Poll: Do you prefer flat or curved displays on smartphones?

Google Pixel 8 Pro render
(Image credit: Smartprix, OnLeaks)

Aside from foldable phones and the eventual rollables, smartphone OEMs typically have a choice between curved displays or flat displays. Usually, it all comes down to aesthetics, although fans of either display type will likely argue over usability. Unfortunately, OEMs don't often give consumers a choice, so if you want a particular phone model, you're pretty much stuck with whatever display type the OEM chose.

The upcoming Pixel 8 Pro is rumored to switch things up and may likely sport a flat display. With that in mind, we want to know which display you prefer on a smartphone.

Samsung essentially popularized the curved smartphone display with phones like the Galaxy Note Edge and later models. Eventually, many other OEMs began adopting the curved display on many of the best Android phones, and it's typically saved for the top-end models like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, almost as if the curves themselves convey "premium."

This is something Google apparently took to heart with its recent Pixel launches. With the Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 7 Pro, the company outfitter both models with a curved display, while the non-Pro models got flat displays. Essentially, if you prefer flat panels, the Pro model might look less appealing despite having the better specs, or alternatively, you might want the more affordable Pixel, but you'd be stuck wishing it came with a curved panel.

With the Pixel 8 series, it seems Google is settling on one display type. With the latest leaked renders of the devices, it seems both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will utilize flat displays, much to the disappointment of those who prefer the curved aesthetic. It's unclear why this change is being made, and perhaps Google will explain when the phones launch later this year, but it looks like curved display fans are taking an L in this year, particularly with Samsung's ever-flattening Ultra displays.

Let us know in the poll comments or on social media why you prefer one over the other.

Derrek Lee
Managing Editor

Derrek is the managing editor of Android Central, helping to guide the site's editorial content and direction to reach and resonate with readers, old and new, who are just as passionate about tech as we are. He's been obsessed with mobile technology since he was 12, when he discovered the Nokia N90, and his love of flip phones and new form factors continues to this day. As a fitness enthusiast, he has always been curious about the intersection of tech and fitness. When he's not working, he's probably working out.

Read more
Close-up of the Peony Google Pixel 9a, focused on the camera cutout and LED.
Here's why the Google Pixel 9a ditched the camera bar
OPPO Find N5 in Flex Mode
OPPO Find N5 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 next to the Razr Plus 2024
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Motorola Razr Plus 2024: Different strokes
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 next to the Razr Plus 2024
I love the Motorola Razr and Galaxy Z Flip 6, but there's still room to make flip phones better
OnePlus Open review
Best foldable phone 2025
Comparing the backs and sizes of the Obsidian Google Pixel 9 Pro with the Hazel Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Which should you buy?
Latest in Phones
Android Central's Lloyd sitting at a computer desk
Editor's Desk
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 on cobblestone road
One UI 7 Beta 3 for the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Fold 6 brings two notable AI additions
Nothing Phone 3a Pro
Nothing OS 3.1 update lets Phone 3a, 3a Pro users snap and save to Essential Spaces
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ on a desk.
Ditch Amazon and score 50% OFF the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus with this deal from Samsung
Qualcomm logo
Qualcomm might ditch the 'Elite' tag and go with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 for its next chip
Top-down view of four different Galaxy S25 Ultra colors
New leak hints at major camera upgrade in the books for Galaxy S26 Ultra
Latest in News
Top Charts in the Play Store on the Galaxy S25 Ultra
Google Play Store will get more tools to protect users from scammy apps
Google Gemini Image Query on Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Gemini could soon allow you to upload multiple images in a single prompt
Google Maps on Android Auto
Gemini could soon replace Google Assistant in Android Auto 14.0
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 on cobblestone road
One UI 7 Beta 3 for the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Fold 6 brings two notable AI additions
Gemini 2.5 Pro graphics and benchmark results.
Gemini 2.5 Pro is Google's latest AI model with thinking and multimodality built-in
Nothing Phone 3a Pro
Nothing OS 3.1 update lets Phone 3a, 3a Pro users snap and save to Essential Spaces