iPhone SE (2016) So the SE been out a few weeks any regrets buying it?

[kittycat40]

To be perfectly honest, I do regret buying the SE (actually, bought 2. 1 for my SO) but not enough for me to return it.

I upgraded from a 6S and that phone was dying on me since day 1. The battery on that phone is gotta to be the worst since the launch of the original iPhone. I was super excited to get the phone and preordered the second it came out. Luckily, I got mine on launch day and it was the best iPhone I've ever used. Obviously.

The first sign of regret came in the camera department. After taking a few pictures and read through iFixit's teardown, I realized that this camera is exactly the same module from the 8 along with some A13 software magic. Unfortunately, as powerful as the A13 might be, it still didn't have night mode or deep fusion. Low light photos are garbage as far as 2020 is concerned.

Secondly, the battery life is much better than my 6S but not by much. It will last maybe 4-5 hours on screen so a full day at best. It's definitely no XR or 11.

Thirdly, I'm really tired of the design. I thought if the camera and battery was better than I expected, then I would suck it up and deal with it. But after almost 5 years of using the 6S, I didn't realize I reached my limit until I held the SE in my hand. However, I do love Touch ID after all these years. I have Face ID on my iPad pro but it just isn't as tactile as Touch ID. Being able to use Touch ID while wearing a mask is huge plus, but I suppose I shouldn't even be touching my phone when I'm out. LOL

At the end of the day, I wish I looked for a deal on a refurb iPhone 8. That would've costs around $200 to $300 (maybe even less) and it's practically the same phone. I don't think Apple will drop support for A11 anytime soon, so iPhone 8 would've held me over for another 2 years easily. It still has wireless charging, IP67 resistance, same battery life, (practically) same camera, and the same aesthetics. Oh, also 3D touch! (if you care) Let's just focus on the user experience other than comparing a bunch specs, I think anyone looking to buy a SE today can be perfectly served by an iPhone 8.

Oh but the centered Apple logo though. Bomb diggity.

Now if the only 3 things you care about is 1) the best of the best camera with low light mode, 2) much longer lasting battery, and 3) exterior design than is completely different than the 6,6s,7,and 8 than yeah you should go to the iPhone 11 Pro or 11 Pro Max.


You might wonder why I didn't mention the iPhone 11 (non Pro version) Because yes the iPhone 11 (non Pro) has a much different exterior design that the SE 2020, iPhone 6,6s,7 and 8. Also the iPhone 11 (non Pro version) does have better camera with low light mode; which is lacking in the SE 2020. However, Apple states on their website that the iPhone 11(non Pro) lasts up to 1 hour longer than iPhone XR. While the 11 Pro lasts up to 4 hours longer than iPhone XS, the 11 Pro Max hasthe longest battery life in an iPhone lasts up to 5 hours longer than iPhone XS Max.

Thus, the iPhone 11 (non Pro) $699: meets 2 of your criteria 1) the better camera with light mode, 2) exterior design than is completely different than the iPhone 6,6s,7,and 8


But if you want a iPhone that has a somewhat small form factor but still has a powerful A13 processor, WiFi 6 chip that will let you connect to WiFi 6 modems/routers, more bands for better coverage, faster LTE, more RAM that helps with loading mutiple tabs at once and runs apps smoother,Dual sim (esim), and express transit with power reserve, stereo video recording, along with camera features like Portrait Mode (limited to people), Portrait Lighting, Smart HDR, and QuickTake video than you'll want the iPhone SE2020 edition over the iPhone 8. Why? Because all of these things mentioned are NOT available/inside the iPhone 8 and the cost of the SE 2020 is $399 compared to the 11 at $699 or the iPhone 11 Pro/Max for $999/$1,099

Express transit with power reserve you can refer to my earlier post for why that feature is so great.


Also consider the price: prior to Apple discontinuing the iPhone 8, Apple was selling it for $449. The iPhone SE 2020 is $399 brand new. In a few weeks/months you'll probably be able to get a used/refurb iPhone SE 2020 for nearly the same price as a used/refurb iPhone 8 with the same storage configuration.


With all due respect I disagree with your post.

Also the iPhone SE 2020 edition does NOT get 3D Touch, but rather it gets Haptic Touch. The iPhone 8 gets 3D Touch.

