A flat screen may be the standard for most devices, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option. For example, curved monitors offer various advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering when you’re in the market for a new display. On the other hand, even though some smartphones still offer curved phone screens, there’s a reason why this gadget is losing popularity. Namely, curved phone screens suffer from key weaknesses that don’t apply to flat screens.
Phones with curved screens were relatively popular for a few years because they seemed attractive to some. However, this appeal usually only extends to the shape of the device itself. The actual display of a curved screen generally offers no advantages over a flat screen. Although the flat screen versus curved screen debate may ultimately come down to a matter of taste, consumers shopping for smartphones should understand the reasons why curved phone screens have fallen out of favor in recent years.
Curved screens don’t always work well with some app interfaces
The shape of a curved screen is not ideal for all applications. With using apps being one of the most common reasons to get a smartphone, this represents a major limitation.
For example, perhaps an app’s interface has buttons that, due to their position, should be on the side of the screen. However, on a curved screen, this can sometimes prevent an app from registering a tap. Likewise, if you try to swipe from a nearby section of the screen or where it curves, it can be difficult.
This issue may do more than just prevent some users from easily performing certain actions when using apps: it may also cause users to accidentally perform actions that they did not intend to perform. When buttons and other similar features are located along the curve of a curved screen, it can be easy to accidentally press buttons or icons that you didn’t intend to press. You probably don’t need to be told why this can become frustrating.
Protecting, repairing and replacing a curved phone screen can be a challenge
Again, while a curved phone screen may offer some aesthetic appeal, it can fail in key practical areas. Another example is that users report having difficulty correctly applying screen protectors to curved displays. They also found that phone cases generally fit better on non-curved screens. Certainly, there’s an argument to be made that screen protectors are no longer necessary, but you’d probably at least like the option to easily apply one if you wanted to.
Building a curved phone screen is also generally more difficult and more expensive than building an equivalent non-curved screen. In addition to potentially affecting the cost of the device itself, this can be a problem when it’s time to repair a screen. Repairing a damaged curved phone screen can be more expensive than repairing a traditional screen because it is more difficult to use, increasing the overall cost of ownership.
This problem is exacerbated by the fact that cases and screen protectors don’t easily fit curved phone screens, so the chances of damaging one in the first place may be greater than the chances of damaging a more conventional phone screen. Curved phone screens are also more fragile than flat screens. This further increases the risk of damage. On top of all this, some report that curved phone screens can make it difficult to comfortably hold a smartphone by its edges, which could lead to the user dropping the device. That’s a lot of hassle for a sleek design.
Watching videos on curved phone screens isn’t always ideal
The very nature of a curved phone screen means that it’s possible that some visual content will be lost or distorted around the edges when watching a video. This is clearly not a major problem with a flat phone screen.
This point actually corresponds to one of the main reasons why manufacturers have generally stopped producing curved screen TVs. A curved screen requires an ideal viewing angle so that the viewer can see everything clearly.
Even users willing to point out the benefits of curved smartphone screens often admit that they have little to do with improved performance. Some people just like the look of a device with a curved screen. That said, unless manufacturers are able to fix the many issues users are having with these displays, it’s unlikely that curved displays will make a major comeback in the near future. If you come across a phone with a curved screen, keep these potential issues in mind before making a purchase you might regret.
