iPhone SE (2016) At least Sony still thinks a small phone has value

[dcpmark]

I’m an Apple fanboy firmly entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, and I love my SE, but I will not hestitate to switch phones if Apple doesn’t keep supporting and updating an SE-sized phone. And yes, I would gladly pay MORE for a top-spec small phone:

https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/07/sony-xperia-xz2-compact-review-a-smaller-flagship-without-compr/

 

[dontwalkhand]

Android will not play well with your other Apple devices. Have fun with the switch.

 

[44267547]

I’m an Apple fanboy firmly entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, and I love my SE, but I will not hestitate to switch phones if Apple doesn’t keep supporting and updating an SE-sized phone. And yes, I would gladly pay MORE for a top-spec small phone:

https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/07/sony-xperia-xz2-compact-review-a-smaller-flagship-without-compr/

I agree that I also appreciate the iPhone SE phone size, but there is no way I could abandon iOS and Apples ecosystem altogether just for the sake of another small phone from another competitor. The main advantage of ANY iPhone in my opinion, is iOS (Security, updates, customer service). My advice to you would try to be patient and see what the future holds in terms of maybe an SE being introduced late fall or even early 2019. However, I think Apple offering the SE when they didn’t have to was Due feedback with a smaller phone from the customer base and as a global affordable phone countries like Asia/India, , given that larger smart phones are fairly predominant.

 

[JPack]

This Sony Compact phone has the same footprint as a 4.7" iPhone 8. But it's nearly twice as thick (12.1mm).

If you're fine with this Sony phone, you'll be fine with an iPhone 8. In all likelihood, Apple will transition SE to a 4.7" body. So everyone is happy.

 

[dcpmark]

Android will not play well with your other Apple devices. Have fun with the switch.

Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The SE currently satisfies 100% my cell phone needs as my Mini 4 does most of the heavy lifting, and my hope is that Apple continues to update and support the SE. But if they don’t, and my SE is longer supported, there is at least another option now.

As for not playing well with other devices, it’s a cell phone....what else does it need to do besides being a cell phone and syncing with iTunes on my Mac?

 

[44267547]

Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The SE currently satisfies 100% my cell phone needs as my Mini 4 does most of the heavy lifting, and my hope is that Apple continues to update and support the SE.

I’m Willing to believe that a A9processor/two GB of RAM is it least suitable to iOS 13. Which in theory, gives you approximately two more years of updates to determine if Apple would even consider another introduction of an iPhone SE with a similar size variant. But you waiting in between is solely up to you.

 

[dcpmark]

I’m Willing to believe that a A9processor/two GB of RAM is it least suitable to iOS 13. Which in theory, gives you approximately two more years of updates to determine if Apple would even consider another introduction of an iPhone SE with a similar size variant. But you waiting in between is solely up to you.

Perfectly happy to wait....my cell phone needs are modest, at best. I use my SE for call, texts, and the occasional email only.....everything else is offloaded to the Mini. I can just envision a time where I can’t even use my SE anymore, and if it’s not been kept current, I may have other options.
[doublepost=1523133633][/doublepost]

This Sony Compact phone has the same footprint as a 4.7" iPhone 8. But it's nearly twice as thick (12.1mm).

If you're fine with this Sony phone, you'll be fine with an iPhone 8. In all likelihood, Apple will transition SE to a 4.7" body. So everyone is happy.

I didn’t actually check the size compared to the SE, or the 8.....I was going from the article:

“The iPhone 8 and Pixel 2 are both 5-inch devices, so they're in the mix. The displays on these phones are of the 16:9 variety, though, so both are much bigger than the XZ2 Compact.”
[doublepost=1523133866][/doublepost]

Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The SE currently satisfies 100% my cell phone needs as my Mini 4 does most of the heavy lifting, and my hope is that Apple continues to update and support the SE. But if they don’t, and my SE is longer supported, there is at least another option now.

As for not playing well with other devices, it’s a cell phone....what else does it need to do besides being a cell phone and syncing with iTunes on my Mac?

Oh....I’ll answer my own question. I just realized an android phone will NOT work with my Apple Watches!

Guess I’m back to hoping Apple keeps refreshing the SE, or updates the Apple Watch to function completely independently of the iPhone.

 

[44267547]

Perfectly happy to wait....my cell phone needs are modest, at best. I use my SE for call, texts, and the occasional email only.....everything else is offloaded to the Mini. I can just envision a time where I can’t even use my SE anymore, and if it’s not been kept current, I may have other options.

The below photo of the iPhone SE 2 is just a rendering, and I understand introducing face ID with an OLED panel would increase the price, but I would pay full price if they ever did release an SE that resembled the photo below.

Even if Apple only updated the current SE just with a camera upgrade, A10 Fusion processor and higher resolution display, that’s really all it needs.

 

[eyoungren]

Android will not play well with your other Apple devices. Have fun with the switch.

I always laugh when I hear this. There is an automatic assumption that just because someone uses an iPhone or other iDevice they are using Apple's ecosystem. Most of the time that assumption is correct, but not always.

