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

[HarryWild]

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.

The SE is great iPhone but the components are very dated compare to what is offer in the market place if one looks beyond what Apple is offering. I do expect that Apple will upgrade it to that of the X release soon. It still sell well in the U.S. and not because it is "budget" price but size.

 

[BeatCrazy]

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.

5c was 32-bit, so it got caught in the transition/forced to 64-bit iOS. It never had a chance for extended updates.

Another precedent for the A9 getting some long-term love: the HomePod and Apple TV 4th generation both run on an A8, and they're both currently available/supported. So another 1.5 years for the A8 and 2.5 years for A9 doesn't seem so far-fetched.

 

[Mr. Heckles]

5c was 32-bit, so it got caught in the transition/forced to 64-bit iOS. It never had a chance for extended updates.

Another precedent for the A9 getting some long-term love: the HomePod and Apple TV 4th generation both run on an A8, and they're both currently available/supported. So another 1.5 years for the A8 and 2.5 years for A9 doesn't seem so far-fetched.

The iPhone 5c was just an iPhone 5, so it “kind of” gotten 4 years of support.

 

[44267547]

The SE is great iPhone but the components are very dated compare to what is offer in the market place if one looks beyond what Apple is offering. I do expect that Apple will upgrade it to that of the X release soon. It still sell well in the U.S. and not because it is "budget" price but size.

The iPhone SE will never convert into an iPhone X. That would altogether eliminate the price point which is the original factor of the iPhone SE to begin with. And I also disagree that the internals of the SE are that dated, when the A9 processor still performs very well and can expect at least two more years of updates to iOS 13.

 

[JPack]

5c was 32-bit, so it got caught in the transition/forced to 64-bit iOS. It never had a chance for extended updates.

Another precedent for the A9 getting some long-term love: the HomePod and Apple TV 4th generation both run on an A8, and they're both currently available/supported. So another 1.5 years for the A8 and 2.5 years for A9 doesn't seem so far-fetched.

Apple didn't have to drop 32-bit support. None of their iOS devices have more than 4GB of RAM. In all likelihood, the A6 was scheduled a long time ago to be dropped from iOS 11. It reached EOL after receiving 4 major iOS updates. Dropping 32-bit support was simply a result of that decision.

I'm not sure how A8 in HomePod and Apple TV support your theory. Neither of them run iOS. Apple TV devices have received at most, 3 major tvOS updates. Besides, A8 hasn't reached EOL yet; it will be supported through iOS 12.

 

[newellj]

The SE was a fabulous phone and a fabulous bargain when it was introduced, but it's basically a 6S. In terms of tech life, it's very old now. It's usable now and for another few years, sure, but even at current prices the bang:buck ratio is not good.

The only qualification on that would be that there are a few carrier deals that reduce the price to very low figures. If you actually like one of plans that's associated with one of those deals, it's probably OK overall. Otherwise, I'd wait and see if there's an upgrade coming - which is why the buyer guide says don't buy now.

 

[BenTrovato]

The A9 is okay for now. I can't see it performing "well" on iOS 12 but if you don't have any other Apple devices to compare it with, it will probably be fine.

 

[MartyvH]

The 'Don't Buy' is irrelevant to users like wmf and me. Just look at the '2018' picture of the three models lined up for September. They are giant, expensive and there's no room for more phones that are like the SE. Being short of cash would seal the deal for you. Enjoy it while it's very good! A smartphone opens up a new world.

(Except my carrier only has the 32GB available now. I have the 128GB. I don't know what I would do if something happened to mine.)

 

[BeatCrazy]

Apple didn't have to drop 32-bit support. None of their iOS devices have more than 4GB of RAM. In all likelihood, the A6 was scheduled a long time ago to be dropped from iOS 11. It reached EOL after receiving 4 major iOS updates. Dropping 32-bit support was simply a result of that decision.

I'm not sure how A8 in HomePod and Apple TV support your theory. Neither of them run iOS. Apple TV devices have received at most, 3 major tvOS updates. Besides, A8 hasn't reached EOL yet; it will be supported through iOS 12.

tvOS is a fork of iOS.

 

[bluecoast]

I think if you like the look of the SE, buy one.

