iPhone SE (2016) Those who have gone from bigger, newer phones to SE - why? Thoughts so far?

[CouponPages]

Just curious for those who are going from larger, newer, pro devices to the SE, what device are you coming from, and what made you want to switch to the SE?

If you have your SE, how are you feeling about your decision thus far?

I went from a Plus size to the previous SE 4 years ago simply because I hated the bulk of the Plus. I want a phone that feels comfortable in my hand and fits nicely into a small pocket while barely noticing it’s there.

To me, the biggest drawback to the current SE is that it’s too big. I bought one anyway because I know Apple will eventually phase out updates and I want to be able to run the latest software.

I also don‘t like the position of the power button. It’s awkward on the right because when you push it, you often end up hitting the volume on the other side.

Lastly, I have a bigger problem in that my carrier (Consumer Cellular), doesn’t support Visual VoiceMail within their T-Mobile network, so I have to call my own number a few times an hour to see if I have any voice messages. At least the phones from the 90s let me know when I have a voice message.

That‘s not Apple’s fault. I’m going to need to switch carriers or get them to ship me an AT & T SIM.

 

[MandiMac]

Good to know, and thanks for the reference pics 🤙🏽
You sell, trade, or keep your 8+? That’s the other part I’m trying to figure out.

You're welcome!
I try to sell it right now on an Austrian selling platform (willhaben) for around 360 euros with a case. With 89 % battery health I think it's an okay offer, other persons are trying to get way over 400 for the same phone with 64 GB ...

 

[ssledoux]

My white SE is due to arrive today, so I guess I’ll be able to update with my opinions later. I know y’all can’t wait. ;-p

 

[MandiMac]

My white SE is due to arrive today, so I guess I’ll be able to update with my opinions later. I know y’all can’t wait. ;-p

All the best and have fun with it Really looking forward to your impressions!

 

[anthonymoody]

I like to mix it up. I appreciate the pros and cons of both larger and smaller form factors. I'm currently using an 11 Pro Max but if the iPhone rumors of a 5.4" iPhone 12 are true I'll probably go that route. That may be the holy grail of small form factor iPhones.

 

[KnightNurse]

I’m coming from an iPhone 11 Pro and my wife is coming from an iPhone 11. Our payments were around $33 a month with $18 for insurance per phone which was ridiculous. We realized we don’t need the latest and greatest iPhone and we are now paying $33 a month for two iPhone SE and not doing insurance. We are very pleased with the performance and plan to keep these phones for as long as possible. My wife and I both work in healthcare and have to wear masks all day at work. Touch ID has been amazing!

 

[Merode]

I've gone from 6S to original SE as soon as it came out. I use my phone most of the time one-handed on the bus or tram. My job requires me to sit at the computer all the time, my hobby as well. Therefore I don't use my phone that much when I'm not travelling.

Bottom line is: iPhone 6S was too big and FAR, FAR too slippery (especially landscape). I felt like I was going to drop it all the time and in fact once I did. I've got job iPhone 7 on my desk and it's the same sensation. Those rounded edges + aluminium are the worst. iPhone SE with sharp edges feels much better in hand.

In my opinion there's absolutely no other reason to go for SE 2nd gen than money. It's as slippery and as large as 6S. It's not much smaller than 11 Pro, Xs or X. What is the premise here? When I upgrade, I will probably pick XS - the price has gone down and it's still pretty great phone. Unless, Apple releases true SE successor with the same dimensions as original SE but design language of X with edge to edge display.

 

[Aston441]

1. iOS 13 killed the battery life on my 6s+ even with a brand new Apple installed battery. The people at Apple that intentionally do this are reserved a special place in Hell for this BS. iOS 12 fantastic battery life was to address all the State lawsuits against them for iOS 11 intentionally destroying batteries. The suits were all settled and Apple is back to their evil ways again.

2. There’s no SE plus for me to upgrade to, and no other non-face ID phones, so this is now my only option.

I wish there was real competition. Apple needs to be investigated by the FTC same as Microsoft was for their evil monopolistic behavior.

 

[MandiMac]

I've gone from 6S to original SE as soon as it came out. I use my phone most of the time one-handed on the bus or tram. My job requires me to sit at the computer all the time, my hobby as well. Therefore I don't use my phone that much when I'm not travelling.

Bottom line is: iPhone 6S was too big and FAR, FAR too slippery (especially landscape). I felt like I was going to drop it all the time and in fact once I did. I've got job iPhone 7 on my desk and it's the same sensation. Those rounded edges + aluminium are the worst. iPhone SE with sharp edges feels much better in hand.

