Luckily, there is the Android ecosystem, so you get choice and don't need to get a massive phone.

Android is 1. something completely different and 2. not great when it comes to small phones, either.

Yes, but the original post talks about the `"phablet" standard `, in such a way as if there is no alternative. Apple doesn't make a tonne of concurrent iPhone designs like other manufacturers. One reason to choose Apple is to not have to choose the model, just get the latest (or in my case the oldest model that doesn't fall into a pile of shit running iOS). I've had areally nice small android phone, most of them sucked though, it will depend on the mfr and luck. I prefer apple overall because I'd trade choice for the 'just works'. I've never had a situation where I cannot dial on an iPhone, but in other-mfr land it seems quite common.