iPhone SE (2016) Going smaller

[barkomatic]

I switch between my 7 and X a lot. But the fragility of the X has me concerned that I'll drop it and either one side or the other will get damaged. Unless I keep it in bubblewrap. I get by with the little keyboard on smaller phones by dictating my texts with Siri. And my reading glasses help.

I keep my iPhone X in an Apple leather case with a screen protector and recently on a trip to Mexico I dropped it on a street paved with stones which was quite uneven. Luckily, it's not cracked, dinged or dented. Sadly, the leather case certainly is--but it's there to take the hits.

The iPhone X is smaller than the 6s Plus I was using and I really enjoy the smaller size. I can't imagine the 6.5 inch iPhone rumored to be coming out later this year. Might as well just carry the flat screen in your living room around with you.

 

[fish09276]

I switch phones a lot swapping out the SIM card. I use my new SE when I leave the house but when I'm home I use my X and 7 as small iPads without the SIM. Taking the larger phones outside the house means putting on a case which makes them even more bulky to put in a pocket. For those who commented on sound quality being better on wired earphones, I don't know how much better quality you can get than the Bose Bluetooth earbuds. Then again, going "naked" with the almost weightless Airpods is a truly enjoyable experience.

 

[geta]

I switch phones a lot swapping out the SIM card. I use my new SE when I leave the house but when I'm home I use my X and 7 as small iPads without the SIM. Taking the larger phones outside the house means putting on a case which makes them even more bulky to put in a pocket. For those who commented on sound quality being better on wired earphones, I don't know how much better quality you can get than the Bose Bluetooth earbuds. Then again, going "naked" with the almost weightless Airpods is a truly enjoyable experience.

Never understood why people buying super expansive phones to use them without sim as a small tablets in the house...

 

[dirtymagician]

As a recent convert to the SE, i'd be quite happy if Apple said they would keep the same form factor and shoehorn in the kit from whatever iPhone was current that year, for example the SE2 could look the same but have the internal gubbins from the 8, keep it well priced, job done.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I’ve never liked the Plus model iPhones personally. I can’t see the point of the inconvenience of having a phone that is uncomfortable to carry in your pocket and wide to grip in the hand. I’ve tested this a few times and it’s cumbersome form just strikes it straight off my shopping list. I own an iPad so the need to have a bigger screen is solved for me.

I’m a 38mm Apple Watch guy too but I understand the bigger watches suit larger wrists. The 42mm looks ridiculous on mine so i’ll never even consider it going forward.

 

[44267547]

I’ve never liked the Plus model iPhones personally. I can’t see the point of the inconvenience of having a phone that is uncomfortable to carry in your pocket and wide to grip in the hand. I’ve tested this a few times and it’s cumbersome form just strikes it straight off my shopping list. I own an iPad so the need to have a bigger screen is solved for me.

I’m a 38mm Apple Watch guy too but I understand the bigger watches suit larger wrists. The 42mm looks ridiculous on mine so i’ll never even consider it going forward.

More and more, I’m finding myself not wanting to carry my iPhone with me because of its larger size. If the iPhone SE is refreshed, I plan on purchasing a new one and use that as my primary phone, and then switching back to my larger iPhone with my Sim card if I feel like a change. Just carrying a larger fiPhone in my pocket is cumbersome and uncomfortable for me. I don’t mind having a smaller display. If the SE is not refreshed, then I might consider a 4.7 iPhone 8. I don’t mind using a larger phone by any means, it just seems more inconveniencing me more with the weight and size.

 

[Septembersrain]

I don't mind 6 inch + screens. My only issue is that iPhones are heavy. So they are not comfortable to hold for long periods. That's why I've got a V30.

It had the features I wanted but was very light. It's not perfect but it works for what I need at the time. I still use my 7 Plus, just not as a daily driver.

 

[Triskit]

I just came from a Galaxy to the SE and love it. Very pleased.

 

[sdwaltz]

Don't understand people's love of wired ear pieces. Bluetooth means freedom from dangling wires.

Yep. Went wireless, can’t go back.

I primarily use my headphones in the gym and the ability to simply put my phone next to me on the ground while doing my sets is a freedom that can’t be described until it’s experienced. Same w/running.

Definitely a first world issue but wireless headphones are an absolute must for me.

 

[44267547]

Yep. Went wireless, can’t go back.

I primarily use my headphones in the gym and the ability to simply put my phone next to me on the ground while doing my sets is a freedom that can’t be described until it’s experienced. Same w/running.

Definitely a first world issue but wireless headphones are an absolute must for me.