Though as many have said, this model has been out for two years now which is a long time in Apple land and its questionable whether the ‘as new’ prive is a fair price for a mid-range smartphone in 2018 which has the components of 2013-15.

So I’d get a carrier refurbished SE, or a second hand one on eBay, which I think is a more realistic price for this phone in 2018.
[doublepost=1522678281][/doublepost]

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.

If you think about where iOS is going to be in 2019, it’s hard to imagine what an iPhone of that form-factor is going to need beyond that release.

As far as the ‘core’ iOS experience goes:

Let’s assume that this year, iOS is going to see a user experience and privacy makeover. Next year, we might get stock app updates etc

That’s plenty enough for the SE, I’d say.

iPhones from the X onwards are likely going to see the major updates around cutting edge enhancements revolving around photography, AI/Siri, AVR, 5G etc that the CPU and hardware of the SE simply won’t be able to handle.

So I think the current SE is still a great phone to have for the next few years, if you’re happy with the ‘classic’ iOS & home button iPhone form factor experience.

 

[44267547]

I think if you like the look of the SE, buy one.

Though as many have said, this model has been out for two years now which is a long time in Apple land and its questionable whether the ‘as new’ prive is a fair price for a mid-range smartphone in 2018 which has the components of 2013-15.

So I’d get a carrier refurbished SE, or a second hand one on eBay, which I think is a more realistic price for this phone in 2018.

I actually wouldn’t purchase a refurbished SE off eBay, I don’t really trust eBay in general, but you can find a new SE If you look for approximately $150. I certainly would not pay full price for an SE and they are heavily discounted through carriers with promotions and discounts. It’s a good phone, it shares the same internals as the iPhone 6s, but if one can find a cheap SE new, it’s still good for at least two more years of iOS updates.

 

[skimcpip]

I actually wouldn’t purchase a refurbished SE off eBay, I don’t really trust eBay in general, but you can find a new SE If you look for approximately $150. I certainly would not pay full price for an SE and they are heavily discounted through carriers with promotions and discounts. It’s a good phone, it shares the same internals as the iPhone 6s, but if one can find a cheap SE new, it’s still good for at least two more years of iOS updates.

I was wondering if you could point me to a specific deal you had in mind fora new $150 phone. I see the ATT Gophone deal. Anything else? PM me if you like - I can't figure out how to PM you.

 

[44267547]

I was wondering if you could point me to a specific deal you had in mind fora new $150 phone. I see the ATT Gophone deal. Anything else? PM me if you like - I can't figure out how to PM you.

I’m Not aware of any specific deals at this moment. But they have been mentioned by other forum members offering the SE and around the $150 price point. I would search online through various carriers and see what’s offered.

 

[kevink2]

Apple didn't have to drop 32-bit support. None of their iOS devices have more than 4GB of RAM. In all likelihood, the A6 was scheduled a long time ago to be dropped from iOS 11. It reached EOL after receiving 4 major iOS updates. Dropping 32-bit support was simply a result of that decision.

Even 32 bit CPUs can support more than 4GB of RAM, assuming chipset support. Most 32 bit Intel chips from the Pentium Pro on in theory supported more. Just not cleanly.

But by dropping 32 bit support, it gave Apple an excuse to clean out apps that weren't being actively maintained anymore. Reduced the size of the OS on the device, and allowed them to reduce testing requirements. Which, based on issues that have shown up, has been lacking in completeness.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Apple didn't have to drop 32-bit support. None of their iOS devices have more than 4GB of RAM. In all likelihood, the A6 was scheduled a long time ago to be dropped from iOS 11. It reached EOL after receiving 4 major iOS updates. Dropping 32-bit support was simply a result of that decision.

I'm not sure how A8 in HomePod and Apple TV support your theory. Neither of them run iOS. Apple TV devices have received at most, 3 major tvOS updates. Besides, A8 hasn't reached EOL yet; it will be supported through iOS 12.

Also, the 6s and SE are still "current models" that presumably will be such until iO12. So I don't know of any other phone that Apple has dropped iOS support for within 1-2 years of being available as new/current.

