar experience when I was held OnePlus 13, which dropped the rounded corners OnePlus 12.
The look will always change, especially with the advent of new technology, but at the moment I really feel that the phones have reached the perfect shape that strikes the perfect balance. It's no coincidence that most modern phones look similar, with all major phone manufacturers preferring a similar design in terms of appearance.
Material choices: glass, metal, and plastic
Motorola's vegan leather is one of my favorite back panel materials in terms of feel, look, and durability, but it has its downsides. | Image by PhoneArena
The shape is just one element of the phone's design. Materials are becoming a more important area of ​​focus every year. For example, Apple and Samsung took the premium route and introduced more advanced materials for their products The best phones - titanium. Others, like Motorola, have doubled down on their creativity and continue to release phones with vegan leather back panels that are less prone to cracks, fingerprints, and slips.
Glass, for example, has long been associated with premium phones, as seen in the iPhone and Galaxy series. Gorilla Glass or similar technologies provide scratch resistance and a premium feel. However, glass is inherently fragile, and even tempered types can shatter under strong impact. One thing I personally find annoying is that I have to be extra careful if I don't want any scratches on my screen or back, so, like most people, I resort to protectors and cases.
However, it is worth noting that during our time with We noticed on the Galaxy S24 Ultra that there was much less screen damage than on all the other phones we've dealt with so far, perhaps thanks to Samsung's Gorilla Armor glass created in collaboration with Corning.
Metal is also a material mainly used in phones, even lower-end phones. Aluminum is the most popular choice for frames, while titanium nowadays seems to have replaced stainless steel when it comes to premium options. The most obvious use of metal in this case is the durability it offers, but it is also the best material in terms of heat dissipation. Unfortunately, since wireless charging isn't possible with metal backs, we don't see phones like this anymore.
Of course, there is also plastic. Although often associated with budget devices, polycarbonate offers excellent shock resistance and flexibility. It is also lighter than glass and metal, which makes handling phones more comfortable. For example, the Motorola Edge (2023) features a plastic back that balances durability and affordability, making it a great choice for those who want a sturdy, lightweight phone without compromising on style. In fact, I think Motorola produces one of the most stylish phones in recent years. But the biggest problem I have with this material is that it is much harder to recycle and reuse than glass and metal, and sustainability is a more important factor for manufacturers than ever before.
Weight distribution and ergonomics
Many large phones have trouble with weight distribution, but the Vivo X200 Pro takes the cake in this regard. | Image by PhoneArena
Have you ever picked up a phone that seemed heavier than it looked? This is usually due to uneven weight distribution. Phones with balanced internals feel lighter and more comfortable, even if their actual weight is significant.
Designers strategically place items like batteries, processors, and camera modules to avoid feeling top-heavy or bottom-heavy. Small details like this can affect your experience with the phone without you even realizing it.
A good example of a heavy phone is the Vivo X200 Pro. Due to the rather large camera module positioned at the top, the phone's weight distribution feels very uneven. In comparison, something like this The iPhone 15 Pro Max feels more comfortable to hold.
Protruding camera bumps have become the norm, and they can easily be an annoyance. Larger camera sensors require more depth to capture better images, necessitating a thicker module. Funnily enough, they can also help with the ergonomics of the phone. The Pixel series' unified camera bar prevents wobbling while placing the phone on a flat surface, and can also help the user hold the phone by placing their fingers on the bottom edge of the camera module.
Foldable phones have the most room for improvement when it comes to weight distribution and ergonomics, as one side can be heavier or lighter than the other. Fortunately, some of the newer models like the Honor Magic V3 have thoughtful designs that address weight distribution well, making them feel more comfortable to hold than other models on the market.
Final thoughts
The design of the smartphone is a delicate balance between aesthetics, functionality and practicality. Every curve, material, and component placement serves a purpose – whether that's improving durability, enhancing ergonomics, or improving performance. From switching to flat edges for strength to adopting materials like titanium and vegan leather, every choice impacts how we interact with our devices.
