iPhone SE (2016) I buy the new iPhone every year...and I just bought an iPhone SE instead

[wborisenok]

i would definitely consider the next SE if they modernize the internals

touch id is also last gen right?

touch ID is gen 1, but I haven't noticed. and I actually find it to seem even faster if you enable the "rest to unlock" feature that @jeff_siler pointed out - instead of having to press the home button, you rest your finger on it when the screen is awake and it unlocks.

Hmmm, the whole idea of vibrate, going back to the early 90s phones, was not to make a sound! E.g. when you're in a meeting. You are only meant to feel it. Oops.

Was it on the nightstand at the time?

it was not - it was in my hand. haha.

 

[mattopotamus]

The SE is an amazing and small phone, i really envy its size however i'm not so sure about how good will handle ios 11....

been using IOS11 since beta 1 with the SE. Beta 1 and 2 were pretty terrible, but everything since has been buttery smooth. It runs just as good at IOS10.

 

[ssledoux]

How fun! That was one of my favorite phones also! I've been using a plus for several years now and not sure I could go back, even just to a 7 or 8, although yall have me thinking about it...

I did forego the upgrades this year for the first time ever. Actually, I made my order at midnight, but I cancelled it the next evening after realizing it was really just not necessary. My 7+ is a great phone. It definitely is a bit on the large side, and sometimes that's frustrating, but sometimes really handy. I'd just need to go play with some in store and see if I'm ready to downsize...

 

[douglasf13]

How fun! That was one of my favorite phones also! I've been using a plus for several years now and not sure I could go back, even just to a 7 or 8, although yall have me thinking about it...

I did forego the upgrades this year for the first time ever. Actually, I made my order at midnight, but I cancelled it the next evening after realizing it was really just not necessary. My 7+ is a great phone. It definitely is a bit on the large side, and sometimes that's frustrating, but sometimes really handy. I'd just need to go play with some in store and see if I'm ready to downsize...

Yeah, this has been my first time not upgrading every two years:

3G - 4 - 5 - 6 - SE - ???

 

[nox5]

I own 7 plus and SE. 7 plus is a tablet like not ment to be used as a daily phone.

 

[Totally]

Bought an SE on eBay last night. $190 for 32GB brand new including shipping and 8% back in eBay bucks. I just can't fathom spending half that much in sales tax alone on a new X. Insanity.

I get to stay in the 4" iPhone users club now.

 

[pezdaddy]

After having my 16GB iphone 5 for four years, I just bought a 128GB SE yesterday.

My wife has a 64GB SE we bought last year, so I was familiar with the specs compared to my old 5.

In all honesty the 5 was still going strong for me, as long as I carefully managed storage. I finally bit the bullet and upgraded, but I wasn't about to give up the 4" screen size, which I love.

I picked up the space grey color, which still has the black front, just like my old 5. In the case it still looks like my old phone.

I am completely happy with my decision to not go with a larger phone.

 

[mariachi4]

I always buy the S versions, 3gs, 4s, 5s, 6s...this year should be the 7s(8), but I think i am going to skip this year.
5s was my favourite phone, but unfortunately i lost it on the beach, then i had no choice to buy a 6s as replacement. I really didn't want to buy it cause the form factor didn't appeal me, but after using it for a period of time, i got used to it. Can't live without the 3D touch and 2nd gen Touch ID. Then I bought a rose gold SE for my mom, i tested for 1 week, man SE might be my favourite phone of all time, comfortable in hand, super fast, great camera, just great specs in that tiny body. Only the display and 1st gen touch id are not that appealing.
I really hope Apple will release a SE 2nd gen or something, instant buy for sure.

 

[nilk]

Wife ended up wanting my 6S instead of going smaller. So I ordered the 128GB SE (white/silver) for myself and should get it tomorrow.

