The Evolution of Bezel Design in Modern Technology
The term “bezel” originated in the jewelry industry, referring to the frame or setting of a piece. However, as technology advanced, the term found its way into the tech industry, describing the area on the front of a device that surrounds the screen. Over time, bezels have evolved significantly, impacting the design and functionality of various devices.

In the early days of technology, bezels were more prominent. For example, traditional cathode ray televisions had large bezels housing dials, buttons, and controls. However, modern devices such as smartphones and TVs have moved toward slimmer bezels or even bezel-less designs, enabling more screen space and sleeker aesthetics.
Bezel-less designs do not imply the complete absence of bezels but rather minimal bezels compared to previous models. Eliminating bezels entirely can be impractical for many devices due to the need for protection and housing of specific components. Nevertheless, screens with very little front-facing frame are becoming increasingly popular.
This trend towards smaller bezels, along with other changes like removing traditional audio jacks, has led to the miniaturization and transformation of smartphones into powerful microcomputers. The evolution of bezel design has also raised questions about the future of smartphones and whether designs can eliminate the remaining bezel chin below the screen.
In the past, bezels were essential for providing physical protection to devices and housing key controls. As touch screens have become more prevalent, the need for bezel controls has diminished, allowing designers to further minimize bezels. However, this has also led to concerns about device durability and the need for additional protective accessories.
The minimization of bezels represents a broader shift in user interfaces. Innovations in wearable technology and voice-command interfaces suggest a future where physical device components can be replaced or entirely eliminated. As technology continues to advance, bezels may further shrink or even disappear, paving the way for new, groundbreaking designs.
Author Profile
- I'm Martin Harris, a tech writer with extensive experience, contributing to global publications. Trained in Computer Science, I merged my technical know-how with writing, becoming a technology journalist. I've covered diverse topics like AI and consumer electronics, contributing to top tech platforms. I participate in tech events for knowledge updating. Besides writing, I enjoy reading, photography, and aim to clarify technology's complexities to readers.
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