In my case for instance, Apple has never played well with 2003 PowerBooks and 2005 PowerMacs. I use Google services with my iPhone and other third party services because of that. Since this stuff is platform independent I have to say that I'd do fine no matter which device I use.

Point is, not everyone who uses an iDevice is trapped in Apple's ecosystem.

 

[JPack]

What the Xperia XZ2 Compact shows is how out of place the iPhone SE is in today's world.

• iPhone SE: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm
• iPhone 8: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
• Xperia XZ2 Compact: 135 x 65 x 12.1 mm
• Pixel 2: 145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8 mm

What Sony considers "compact" has the same footprint as iPhone 8 and is actually >50% volumetrically larger. Gone are the days of the 4.7" and 4" displays.

If we compare display area of the same devices:

• iPhone SE: 6.84 sq. in
  
• iPhone 8: 9.41 sq. in
• Xperia XZ2 Compact: 10.00 sq. in
  
• Pixel 2: 10.66 sq. in

I understand the appeal of the SE to some buyers, but world has simply moved on to larger devices in order to accommodate larger displays, camera sensors, and battery life.

 

[EightyTwenty]

That phone is thick like Alexis Texas.

 

[Vlad.E.]

Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The SE currently satisfies 100% my cell phone needs as my Mini 4 does most of the heavy lifting, and my hope is that Apple continues to update and support the SE. But if they don’t, and my SE is longer supported, there is at least another option now.

As for not playing well with other devices, it’s a cell phone....what else does it need to do besides being a cell phone and syncing with iTunes on my Mac?

At some point, ALL manufacturers stop supporting their products. And from what I have seen, Apple does a better job then any one else.

So you reason to switch is just silly.

 

[dcpmark]

What the Xperia XZ2 Compact shows is how out of place the iPhone SE is in today's world.

• iPhone SE: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm
• iPhone 8: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
• Xperia XZ2 Compact: 135 x 65 x 12.1 mm
• Pixel 2: 145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8 mm

What Sony considers "compact" has the same footprint as iPhone 8 and is actually >50% volumetrically larger. Gone are the days of the 4.7" and 4" displays.

If we compare display area of the same devices:

• iPhone SE: 6.84 sq. in
  
• iPhone 8: 9.41 sq. in
• Xperia XZ2 Compact: 10.00 sq. in
  
• Pixel 2: 10.66 sq. in

I understand the appeal of the SE to some buyers, but world has simply moved on to larger devices in order to accommodate larger displays, camera sensors, and battery life.

Well, you’ve perfectly capsulated why using stats can be sometimes be meaningless for real world usages. For people who like smaller phones like me, the only thing that matters is the 2.3mm smaller the width is and the 3.4mm smaller the height is than the iP 8.

That may not seem like much as a “volumetric percentage”, but it means a world of comfort while holding a phone for some of us. I upgraded my iP 5 to an iP 6 on launch day for the increased features such as Touch ID/Apple Pay, but I HATED how big it was from the moment it was in my hand. Also hated how thin it was, and the rounded edges and flat bottom made it uncomfortable to hold, even in a case. Couldn’t wait to get the SE, which was thicker and had the added bonus of the squared off sides that made it easier to hold. For me, a 12mm thick phone with a rounded back will be MUCH easier for me to hold, IMHO. But that’s just me.

 

[0007776]

I fail to see how a 5” screen is considered compact. At that size you lose one handed use, and then there isn’t much point in going for a smaller screen over the biggest you can get.

 

[dcpmark]

I fail to see how a 5” screen is considered compact. At that size you lose one handed use, and then there isn’t much point in going for a smaller screen over the biggest you can get.

Haven’t tried or even held one to see, but from the Engadget review:

Pros

• Rare in its small size
• Easy to use one-handed
• Great 5-inch display
• Flagship power without trade-offs

Cons

• All-plastic body may be off-putting for some
• Average battery life
• Poor-quality stereo speakers

 

[dontwalkhand]

Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The SE currently satisfies 100% my cell phone needs as my Mini 4 does most of the heavy lifting, and my hope is that Apple continues to update and support the SE. But if they don’t, and my SE is longer supported, there is at least another option now.

As for not playing well with other devices, it’s a cell phone....what else does it need to do besides being a cell phone and syncing with iTunes on my Mac?

One large word now: Continuity

Also handoff.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Thank you for the public service announcement, that you will switch brands if you like a small Sony phone. Let us all breathe a sigh of relief.

 

[0007776]

Haven’t tried or even held one to see, but from the Engadget review:

Pros

• Rare in its small size
• Easy to use one-handed
• Great 5-inch display
• Flagship power without trade-offs

I think the people who do reviews claiming that these size phones are easy to use one-handed are either saying that they are easier to use one handed than 6” monstrosities, or they have much larger than average hands. I’ve also heard people say that the non plus size iPhones are usable with one hand, but for me at least anything over the 4” screen on the SE becomes unusable with one hand.

