Hot off the press is the announcement from tech giants Samsung that they are set to go extra-large with their brand new Galaxy Mega smartphone.

In fact the latest device is comparable to some of the 7 inch tablets that are currently dominating the market. Those of you who have a Nexus will only see a 0.7 inch difference when stood side by side!

With the success of the original Note back in 2011 and its brother the 5.5in Galaxy Note 2, there seems to be a niche out there for so called “phablet” devices.

According to Samsung, it will go on sale packing in one of the largest full high definition screens that are a part of the next phase of handsets.

Yet what are the benefits to a monster 16cm touchscreen? The company has reiterated its allegiance to the bigger size thanks to its ability to view content in stunning HD and running several apps simultaneously.

However there may be certain drawbacks to the Mega as some insiders have insinuated that Samsung have crossed the line when it comes to larger touch screen phones.

In essence, it may just prove too cumbersome in the pursuit of Android perfection.

But there are plenty of plus points going for the Galaxy Mega which include its slight appearance as well as feather light weight coming in at less than 200 grams.

In spite of the current size, you will still be able to fit it into your pockets with seamless comfort. Yet this has not stopped Samsung from bringing out a smaller relation. Talk about keeping it in the family.

The baby brother version will encompass a reduced 5.8in screen that some consumers may find a little easier to handle.

So when can you get your mitts on one? Well dear friends you will have to hold on a little while longer as both phones are not available until May.

The US may have to be even more patient as it will only go on sale to European territories and Russia in the first instance.

Recently, there has been a shift towards customers wanting to purchase a phone which utilises both functions provided by a phone and a tablet, and therefore sizes have increased. Let’s hope it doesn’t return to the  days when your ear was pressed to an oversized Yuppie phone which was de rigeur in Thatcher’s Britain.

Nevertheless, Samsung have a real stranglehold on the mobile market and were considered to be the most popular mobile manufacturer last year, responsible for more than 30% of all worldwide deliveries.

The competition

But who exactly are Samsung’s rivals? Who are the runners and riders in terms of the bigger mobile offerings?

Don’t underestimate the power of Pantech. This South Korean business is at the forefront thanks to its near six inch Vega No 6 which was only launched in January of this year. Pantech the second best selling hand-set manufacturer in South Korea. No prozes for guessing who is number one.

Other contenders include the likes of Chinese firm Huawei who are making their mark in the mobile sector. Huawei products and services have been deployed in more than 140 countries and it currently serves 45 of the world’s 50 largest telecoms operators. They formerly held the title of largest screen which featured the Ascend Mate boasting a 6.1in display.