In my opinion there's absolutely no other reason to go for SE 2nd gen than money. It's as slippery and as large as 6S. It's not much smaller than 11 Pro, Xs or X. What is the premise here? When I upgrade, I will probably pick XS - the price has gone down and it's still pretty great phone. Unless, Apple releases true SE successor with the same dimensions as original SE but design language of X with edge to edge display.

Why don‘t you get a grippy clear case for 5-10 dollars? If the 6s was too big, the XS won‘t be any smaller...

 

[Merode]

Why don‘t you get a grippy clear case for 5-10 dollars? If the 6s was too big, the XS won‘t be any smaller...

I really dislike cases. The XS part - I have to accept the reality and move on. If XS and SE 2nd gen are almost same size, the choice is clear.

 

[MandiMac]

I really dislike cases. The XS part - I have to accept the reality and move on. If XS and SE 2nd gen are almost same size, the choice is clear.

But you do know that the XS is as slippery as the SE 2nd gen? It's glass on the back as well...

 

[neoelectronaut]

I haven't bought a 2020 iPhone SE, but I'm definitely in the market for a small phone, ideally the size of the 2016/2017 iPhone SE if possible.

 

[NickName99]

I've gone from 6S to original SE as soon as it came out. I use my phone most of the time one-handed on the bus or tram. My job requires me to sit at the computer all the time, my hobby as well. Therefore I don't use my phone that much when I'm not travelling.

Bottom line is: iPhone 6S was too big and FAR, FAR too slippery (especially landscape). I felt like I was going to drop it all the time and in fact once I did. I've got job iPhone 7 on my desk and it's the same sensation. Those rounded edges + aluminium are the worst. iPhone SE with sharp edges feels much better in hand.

In my opinion there's absolutely no other reason to go for SE 2nd gen than money. It's as slippery and as large as 6S. It's not much smaller than 11 Pro, Xs or X. What is the premise here? When I upgrade, I will probably pick XS - the price has gone down and it's still pretty great phone. Unless, Apple releases true SE successor with the same dimensions as original SE but design language of X with edge to edge display.

The iPhone X/XS is even more slippery than the 6S/7/8/SE. The outer metal band is polished steel, even more slippery than aluminum, and the back is glass (same as 8 and SE).

I recommend a genuine Apple leather slim case, I’ve sworn by them for years. They’re very slim, make the phone very easy to keep hold of, protect very well, and they feel great. I’ve had numerous big drops and never any damage to the phone.

 

[trainwrecka]

Just curious for those who are going from larger, newer, pro devices to the SE, what device are you coming from, and what made you want to switch to the SE?

If you have your SE, how are you feeling about your decision thus far?

I went from the iPhone 6 Plus to the iPhone 8, which was a similar move. I've been on the 8 for about 3 years now, and I have really missed the larger screen for reading, browsing, videos, games, etc. Pretty much everything I use the phone for outside of music and talking. I will be going big when this phone dies.

 

[thadoggfather]

I've gone from 6S to original SE as soon as it came out. I use my phone most of the time one-handed on the bus or tram. My job requires me to sit at the computer all the time, my hobby as well. Therefore I don't use my phone that much when I'm not travelling.

Bottom line is: iPhone 6S was too big and FAR, FAR too slippery (especially landscape). I felt like I was going to drop it all the time and in fact once I did. I've got job iPhone 7 on my desk and it's the same sensation. Those rounded edges + aluminium are the worst. iPhone SE with sharp edges feels much better in hand.

In my opinion there's absolutely no other reason to go for SE 2nd gen than money. It's as slippery and as large as 6S. It's not much smaller than 11 Pro, Xs or X. What is the premise here? When I upgrade, I will probably pick XS - the price has gone down and it's still pretty great phone. Unless, Apple releases true SE successor with the same dimensions as original SE but design language of X with edge to edge display.

You’re allowed to detest the 6 form factor and stick with SE1, but outside of that, dont act like there arent any reasons to upgrade, there are plenty: wireless charging, Silicon 4 generations newer, 3GB of ram, a way better camera, stereo speakers, second generation Haptic Touch ID, P3 screen that has better contrast and is higher quality, water resistance, improved battery life (A13 is going to be much better on iOS 13 than A9 which shipped with iOS 9 in 2016)

 

[brandonnnnnnn]

I’m happy with the SE. It takes some time to adjust over from using an iPhone X for 2+ years, but it is so worth it. There is some compromises like battery life is not as good, but it could be charged throughout the day if I use it heavily. Standby time is great so it will last without heavy usage.The camera still is pretty excellent and not disappointed one bit. The best part is having the latest and greatest A13 without breaking the bank. I can’t really understand having a phone that costs as much as my iPad or even a MacBook. It’s more cost effective to drop the 1K+ plus on an iPad and by the budget phone people are calling it. Phones are not your only device and could never be. I use to always want the newest and greatest device, but I am seeing no true real use case. Of course you can make real use cases if you have to have the best. I thought the other day about Steve Jobs mentioning 3.5 inches was the optimal size as the entire screen can be reached and bigger was not necessary. I have to say Steve’s vision is true as the SE is better, but still too big. Unfortunately, that’s the direction of the entire industry and the best thing you can get right now. Very happy with the SE and will continue to buy more reasonable iPhones instead of the expensive ones going forward.

