Phablets, a mix between a smartphone and a tablet with a screen larger than 4 inches, has captured 7 percent of the market worldwide, according to Flurry. Some countries have taken to it much stronger, such as South Korea, which has seen a 41 percent surge in phablet ownership. It hasn't heated up quite that strongly in the western markets, but Juniper Research predicts that 120 million units get into consumer hands by 2018. This cross between a tablet and smartphone may appear to have limited appeal at first, but with devices such as the Galaxy Note finding its way into consumer pockets, the usefulness of this crossover is finding its niche.
Apple Jumps In
The iPhone, iPod, and iPad are incredibly successful in each of their respective markets. BGR reports on rumors that indicates the "extra large iPhone" mockup floating around the Internet is actually the design for an Apple phablet. With Apple's track record, a phablet release could bring a new segment of early adopters to this device, especially with access to the stellar iOS app store.
Strong Showing by Windows
Windows smartphones might not have a majority share in the smartphone arena, but powerful devices such as the Nokia Lumia 1520 show that the phablet market shines on Windows. This six inch device brings a full HD display designed for bright sunlight reading, a 20 MP camera, Windows 8 operating system, and Microsoft Office included. Windows 8 continues to grow as an operating system, and if it keeps up its momentum, it's likely that Windows phablets will gain ground over other operating systems.
Tech Sensitive Fashion
One odd way that the fashion world accommodates phablets is by creating clothes made to fit smartphones, tablets, and phablet devices. If you're a guy who doesn't want to carry around a briefcase or shoulder bag everywhere, you limit your screen size options on your phones and tablets. With an upgrade to your pocket size, suddenly big, bright displays are much more accessible for your day to day life. Full sized tablets aren't all that comfortable, but a 5 inch phablet fits right in these designs, as Forbes notes. Dockers is one company that's made the leap to technology-conscious men's clothing. Women's clothing, on the other hand, will be lucky to get pockets at all on half of their styles, but phablets are nicely sized for most purses as well.
Advancing Screen and Battery Technology
Early adopters of any type of hardware often get the short end of the stick when it comes to price. The phablet market may currently be out of the price range for the casual consumer, but Engadget reports on the strong factor that display prices and battery efficiency have on whether the phablet breaks out of its fad designation and into a niche role. When an unlocked Galaxy Note 3 costs over $600 through some retailers, the cost may be too high for the mass market to swallow.