The iPhone 8 and iPhone SE 2020 are night and day different with the exception of the outer shell of the iPhone and the fact that they both use LCD screens and Touch iD.


You can reference an early post of mine in this thread for the full breakdown of why the SE 2020 is better than the iPhone 8.

For example T-Mobile is heavily expanding coverage on band 71. Well the iPhone 8 doesn't have band 71. What does that mean? Some T-Mobile towers that use band 71 won't connect to the iPhone 8 because there's no band 71. Which leads to a loss in coverage for the T-Mobile towers that solely use band 71. Yet the iPhone SE 2020 won't have that issue because it has band 71.

 

[Marty_Macfly]

Good question Ixon!

Interesting reading everyone's experience.
My experiance is bit of a mixed bag, overall positive though.


Cons:
1. Bigger physical size is getting some use to. I have come from the original SE.
2. Bigger screen is getting some use to as well - the icons arrange from the top, so top ones are out of reach!


Pros:
1. Change has been good for me. I'm being forced to improve my iphone experience by actually spending some time customising the iphone for myself. Examples of this are:

1.1 Ad Blockers enabled (See my other posts)

1.2 Created a shortcut - 1st time ever (See my other posts)

1.3 Trying new tech - wireless chargers (See my other posts)

1.4 Icons re-arranged - 1st time ever, since iphone 3gs! (My key apps were mixed in with years of accumulated crap apps never used, and actually not still working!)

1.5 Back onto internet forums - nice to read up other people's experience and advise etc.


2. Photos are so much better - plus can see better on bigger screen
3. Sounds much better, actually playing music around house as i go.
4. Bigger font, and Zoom, set on a bigger screen - less of a struggle reading small script! 🙂


Regards
Martin 🙂

 

[CafeManchego]

Now if the only 3 things you care about is 1) the best of the best camera with low light mode, 2) much longer lasting battery, and 3) exterior design than is completely different than the 6,6s,7,and 8 than yeah you should go to the iPhone 11 Pro or 11 Pro Max.


You might wonder why I didn't mention the iPhone 11 (non Pro version) Because yes the iPhone 11 (non Pro) has a much different exterior design that the SE 2020, iPhone 6,6s,7 and 8. Also the iPhone 11 (non Pro version) does have better camera with low light mode; which is lacking in the SE 2020. However, Apple states on their website that the iPhone 11(non Pro) lasts up to 1 hour longer than iPhone XR. While the 11 Pro lasts up to 4 hours longer than iPhone XS, the 11 Pro Max hasthe longest battery life in an iPhone lasts up to 5 hours longer than iPhone XS Max.

Thus, the iPhone 11 (non Pro) $699: meets 2 of your criteria 1) the better camera with light mode, 2) exterior design than is completely different than the iPhone 6,6s,7,and 8


But if you want a iPhone that has a somewhat small form factor but still has a powerful A13 processor, WiFi 6 chip that will let you connect to WiFi 6 modems/routers, more bands for better coverage, faster LTE, more RAM that helps with loading mutiple tabs at once and runs apps smoother,Dual sim (esim), and express transit with power reserve, stereo video recording, along with camera features like Portrait Mode (limited to people), Portrait Lighting, Smart HDR, and QuickTake video than you'll want the iPhone SE2020 edition over the iPhone 8. Why? Because all of these things mentioned are NOT available/inside the iPhone 8 and the cost of the SE 2020 is $399 compared to the 11 at $699 or the iPhone 11 Pro/Max for $999/$1,099

Express transit with power reserve you can refer to my earlier post for why that feature is so great.


Also consider the price: prior to Apple discontinuing the iPhone 8, Apple was selling it for $449. The iPhone SE 2020 is $399 brand new. In a few weeks/months you'll probably be able to get a used/refurb iPhone SE 2020 for nearly the same price as a used/refurb iPhone 8 with the same storage configuration.


With all due respect I disagree with your post.

Also the iPhone SE 2020 edition does NOT get 3D Touch, but rather it gets Haptic Touch. The iPhone 8 gets 3D Touch.

The iPhone 8 and iPhone SE 2020 are night and day different with the exception of the outer shell of the iPhone and the fact that they both use LCD screens and Touch iD.


