? Just because it’s not practical for everyone doesn’t mean it’s “just a gimmick”.
Modern smartphones are freaking gigantic. Women’s pants pockets are comically tiny. Modern smartphones physically would not fit in the majority of my pants. I bought a Z Flip so I could fit a modern phone in my pants and not be forced to carry around a purse.
The length is important for women’s pants pockets, not necessarily the thickness. It is practical for me. No, it’s not practical for everyone.