I've personally experienced these changes. Switching to the iPhone 6s years ago made me realize how much a thin, well-balanced phone can transform everyday use. Details like weight distribution, camera placement, and even the texture of the edges affect comfort in ways we often take for granted.
As technology evolves, innovations such as flexible displays and custom designs are on the horizon. But no matter how advanced smartphones become, their design will always reflect the principles of physics and the needs of users. By understanding these details, we can better appreciate how much care is given to the devices we use every day.
Have you ever wondered why some smartphones feel better in your hand, while others feel uncomfortable to use? Or whether the small changes manufacturers make actually make a difference? Each design choice – from form to materials – is shaped by physics-based choices, aiming to balance practicality and elegance.
Smartphone manufacturers don’t just prioritize aesthetics; It carefully balances function and durability. The materials, shape, weight distribution, and even the thickness of your device are all dictated by physics. Manufacturers have to juggle all these elements perfectly to ensure that the phone is not only comfortable to use but also resilient against wear and tear, as well as efficient in its performance. But we all know that no phone is perfect, so there are always some trade-offs, which we’ll talk about in detail.
As someone who has used a fair number of phones over the years, I’ve often noticed how design can directly impact my daily experience. For example, I vividly remember when I went from my Galaxy S3 to an iPhone 6s. It felt like I was holding a completely different device. It was much thinner and easier to handle, and it was enough for me to change the way I held my phone, and I was much more adept at using it, not to mention I could barely feel it in my pocket.
Shape and Form: Square vs. Circular Designs
The Galaxy S23 Ultra was completely round, with a very curved screen and sides. It was a relief, but there’s a good reason why Samsung is moving away from that approach with the next generation. | Image by PhoneArena
The look of a smartphone is one of the first things users notice. We may not want to read a book by its cover, but many people often make a purchasing decision based largely on how the product looks. While appearance affects how stylish a phone is, it also comes with an odd shape that has unique physical characteristics, which affects durability and ergonomics. These days, we’ve moved from oval and curved phones to rectangular phones with sharp edges. Of course, there is common sense behind both approaches.
Phones with flat sides, e.g The iPhone 14 series offers better durability. Pressure is evenly distributed across square frames, reducing the possibility of structural distortion. Additionally, the flat sides provide more internal space for components like batteries and larger sensors.
However, these designs may feel less comfortable during extended use due to sharper edges. For example, I found iPhone 14Its flat edges are neat but aren’t particularly enjoyable during long gaming sessions because they can cause scratches on my palms, which can sometimes hurt. Honestly, this probably means I should reduce the time I spend on the phone, but again, that’s one of the reasons why cases exist.
On the other hand, curved edges, such as those on… The Galaxy S23 Ultra provides better ergonomics by contouring to the shape of your hand. However, they are more susceptible to damage during falls, as curved surfaces concentrate impact forces. I had a couple of friends who had Galaxy phones with curved edges and they ended up breaking them easily. It is also very difficult to protect even with a case.
But it seems that in the last couple of years, manufacturers have found the right shape that balances comfort and durability. By giving their phones flat sides with tapered edges, the device can have good structural integrity while also feeling comfortable to hold. Apple has moved to such an approach by The iPhone 15 series, which initially looked exactly like its predecessor, but after I held it, I was immediately convinced by how much better it felt in the hand. I had a similar experience when I was held OnePlus 13, which dropped the rounded corners OnePlus 12.
The look will always change, especially with the advent of new technology, but at the moment I really feel that the phones have reached the perfect shape that strikes the perfect balance. It’s no coincidence that most modern phones look similar, with all major phone manufacturers preferring a similar design in terms of appearance.