You can reference an early post of mine in this thread for the full breakdown of why the SE 2020 is better than the iPhone 8.

For example T-Mobile is heavily expanding coverage on band 71. Well the iPhone 8 doesn't have band 71. What does that mean? Some T-Mobile towers that use band 71 won't connect to the iPhone 8 because there's no band 71. Which leads to a loss in coverage for the T-Mobile towers that solely use band 71. Yet the iPhone SE 2020 won't have that issue because it has band 71.

If I cared about specs on my phone and willing to spend the money, I would’ve went for the 11. But day to day use, i don’t see how the SE is worth the premium over the 8. A13, A11, A100 or whatever. It makes no difference to someone like me who doesn’t play iOS games. I was perfectly fine with the performance on A9 if it wasn’t for the battery life.

Wi-fi 6? I’m not upgrading my router for at least the next 2 years, and most public places won’t either.

I’m on Verizon and until 5G is more common, it’s the best network for me. I don’t use express transit because my city doesn’t support it.

All I’m saying is that if you are a price conscious consumer, which the SE is clearly targeting, you will have 99% the same experience with a great condition refurb iPhone 8 and save the cash. All the copypasta spec sheet in the world doesn’t change my day to day experience. In hindsight that’s what I should’ve done.

 

[kittycat40]

If I cared about specs on my phone and willing to spend the money, I would’ve went for the 11. But day to day use, i don’t see how the SE is worth the premium over the 8. A13, A11, A100 or whatever. It makes no difference to someone like me who doesn’t play iOS games. I was perfectly fine with the performance on A9 if it wasn’t for the battery life.

Wi-fi 6? I’m not upgrading my router for at least the next 2 years, and most public places won’t either.

I’m on Verizon and until 5G is more common, it’s the best network for me. I don’t use express transit because my city doesn’t support it.

All I’m saying is that if you are a price conscious consumer, which the SE is clearly targeting, you will have 99% the same experience with a great condition refurb iPhone 8 and save the cash. All the copypasta spec sheet in the world doesn’t change my day to day experience. In hindsight that’s what I should’ve done.

If price is your number 1 concern and you don’t care about specs I recommend checking out Groupon they often have refurbished iPhones for cheap prices especially older models like the 8.

 

[oVerboost]

If I cared about specs on my phone and willing to spend the money, I would’ve went for the 11. But day to day use, i don’t see how the SE is worth the premium over the 8. A13, A11, A100 or whatever. It makes no difference to someone like me who doesn’t play iOS games. I was perfectly fine with the performance on A9 if it wasn’t for the battery life.

Wi-fi 6? I’m not upgrading my router for at least the next 2 years, and most public places won’t either.

I’m on Verizon and until 5G is more common, it’s the best network for me. I don’t use express transit because my city doesn’t support it.

All I’m saying is that if you are a price conscious consumer, which the SE is clearly targeting, you will have 99% the same experience with a great condition refurb iPhone 8 and save the cash. All the copypasta spec sheet in the world doesn’t change my day to day experience. In hindsight that’s what I should’ve done.

For many, a new device with an Apple warranty and possibly Apple care is worth the extra over any shady refurb or used device as you’re never 100% sure what your getting.

 

[JSRinUK]

With the recent hot rumours of the 5.4” iPhone 12 being the flat-sided, full screen, reasonably-priced compact powerhouse a lot of original SE fans had been clamouring for, I would predict the regrets probably won’t be a thing until September.

This would only cause regret with me if it was the same price or less than the SE. If it costs £100 more, then there will be no regrets here. Price is the critical thing.

 

[ruka.snow]

My dad is loving his but he came from a 6. My fiancé has the original SE so we are out of luck for getting him a new iPhone, I'll get his battery replaced soon so he has a few more years with a phone.

 

[ajorgenson1]

No regrets, courier picked up my return and I'm back with the old SE. I'm sticking with the 4" screen for now.

Same here... ordered it and returned it to stick with old SE.

I also had the iPhone X and can honestly say I have no regrets switching back to the smaller iPhone SE, I will continue to stick with the phone that provides daily comfort and ease of use for the consumer. Hopefully Apple hears our cry!

