Thin is in again. Apple used to brag about the thinness of the iPhone 5, 6, and now the iPhone Air. But is there such a thing as being too thin? I think so.
A smaller surface area is slippery
Usually people hold a phone in a hand with fingers wrapping around the side. It’s the natural way to hold something, but when something is too thin, there really isn’t enough surface area on the edges to place your fingers for a comfortable grip. In fact, the thinness contributes to a more slippery grip. That’s why the blades on ice skates are so thin; the smaller surface area gives you more speed to slide across the ice while scraping the pointy edges against the blade helps you stop or change direction. Sliding speed not really needed on a phone and scraping a blade against my skin doesn’t sound that comfortable. The iPod Touch in the photo above has very thin edges and it’s not comfortable to hold at all (unless I keep my hand flat and perpendicular to gravity.)
Thicker is easier to hold
On the other hand, something thicker and more ergonomically designed, like our favorite Unihertz Jelly Star, is much more comfortable to hold. The Jelly Star’s jellybean smooth rounded yet thick shape make for a perfect fit for your fingers and the whole thing is curved to fit comfortably within the palm of your hand. It’s a much more secure, comfortable, and ergonomic shape for a mobile phone that you hold in your hand.
Ice Skate Picture: MomMag
