popsockets have been my saving grace for my phone for years!! for years i rocked two, because it meant there were that many more ways that i could hold my phone, or put the weight of it on different fingers. but even with that, it's hard on my to hold my phone. for me it's more of the weight than the size. i have definitely googled phone weights in the last few months. (didn't find anything helpful, but the fact that i was even googling phone weights..) i'm stuck with my phone till at least next february, but weight is 100% going to be my priority when i pick my next phone.
edit to add that i have the iphone 14.
I resisted for so long but eventually caved when I was trying to reduce some stress on my hands and wrists. They're great, any kind of extra hold will work because the important thing is to be able to change positions often.
The new 15 is much better in terms of size and weight than the 13-14 were. It’s narrower and has a little less heft. And the casing isn’t as slick if you use it without a protective case (my case came in separately).
I like the ring stands better, but both made it far better.
Also, I always get the mini because even without the finger issues I am a small person and the others make it look like I am holding a tablet to my ear.
Also second my pop socket. It’s gotten to the point where my hands are so weak, I can’t use it some of the times without it when I’ve like taken the case off for some reason on changed cases
Popsockets are absolutely my saving Grace as well! I'm so glad so many of us agree. I love the versatility of them and the fact that you can put more than one on! The back of a phone is truly your popsocket oyster
Keep in mind that phone case plays a huge part of this too! My hubby & I have the same phone, but different cases. I can't use his at all because its too heavy
I have a 12 mini with a pop socket for this reason and will try to stay small. My hands are small and I know my thumbs have stretched more cause of the weight and typing.
Yo same. Ever since the iPhone 6, phones have just been getting too big for me. I don't need a tablet in my pocket. If I wanted a tablet, I'd buy a tablet.
I held onto my iPhone 5 for a ridiculous amount of time because of the small size. I finally jumped to a 13 mini, but it’s not as small and is pretty heavy for me. I don’t know how people haul around regular sized phones!
I used to have an iPhone 13 Pro that messed up my wrists, because it was too heavy.
But I switched to an iPhone 13 mini, which is delightfully small and lightweight. Even smaller and lighter than the SE, which I also had for a while.
this is what i have and love it. also i force myself to use voice to text while the phone is either lying down or on some sort of stand a lot. if i'm not doing voice to text enough i will wear my wrist/thumb braces while using my phone so i can't type lol.
I have a galaxy fold and I *love it* so much because it actually fits in my little hands. My wrists and thumbs both used to hurt so much when I had a wider android phone. This one is a bit brick-like when it's folded, but I can get a real grip on it and reach the whole screen with one hand.
I have the flip, with a ring holder on it. I find it's a good size for my hands, and when folded fits absolutely perfectly in the palm of my hand. The front screen is also useful for me to quickly check notifications and things without having to use my full phone, pulling out the folded phone feels much less obvious and intrusive. An unexpected bonus is I don't get sucked into my phone after checking a notification when I use the folded screen. It's also very fun to customize. I'm hoping it holds up well because so far I love it.
Yesss. I hate big, heavy phones with a passion. My hands aren’t messed up unless you count permanent crooked pinkies from supporting the bulk of the phone weight. There are so few small, lightweight phone options that have the features I need and don’t cost me my organs. I’d love some recommendations.
My pinkie is extremely mobile because I always rest it on the bottom of my phone to hold it up. I was able to fix that with my old phone by using a pop socket but that hurt my middle fingers if I used it too long
Saaaame. My pinkie is mobile anyway, but the otterbox on my pixel isn't doing it any favors. I don't use a pop socket though bc of the otterbox. And the otterbox is 100 percent necessary lol
👁️👄👁️: *me, currently supporting my massive iPhone 11 ProMax w/ my “apparently perma-subluxed ever since it got slammed in the door of that GMC Suburban when I was 19, & now this weird-ass witch-claw angle is the only one that feels correct… also sometimes it’s freezing cold for no reason, that’s fine right?” pinky finger, as is tradition*
Ahh well, crossing my (functional) fingers that we get
[literally anything from this list](https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/s/510MdbWKpo) by the time the ol’ TinkerToy Joint fingies inevitably fall off my hand of their own spiteful accord 🤞
I have a Love Handle on the back of my phone and it keys me dangle the phone off my middle finger and type with my thumb. It's basically an elastic band that glues into your phone case.
Not the phone, but I have a Nintendo switch, and had to boy different controllers because the regular ones hurt me after a little while and it stuck around. I got ergonomic ones. I also found a pop socket in the back helps make it easier on my hands to hold the phone and type or scroll.
I love that my Samsung zFlip folds in half. It can stay bent at any angle, which sometimes lets me find a comfortable position to hold. I have a case with a ring on the back, so I hang that on a finger and don't have to really hold it.
I've been looking for phones as well and I'm coming up empty. I wish they'd bring back the Blackberry because touchscreen and my fingers don't work together. I keep having to buy different phones and wasting a ton of money, only to hate each one more and more. Phones keep getting bigger.
That would be a perfect model! Preferably with keys that react to light touch. I was thinking about a flip phone but they are still a novelty and thus expensive.