 

[JagRunner]

If I cared about specs on my phone and willing to spend the money, I would’ve went for the 11. But day to day use, i don’t see how the SE is worth the premium over the 8. A13, A11, A100 or whatever. It makes no difference to someone like me who doesn’t play iOS games. I was perfectly fine with the performance on A9 if it wasn’t for the battery life.

Wi-fi 6? I’m not upgrading my router for at least the next 2 years, and most public places won’t either.

I’m on Verizon and until 5G is more common, it’s the best network for me. I don’t use express transit because my city doesn’t support it.

All I’m saying is that if you are a price conscious consumer, which the SE is clearly targeting, you will have 99% the same experience with a great condition refurb iPhone 8 and save the cash. All the copypasta spec sheet in the world doesn’t change my day to day experience. In hindsight that’s what I should’ve done.

You can get the new SE at Walmart for $199 which is probably less than a used iPhone 8. It’s a steal if you go the Walmart route.

 

[retta283]

Coming from Galaxy S8 and prior to that S3, I feel the new SE is the perfect smartphone.

• OLED screens have that true black, but there is minor burn in on my S8, and the red has worn out more than the rest, making white more bluish. Meanwhile, this P3 screen is no slouch, and has brilliant color. I’d rather have LCD, which remains pristine longer.
• The screen size is the ideal compromise between reachability and viewing space. ‘Phableteers’ have long since forgotten that smaller can be desirable. 4” is ideal for reachability, while 5+ is ideal for media (larger is overkill). 4.7” is right in the middle between those.
• Triple cameras are a marketing gimmick, like curved glass.
• 1080 or 1440p on small screens offer diminishing returns, use more battery, and are slower. My S8 has 1440p, but I would set it to 720p anyway.
• Bezels allow for a clean, rectangular screen, and separate regions for the other gizmos. It’s not wasted space. The S8 was too large, and needed a case to add some “bezel”, otherwise there was no possible way to hold it without touching the screen.
• The home button and haptics take the experience to whole another level.

Well said. All of these reasons have been heavy considerations for me, as I intend on keeping this thing running for 5 or more years. All I need is a phone with a good quality display that's still easy to use, a good camera to take quick shots with, and good call quality.

So far, I have only owned 1 OLED phone for more than a month, that being the Samsung Galaxy S from 2010. Burn-in was incredible on that model, I can see an entire imprint in the display. I'm sure I would not see it that much on a current OLED phone, but I think the current crop of LCDs is more than adequate. 326 ppi is fine.

 

[rui no onna]

At the end of the day, I wish I looked for a deal on a refurb iPhone 8. That would've costs around $200 to $300 (maybe even less) and it's practically the same phone. I don't think Apple will drop support for A11 anytime soon, so iPhone 8 would've held me over for another 2 years easily. It still has wireless charging, IP67 resistance, same battery life, (practically) same camera, and the same aesthetics. Oh, also 3D touch! (if you care) Let's just focus on the user experience other than comparing a bunch specs, I think anyone looking to buy a SE today can be perfectly served by an iPhone 8.

Oh but the centered Apple logo though. Bomb diggity.

I've actually been checking Apple's refurb section quite often for a refurb iPhone 8 but they were never available when I checked. For majority of 2019 (before September), I believe the 128-256GB iPhone 8 was still selling for $600-700 brand new so it was hard to pull the trigger considering it was 2-year old tech at that point.

Not willing to go the used or third party refurb route since my primary complaint on my iPhone 7 is degraded battery. Chances are it won't get much better with a 3-year old iPhone 8. My iPhone 7 had decent battery life for two years but degraded very quickly in its 3rd year.

I was already decided on the SE for dual SIM even at $399-549 but in any case, Walmart's AT&T/Verizon upgrade deal made cost savings on older models a moot point:

iPhone SE (2020)
64GB/$199
128GB/$249
256GB/$349

Configs go in and out stock but deal's available until next month, I believe.

 

[hipnetic]

I got the AT&T 128GB (white) from Walmart for $250, so the price is great for what you get. But it's too big and dangerous to try to use one-handed. I'll probably stick with it, though, just because I want a better camera than the old SE. I guess I'll have to add a thin matte case or something to make it easier/safer for one-handed usage.

More details here:

Not upgrading to SE 2020 because it's too big?