 

[JPack]

Well, you’ve perfectly capsulated why using stats can be sometimes be meaningless for real world usages. For people who like smaller phones like me, the only thing that matters is the 2.3mm smaller the width is and the 3.4mm smaller the height is than the iP 8.

That may not seem like much as a “volumetric percentage”, but it means a world of comfort while holding a phone for some of us. I upgraded my iP 5 to an iP 6 on launch day for the increased features such as Touch ID/Apple Pay, but I HATED how big it was from the moment it was in my hand. Also hated how thin it was, and the rounded edges and flat bottom made it uncomfortable to hold, even in a case. Couldn’t wait to get the SE, which was thicker and had the added bonus of the squared off sides that made it easier to hold. For me, a 12mm thick phone with a rounded back will be MUCH easier for me to hold, IMHO. But that’s just me.

You're not going to convince many people that a difference of 2.3mm in width is significant. Apple's silicone cases add about 2-3mm to the iPhone.

The 12.1mm thickness on this Xperia Compact is ridiculous and harps back to designs 10 years ago like the iPhone 3G. Regardless of whether it has a curved back, holding a phone 12.1mm thick stretches the nerves between the thumb and the forefinger which makes it uncomfortable. There's a reason why none of the top 3 smartphone manufacturers Apple, Samsung, nor Huawei, sell phones this thick.

In terms of size, this Sony "Compact" phone is more similar to iPhone 8 than iPhone SE. In 2018, the notion of a "small" phone has moved well past 4" or even 4.7" displays.

 

[dcpmark]

You're not going to convince many people that a difference of 2.3mm in width is significant. Apple's silicone cases add about 2-3mm to the iPhone.

The 12.1mm thickness on this Xperia Compact is ridiculous and harps back to designs 10 years ago like the iPhone 3G. Regardless of whether it has a curved back, holding a phone 12.1mm thick stretches the nerves between the thumb and the forefinger which makes it uncomfortable. There's a reason why none of the top 3 smartphone manufacturers Apple, Samsung, nor Huawei, sell phones this thick.

In terms of size, this Sony "Compact" phone is more similar to iPhone 8 than iPhone SE. In 2018, the notion of a "small" phone has moved well past 4" or even 4.7" displays.

Agreed that it is MUCH closer to the iP 8 such that I will probably hate the size as much as I hate the size of the ip 8, but I also think all these manufacturers are in a race to convince the masses that thinner is better, regards of the actual ergonomics. My Droid Incredible from 8 years ago was 11.9mm thick, and incredibly (no pub intended) comfortable to hold for extended periods of time. Perhaps most people don’t actually make phone calls with their cell phones these days as much as I do.

 

[44267547]

I understand the appeal of the SE to some buyers, but world has simply moved on to larger devices in order to accommodate larger displays, camera sensors, and battery life.

That is true smart phones are proportionally have increased with larger displays offering more in terms of viewability, also incorporating Camera improvements, processors, all while incorporating a larger Battery to short all this technology.

But, there is one thing to be said about the SE At the moment, Apple is creating some confusion to the consumer who appreciates the SE, (And the question remains) was the SE a one time offering or is this something that they are going to update every two/maybe three years? There is a lot of uncertainty where the SE is and what Apple’s intentions are for the future. This confusion is creating some frustration for those who do like the 4 inch form factor, (Given we also know it’s a global phone.) Naturally, you have those who want to see the SE updated because they’re not interested in a larger phone, but the longer the SE remains not being updated for any future plans, it’s future is slowly diminishing.

 

[JPack]

That is true smart phones are proportionally have increased with larger displays offering more in terms of viewability, also incorporating Camera improvements, processors, all while incorporating a larger Battery to short all this technology.

But, there is one thing to be said about the SE At the moment, Apple is creating some confusion to the consumer who appreciates the SE, (And the question remains) was the SE a one time offering or is this something that they are going to update every two/maybe three years? There is a lot of uncertainty where the SE is and what Apple’s intentions are for the future. This confusion is creating some frustration for those who do like the 4 inch form factor, (Given we also know it’s a global phone.) Naturally, you have those who want to see the SE updated because they’re not interested in a larger phone, but the longer the SE remains not being updated for any future plans, it’s future is slowly diminishing.

I suspect the 6.1" and 6.5" iPhones coming this fall will officially signal Apple's shift towards large devices. Apple is only able to extract profits from niche form factors like iPhone 5 for a period of time. Based on current rumors, we're expecting to see this year:

1. 6.1" and 6.5" iPhone
2. 15% larger display Apple Watch
3. 11" iPad Pro

For the MacBook lineup, there's already a significant premium for the 15" vs. 13" models.

Everything in Apple's lineup points to "larger = more $." The SE is quickly looking out of place in the crowded iPhone lineup, especially since Apple has decided to continue selling iPhone 6s. To me, the SE really is a Special Edition, at least in the current form.

In emerging markets, the competitive pressure is enormous. For example, Xiaomi launched a low-cost Redmi 5A for under US$100 and it has a 5" display with dual-SIM.
http://www.mi.com/in/redmi-5a/