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We can’t get enough of living large on a chunky device. Big-screen mobile phones, known as phablets, are increasingly popular.

As well as all the usual mobile functionality, phablets are great for gaming and streaming on the go. Just make sure you protect yours with gadget insurance.

 

So what are the hottest phablets for 2020?

 

What to look for in a phablet

A phablet is a phone with a screen bigger than about 5.5 inches. All phone screens are getting bigger, but a phablet usually adds in some high-spec functionality as well as the whopping display.

Phablets are usually a bit harder to handle than a phone, needing two hands to use. The bigger displays drain battery life faster, which means you use them a little differently.

You’re more likely to reach for a phablet when settling in to watch your favourite episode or play a game rather than catching up with emails or social media, for example.

Choosing a phablet is about prioritising the most important aspect for you – for example, ease of use, video quality, camera specs, multifunctionality – and combining this with your budget to work out the best option.

Don’t forget, these are highly portable devices that can be targeted by thieves. Gadget insurance is always recommended.

Phablets were once seen as clumsy devices, with poor performance but this has changed. New devices tend to have a higher screen-to-body ratio, meaning you get more display for the same size device.

Most smartphone manufacturers now proudly display phablets within their flagship ranges – is it time you added one to your device collection?

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra

With a huge 6.9-inch screen, the S20 Ultra is a substantial phone that works brilliantly for video, games and ebooks. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but you get a lot for your money.

The OLED screen has a 120Hz refresh rate and accurate colour reproduction that makes watching Netflix even more fun.

The S20 Ultra comes with 5G as standard, RAM up to 16GB and either Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990.

It has three cameras (40 megapixels) and a special sensor to detect depth, so your photos will be vivid and crisp. Be sure to get gadget insurance to protect your investment with this one!

 

Huawei P30 Pro

If you want to take amazing photos on the go, the P30 Pro from Huawei could be the right solution for you.

The periscopic 5x lossless optical zoom camera is the star of the show for this phablet with 6.47-inch display.

The 40-megapixel main sensor works wonderfully in low light settings, so you can take great snaps throughout the day.

The EMUI user interface used by the phablet is a bit controversial, with some users finding it tricky to use while others have no problem.

However, you can easily overlook the EMUI given the amazing display and super-long battery life.

 

iPhone 11 Pro Max

The immensely popular iPhone 11 Pro Max is the powerful big brother of the iPhone 11, with 6.5-inch XDR retina display, triple-camera set up and a well-calibrated panel.

This is a very good choice for gamers on the go, with an A13 Bionic chipset 64GB

Given its massive size, this phablet has impressive battery life. Apple claims the phablet has 5 hours more battery than the earlier XS model. Not to mention, it looks pretty sleek, too.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus

The screen on this device is so large, it looks like it’s taken over the phone. At a full 6.8 inches, the Dynamic AMOLED display works with an S pen stylus which can be used as a kind of remote control using Air Actions.

The cameras are versatile, allowing the user to switch from ultra-wide landscapes to detailed portraits, switching functions at the tap of a button.

This is a good all-rounder, with strong battery performance and superfast 45-watt charging. There’s a microSD card slot, too.

 

Asus ROG Phone 2

Another top choice for gamers, this phablet works very well as a standard phone, too.

It looks a tiny bit sinister, which might not be up your street, but for gamers pretending to be intrepid soldiers or assassins, it might enhance the experience!

The 6.59-inch AMOLED screen has a 120Hz refresh rate, producing a stunning display for immersive gaming.

The ROG Phone 2 has Snapdragon 855 PLus chipset, 12GB RAM and 512GB storage as standard. The 6000mAh battery packs a punch, and charges quickly with Quick Charge 4.0 (30W).

Game-specific features include L and R AirTriggers and squeezy sides that activate X Mode. The camera isn’t as good as some other phablets, but you’ll be too busy gaming to notice!

 

Google Pixel 4 XL

This phablet’s camera is second to none, taking excellent snaps in bright light, low light and mixed light. The camera app is smooth and easy to use, while the secondary telephoto lens is brilliant for zoom shots.

The 6.3-inch screen is a good size for a phablet – not too big, not too small. The screen quality is great, with a 90Hz refresh rate.

Battery performance is a bit of an issue, and RAM (6GB) and storage (64GB) are on the lower side. If you’re looking for a great big phone with a brilliant camera, this could be the one for you.

OnePlus 7T Pro

This phablet is super fast, with Snapdragon 855 Plus chipset and 90fps refresh rate (most phones run at 60fps). It feels smooth, fast and powerful to use.

The 7T Pro has a 90Hz display and charges really fast, going from 0-100% in a very respectable 80 minutes with Warp Charging.

The downside is that the device is quite curvy and slippy, making it a little harder to handle than some other phablets. It does not have wireless charging, which might be an issue for some users.

Don’t forget to protect your phablet from thieves, accidents and other forms of loss. Get a quote for gadget insurance today.