A little worried I'll miss 3D Touch because I was using it a bunch to switch apps this morning. But I think the double-press home button to switch apps is more precise and consistent anyways. The 3D Touch is more necessary on the larger phones because the home button isn't always within reach of my thumb. Whereas on the SE I'll always be able to reach home button easily. But 3D Touch app switching can be great when you want to peek at another app, without fully switching to it, and I'll never get that on the SE. I use 3D Touch a bunch in general. We'll see how much I miss it, or if it'll end up being insignificant when compared to having a more ergonomic phone.

 

[wborisenok]

Think I finally just nailed down how I'm going to carry my SE. I ordered a SlickWrap last week and it got here this morning. I put it on (only back and sides) figuring I can always throw a case on top of it since it's so thin, but I'm not even sure I'm going to do that. Feels great in the hand with a little added grip, I don't feel like I'm getting fingerprints all over it, and the entire phone is covered. I put a screen protector on the front and with the SlickWrap I've got full coverage. Downside is that if I drop it, the corners are definitely going to get dinged up...but I guess that's the risk I run!

Think I'm also going to add AppleCare+ today. I can't really see it not paying off, especially since I can transfer what's left to a new device if they release a refreshed SE in the spring. Also seems like a good idea since I'm going to attempt to carry this thing almost-naked. Haha.

EDIT: I'll try to get some pics up shortly. Gotta use the iPad.

 

[nilk]

Think I'm also going to add AppleCare+ today. I can't really see it not paying off, especially since I can transfer what's left to a new device if they release a refreshed SE in the spring. Also seems like a good idea since I'm going to attempt to carry this thing almost-naked. Haha.

What do you mean transfer AppleCare+ to a new device? If I understand what you are saying, I don't think you can do that. You can only transfer AC+ to a new owner of the device it is attached to.

I normally get AC+, but that's generally when I'm paying in the ballpark of $900 for a device. At $450, I'm reluctant to spend an extra $100. And I'm hoping they release updated hardware within the next year in which case I'll sell-and-upgrade. If a hardware update comes in Spring 2018, an SE bought now will still be covered in the 1 year warranty period. While it's true that having AC+ helps resale (edit: I have no data on this, I just know I would pay a little extra if it had at least a few months of AC+ left on it), I'm not sure it'll help it enough in this case.

 

[wborisenok]

What do you mean transfer AppleCare+ to a new device? If I understand what you are saying, I don't think you can do that. You can only transfer AC+ to a new owner of the device it is attached to.

I normally get AC+, but that's generally when I'm paying in the ballpark of $900 for a device. At $450, I'm reluctant to spend an extra $100. And I'm hoping they release updated hardware within the next year in which case I'll sell-and-upgrade. If a hardware update comes in Spring 2018, an SE bought now will still be covered in the 1 year warranty period. While it's true that having AC+ helps resale, I'm not sure it'll help it enough in this case.

From Apple.com:

If you sell or give away your Apple device, you can also transfer the ownership of your AppleCare Protection Plan or AppleCare+ in regions that allow it. You can also transfer your AppleCare coverage plan between your own devices that are the same type of product and within 30 days of your original device purchase.

Am I reading this wrong? I probably am, I only had one cup of coffee today. Lol. Either way, I do like the peace of mind I get from carrying AppleCare.

 

[smorrissey]

been using IOS11 since beta 1 with the SE. Beta 1 and 2 were pretty terrible, but everything since has been buttery smooth. It runs just as good at IOS10.

yeah i've read good comments regarding that hope things go the same for iphone 6s (same processor at the end).

 

[wborisenok]

Pics of SlickWrap w/ screen protector installed:

 

[serpico007]

I'm very happy to find this thread. I've read every post and find it interesting reading different perspectives. I too own an iPhone 7 Plus 256GB jet black version that is 4 months old. My previous phone was the iPhone 6 plus which I used for a couple of years. When I upgraded I was so happy to find the jet black model and thought I did the right thing to stay with the Plus models. It was hard to think of getting any other phone size and have all the bells and whistles too.

After watching the event last week I really thought I would buy the X even though it's only been 4 months with the 7+. A few of my co-workers are ready to cancel early their carrier contracts and I was pumped. We all thought the 8 model is such a tired design now. But I started thinking about the issues I have with a large phone and wondered how it would be to live with a smaller phone again. I bought the SE 128GB model in space gray and it should arrive this week.

