I find that bezels play a role in ergonomics. Fit the biggest display you can and your phone cannot be held anymore without accidental touches registering.

I don't understand why simple algo "don't register touches 5mm from the edge" isn't implemented. Or at least give me it in settings. This will allow to use full screen for video etc, but also will be much more convenient. Don't know who iphone handles it, but my current phone (xiaomi) doesn't have it and it's very annoying.

True, but even 4 inches is already a perfectly acceptable display size (and you can push at least to 4.5-4.7 without compromising ergonomics; see the Sony XZ2 compact, the single compact phone in existence in the last 2 years).

I was holding my old iPhone 4 not too long ago and I think it’s my favorite one so far. I’m still stuck with my iPhone 7 because everything has just gotten too huge.

Nostalgia, rose-colored glasses, etc., but I loved the iPhone 4 form factor. Mostly symmetrical, fit in your pockets, easy to hold, with a bit of heft. And the 2x screen density was a revelation.

It was super heavy though. So dense and heavy I remember I couldn't carry it in my pocket when wearing shorts shorts.

Definitely on the heavy side, but I can’t remember that ever being a problem for me (I also don’t wear shorts, so maybe that’s why).

If they could make that form factor lighter with aN edge to edge screen it’d be me ideal phone.

Non XL Pixels are okayish, but I still prefer the iPhone SE form factor. Or the Nokia N9 form factor, which aside from being small had a perfectly curved screen and matching gestures.

The only device right now that comes a bit close is the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact. But it's very expensive for what it offers. At least, they have great kernel & AOSP suppport.