This seems rather self explanatory. If you look at the ‘Tech specs’ on both these phones, the weight difference is substantial with the XS being much weightier. However, if you haven’t handled the 5.8 XS, it’s actually fairly comfortable in the hand, and doesn’t feel as ‘Edgy’ compared to the SE.
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iPhone SE (2016) Is it worth going from an SE to a Regular sized 8 and IPhone XS in 2019?
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This seems rather self explanatory. If you look at the ‘Tech specs’ on both these phones, the weight difference is substantial with the XS being much weightier. However, if you haven’t handled the 5.8 XS, it’s actually fairly comfortable in the hand, and doesn’t feel as ‘Edgy’ compared to the SE.
Back in the day, I used an iPhone 3GS. As it approached the time to shop for an upgrade, two things happened. One, the Galaxy Note was announced, ushering in the era of so-called phablets. The device was comically larger than the iPhone but was actually very well received. The other thing that happened was that other manufacturers were beginning coming out with with larger screen sizes in general; phones in the 4-4.5" range. While I was initially struck by the ridiculous screen size of the note, the other phones with larger screens immediately seemed right to me. The larger screens were so much more pleasant to use while the devices still felt appropriately "phone-sized". Comparatively, the 3GS (and, by extension, the original iPhone), felt like it was smaller than it really needed to be. It is barely larger than my palm (see picture of my original iPhone for reference). I ultimately upgraded to the 4.3" Nokia Lumia 900 (Windows phone), followed by the 4.7" Google Nexus 4, then to the 4.7" iPhone 6.
I have recently upgraded from the iPhone 6 to the XS. The 6 is the thinnest iPhone ever and nearly the lightest as well, and let me tell you - it's been nice. Thus the XS represents a relatively substantial increase in bulk. Nevertheless, it's completely fine. Everything about it still feels appropriately "phone-sized". The SE strikes me as being intentionally compact. That's not a bad thing, just a matter of priority. The SE is the best (iOS-based) choice if you prioritize a compact form factor. Otherwise, I think the "standard" size of the 8/XS is the sweet spot for a phone when you are aren't interested in entering the phablet category.
I have recently upgraded from the iPhone 6 to the XS. The 6 is the thinnest iPhone ever and nearly the lightest as well, and let me tell you - it's been nice. Thus the XS represents a relatively substantial increase in bulk. Nevertheless, it's completely fine. Everything about it still feels appropriately "phone-sized". The SE strikes me as being intentionally compact. That's not a bad thing, just a matter of priority. The SE is the best (iOS-based) choice if you prioritize a compact form factor. Otherwise, I think the "standard" size of the 8/XS is the sweet spot for a phone when you are aren't interested in entering the phablet category.
Kind of depends on what you mean by one-handed use. The 4” iPhone is pretty much the max size for one-handed use without the aid of gravity (that’s why Apple chose that size at the time). Anything bigger and you have to start resting it on your fingers instead of grasping it in order for your thumb to reach the entire screen. People say it’s not a problem to do, all the way up to the 5.5” and 5.8” iPhones, not sure about the 6.5”. But answers will vary in that regard, so it’s just something one has to try out for oneself.
I used to always have the latest and greatest iPhone but once I got to the 6S, Apple hasn't given me a compelling reason to upgrade. My 6S is still zippy and reliable, but I needed an unlocked phone that would also support CDMA, so I bought a 128gb SE during the recent clearance sale, and to me it's even better: compact, lighter, better battery life and the same fast chip and decent camera.