I try not to Gush on too many Apple products and appear like I’m fixated on one thing, but the AirPods are the one product that I absolutely am amazed with. All the convenient little features and how well they actually fit and hold in place in my ear is stellar. The AirPods are the one accessory to the iPhone that has a huge future and I don’t think the price point is unreasonable for what you’re receiving with the battery life and technology.

 

[DNichter]

Yes, I never see any Plus sized iPhone's in use and the huge phone fad is certainly dying out. iPhone X is likely the biggest I would go.

 

[nburwell]

After some adjustment, I could definitely go back to my SE full time from my X. I do love how I barely know my SE is in my pocket when I'm not using it. Plus, being able to use it one handed is glorious.

After moving from an iPad Mini 4 to the 10.5" IPP, I could not go back to a smaller iPad. While the IPP is definitely portable, it has basically replaced my rMBP full time. I just need to get a keyboard for my IPP, and I'm going to be selling my MBP on Swappa.

 

[mjschabow]

I'm also getting to the point where I want the smaller form factor. I'm just sick of having to use phones with both hands. The only think I'm worrying about if I switch from the X to the SE is typing on such a narrow screen.

 

[sdwaltz]

I try not to Gush on too many Apple products and appear like I’m fixated on one thing, but the AirPods are the one product that I absolutely am amazed with. All the convenient little features and how well they actually fit and hold in place in my ear is stellar. The AirPods are the one accessory to the iPhone that has a huge future and I don’t think the price point is unreasonable for what you’re receiving with the battery life and technology.

Believe it or not, I don't even have AirPods. I have Powerbeats 2 wireless...been thinking about picking up a pair of AirPods though.

Sounds like they're worth it?!

 

[PaddyFowler]

Find my hand getting strain with both the width and the weight of the iPhone 7 plus. iPhone 7 is a joy to go back to, albeit harder to read once you're used to using the larger screen.

 

[lpolarityl]

I went from a 5s to a 6 Plus to a 6s and currently a X. I couldn't get used to the 6 Plus and immediately went to the 6s when it was released. The X however, is the perfect screen size for my hands. I'd be interested in a SE 2 if it was a 5.2-5.5" display that was full screen (like the renders we've been seeing lately), THAT would be the perfect size for a lot of people.

 

[nfl46]

I'm too used to the Plus size iPhone. The bigger the screen, the better for me.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Plus size phones are way too big to carry comfortably. SE is way too small (I never use my phone one handed). 4.7 is my sweet spot so when the X came out with basically the same size but, with a larger screen I couldn't be happier.

 

[blairh]

I've interchanged the Plus, 4.7" iPhone's, and the SE. Personally at this point the SE screen is too small for me. Especially the keyboard keys.

I actually think the SE size with a full screen, no bezel, would be my ideal iPhone, and hopefully will be a reality one day.

I find the 4.7" iPhone and X to be a touch too large for my liking. I can use them easily but I would absolutely welcome a smaller phone that is all screen.

I loved the screen on the Plus but never embrace how large the device was, even after a few years of use. Especially awkward if you have to use it with one hand.

 

[geta]

I'm also getting to the point where I want the smaller form factor. I'm just sick of having to use phones with both hands. The only think I'm worrying about if I switch from the X to the SE is typing on such a narrow screen.

Shouldn't be a problem getting used to typing on a narrow screen, special if you had older iPhones in the past (5s or older).

 

[44267547]

Find my hand getting strain with both the width and the weight of the iPhone 7 plus. iPhone 7 is a joy to go back to, albeit harder to read once you're used to using the larger screen.

The only other advantage besides a larger display and larger Battery with the iPhone Plus models is the 1080 P display, which to me I find is significant.

 

[HeyKatie]

I'd be happy with a 4'5 screen on the se 2

 

[Capeto]

For iPhones, I’ve always had the standard size (5S and 6S) and was comfortable with those. Last year, I reluctantly went with an 8+, thinking I tight be uncomfortable to carry around, and turns out I don’t mind the bigger size at all (and the longer-lasting battery and dual lenses are really nice additions). I also have an SE for work and while I love how long the battery lasts and how portable it is, I find myself having difficulty typing on it now that I’m used to the bigger keyboard. I could probably get used to it again if I were to go SE-only, but there are other factors besides size keeping me from making the move (namely, 3D-touching the keyboard to move the cursor; True Tone is also nice).

For the iPad, I had a 12.9” iPad Pro that I ended up selling for the 10” Pro. It might not seem like a big difference in numbers, but the smaller bezels on the 10” make it much more smaller and portable, which to me is the whole point of the iPad. Since I also had a 13” MBP, the redundancy between it and the 12.9” iPP made it so that I just never used the iPad.

For me, it’s all about a balance between portability and practicality - the phones are all portable enough, so I will go for the additional practicality that the bigger screens provide, while the iPads’ bigger sizes mean that I will go for portability.