I was convinced that streaming Netflix on my phone was the ultimate in convenience. But eventually, I came to understand that it involved trade-offs that made me rethink and switch over to larger, better screens.
1. The Silent Battery Killer
For several years, I did not even consider streaming Netflix on my phone. It was convenient just a tap away, whether I was in bed or out and about. Yet, as the days went by, I began to realize something and that was my battery wasn‘t holding out the way it used to.
Video streaming might not be as intense as gaming, but it‘s no less a battery sucker. I recall looking up Apple‘s specs on the iPhone 16 Pro and understanding why I had this drain so badly 27 hours of video use compared to a whopping 85 hours of audio. That‘s not even close.
What really got me, though, was learning that watching while plugged in can heat up the battery. Whenever my phone starts to overheat, I can’t help but think about the recent incidents of batteries exploding. Thankfully, I switched to my TV for watching Netflix shows, and I am quite happier for it.
2. When Notifications Ruin the Story
I don‘t spend too much time watching shows in a week, so when I do, I want to be totally immersed. But my phone never reminds me there’s a world out there. I‘m engrossed in a suspenseful scene one moment, the next my screen is lighting up with a text, an email, or some other app alert. It‘s infuriating like having someone tap you on the shoulder while the good part of a movie is going on.
Streaming is supposed to be an immersive experience, not something half-viewed while reading messages. This is why I‘ve figured out how to put my phone away when I especially want to watch a show.
3. When Comfort Takes a Back Seat
Keeping a phone in my hand for hours isn‘t just uncomfortable it‘s downright exhausting. I‘ve tried every position possible in my hand, on my lap, pushed up against a pillow, even propped on a stand. It‘s never quite right.
It made a difference as soon as I switched to the TV. I could finally sit back, be comfortable, and get lost in the show without fidgeting or struggling with discomfort. It was like streaming was always designed to be consumed in this way.
4. Sound That Falls Flat
I love cinematic sound. The deep rumble before a big reveal, the subtle rustle of leaves in the background it all matters to me. But on a phone? The audio always feels small.
Even with great earbuds, it‘s not quite like my soundbar at home. The room, the definition, the depth of sound that‘s something no phone speaker can provide you with. I didn‘t know how much more it added to the story until I switched.
5. A Small Screen for Big Stories
Phones may now have razor-sharp displays and HDR, but at the end of the day, a 6-inch screen is still just a 6-inch screen. I’ve tried watching sweeping landscapes, intricate set designs, or breathtaking action on my phone, and it always feels cramped.
On a TV, the same shot can pull me right into the scene. On a phone, it’s as if I can see the story but can’t quite step into it. And for me, that difference is everything.
My Takeaway
Sure, watching Netflix on my phone was once the easy choice but easy isn’t always better. From draining batteries and incessant distractions to poor ergonomics, lower-quality sound, and a constricted visual experience, I knew I was cheating myself each time I pressed play on that small screen.
Now that I can sit down and watch something I actually enjoy, I allow the Netflix Shows the room and the TV it needs. And honestly? I don’t miss the phone one bit.
