iPhone SE (2016) Buyer's Guide: iPhone SE "don't buy"

[wmf]

The Buyer's Guide says "don't buy" for the iPhone SE but it doesn't say why. I am interested in this model because it is the least expensive. I can trade in my iPod Touch and buy the SE and the wireless service and it is really a stretch for me financially to do all this. So I would like to buy the iPhone SE 128 GB listed for $449.

Can you please tell why it is listed as "don't buy"?

I know that obviously it is better to get a more recent model but each gets incrementally more expensive and I can barely afford this as it is.

Any help appreciated.

 

[JPack]

This site is geared towards enthusiasts who prefer to buy Apple products at the start of a refresh cycle.

The A9 processor in the iPhone SE was introduced in 2015 and is expected to support major iOS updates through 2019 (iOS 13). If you don't mind buying a device that will won't be updated beyond iOS 13, then it's not a problem.

 

[TechNismo]

It is because there might be an iPhone SE Edition 2 releasing in June of this year. And most likely it will cost the same price of the current SE (if anything maybe $50 more).
They do not have an explanation because the rumour about the SE2 is highly controversial and some are saying Apple will release it, while others are saying No, Apple will not. So only time will tell.

 

[wmf]

This site is geared towards enthusiasts who prefer to buy Apple products at the start of a refresh cycle.

The A9 processor in the iPhone SE was introduced in 2015 and is expected to support major iOS updates through 2019 (iOS 13). If you don't mind buying a device that will won't be updated beyond iOS 13, then it's not a problem.

Thanks that makes sense. Do you have a month for the 2019 release of iOS 13? I could see upgrading to the next iPhone at a later date.

Also your first sentence is extremely unwelcoming to a visitor to the site. The buyer's guide is for use by ANYONE not just "start of a refresh cycle" "enthusiasts". Thanks so much for making me feel welcomed here.

 

[JPack]

It is because there might be an iPhone SE Edition 2 releasing in June of this year. And most likely it will cost the same price of the current SE (if anything maybe $50 more).
They do not have an explanation because the rumour about the SE2 is highly controversial and some are saying Apple will release it, while others are saying No, Apple will not. So only time will tell.

The most reliable Apple analyst in the world has claimed no SE2 will be released this year. The only people who still believe the SE2 rumors are the same crowd who think iPad mini will be refreshed soon.

 

[jeyf]

This site is geared towards enthusiasts who prefer to buy Apple products at the start of a refresh cycle....

Apple is a 40+year old company going through a mid life crisis.

 

[wmf]

It is because there might be an iPhone SE Edition 2 releasing in June of this year. And most likely it will cost the same price of the current SE (if anything maybe $50 more).
They do not have an explanation because the rumour about the SE2 is highly controversial and some are saying Apple will release it, while others are saying No, Apple will not. So only time will tell.

Oh, that is great to know. I could definitely hold off until June. (and live with the uncertainty). I just want to lose my landline, but that doesn't have to be this month (as much as I want to run out and buy one immediately!) Thank you.

 

[0007776]

It automatically goes to saying don't buy when a product is close to or above its average time between updates. It was first released in March of 2016, got a slight update in September, 2016, and then was updated again in March of 2017. The average days between updates to the SE is 181, and we are currently at 375 since the last update. For a product like the SE that is still fairly new, and has only seen the occasional small update those averages are not very accurate, but that is all the buyer's guide goes on.

 

[BigDO]

Rather buy a used 6S (which is eligible for a battery replacement thus making it new).

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Around two months ago, I bought an iPhone SE - my first ever smart phone - mainly because I really like the form factor; it is a great little phone, and I don't regret purchasing it at the time for one single, solitary, second.

My rule of thumb for such questions is: If you need it, buy it - if you merely want it, then, perhaps, you might be better off waiting for the appearance of an upgrade (assuming that Apple will manufacture and produce such a thing).

 

[44267547]

It is because there might be an iPhone SE Edition 2 releasing in June of this year. And most likely it will cost the same price of the current SE (if anything maybe $50 more).

Its Fairly evident there won’t be an SE 2 update this year. It didn’t happen during March, and its even less likely that it will launch alongside three new iPhones in September, with all the other product announcements. There is Zero evidence that an SE 2 will debut during WWDC other than from unreliable sources and virtually no part leaks whatsoever. 2018 will not be a year for for the SE to be updated.

 

[now i see it]

The Mac Rumors Buyer's Guide is just an opinion. Ignore it if you want. Some "new" products that have only been out for a few months get the "Don't Buy" tag which is rediculous. The Mac Mini has been in the "Don't Buy" list for several years. That's rediculous too (though buying a new Mac Mini right now would be foolish).

 

[JPack]

Thanks that makes sense. Do you have a month for the 2019 release of iOS 13? I could see upgrading to the next iPhone at a later date.

Also your first sentence is extremely unwelcoming to a visitor to the site. The buyer's guide is for use by ANYONE not just "start of a refresh cycle" "enthusiasts". Thanks so much for making me feel welcomed here.

Major iOS releases are targeted towards the fall of each year. Since iOS 6, every major release has been in September. It's expected iOS 13 would be September 2019.

The Buyer's Guide is geared towards enthusiasts because it focuses on release cycles, rumors, and speculation. A proper Buyer's Guide would include features and comparisons to other products in the Apple and competitor lineup, not just "when" to buy.