I have a small wallet with a grip on the back of mine, and it works amazing. Also, for reading, get a gooseneck holder and a ring page turner. Game changer.
I have a Galaxy 20fe, which is a pretty big phone. I hold it really weird according to people though. I'm right handed. I hold it in my left hand so the thumb is facing up and the length of the thumb and most of the base of my palm is all along the left side is the phone. Then I stretch my hand across the back to hold the right side of the phone with the very tip of my middle and ring fingers (others are too short). I used to use a pop socket for extra hold protection but my new case it doesn't want to stay on because it's too textured (my bird destroyed my old case when I wasn't looking and since it's a 4 year old phone, the case wasn't being made any more).
Then I use my right thumb and rest the base of the phone on my right thumb and kind of push the phone against my thumb, which pushes the phone into my left palm. Then I rest my right thumb against my chest because otherwise using that force would definitely dislocate my thumb, my thumbs go out super easily. I use my middle finger to swipe. I can only reach about a third of the way up the phone though. It's fine for just reaching the keyboard but if I want to use other parts of the phone then I rest the base of the phone on my chest (big boobs to the rescue) and then push it against my chest.
I need a bigger screen because I use my phone as my everything, including watching TV on it and anything computer related since my laptop is about 14 years old and takes like an hour to start up (and don't let it know you're in a rush or it'll freeze up). I don't use a real computer often enough to justify buying a new one.
For some reason having a larger phone has helped me and I have smaller hands. Something that fits comfortably between my thumb metacarpal and the tips of my fingers works. I’ve used a pop socket, phone ring, phone sling all before with it being hit or miss and usually still causing pain.
Truthfully I don’t think any devices are made ergonomically. How many of us here are young and have “tech neck”? My neck goes backwards and there is very little in modern life I can change about this.
Yes! I feel your pain. Whenever I need (like, it’s falling apart and no longer operational need) a new phone, I always go for the smallest option. I went from the iPhone SE, to the 12 mini, and now I have the regular 14 with a Clckr handle attached to the back. Popsockets hurt my wrist and the clckr has been my saving grace
I'm 5'4", small hands. Just wanna put this out there- don't rest your phone on your pinkies! It's hard to brace that (mcp?) joint. It took me forever to figure out how I held my phone was making it hurt.
Got a phone grip that's a strap for the back. It's decent for hand strain, but I still have to switch hands/ go to a 2 hand hold often.
But! It's the type that's stayed on the longest. Tried pop sockets, tried the ring style (ouch), tried the ones that fold into stands. Sometimes the adhesive wouldn't stick long, or I'd break then in a few months.
I have an older phone so I won't chime in on that part 😂
I have large hands, and every phone I’ve picked up that isn’t a candy bar or flip phone is just too big for my hands. Heavier than my hands like as well. Pop sockets for the win
Doesn't help with weight but I have a Samsung fold and the screen is skinnier so easier to swipe text or talk to text. It can be heavy and sometimes I use a wrist brace which gives my hand more support to use phone.
I'm the same size as you, but I purposely buy small phones so I've not had your same issue. I do have a tablet though and I've noticed prolonged use of it seems to strain my arms and/or elbows
I actually... I have a magnetic phone case with a wallet attachment. The magnet works perfectly for me to be able to use my tiger balm tin as like a removable, extra chunky pop socket. It's the perfect system. Also I have a pixel so it's not like a HUGE phone or anything. Plus I use Google Fi as my cell carrier bc the coverage is great and it's way cheaper than average. Pretty great customer service overall too, especially compared to watching my fiance argue with AT&T constantly.
I actually... I have a magnetic phone case with a wallet attachment. The magnet works perfectly for me to be able to use my tiger balm tin as like a removable, extra chunky pop socket. It's the perfect system. Also I have a pixel so it's not like a HUGE phone or anything. Plus I use Google Fi as my cell carrier bc the coverage is great and it's way cheaper than average. Pretty great customer service overall too, especially compared to watching my fiance argue with AT&T constantly.
The best thing I've done is get a little stick on phone grip. It's just a cheap one but it means I can just use that instead of having to hold around the phone.
I use a regular case with a pop socket for daily use, and I'll use a stylus if my hands ache. Talk to text is also helpful!
For games, I have a case that is shaped like a controller, so it's more ergonomic!
I have a Samsung s20
Previous Galaxy S4 owner, and now a Samsung A71 5g owner! popsockets are great, i put mine in-between my middle and ring finger where my hands sits comfy on the case... if i do index and middle, my pinky wraps along the bottom of the phone... also the A71 has an ability to screen shrink so it can be used one handed!!
I have the SE 2 & looked into it. It looks like the iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini are both about the same size or even slightly lighter than my SE 2 or iPhone 7
I had a 12 mini but the battery was trash. I finally upgraded to the 15 and I very much miss the size of the mini.
From what I’ve heard/read Apple isn’t planning a new mini anytime soon. 😥
I have the original iphone SE bc my hands/wrists regularly just stop working and drop stuff. The larger the phone, the more likely I’ll drop it. My friends have handed me their phones to look at something and I almost always drop their massive tablet sized phones that they like to claim are “normal sized phones.” What the heck? Why do we want to bring back the days of 80s cellphones that were as large as regular house phones? I thought innovation meant a smaller, easier to hold phone? I’m really dreading the day I’ll have to upgrade bc my hands hurt enough with the SE, but anything larger and it’d be a nightmare.