Welp, my iPhone SE2020 128GB (white) arrived yesterday and I've been using it since last night. Sadly, my worst fears were realized...it's noticeably worse than my old SE for one-handed use. It had been a few years since I had last used the 6/6s, so I guess I had forgotten. Or perhaps my most...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[The Chosen One]

I can use it 1 handed just fine. Maybe not reach the top left easily but I hardly ever if ever need to do that.

Glad I went with the Product Red SE. The old SE certainly was and is still usable (Dutch people buy my old one!) but the slightly bigger screen makes all the difference in the world to me. (my old phone, Samsung Ativ S (WINDOWS PHONE BEST PHONE OS!!!) was a 4.8" screen which was perfect for me)

Using a wireless charging pad, 7,5W. Easy and more then fast enough.
And ofcourse the rest is nice too.

 

[filmbuff]

I regret ordering one from Apple because it's taking them 3 weeks to deliver it and I could have just walked into an AT&T store and got one the same day. It took 2 weeks just to go from "processing" to "preparing to ship". Meanwhile the one I ordered is in stock at the AT&T store a few miles away. I guess it makes it easier to trade in my ip7?

 

[Apple_Robert]

I regret ordering one from Apple because it's taking them 3 weeks to deliver it and I could have just walked into an AT&T store and got one the same day. It took 2 weeks just to go from "processing" to "preparing to ship". Meanwhile the one I ordered is in stock at the AT&T store a few miles away. I guess it makes it easier to trade in my ip7?

Then go to the AT&T store and buy it. When the other arrives, return it for a refund.

 

[ssledoux]

I’ve had mine nearly 2 weeks and I love it - came from an 11. I switched because I’ve been having small phone envy for a while and it seemed like a good time (and price) to go back small.

No regrets at all with smaller size, I love Touch ID, and the battery works just fine since I pretty much always have chargers handy anyway. The camera is great so far too, but low light /wide angle weren’t ever used anyway.

My daughter’s 11 feels enormous to me now.

I won’t rule out the 5.4” 12, but if it’s much heavier, it’ll probably be a no-go.
I’m loving how light this thing is!

 

[That70sGAdawg]

The battery life IS terrible. Also, no matter what solutions (turn wifi calling off, hard reset, turn off background refresh, Siri, etc) , I still get the continued "spinning wheel", driving down battery life further. I desperately needed a telephoto lens last week too- so getting an 11 Pro. The SE is going back next week.

 

[StageMomma]

The only thing I miss is being able to use the Animoji’s in the clips app when making videos for my students.
Other than that the SE is great!

 

[oVerboost]

The battery life IS terrible. Also, no matter what solutions (turn wifi calling off, hard reset, turn off background refresh, Siri, etc) , I still get the continued "spinning wheel", driving down battery life further. I desperately needed a telephoto lens last week too- so getting an 11 Pro. The SE is going back next week.

If the “spinning wheel” is killing your battery you’ve either set it up wrong, or something in setup is stuck or the phone is indexing or stuck indexing.

Battery life IS NOT terrible. If it was there would be endless new threads claiming as much...

What was top of the battery usage in settings? It wouldn’t just be “spinning” if not being required to do so by an app or in setup/ indexing.

Yours is not the usual experience with the SE.

 

[rui no onna]

Battery life IS NOT terrible. If it was there would be endless new threads claiming as much...

Depends on expectations.

One can't realistically expect iPhone XR/11 or even 6/6s/7/8 Plus level battery life from the SE 2020. Switching from 6/6s/7/8, then yeah, it'll be same or better.

 

[tonybarnaby]

If I cared about specs on my phone and willing to spend the money, I would’ve went for the 11. But day to day use, i don’t see how the SE is worth the premium over the 8. A13, A11, A100 or whatever. It makes no difference to someone like me who doesn’t play iOS games. I was perfectly fine with the performance on A9 if it wasn’t for the battery life.

Wi-fi 6? I’m not upgrading my router for at least the next 2 years, and most public places won’t either.

I’m on Verizon and until 5G is more common, it’s the best network for me. I don’t use express transit because my city doesn’t support it.