After all these years I'm looking forward to holding and using a one handed phone again. Walking the dog, drinking coffee and more without using a second hand to touch an icon or type. To be able to slip it in my front pocket and take it with me in every season. You know how hard it is during summer with no pockets! The past year or so I've noticed my hands aching from holding and reading the plus models.

I signed up to just follow and write in this thread and looking forward to reading more around here after my experience. Not sure if I will sell the 7+ or keep it as a backup. I just can't believe I'm doing this and my friends and co-workers will be shocked too. I'm normally the guy who owns the latest tech but functionality use is more important to me. I'll use my iPad Pro 12.9" for everything else!

 

[PBz]

I may be jumping in this camp soon.. for other reasons.. but nonetheless.
I was an “S” upgrader. I went to the 7+ but after camera issues I went back too the 6S+.
Yes, I love the screen of the Plus but TBH, anytime I hold a ‘normal’ sized phone I prefer it in my hand. I am not a small guy and my fingers may not love the SE but I plan to find out. I LOVED the 5. Amazing phone.

My thing is I am letting tech.. and having to be obsessed with news, apps, social media, etc drive too much of my life. I wil admit that I swear spending LOTS of time on my phone and social media has affected my memory.. I don’t think I am as engaged as I should be.

I am 90% on taking my 6S+ to Apple and trading it for a 32GB SE. I don’t even want the space for all of my photos. I have an IPP 10.5 I can use for that. I need to be putting my phone down more than I pick it up and I think the SE will be perfect for this ‘forced’ transition.

 

[janeauburn]

I can stay in the iOS ecosystem and not feel like I'm paying a car payment for poop emoji animations.

LOL

 

[serpico007]

@wborisenok The wrap looks very nice and changes the look of the SE. I like it.

@PBz I'm hooked as well, that's why my hands ache after holding the 7+. We do more than before on our phones. I plan to use the iPad Pro more for this instead of the phone.

 

[PBz]

What do you mean transfer AppleCare+ to a new device? If I understand what you are saying, I don't think you can do that. You can only transfer AC+ to a new owner of the device it is attached to.

I normally get AC+, but that's generally when I'm paying in the ballpark of $900 for a device. At $450, I'm reluctant to spend an extra $100. And I'm hoping they release updated hardware within the next year in which case I'll sell-and-upgrade. If a hardware update comes in Spring 2018, an SE bought now will still be covered in the 1 year warranty period. While it's true that having AC+ helps resale, I'm not sure it'll help it enough in this case.

If you get rid of a phone with AC+, you can call AC and get refunded the remaining value.

 

[janeauburn]

When I upgraded I was so happy to find the jet black model and thought I did the right thing to stay with the Plus models

The trouble with the "Plus" models is that they keep getting more "Plus" with each new version. Plus weight. Plus thickness. Plus heft. In a phone that was already large when the 6 Plus was introduced, these extra "Pluses" are just unacceptable, to me. I actually carry the phone in my pocket. Even when just holding the 7 Plus, though, it felt too heavy. Now the 8 Plus is even heavier, even fatter, even a tad wider! Ridiculous. The 6 Plus was fine.

 

[PBz]

@wborisenok The wrap looks very nice and changes the look of the SE. I like it.

@PBz I'm hooked as well, that's why my hands ache after holding the 7+. We do more than before on our phones. I plan to use the iPad Pro more for this instead of the phone.

Exactly. I know I don’t need to be staring at YT for an hour on a phone screen. I don’t need to be typing essays on a phone keyboard. I literally have shorts that I prefer because the Plus fits better in the pockets.. hell.. my wardrobe might just expand with the SE .

