It should refer to screen size. You can look up smartphone screen size 7 inch. Huawei lists its phone as having a 7-inch screen.

Gosh, a 7" screen is practically a tablet.

Better than thinking about the screen size although that is important think about how comfortable it is in your hand. If you are planning on putting it in your pocket will it fit or will it fall out easily. I chose the largest I-7 and while the size is good for my hand female pockets are not deep enough to hold it.

Don't over-complicate the situation. For any models you're considering, go to the information page (whether the website of the carrier or of the manufacturer) where you can find the exact specs - length and width. If it helps, draw out the rectangle on paper so you can see the exact size. and compare them to one another or to what you have.

Thanks Michael! That's a good link since it includes so many. Although the site did run slow for me due to my basic net plan. Elmer, i think i tried doing that, but didn't easily find such info.