 

[JPack]

Also, the 6s and SE are still "current models" that presumably will be such until iO12. So I don't know of any other phone that Apple has dropped iOS support for within 1-2 years of being available as new/current.

iPhone 4
iPhone 4s
iPhone 5c

All these products were dropped from iOS support within 12 months from the time they were discontinued. Just because a product has a long tail end does not mean Apple will extend iOS support for them. The only exception to this was the iPad 2 where Apple sold the product heavily to the education sector.

 

[neoelectronaut]

Really hoping an iPhone SE refresh comes along soon. My phone is only a year old at this point (purchased in late March 2017, switching to T-Mobile in the process) but it'll eventually be unsupported and I'd rather not move up to anything larger.

 

[BeatCrazy]

iPhone 4
iPhone 4s
iPhone 5c

All these products were dropped from iOS support within 12 months from the time they were discontinued. Just because a product has a long tail end does not mean Apple will extend iOS support for them. The only exception to this was the iPad 2 where Apple sold the product heavily to the education sector.

Check your dates, only the iPhone 4 falls into the "12 month" category.

• iPhone 4 - discontinued 09/2013, supported through 06/2014
• iPhone 4s - discontinued 09/2014, supported through 08/2016
• iPhone 5c - discontinued 09/2014, supported through 07/2017

 

[JPack]

Check your dates, only the iPhone 4 falls into the "12 month" category.

• iPhone 4 - discontinued 09/2013, supported through 06/2014
• iPhone 4s - discontinued 09/2014, supported through 08/2016
• iPhone 5c - discontinued 09/2014, supported through 07/2017

I did, unless we don't count sales in India as valid.

Both iPhone 4s and 5c were sold up until February 2016. Those devices support up to iOS 9 and iOS 10, respectively.

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/02/17/apple-withdraws-iphone-4s-5c-india/

 

[BeatCrazy]

I did, unless we don't count sales in India as valid.

Both iPhone 4s and 5c were sold up until February 2016. Those devices support up to iOS 9 and iOS 10, respectively.

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/02/17/apple-withdraws-iphone-4s-5c-india/

I'm excluding India. 4s had iOS5 - iOS9 and 5c had iOS7- iOS10, so either 4 or 5 full iterations of iOS. Which means an iPad 5th gen could support iOS 14. But surely iOS 13.

 

[Ixon2001]

As it stands now the SE is still a great little phone and a good buy in the UK, you can now get it for around £229 for the 32GB version brand new & simfree.

I only intend to keep the SE as my main phone upto the end of this year, hopefully we may see a SE2 if not then i probably go for the cheapest option in September on my Argos card or buy an iPhone 8.

 

[44267547]

Really hoping an iPhone SE refresh comes along soon. My phone is only a year old at this point (purchased in late March 2017, switching to T-Mobile in the process) but it'll eventually be unsupported and I'd rather not move up to anything larger.

Refreshed SE Soon as in 2018? Doubtful. The SE is now over two years old and if they would have updated it, I believe it would have already happened. I would say if the SE is updated at all, it will not be this year, especially given three iPhones are expected to launch an Apple‘s Fall event. And Apple won’t allow an SE to distract away from their three new iPhones in the fall, unless they silently update SE at some point. I think Apple will retain the SE in their lineup as it is for at least another year.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Specs aside, which I don't even think about at this point, my SE continues to be simply amazing.

I'd love a newer model or course, but only if they keep the small form factor as a priority.

I hate the larger phones so much that I'm not sure what I'd do if the SE went away/no longer worked on modern iOS versions, etc

 

[neoelectronaut]

Refreshed SE Soon as in 2018? Doubtful. The SE is now over two years old and if they would have updated it, I believe it would have already happened. I would say if the SE is updated at all, it will not be this year, especially given three iPhones are expected to launch an Apple‘s Fall event. And Apple won’t allow an SE to distract away from their three new iPhones in the fall, unless they silently update SE at some point. I think Apple will retain the SE in their lineup as it is for at least another year.

Doesn't need to be in 2018, I'm just hoping Apple doesn't kill off their 4" wonder anytime soon, if ever. The thought of using anything larger makes me ill.

 

[mykero]

No matter what they say, i still love my silver SE