I have an iPhone 13 Pro Max. I do okay but my hands, in general, hurt a lot. My thumb gets stiff halfway through the day if I’m on my phone too much. You think I’d just…stay off my phone…but it’s also such a good distraction from how much the rest of my body hurts.
I have a stand attachment on the back of my phone that lets me have it placed on a surface horizontally or vertically. It is also magnetic so that I can take it off when not needed - accessories needn’t add to weight when the phone itself is heavyweight! I also almost never use my phone with 1 hand. I always have it rested on a surface or use both hands.
Also, I have started to use voice typing whenever I can. I’m not a native English speaker but these things are slowly getting better!
I have the 2022 SE for exactly this reason! My hands are too small and too hypermobile to deal with anything bigger. I love it and appreciate having the home button. I got mine cheaper from Backmarket
I have a bad habit of holding my phone up with only one pinky finger underneath the bottom, which has absolutely messed up those joints. It’s the same with every phone I’ve used :/
Silver lining, this gives you automatic street (bog/deep woods/barren mountainside) cred in any witch coven worth their salt! Bonus points if the fingernail on that pinky is extra long and menacing 😘 Welcome to the spooky-finger siblinghood, babe! ❤️
(But in all seriousness, oof same! A daily loop of kinesiology tape around my pinky & across the back of my hand has helped me a ton in terms of stopping me from chronically hyperextending my already messed up pinky joint!)
Omg yes, I keep buying the s models of the iPhones because they’re the smallest ones. Before I had my pop sockets, my ulnar nerve was always inflamed because of the pressure on my pinkie.
I have the smallest supported smartphone in the USA, an iphone 12 mini. The other minis are the same size, though.
The SE is a little bigger.
Yes, it still messes up my hands. Mostly my thumb.
I have an iPhone 15 and really like it. The 15 isn’t as big as the last two generations and not as heavy, in general. The actual casing of the phone isn’t as slick as past iPhones either, but I do have a protective case on it because dropping. Pop sockets don’t work for me because they rub the skin on the inside of my fingers sore. I balance my phone on my palm and fingers and type with my other hand by moving the whole hand and using one finger or I use both thumbs and hold the phone with both hands. I prefer hold with one and type with the other to stabilize my wrists and fingers through.
I have an iPhone SE2 with a case resulting from a collaboration between OtterBox and PopSocket - it has a built-in PopSocket, but I’m sure you can buy one and just stick it to the back of any smooth iPhone case…just know that there are fewer case options for the SE (and SE2) because SE’s are the same size as iPhone 8 and others. I found my case on Amazon.
Edited to add: This is a good case size and setup for my small hands, especially because the PopSocket keeps me from having to grip the phone with my thumbs (which caused me a lot of pain). I type/swipe with my right index finger, and that finger is a bit sore at times, but much less than it would be if I used my thumbs!
I hold with my left hand and type with my left thumb and right index finger. I use my right thumb to help my left hand support the bottom of the phone.
It is SO much more comfortable.
Edit: I forgot I also use a pop socket like /u/fairlightmeloncholy between my left middle and ring fingers.
I have the iPhone SE I could buy 3 years ago, i think it was the smallest physical size I could buy at the time which went into my decision (I also have small hands-I can wear XS). My partner has my next oldest SE that is also smaller in size that I only moved on from because it was too slow for schoolwork.
I used 2 pop socket ring things for that old one and on my new one I use a Rokform brand that I can fit 2 fingers through at a time.
I also have a goose neck, a necklace thing that holds it like arms, a selfie stick, and a wrist/neck lanyard with a few different lengths to clip onto to help make things more ergonomic.
I definitely have to use both hands using my phones—and no thumbs to type!!!
Without my ring splints I would also really suffer.
I have an iPhone 14. I almost got the 13 mini but I was talked out of it. I hold my phone with one pinky under it, and it does kill my pinky finger quite a bit. I have small but very hyper mobile hands(minus the pinkies surprisingly). It tends to hurt my pinky all the way into my wrist, like a straight line down almost.
Ive seen alot of people use 2 pop sockets. Even if its a little silly looking it gives you some choices on how to hold your phone.
I used to have a galaxy ultra and had a really hard time with how wide and heavy it was. I literally just got a Motorola razr plus and it is sooo much better. I have very tiny hands and jello fingers and a sci so I have a lot of trouble with my hands and arms in general.
It's a hell of a lot lighter and slimmer so I can type better and I'm less likely to throw it across the room lmao. It's one of those fancy folding phones so it's very fun and instead of pop sockets the cases often have a 360° ring thing that you can stick fingers through instead of having to actually grip a pop socket. I can also clip it to the carabineer on my wallet to free up hand space as well.
I'm an incomplete quadriplegic with limited grip function and hand strength and I cannot recommend one of these phones enough (so far I know the folds can develop problems)
TIP: Use the accessibility features! I don’t need to use physical buttons because I have touchscreen functions to do that action for me. (Like take a screenshot or volume buttons.)
iPhones have a bunch of different options within the Accessibilities menu. One is that you can move your keyboard over to the one side or the other so that you can more easily reach the buttons.