All I’m saying is that if you are a price conscious consumer, which the SE is clearly targeting, you will have 99% the same experience with a great condition refurb iPhone 8 and save the cash. All the copypasta spec sheet in the world doesn’t change my day to day experience. In hindsight that’s what I should’ve done.

You make some good points, but you should also consider that you can ride this $399 phone for 4-5 years. Even at 4 years, that’s $100 per year. The iPhone 8 is similar enough, but it would be a dog to use on a daily basis within a few years due to the 2gb of ram. A11 to A13 won’t be felt as much by a normal user, you’re correct. But you’ll really notice the extra ram, even today.

 

[Chips Stephens]

Zero regrets.
Apple payed me $120 for my iPhone 7.
No better phone out for $279.
Good times for sure.

 

[ssledoux]

The battery life IS terrible. Also, no matter what solutions (turn wifi calling off, hard reset, turn off background refresh, Siri, etc) , I still get the continued "spinning wheel", driving down battery life further. I desperately needed a telephoto lens last week too- so getting an 11 Pro. The SE is going back next week.

I had the spinning for a few days, and I couldn't figure out what it was, but I think it was my iCloud stuff getting completely uploaded from my restore (and with the horrible upload speeds I have on this satellite internet, it just took a while). It has stopped now, and my battery life is a lot better.

Of course, that's not gonna help you with a telephoto lens...

 

[That70sGAdawg]

If the “spinning wheel” is killing your battery you’ve either set it up wrong, or something in setup is stuck or the phone is indexing or stuck indexing.

Battery life IS NOT terrible. If it was there would be endless new threads claiming as much...

What was top of the battery usage in settings? It wouldn’t just be “spinning” if not being required to do so by an app or in setup/ indexing.

Yours is not the usual experience with the SE.

Look at my profile. I was loading firmware on flip phones in the '90's. Part time OS App developer too. I have totally restored this SE. It is defective. It shows bad QC (maybe cause it was built during a pandemic in China.). I made my decision based on my experience with this SE. Apple software is getting more sloppy also. I stopped buying Microsoft computer products in the early 2000's for that reason. Without another OS to choose from- I hope Apple gets it's act together on software released & hardware QC. The SE battery & QC is NOT up to my needs. The OP asks if there were any regrets- Yes is my answer.
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Thanks, but my particular SE is not indexing or still loading iMessages after 2 weeks & a total restore on a fast net connection. I'm going to a 11 Pro for other reasons also. Disappointed in my SE & expierence. I'm sure non defective ones will be fine.

 

[oVerboost]

Depends on expectations.

One can't realistically expect iPhone XR/11 or even 6/6s/7/8 Plus level battery life from the SE 2020. Switching from 6/6s/7/8, then yeah, it'll be same or better.

Which is pretty obvious in itself. A larger battery is going to give better battery life. If anyone is expecting an SE to give better battery life over the XR, 11 or 11 Pro models then quite frankly they're stupid.
Besides, that isn't the target audience of the device, like you said it's the people with the older devices who are most likely to upgrade to the new SE.

My comment was simply based on the poster saying battery life on the SE was "terrible", when they had a faulty unit so shouldn't be stating that SE's in general have bad battery life when they don't, theirs did fair enough - but that's not the popular opinion.

Look at my profile. I was loading firmware on flip phones in the '90's. Part time OS App developer too. I have totally restored this SE. It is defective. It shows bad QC (maybe cause it was built during a pandemic in China.). I made my decision based on my experience with this SE. Apple software is getting more sloppy also. I stopped buying Microsoft computer products in the early 2000's for that reason. Without another OS to choose from- I hope Apple gets it's act together on software released & hardware QC. The SE battery & QC is NOT up to my needs. The OP asks if there were any regrets- Yes is my answer.

I wasn't questioning anything you do, or have done in the past. I was simply saying yours isn't the common finding from people who have bought the new SE. Everyday there's numerous posts praising it on these forums and over on Reddit. Yours was a bad one, which happens. Regardless of a health pandemic, has always happened and always will do as sadly no mass assembly line can be perfect 100% of the time when using multiple internal electronic components.

It was more the fact that your post was reading as if that was a fair reply, knowing full well the device was faulty as you do, saying it has terrible battery life isn't really fair is it, because that's not the normal experience for those who's device didn't arrive with an issue.