What I love is the SE DOES have the camera and I have seen amazing images from the SE. There is a subreddit called iPhoneography is anyone wants to check images out.
[doublepost=1505762283][/doublepost]

The trouble with the "Plus" models is that they keep getting more "Plus" with each new version. Plus weight. Plus thickness. Plus heft. In a phone that was already large when the 6 Plus was introduced, these extra "Pluses" are just unacceptable, to me. I actually carry the phone in my pocket. Even when just holding the 7 Plus, though, it felt too heavy. Now the 8 Plus is even heavier, even fatter, even a tad wider! Ridiculous. The 6 Plus was fine.

Bingo.
I heard people say .. NO WAY i am paying over $1K for a phone. Well, I did that with the 7+. My 7+ was stolen so I am still paying for it and used insurance $ to buy a 6S+

It will be refreshing to have a sub-$500 phone and not be scared of dropping it.

 

[mattopotamus]

If you get rid of a phone with AC+, you can call AC and get refunded the remaining value.

Not a lot of people seem to know that. It is a good idea if you sell your phone. Having AC+ doesn't really increase what you get for your phone in the second hand market.

I'm very happy to find this thread. I've read every post and find it interesting reading different perspectives. I too own an iPhone 7 Plus 256GB jet black version that is 4 months old. My previous phone was the iPhone 6 plus which I used for a couple of years. When I upgraded I was so happy to find the jet black model and thought I did the right thing to stay with the Plus models. It was hard to think of getting any other phone size and have all the bells and whistles too.

After watching the event last week I really thought I would buy the X even though it's only been 4 months with the 7+. A few of my co-workers are ready to cancel early their carrier contracts and I was pumped. We all thought the 8 model is such a tired design now. But I started thinking about the issues I have with a large phone and wondered how it would be to live with a smaller phone again. I bought the SE 128GB model in space gray and it should arrive this week.

After all these years I'm looking forward to holding and using a one handed phone again. Walking the dog, drinking coffee and more without using a second hand to touch an icon or type. To be able to slip it in my front pocket and take it with me in every season. You know how hard it is during summer with no pockets! The past year or so I've noticed my hands aching from holding and reading the plus models.

I signed up to just follow and write in this thread and looking forward to reading more around here after my experience. Not sure if I will sell the 7+ or keep it as a backup. I just can't believe I'm doing this and my friends and co-workers will be shocked too. I'm normally the guy who owns the latest tech but functionality use is more important to me. I'll use my iPad Pro 12.9" for everything else!

Coming from the plus the SE will feel like a toy at first, but it's so hard to beat the form factor. This ad has been stuck in my head for years.

 

[serpico007]

The trouble with the "Plus" models is that they keep getting more "Plus" with each new version. Plus weight. Plus thickness. Plus heft. In a phone that was already large when the 6 Plus was introduced, these extra "Pluses" are just unacceptable, to me. I actually carry the phone in my pocket. Even when just holding the 7 Plus, though, it felt too heavy. Now the 8 Plus is even heavier, even fatter, even a tad wider! Ridiculous. The 6 Plus was fine.

Because jeans front pockets are not getting wider, I tend to use the back pocket now. I never did sit on my phone but this is getting ridiculous. I also leave the phone at home more when I walk the dog. Summer time was hard because the pockets in shorts are already small. It's interesting when you start making a list of pros and cons after owning a plus model for a few years. We tend to forget how it was before with a small phone.
[doublepost=1505763095][/doublepost]@mattopotamus Good ad, forgot about that one. I'm so looking forward to switching it up. The 6S internals is what made me think that it wasn't bad and viewing iOS 11 performance youtube videos.

 

[PBz]

If it helps anyone.. I used to test devices for a living.. was at ATT when the first iPhone launched.. and I am still VERY happy with the 6S ‘internals’. Because I am still paying for a stolen iPhone 7 I really cannot upgrade until mid next year.. but with the speed of the 6S+ I was not in a hurry to. I am running iOS 11 on the 6S+ and an IPP 10.5 and they both run it great.

 

[AppleZombie]

The small screen will get some getting used to for those coming from plus models, but trust me when I say it's worth it. One handed use is second to none and when talking on the phone it doesn't look like you are holding a brick.