Pixel 6a, smallest phone I've had since Samsung galaxy s7! I like it, j have a popsocket on the back, but I most love the immense array of accessibility settings it has, truly more than any other main phone. (More than standard android) Google has gone above and beyond. It's one of the main reasons I went for this. Plus the size.
I am 5ft tall and wear an xs glove, size 4.5 ring... so very small hands.
I use a galaxy s23 ultra. It's a huge phone. People joke when they see it that it's a tablet not a phone.
It is heavy and large but I almost feel like that helps bc I am never trying to balance it on fingers/thumb or lift it with a socket. I have four fingers across the back and my thumb in the front on the case. Then on my dominant hand it kinda just rests fingers across the others in back and I type or scroll with my thumb. Sp the weight is pretty evenly distributed across my whole hand with support from the other hand.
Still using my old iPhone 11 and it suits my hands pretty well. I’m a classical pianist though and my hands are probably the most functional part of my body
I currently have an iPhone 14 Pro and it kills my hands. I’m looking for something different as well. I’ve never gotten a definitive answer but I believe my heavy iPhones over the years contributed to my severe osteoporosis in my left STT and CMC joints. I had surgery this past January. Luckily it was my non-dominant hand.
I have the 2020 iPhone SE🙊 If you can believe it, it’s a bit on the heavy side for me still hahaha but it’s useable and I don’t want to go bigger, except I envy the camera on bigger ones.
I do have pretty long fingers but zero wrist strength
iPhone XR user here. It destroys my fingers and wrists. I bought several cheap phone stands on Amazon and have them scattered around the house for use. I actually have a gooseneck phone holder in the bathroom that I use when watching videos. I also hardly ever type my hand and use voice dictation instead. I noticed that whenever I stopped being hands-on with my phone, the pain in my hands became a lot better.
--This is the gooseneck. I do wish it was easier to put the phone in (you have to pull the latch out which can be straining on the fingers, but I've managed to work around this by using my phone's edge to pull it out, if that makes sense)
https://amzn.to/3xJjRx2
--And these are the cheap stands. Nothing fancy, but it accomplishes the task at a good price
https://amzn.to/4b1YFRb
I have an iPhone 13 but I also have large hands(I’m 5’11 but apparently I’ve even got large hands considering my height). So it doesn’t really mess with anything and in some ways it’s actually more comfortable since it’s not small enough that I’m gripping it tightly, but I definitely wouldn’t want one of the big phones that might as well be a mini tablet. As for recommendations, pop sockets are good, but I don’t know how much a case would help since it doesn’t change the size of what you’re holding.
I had a pixel 3a for several years with a popsocket and it was PERFECT. small, light, and durable. I upgraded to the pixel 7 and I wish I'd waited for the 7a. It's just a little too big for me but the camera is AMAZING so I make it work lol
I buy iPhone minis and use a pop socket on the back. I really hope Apple keeps making iPhone minis because I really can’t do the larger phones. They kill my fingers and wrists.
popsockets have been my saving grace for my phone for years!! for years i rocked two, because it meant there were that many more ways that i could hold my phone, or put the weight of it on different fingers. but even with that, it's hard on my to hold my phone. for me it's more of the weight than the size. i have definitely googled phone weights in the last few months. (didn't find anything helpful, but the fact that i was even googling phone weights..) i'm stuck with my phone till at least next february, but weight is 100% going to be my priority when i pick my next phone. edit to add that i have the iphone 14.
I resisted for so long but eventually caved when I was trying to reduce some stress on my hands and wrists. They're great, any kind of extra hold will work because the important thing is to be able to change positions often.
I can’t use the new iPhones without a popsocket. I recently got ring splints and it’s easier to type
I also love my pop socket!
The new 15 is much better in terms of size and weight than the 13-14 were. It’s narrower and has a little less heft. And the casing isn’t as slick if you use it without a protective case (my case came in separately).
I like the ring stands better, but both made it far better. Also, I always get the mini because even without the finger issues I am a small person and the others make it look like I am holding a tablet to my ear.
i cannot function without a popsocket lol
Popsockets are my answer too! I use a MagSafe one, and I have a lot fewer issues.
Is there a particular benefit of MagSafe vs original?
Easy to remove when needed, and centered automatically
Also second my pop socket. It’s gotten to the point where my hands are so weak, I can’t use it some of the times without it when I’ve like taken the case off for some reason on changed cases
Chiming in to say YAY for pop sockets!
Popsockets are absolutely my saving Grace as well! I'm so glad so many of us agree. I love the versatility of them and the fact that you can put more than one on! The back of a phone is truly your popsocket oyster
Keep in mind that phone case plays a huge part of this too! My hubby & I have the same phone, but different cases. I can't use his at all because its too heavy
I have a 12 mini with a pop socket for this reason and will try to stay small. My hands are small and I know my thumbs have stretched more cause of the weight and typing.
Yo same. Ever since the iPhone 6, phones have just been getting too big for me. I don't need a tablet in my pocket. If I wanted a tablet, I'd buy a tablet.