Material choices: glass, metal, and plastic
Motorola’s vegan leather is one of my favorite back panel materials in terms of feel, look, and durability, but it has its downsides. | Image by PhoneArena
The shape is just one element of the phone’s design. Materials are becoming a more important area of ​​focus every year. For example, Apple and Samsung took the premium route and introduced more advanced materials for their products The best phones – titanium. Others, like Motorola, have doubled down on their creativity and continue to release phones with vegan leather back panels that are less prone to cracks, fingerprints, and slips.
Glass, for example, has long been associated with premium phones, as seen in the iPhone and Galaxy series. Gorilla Glass or similar technologies provide scratch resistance and a premium feel. However, glass is inherently fragile, and even tempered types can shatter under strong impact. One thing I personally find annoying is that I have to be extra careful if I don’t want any scratches on my screen or back, so, like most people, I resort to protectors and cases.
However, it is worth noting that during our time with We noticed on the Galaxy S24 Ultra that there was much less screen damage than on all the other phones we’ve dealt with so far, perhaps thanks to Samsung’s Gorilla Armor glass created in collaboration with Corning.
Metal is also a material mainly used in phones, even lower-end phones. Aluminum is the most popular choice for frames, while titanium nowadays seems to have replaced stainless steel when it comes to premium options. The most obvious use of metal in this case is the durability it offers, but it is also the best material in terms of heat dissipation. Unfortunately, since wireless charging isn’t possible with metal backs, we don’t see phones like this anymore.
Of course, there is also plastic. Although often associated with budget devices, polycarbonate offers excellent shock resistance and flexibility. It is also lighter than glass and metal, which makes handling phones more comfortable. For example, the Motorola Edge (2023) features a plastic back that balances durability and affordability, making it a great choice for those who want a sturdy, lightweight phone without compromising on style. In fact, I think Motorola produces one of the most stylish phones in recent years. But the biggest problem I have with this material is that it is much harder to recycle and reuse than glass and metal, and sustainability is a more important factor for manufacturers than ever before.
Weight distribution and ergonomics
Many large phones have trouble with weight distribution, but the Vivo X200 Pro takes the cake in this regard. | Image by PhoneArena
Have you ever picked up a phone that seemed heavier than it looked? This is usually due to uneven weight distribution. Phones with balanced internals feel lighter and more comfortable, even if their actual weight is significant.
Designers strategically place items like batteries, processors, and camera modules to avoid feeling top-heavy or bottom-heavy. Small details like this can affect your experience with the phone without you even realizing it.
A good example of a heavy phone is the Vivo X200 Pro. Due to the rather large camera module positioned at the top, the phone’s weight distribution feels very uneven. In comparison, something like this The iPhone 15 Pro Max feels more comfortable to hold.
Protruding camera bumps have become the norm, and they can easily be an annoyance. Larger camera sensors require more depth to capture better images, necessitating a thicker module. Funnily enough, they can also help with the ergonomics of the phone. The Pixel series’ unified camera bar prevents wobbling while placing the phone on a flat surface, and can also help the user hold the phone by placing their fingers on the bottom edge of the camera module.
Foldable phones have the most room for improvement when it comes to weight distribution and ergonomics, as one side can be heavier or lighter than the other. Fortunately, some of the newer models like the Honor Magic V3 have thoughtful designs that address weight distribution well, making them feel more comfortable to hold than other models on the market.
Final thoughts
The design of the smartphone is a delicate balance between aesthetics, functionality and practicality. Every curve, material, and component placement serves a purpose – whether that’s improving durability, enhancing ergonomics, or improving performance. From switching to flat edges for strength to adopting materials like titanium and vegan leather, every choice impacts how we interact with our devices.
I’ve personally experienced these changes. Switching to the iPhone 6s years ago made me realize how much a thin, well-balanced phone can transform everyday use. Details like weight distribution, camera placement, and even the texture of the edges affect comfort in ways we often take for granted.
As technology evolves, innovations such as flexible displays and custom designs are on the horizon. But no matter how advanced smartphones become, their design will always reflect the principles of physics and the needs of users. By understanding these details, we can better appreciate how much care is given to the devices we use every day.