 

[thadoggfather]

I’m thinking bout doing this, mainly because of size. How’s the two screens compare, besides size of course? I’m hearing mixed things about the SE having a not so bright display, though we are coming from the 8+ and not a 11/Pro or anything too new, so not sure it’d be noticeable.

Looking at my SE2 next to XR, 100% brightness and auto brightness off. I would consider them both great displays. They’re pretty much the same In quality.

My SE2 is a little bit warmer, but colors aren’t affected as far as I can tell.

I would imagine it depends on panel lottery for each device though, and which ones you’re comparing ie won the lotto 8+ vs. didn’t win SE2, or lost the lotto 8+ vs a keeper SE2.. its tricry

 

[Eric draven]

Just curious for those who are going from larger, newer, pro devices to the SE, what device are you coming from, and what made you want to switch to the SE?

If you have your SE, how are you feeling about your decision thus far?

I personally would love my iPad mini 4 to be fully cellular Would love someone at Apple to put a chip or software to able to make and receive calls away from my iPhone

 

[lewdvig]

I went from an iPhone 11 Pro Max that I got on a great carrier upgrade offer (primarily for the camera) to a 6S.

My vacation and subsequently the photos I planned to take, was cancelled by Covid19. So I sold the fancy phone and got a 6S.

I like how small, light and thin the 6S is. Another plus is using wired headphones, even though I have AirPods and Powerbeats Pro wired headphones sound better and suit my marathon music and podcast listening habits better.

The most demanding thing I do on the phone now is FaceTime. Games and other stuff do not appeal to me.

In terms of cost, my new in box 6S was $280 CDN. About 1/5 the amount I sold the 11 Pro Max for. I’d rather have the 6S and the cash.

 

[TheShadowKnows!]

I’m coming from an iPhone 11 Pro and my wife is coming from an iPhone 11. Our payments were around $33 a month with $18 for insurance per phone which was ridiculous. We realized we don’t need the latest and greatest iPhone and we are now paying $33 a month for two iPhone SE and not doing insurance. We are very pleased with the performance and plan to keep these phones for as long as possible. My wife and I both work in healthcare and have to wear masks all day at work. Touch ID has been amazing!

Only want to say: Thank you to both! Those caring for and protecting others are the true heroes.

 

[Kano]

I've posted something similar in another thread, but I currently have the XS and will likely trade it in towards the SE. I went from a 5 to a 6+, got tired of the size and went to an 8, then an XR, thought it was still too big/heavy and then got a XS. I have big hands and never really got comfortable with one-handed use on the XS. My work phone is a 7, and those few millimetres really do make a noticeable difference.

My biggest hesitation has come from the fact that the OLED blacks really do, for me, make the screen much more pleasing to view. Like others have mentioned, I, too, really like gestures and tap-to-wake. But.....one-handed use just *barely* trumps all of those other features. In terms of my needs, the SE phones easily cover them. I'm also waiting on the reported 5.4" 12, as that should address desired differences.

 

[Benjamin Nabulsi]

Today I have actually ordered new iPhone SE ~2016~ from eBay.
I currently own 10s but I'm reaching my limit of how big and heavy the iPhones has became
I will test it for a month, if I got used it then it's great if not it will be my spare travel iPhone

If it works then it will probably limit the time I spend on my phone!

 

[robinp]

That’s exactly the problem. I shouldn’t have to know “where” or “how” to use it.

I open camera. I take photo. That’s it.

then a phone with multiple cameras doesn’t make sense for you 🤷‍♂️

 

[Sndman2004]

I went from the 11 Pro Max to the new SE as my daily driver, but I’m still using the 11 Pro Max when I’m home. Only real reason is that I’m working and wearing a mask, typing in a passcode was making me want to not have a passcode!

 

[ssledoux]

Well, just finished setting up my SE. My first impression is how much I love the size in hand. I took a couple pics too, and am pretty impressed with the camera (I'm a point and shoot gal with my phone anyway, so I really think the camera is gonna be just fine for me).

I'm sure it'll be later tonight before I really get a feel for what it'll be like to look at for longer periods. I need to see how that goes before I can say whether or not I can totally commit.

Side by side with my 11, with the same brightness setting, I think my SE is a bit brighter. I took pics with my iPad mini - will try to post shortly.