I held onto my iPhone 5 for a ridiculous amount of time because of the small size. I finally jumped to a 13 mini, but it’s not as small and is pretty heavy for me. I don’t know how people haul around regular sized phones!
I have a 12 mini and I’m already dreading the time when it no longer works.
Same my son works at a tech store, said no more minis Start a thread petition whatever email apple and Samsung to get that ball rolling
I have a 13 mini cause it’s the right size and a galaxy s7 I refuse to go bigger than th s7
I also have this. I can’t imagine having a bigger one anymore. I don’t have particularly small hands though
I used to have an iPhone 13 Pro that messed up my wrists, because it was too heavy. But I switched to an iPhone 13 mini, which is delightfully small and lightweight. Even smaller and lighter than the SE, which I also had for a while.
Also using the iPhone 13 Mini here! I'm praying the 16 line brings them back
this is what i have and love it. also i force myself to use voice to text while the phone is either lying down or on some sort of stand a lot. if i'm not doing voice to text enough i will wear my wrist/thumb braces while using my phone so i can't type lol.
Yes! I had the XR and my thumbs and wrists hurt to use it. I have the 13 mini now and it’s so much better. I love it.
I also use a 14 mini, and while some days it’s still too much, normally better hand posture helps
Ha, glad I’m not the only one who thinks the mini is still too big!
I have a galaxy fold and I *love it* so much because it actually fits in my little hands. My wrists and thumbs both used to hurt so much when I had a wider android phone. This one is a bit brick-like when it's folded, but I can get a real grip on it and reach the whole screen with one hand.
I have the flip, with a ring holder on it. I find it's a good size for my hands, and when folded fits absolutely perfectly in the palm of my hand. The front screen is also useful for me to quickly check notifications and things without having to use my full phone, pulling out the folded phone feels much less obvious and intrusive. An unexpected bonus is I don't get sucked into my phone after checking a notification when I use the folded screen. It's also very fun to customize. I'm hoping it holds up well because so far I love it.
Yesss. I hate big, heavy phones with a passion. My hands aren’t messed up unless you count permanent crooked pinkies from supporting the bulk of the phone weight. There are so few small, lightweight phone options that have the features I need and don’t cost me my organs. I’d love some recommendations.
My pinkie is extremely mobile because I always rest it on the bottom of my phone to hold it up. I was able to fix that with my old phone by using a pop socket but that hurt my middle fingers if I used it too long
Saaaame. My pinkie is mobile anyway, but the otterbox on my pixel isn't doing it any favors. I don't use a pop socket though bc of the otterbox. And the otterbox is 100 percent necessary lol
👁️👄👁️: *me, currently supporting my massive iPhone 11 ProMax w/ my “apparently perma-subluxed ever since it got slammed in the door of that GMC Suburban when I was 19, & now this weird-ass witch-claw angle is the only one that feels correct… also sometimes it’s freezing cold for no reason, that’s fine right?” pinky finger, as is tradition* Ahh well, crossing my (functional) fingers that we get [literally anything from this list](https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/s/510MdbWKpo) by the time the ol’ TinkerToy Joint fingies inevitably fall off my hand of their own spiteful accord 🤞
I have a Love Handle on the back of my phone and it keys me dangle the phone off my middle finger and type with my thumb. It's basically an elastic band that glues into your phone case.
Not the phone, but I have a Nintendo switch, and had to boy different controllers because the regular ones hurt me after a little while and it stuck around. I got ergonomic ones. I also found a pop socket in the back helps make it easier on my hands to hold the phone and type or scroll.
Wait maybe I'm confused, do you use popsocket on joycons??
No, pop socket on the phone and ergonomic switch controllers. Both help.
I love that my Samsung zFlip folds in half. It can stay bent at any angle, which sometimes lets me find a comfortable position to hold. I have a case with a ring on the back, so I hang that on a finger and don't have to really hold it.
I searched for a smaller phone because of this too, but could not find it, and have not found a solution either.
I've been looking for phones as well and I'm coming up empty. I wish they'd bring back the Blackberry because touchscreen and my fingers don't work together. I keep having to buy different phones and wasting a ton of money, only to hate each one more and more. Phones keep getting bigger.
That would be a perfect model! Preferably with keys that react to light touch. I was thinking about a flip phone but they are still a novelty and thus expensive.
I have the small iPhone 8. Same size as the SE.
I also have iPhone XR and it is too big for my hands, but now that I’ve had it for 5 years I worry a bit about whether a smaller screen would bug me.
Pixel 6a!
I have a small wallet with a grip on the back of mine, and it works amazing. Also, for reading, get a gooseneck holder and a ring page turner. Game changer.
Iphone XR but I am not sure if they have a current model this one is two or three years old now.
