Remember when smartphone bezels were thicker than a paperback novel? Those days feel like ancient history now.
In 2021, manufacturers pushed the boundaries of screen-to-body ratios to new heights, creating devices that are practically all display.
You’re about to discover which phones delivered the most immersive viewing experiences and why these numbers matter more than you might think.
Pro Tip: Screen-to-body ratio isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly impacts your daily usage, from gaming performance to video streaming quality.
Why Screen-to-Body Ratio Matters More Than Ever
Before diving into the top performers, let’s address the elephant in the room: does a few percentage points really make a difference? Absolutely.
When you’re watching Netflix during your commute or gaming for hours, every millimeter of screen real estate counts.
A higher ratio means more content fits on your display without increasing the phone’s overall size.
Modern flagship phones with exceptional screen ratios offer several key advantages:
- Enhanced media consumption with minimal distractions
- Improved multitasking capabilities with more visible content
- Better gaming experiences with expanded field of view
- Sleeker aesthetics that feel more premium in hand
The Top 10 Bezel-Less Smartphones of 2021
1. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra – 91.4% Screen-to-Body Ratio
The Mi 11 Ultra didn’t just win the screen ratio game—it dominated it. With its curved AMOLED display stretching nearly edge-to-edge, this phone offers an almost surreal viewing experience.
The 6.81-inch display feels impossibly large while maintaining comfortable one-handed use.
Key Features:
- 3200 x 1440 resolution with 515 ppi
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Gorilla Glass Victus protection
- HDR10+ support for premium content
Did You Know? The Mi 11 Ultra’s curved edges contribute significantly to its impressive ratio, but some users report occasional accidental touches during intense gaming sessions.
2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra – 89.8% Screen-to-Body Ratio
Samsung’s flagship proves that you don’t need extreme curves to achieve excellent ratios. The Galaxy S21 Ultra balances practicality with visual impact, offering a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display that feels both expansive and manageable.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.8 inches |
| Resolution | 3200 x 1440 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz adaptive |
| Peak Brightness | 1500 nits |
The S21 Ultra’s secret weapon? Its refined bezel engineering that maximizes screen space without compromising structural integrity. Samsung’s years of display expertise really show here.
3. iPhone 13 Pro Max – 87.4% Screen-to-Body Ratio
Apple may not lead in raw numbers, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max delivers something special: perfect optimization.
Every pixel serves a purpose, and the smaller notch compared to previous generations makes a noticeable difference during daily use.
Standout Elements:
- ProMotion technology with 120Hz refresh rate
- Ceramic Shield front glass
- True Tone and Wide color (P3) support
- Exceptional color accuracy for professional work
The iPhone’s lower ratio stems from its more conservative design approach, but many users prefer the added grip area and reduced accidental touches.
4. Oppo Find X3 Pro – 89.6% Screen-to-Body Ratio
Oppo’s engineering marvel combines aesthetics with functionality. The Find X3 Pro’s 6.7-inch curved display creates an almost borderless experience that photographers and content creators particularly appreciate.
Creative Professional Features:
- 1 billion color display support
- Hardware-level blue light filter
- Professional color calibration options
- Billion-color video recording capability
Pro Tip: The Find X3 Pro’s color accuracy makes it ideal for photo editing on the go—something many high-ratio phones struggle with due to display compromises.
5. OnePlus 9 Pro – 89.3% Screen-to-Body Ratio
OnePlus built its reputation on flagship features at competitive prices, and the 9 Pro continues this tradition. Its 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display offers smooth performance that gamers absolutely love.
The phone’s Hasselblad-tuned cameras benefit from the expansive display during photo review and editing. You’ll notice fine details that smaller screens simply can’t reveal.
6. Vivo X60 Pro+ – 89.1% Screen-to-Body Ratio
Vivo’s premium offering might fly under the radar in some markets, but its display engineering deserves recognition.
The X60 Pro+ delivers exceptional viewing angles and color reproduction that rivals much more expensive devices.