 

[wmf]

It automatically goes to saying don't buy when a product is close to or above its average time between updates. It was first released in March of 2016, got a slight update in September, 2016, and then was updated again in March of 2017. The average days between updates to the SE is 181, and we are currently at 375 since the last update. For a product like the SE that is still fairly new, and has only seen the occasional small update those averages are not very accurate, but that is all the buyer's guide goes on.

Thank you!

 

[osta.doc]

Thank you!

I say buy it! It’s a great device, and I think you’all love it.

 

[Reno Raines]

There are many deals on the SE. I have one and it runs great. Now future iOS updates will most likely slow it down as that happens pretty much happens always. The 2gb’s of ram though really helps keep it quick and fluid. My opinion is you can find a good deal on it you most likely will enjoy the phone. I think it is still a good entry level phone but only if you can find one that works for your budget. Shop around the web and you will see some good deals on it.

 

[EssModelsRule]

The most reliable Apple analyst in the world has claimed no SE2 will be released this year. The only people who still believe the SE2 rumors are the same crowd who think iPad mini will be refreshed soon.

We’re a very glass half full crowd of people. We seem to enjoy setting ourselves up for disappointment. See you all in June, come on Mini Pro!

 

[44267547]

The Mac Rumors Buyer's Guide is just an opinion. Ignore it if you want. Some "new" products that have only been out for a few months get the "Don't Buy" tag which is rediculous. The Mac Mini has been in the "Don't Buy" list for several years. That's rediculous too (though buying a new Mac Mini right now would be foolish).

Something else, “The don’t buy it” will shift in the Buyers Guide if it’s expected that Apple is releasing the newest iteration of the current product that’s already available. But it doesn’t mean that the current product that’s available is A poor decision, it’s just a caution flag for those who are looking to have the latest device.

 

[Martyimac]

I don't need Apple's newest so I have stayed with my 6S and SE. Here shortly it will be time to SIM swap back to the SE for pocket carry in my shorts. The SE has been a great phone. If all you wan't to do is get an SE and get rid of your landline, then you should be okay with the SE for a couple more years. After that?

 

[Richard8655]

I would also echo others here in recommending to buy the current SE. And as others have said, the Buying Guide is geared toward aficionados, not the practically minded. I would ignore the guide advice here, especially as it looks unlikely an SE2 is coming out this year.

As a value conscious consumer, I recently opted for the AT&T 32gb for about $150. The A9 chip is plenty fast and gives great performance, and should for quite a while. If I like it as much as now when IOS 14 rolls out in a few years, I may just keep it at an earlier IOS release and continue using.

 

[44267547]

I would also echo others here in recommending to buy the current SE. And as others have said, the Buying Guide is geared toward aficionados, not the practically minded. I would ignore the guide advice here, especially as it looks unlikely an SE2 is coming out this year.

As a value conscious consumer, I recently opted for the AT&T 32gb for about $150. The A9 chip is plenty fast and gives great performance, and should for quite a while. If I like it as much as now when IOS 14 rolls out in a few years, I may just keep it at an earlier IOS release and continue using.

With the smaller four inch display and A9 processor, it pushes pixels quickly, which makes the SE appear much faster. Still solid performance though.

 

[BeatCrazy]

This site is geared towards enthusiasts who prefer to buy Apple products at the start of a refresh cycle.

The A9 processor in the iPhone SE was introduced in 2015 and is expected to support major iOS updates through 2019 (iOS 13). If you don't mind buying a device that will won't be updated beyond iOS 13, then it's not a problem.

The SE should support iOS 14. Because the iPad (5th gen) also uses the A9 and 2GB of RAM, it would only make sense for Apple to support that iPad (and SE) for a full 5 years of iOS cycles. The iPad 5th gen shipped with iOS 10.

 

[kevink2]

It is because there might be an iPhone SE Edition 2 releasing in June of this year. And most likely it will cost the same price of the current SE (if anything maybe $50 more).
They do not have an explanation because the rumour about the SE2 is highly controversial and some are saying Apple will release it, while others are saying No, Apple will not. So only time will tell.

I don't know if anyone knows whether the prepaid carriers will subsidize the SE2 (if it is released) anytime soon. If you can get the current SE for under $150, it would still likely be a good deal. Of course, in 3 months if you can get a SE2 for $199, it might not feel like such a deal.

 

[dcpmark]

The only people who still believe the SE2 rumors are the same crowd who think iPad mini will be refreshed soon.

As a current SE + Mini 4 user, I am definitely NOT holding my breath that either be updated this year, or ever. Makes me a little sad because although I can afford any latest and greatest Apple offering, these are the only 2 devices I want to keep using forever, but luckily for now both are still performing great for my usages.

 

[JPack]

The SE should support iOS 14. Because the iPad (5th gen) also uses the A9 and 2GB of RAM, it would only make sense for Apple to support that iPad (and SE) for a full 5 years of iOS cycles. The iPad 5th gen shipped with iOS 10.

I might agree with you if Apple didn’t discontinue iPad (2017).

Also based on historical precedence, iPhone 5c for example only received 3 years of major iOS updates instead of 4.

I don’t see how it would make sense for Apple to provide the standard 4 year support especially when SE is a low cost device.