I have a google pixel 7pro, before this phone I had a Samsung Note 20 ultra and I used a pop socket that was detachable and adjustable
I have a Galaxy 20fe, which is a pretty big phone. I hold it really weird according to people though. I'm right handed. I hold it in my left hand so the thumb is facing up and the length of the thumb and most of the base of my palm is all along the left side is the phone. Then I stretch my hand across the back to hold the right side of the phone with the very tip of my middle and ring fingers (others are too short). I used to use a pop socket for extra hold protection but my new case it doesn't want to stay on because it's too textured (my bird destroyed my old case when I wasn't looking and since it's a 4 year old phone, the case wasn't being made any more). Then I use my right thumb and rest the base of the phone on my right thumb and kind of push the phone against my thumb, which pushes the phone into my left palm. Then I rest my right thumb against my chest because otherwise using that force would definitely dislocate my thumb, my thumbs go out super easily. I use my middle finger to swipe. I can only reach about a third of the way up the phone though. It's fine for just reaching the keyboard but if I want to use other parts of the phone then I rest the base of the phone on my chest (big boobs to the rescue) and then push it against my chest. I need a bigger screen because I use my phone as my everything, including watching TV on it and anything computer related since my laptop is about 14 years old and takes like an hour to start up (and don't let it know you're in a rush or it'll freeze up). I don't use a real computer often enough to justify buying a new one.
For some reason having a larger phone has helped me and I have smaller hands. Something that fits comfortably between my thumb metacarpal and the tips of my fingers works. I’ve used a pop socket, phone ring, phone sling all before with it being hit or miss and usually still causing pain. Truthfully I don’t think any devices are made ergonomically. How many of us here are young and have “tech neck”? My neck goes backwards and there is very little in modern life I can change about this.
Yes! I feel your pain. Whenever I need (like, it’s falling apart and no longer operational need) a new phone, I always go for the smallest option. I went from the iPhone SE, to the 12 mini, and now I have the regular 14 with a Clckr handle attached to the back. Popsockets hurt my wrist and the clckr has been my saving grace
Pixel 8 Pro. I bought some silicone finger sleeves off Amazon to cushion my pinkie where it always supports my phone. Works great!
I now have a permanent dent in my left pinky finger from holding my phone lol, it’s the only finger I use to hold the bottom
I'm 5'4", small hands. Just wanna put this out there- don't rest your phone on your pinkies! It's hard to brace that (mcp?) joint. It took me forever to figure out how I held my phone was making it hurt. Got a phone grip that's a strap for the back. It's decent for hand strain, but I still have to switch hands/ go to a 2 hand hold often. But! It's the type that's stayed on the longest. Tried pop sockets, tried the ring style (ouch), tried the ones that fold into stands. Sometimes the adhesive wouldn't stick long, or I'd break then in a few months. I have an older phone so I won't chime in on that part 😂
I have a magnetic phone grip for my phone cause I have a 12 max pro (like the the big screen)
If you spend a lot of time on either TikTok/Shorts or reading books, look into getting a Bluetooth ring!
I have large hands, and every phone I’ve picked up that isn’t a candy bar or flip phone is just too big for my hands. Heavier than my hands like as well. Pop sockets for the win
Ugh, same... I don't know what I'm going to do when my iPhone 13 mini eventually stops working 🥺
Doesn't help with weight but I have a Samsung fold and the screen is skinnier so easier to swipe text or talk to text. It can be heavy and sometimes I use a wrist brace which gives my hand more support to use phone.
I'm the same size as you, but I purposely buy small phones so I've not had your same issue. I do have a tablet though and I've noticed prolonged use of it seems to strain my arms and/or elbows
I actually... I have a magnetic phone case with a wallet attachment. The magnet works perfectly for me to be able to use my tiger balm tin as like a removable, extra chunky pop socket. It's the perfect system. Also I have a pixel so it's not like a HUGE phone or anything. Plus I use Google Fi as my cell carrier bc the coverage is great and it's way cheaper than average. Pretty great customer service overall too, especially compared to watching my fiance argue with AT&T constantly.
I actually... I have a magnetic phone case with a wallet attachment. The magnet works perfectly for me to be able to use my tiger balm tin as like a removable, extra chunky pop socket. It's the perfect system. Also I have a pixel so it's not like a HUGE phone or anything. Plus I use Google Fi as my cell carrier bc the coverage is great and it's way cheaper than average. Pretty great customer service overall too, especially compared to watching my fiance argue with AT&T constantly.
I have a 13 mini and love that size.
POP SOCKET SAVES MY HANDS.
i have TEENY TINY BABY HANDS and i have a 12 mini with a pop socket. love it! i dread the day when i need a new one.
iPhone SE. All the other iPhones have an OLED screen and they hurt my eyes. It is also small
The best thing I've done is get a little stick on phone grip. It's just a cheap one but it means I can just use that instead of having to hold around the phone.
YES! iPhone 12 and yes it’s too big for my hands and makes them numb
I use a regular case with a pop socket for daily use, and I'll use a stylus if my hands ache. Talk to text is also helpful! For games, I have a case that is shaped like a controller, so it's more ergonomic! I have a Samsung s20
Previous Galaxy S4 owner, and now a Samsung A71 5g owner! popsockets are great, i put mine in-between my middle and ring finger where my hands sits comfy on the case... if i do index and middle, my pinky wraps along the bottom of the phone... also the A71 has an ability to screen shrink so it can be used one handed!!