Unique Advantages:
- Zeiss-certified camera system pairs perfectly with the large display
- Advanced gimbal stabilization for video content
- Professional photography modes optimized for the screen ratio
- Excellent low-light display performance
7. Google Pixel 6 Pro – 88.2% Screen-to-Body Ratio
Google’s return to premium smartphones brought thoughtful design choices. The Pixel 6 Pro’s 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display adapts its refresh rate intelligently, conserving battery while maintaining smooth performance.
Google’s Smart Features:
- Adaptive refresh rate (10-120Hz)
- Always-on display with useful information
- Pixel-exclusive wallpapers that showcase the screen
- Superior outdoor visibility
The Pixel’s slightly lower ratio comes from Google’s emphasis on functionality over pure aesthetics—and it works beautifully.
8. Honor Magic 3 Pro – 89.5% Screen-to-Body Ratio
Honor’s independence from Huawei allowed them to create something special. The Magic 3 Pro’s curved display technology rivals the best in the industry, offering an immersive experience that photographs and videos simply can’t capture.
Advanced Display Technology:
- DCI-P3 wide color gamut support
- Eye comfort certification
- Intelligent screen optimization
- Professional color modes
9. Realme GT – 89.0% Screen-to-Body Ratio
Realme proved that high screen ratios don’t require flagship prices. The GT offers impressive display quality that punches well above its weight class, making it perfect for budget-conscious users who refuse to compromise on visual experience.
Value-Focused Features:
- Super AMOLED display with vibrant colors
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Surprisingly good outdoor visibility
10. Asus ROG Phone 5 – 82.0% Screen-to-Body Ratio
The ROG Phone 5 ranks last in our ratio comparison, but there’s good reason for its design choices.
Gaming phones need different priorities: cooling, grip areas, and trigger placement matter more than maximum screen coverage.
Gaming-Optimized Design:
- Dedicated gaming triggers and controls
- Advanced cooling system requires space
- Landscape-oriented design considerations
- Professional esports optimization
Did You Know? The ROG Phone 5’s “lower” ratio is actually intentional—those bezels house essential gaming hardware that competitive players depend on.
What These Numbers Really Mean for Daily Use
Screen-to-body ratios sound technical, but they translate into real-world benefits you’ll notice immediately.
Streaming services look more cinematic, social media feeds display more content, and productivity apps become genuinely useful on mobile devices.
However, higher ratios come with trade-offs:
- Increased fragility due to curved edges
- Potential for accidental touches during one-handed use
- Higher replacement costs for damaged screens
- Reduced grip area for secure handling
Choosing the Right Balance for Your Needs
The “best” screen-to-body ratio depends entirely on how you use your phone. Content creators and media enthusiasts benefit from maximum screen real estate, while practical users might prefer slightly lower ratios for better durability and handling.
Consider Your Usage Patterns:
- Heavy media consumption: Prioritize 90%+ ratios
- Gaming focus: Balance ratio with cooling and controls
- Professional photography: Look for color accuracy over pure size
- One-handed use: Consider phones with moderate ratios
The Future of Bezel-Less Design
2021 represented a peak in practical screen-to-body ratios. While manufacturers continue pushing boundaries, the focus has shifted toward under-display cameras, improved durability, and better integration of sensors and speakers.
Emerging Technologies:
- Under-display camera technology
- Improved folding display mechanisms
- Enhanced edge touch rejection
- Better integration of face unlock sensors
Making Your Decision
When choosing among these exceptional devices, remember that the highest ratio isn’t always the best choice.
Consider your specific needs, budget, and how you actually use your phone daily. Each device on this list offers something unique beyond just screen coverage.
Final Recommendation: Test these phones in person when possible. Screen ratios look different in real life than in specifications, and personal preferences vary significantly.
The smartphone industry’s pursuit of maximum screen real estate has given us some incredible devices.
Whether you prioritize the Mi 11 Ultra’s record-breaking ratio or the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s refined implementation, 2021 delivered options for every type of user seeking that perfect edge-to-edge experience.
