According to the survey results, the Pixel 11 Pro XL accounted for more than 43% of votes, comfortably ahead of the Pixel 11 Pro at roughly 30%.

Meanwhile, the standard Pixel 11 attracted less than 10% of user interest, while the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold received only around 6.5%.

The numbers point to a growing reality in the smartphone market: modern users increasingly prefer larger-screen devices.

Smartphones are replacing nearly every personal device

The trend toward bigger smartphones is no accident. Phones have gradually become the center of digital life, replacing many standalone devices that were once essential.

Many users rarely rely on desktop computers anymore, while laptops are now primarily reserved for work. Outside of that, smartphones have become the default device for watching videos, gaming, reading news, browsing social media and handling quick tasks throughout the day.

That shift is making larger displays far more attractive.

Devices measuring around 6.8 to 6.9 inches deliver a noticeably better experience for watching movies compared with traditional 6-inch smartphones. Reading text, editing documents and multitasking in split-screen mode also become much more comfortable.

Social media and short-form video platforms are accelerating the demand even further. TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels all feel more immersive on devices with larger, brighter displays and longer battery life.

Large smartphones also tend to include bigger batteries. Although larger displays consume more power, software optimization has improved dramatically, allowing manufacturers to balance battery performance far more effectively than before.

The result is a combination modern users value highly: expansive displays paired with all-day battery life.

Standard Pixel models may be losing appeal

Another notable takeaway from the survey is the relatively weak interest in the standard Pixel 11.

For years, Google’s core Pixel lineup earned praise for its clean Android experience, strong camera performance and smart AI integration. The devices were rarely the most powerful in terms of raw hardware, but they stood out for reliability and practical software intelligence.

Features such as Call Screening and Google’s AI assistant often debuted first on Pixel devices before expanding to other Android brands.

However, today’s buyers appear increasingly drawn toward premium “Pro” experiences. Users now expect better cameras, higher-end displays, larger batteries and more advanced AI capabilities - features typically reserved for flagship Pro models.

Interestingly, this contrasts with trends in the iPhone market. Some recent reports suggest the standard iPhone 17 has outsold the iPhone 17 Pro Max during the early months of 2026, indicating different buying patterns between Android and iPhone users.

Foldable phones still struggle to reach the mainstream

If one device disappointed in the survey, it was the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Although foldable smartphones were once viewed as the future of mobile technology, consumer interest remains relatively limited for several reasons.

The first is size and practicality. While large displays are popular, foldable phones are often perceived as bulky. When folded, they are noticeably thicker than conventional smartphones. When unfolded, the experience can feel impressive, but not everyone wants a near-tablet-sized screen in their pocket.

Price also remains a major barrier. Foldables continue to sit firmly in the ultra-premium category, costing significantly more than traditional flagship devices.

The market is also being shaped by anticipation surrounding Apple’s first foldable iPhone, frequently rumored to launch under names such as iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra. Many consumers appear willing to wait and see how Apple approaches foldable devices before committing to models from Google or Samsung.

In that sense, the Pixel Fold lineup may currently be caught in a temporary holding pattern created by market hesitation.

Still, the strong interest surrounding the Pixel 11 Pro XL shows the Pixel brand retains considerable momentum. Android users increasingly want smartphones with bigger screens, longer battery life, smarter AI and enough capability to replace almost every other personal device they own.

Yet amid the race toward larger displays, foldable phones - once considered the future - are now standing outside the spotlight.

Hai Phong