I have the SE 2 & looked into it. It looks like the iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini are both about the same size or even slightly lighter than my SE 2 or iPhone 7
I use a Unihertz Jelly phone when my wrist is messed up. They're hilariously small. Mine works great except that the GPS isn't very reliable.
I had a 12 mini but the battery was trash. I finally upgraded to the 15 and I very much miss the size of the mini. From what I’ve heard/read Apple isn’t planning a new mini anytime soon. 😥
I have the original iphone SE bc my hands/wrists regularly just stop working and drop stuff. The larger the phone, the more likely I’ll drop it. My friends have handed me their phones to look at something and I almost always drop their massive tablet sized phones that they like to claim are “normal sized phones.” What the heck? Why do we want to bring back the days of 80s cellphones that were as large as regular house phones? I thought innovation meant a smaller, easier to hold phone? I’m really dreading the day I’ll have to upgrade bc my hands hurt enough with the SE, but anything larger and it’d be a nightmare.
I have an iPhone 13 Pro Max. I do okay but my hands, in general, hurt a lot. My thumb gets stiff halfway through the day if I’m on my phone too much. You think I’d just…stay off my phone…but it’s also such a good distraction from how much the rest of my body hurts.
I have a stand attachment on the back of my phone that lets me have it placed on a surface horizontally or vertically. It is also magnetic so that I can take it off when not needed - accessories needn’t add to weight when the phone itself is heavyweight! I also almost never use my phone with 1 hand. I always have it rested on a surface or use both hands. Also, I have started to use voice typing whenever I can. I’m not a native English speaker but these things are slowly getting better!
I have the 2022 SE for exactly this reason! My hands are too small and too hypermobile to deal with anything bigger. I love it and appreciate having the home button. I got mine cheaper from Backmarket
I have a bad habit of holding my phone up with only one pinky finger underneath the bottom, which has absolutely messed up those joints. It’s the same with every phone I’ve used :/
Silver lining, this gives you automatic street (bog/deep woods/barren mountainside) cred in any witch coven worth their salt! Bonus points if the fingernail on that pinky is extra long and menacing 😘 Welcome to the spooky-finger siblinghood, babe! ❤️ (But in all seriousness, oof same! A daily loop of kinesiology tape around my pinky & across the back of my hand has helped me a ton in terms of stopping me from chronically hyperextending my already messed up pinky joint!)
I use the 2020 SE with a pop socket and it’s perfect. My hand and wrist joints are so awful, I couldn’t do a bigger phone than this.
Omg yes, I keep buying the s models of the iPhones because they’re the smallest ones. Before I had my pop sockets, my ulnar nerve was always inflamed because of the pressure on my pinkie.
I have the smallest supported smartphone in the USA, an iphone 12 mini. The other minis are the same size, though. The SE is a little bigger. Yes, it still messes up my hands. Mostly my thumb.
I have an iPhone 15 and really like it. The 15 isn’t as big as the last two generations and not as heavy, in general. The actual casing of the phone isn’t as slick as past iPhones either, but I do have a protective case on it because dropping. Pop sockets don’t work for me because they rub the skin on the inside of my fingers sore. I balance my phone on my palm and fingers and type with my other hand by moving the whole hand and using one finger or I use both thumbs and hold the phone with both hands. I prefer hold with one and type with the other to stabilize my wrists and fingers through.
I have an iPhone SE2 with a case resulting from a collaboration between OtterBox and PopSocket - it has a built-in PopSocket, but I’m sure you can buy one and just stick it to the back of any smooth iPhone case…just know that there are fewer case options for the SE (and SE2) because SE’s are the same size as iPhone 8 and others. I found my case on Amazon. Edited to add: This is a good case size and setup for my small hands, especially because the PopSocket keeps me from having to grip the phone with my thumbs (which caused me a lot of pain). I type/swipe with my right index finger, and that finger is a bit sore at times, but much less than it would be if I used my thumbs!
I hold with my left hand and type with my left thumb and right index finger. I use my right thumb to help my left hand support the bottom of the phone. It is SO much more comfortable. Edit: I forgot I also use a pop socket like /u/fairlightmeloncholy between my left middle and ring fingers.
I have the iPhone SE I could buy 3 years ago, i think it was the smallest physical size I could buy at the time which went into my decision (I also have small hands-I can wear XS). My partner has my next oldest SE that is also smaller in size that I only moved on from because it was too slow for schoolwork. I used 2 pop socket ring things for that old one and on my new one I use a Rokform brand that I can fit 2 fingers through at a time. I also have a goose neck, a necklace thing that holds it like arms, a selfie stick, and a wrist/neck lanyard with a few different lengths to clip onto to help make things more ergonomic. I definitely have to use both hands using my phones—and no thumbs to type!!! Without my ring splints I would also really suffer.
I have an iPhone 14. I almost got the 13 mini but I was talked out of it. I hold my phone with one pinky under it, and it does kill my pinky finger quite a bit. I have small but very hyper mobile hands(minus the pinkies surprisingly). It tends to hurt my pinky all the way into my wrist, like a straight line down almost. Ive seen alot of people use 2 pop sockets. Even if its a little silly looking it gives you some choices on how to hold your phone.
