@arstechnica trying to chase thinness is literally only relevant if you have a big ass 80s phone that needs a backpack.
I don't think anyone cares if something is 5 or 8mm or even 10mm, if it gets over 10-15mm some people may complain that they can't fit 2+ phones into their designer jeans.
Personally, I'd rather have literally the formfactor of a brick with a month battery life than something that will turn to dust if I sit down with it in my pocket, or cuts my cheek if I hold it to my ears 🤷