Cell phones are primarily measured by the diagonal length of their screen.
Measuring Phone Screen Size
The most common way to measure a cell phone's size is by measuring the screen diagonally. This measurement is taken from the top left corner of the screen to the bottom right corner (or vice versa). As mentioned in the reference:
Here's how to measure phone screen size. You need to use diagonal measurement. Start from top left corner of the screen and measure the length to the opposite diagonal corner. It's pretty straightforward, and anyone with a ruler can do this.
How to Measure: A Simple Guide
- Get a Ruler or Measuring Tape: A standard ruler or measuring tape will work.
- Locate the Corners: Identify the top left and bottom right corners of the screen itself (not the phone's body).
- Measure Diagonally: Place the ruler or measuring tape along the diagonal from one corner to the other.
- Record the Measurement: The measurement will typically be in inches or millimeters.
Why Diagonal Measurement?
Diagonal measurement provides a single, consistent number to compare the screen size of different phones, regardless of their aspect ratio (the ratio of width to height). It's a standardized way for manufacturers and reviewers to specify screen real estate.