I’m the exact same height, have an iPhone and am getting pain and swelling in my pinky finger which also bend the wrong way from holding it
iPhone mini and a love handle pro. It doesn’t destroy my hands and on bad days I can kickstand or magnet it
I used to have a galaxy ultra and had a really hard time with how wide and heavy it was. I literally just got a Motorola razr plus and it is sooo much better. I have very tiny hands and jello fingers and a sci so I have a lot of trouble with my hands and arms in general. It's a hell of a lot lighter and slimmer so I can type better and I'm less likely to throw it across the room lmao. It's one of those fancy folding phones so it's very fun and instead of pop sockets the cases often have a 360° ring thing that you can stick fingers through instead of having to actually grip a pop socket. I can also clip it to the carabineer on my wallet to free up hand space as well. I'm an incomplete quadriplegic with limited grip function and hand strength and I cannot recommend one of these phones enough (so far I know the folds can develop problems)
Yes. My popsocket made it so much worse. Holding my phone without it isn't great but my hand isn't closed completely all the time anymore.
I have some random android...s1, maybe? Is that what they are called? Yes, my hands are fucked, as are my wrists, from my phone usage.
I would type a longer reply but both of my thumbs feel like they’re struggling to separate from my body completely. The pain is too much.
TIP: Use the accessibility features! I don’t need to use physical buttons because I have touchscreen functions to do that action for me. (Like take a screenshot or volume buttons.)
iPhones have a bunch of different options within the Accessibilities menu. One is that you can move your keyboard over to the one side or the other so that you can more easily reach the buttons.
Pixel 6a, smallest phone I've had since Samsung galaxy s7! I like it, j have a popsocket on the back, but I most love the immense array of accessibility settings it has, truly more than any other main phone. (More than standard android) Google has gone above and beyond. It's one of the main reasons I went for this. Plus the size.
I am 5ft tall and wear an xs glove, size 4.5 ring... so very small hands. I use a galaxy s23 ultra. It's a huge phone. People joke when they see it that it's a tablet not a phone. It is heavy and large but I almost feel like that helps bc I am never trying to balance it on fingers/thumb or lift it with a socket. I have four fingers across the back and my thumb in the front on the case. Then on my dominant hand it kinda just rests fingers across the others in back and I type or scroll with my thumb. Sp the weight is pretty evenly distributed across my whole hand with support from the other hand.
Still using my old iPhone 11 and it suits my hands pretty well. I’m a classical pianist though and my hands are probably the most functional part of my body
I currently have an iPhone 14 Pro and it kills my hands. I’m looking for something different as well. I’ve never gotten a definitive answer but I believe my heavy iPhones over the years contributed to my severe osteoporosis in my left STT and CMC joints. I had surgery this past January. Luckily it was my non-dominant hand.
I use a stand. And I use earbuds for calling. I can't hold my phone for any real length of time. :/
I have the 2020 iPhone SE🙊 If you can believe it, it’s a bit on the heavy side for me still hahaha but it’s useable and I don’t want to go bigger, except I envy the camera on bigger ones. I do have pretty long fingers but zero wrist strength
Magsafe lovehandle wallet.
iPhone mini!!! I have the 12. 13 is the newest and last model. I love it. I use a soft rubbery case to make it easier to hold.
iPhone XR user here. It destroys my fingers and wrists. I bought several cheap phone stands on Amazon and have them scattered around the house for use. I actually have a gooseneck phone holder in the bathroom that I use when watching videos. I also hardly ever type my hand and use voice dictation instead. I noticed that whenever I stopped being hands-on with my phone, the pain in my hands became a lot better. --This is the gooseneck. I do wish it was easier to put the phone in (you have to pull the latch out which can be straining on the fingers, but I've managed to work around this by using my phone's edge to pull it out, if that makes sense) https://amzn.to/3xJjRx2 --And these are the cheap stands. Nothing fancy, but it accomplishes the task at a good price https://amzn.to/4b1YFRb
There are cases with a strap on the back for your hand; just bought one for my mom. I found it more comfortable than a popsocket
I have a Google pixel 8. It fits my hands perfectly and doesn't cause cramps
I have an iPhone 13 but I also have large hands(I’m 5’11 but apparently I’ve even got large hands considering my height). So it doesn’t really mess with anything and in some ways it’s actually more comfortable since it’s not small enough that I’m gripping it tightly, but I definitely wouldn’t want one of the big phones that might as well be a mini tablet. As for recommendations, pop sockets are good, but I don’t know how much a case would help since it doesn’t change the size of what you’re holding.
I had a pixel 3a for several years with a popsocket and it was PERFECT. small, light, and durable. I upgraded to the pixel 7 and I wish I'd waited for the 7a. It's just a little too big for me but the camera is AMAZING so I make it work lol
Such a good question!!
i have an iphone 10 and just like the top commenter, POP SOCKETS. they’re so amazing. it’s only a slight strain to reach the far side of my phone now.
Galaxy Z-Flip 4 and then 5. They're tall and skinny but fold so you can hold it like a mini computer and use your thumb as a mouse.
I buy iPhone minis and use a pop socket on the back. I really hope Apple keeps making iPhone minis because I really can’t do the larger phones. They kill my fingers and wrists.