Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
This is my one holdback in wanting to "downgrade" from my 11 Pro to an SE. I really hope the smaller iPhone 12 rumor is actually true.

It’s not an issue to me to deal with for a while without.

...Once se2 can be jail broken I’ll install a tweak that enables this functionality. Works great on my se1 which is jail broken :D
 
Maybe in case main phone gets lost/stolen/broken, etc. I know some like to use smaller ones when out and about, although I can't imagine swapping SIM cards back and forth (guess you could maybe have two activated with the same number - IDK). Keeping up with one phone is enough for me.
I would have one just in case of theft or loss as you say. I used to just keep the old phone when I got a new one, and have it just in case. That doesn't work well if you ever trade one in or do something else with it, lol. I traded my 5c in when I got my first SE, and now that I've gotten this new SE the old one is going to my stepson. So my current backup phone in case of loss is...an iPhone 3GS. :p
 
  • Like
Reactions: compwiz1202
I would have one just in case of theft or loss as you say. I used to just keep the old phone when I got a new one, and have it just in case. That doesn't work well if you ever trade one in or do something else with it, lol. I traded my 5c in when I got my first SE, and now that I've gotten this new SE the old one is going to my stepson. So my current backup phone in case of loss is...an iPhone 3GS. :p

Oh that's awesome! I wish I still had some of my old phones around. I've had almost every iPhone since the first one - I loved that 3GS.
 
Why do people need back up phones? What's happening in your life so often you need a back up? lol

Serious question though. Because if I bought a back up it would just sit in a drawer, collect dust, and be a waste of money.
International travel every 2 years. Back in the contract days, that was right around the time you can get your old iPhone unlocked.

I didn't buy backup phones per se. We just kept our old iPhones after we upgraded. I used to buy $100-250 unlocked phones (flip phones, then Androids) just for travel. Keeping our old iPhones was just so much more convenient since contacts, apps, etc. are all on there already, and we don't have to adjust to a different UI.

Also, in the early days, I used my iPhone as ebook reader. When I upgraded to 3GS, I used the OG iPhone as my reader when I get home. Iirc, I only get around 4-6 hours on screen time so I'd alternate charging them.
 
Last edited:
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?
11PM. Got SE to use while out so I can use Touch ID with a mask. Going to switch SIM back or get the 12 or 13 or 30 once this is all over. Haven't had a small one since 5 or 5s. Actually isn't too bad to read as I thought especially with bolded and larger text settings. At first it was awkward to hold and almost dropped it, but it's getting a little better. I couldn't even imagine holding a 4" SE though. What size were the 5/5S. Once pluses came with the 6 and up, I always got those.
[automerge]1588190836[/automerge]
International travel every 2 years. Back in the contract days, that was right around the time you can get your old iPhone unlocked.

I didn't buy backup phones per se. We just kept our old iPhones after we upgraded. I used to buy $100-250 unlocked phones (flip phones, then Androids) just for travel. Keeping our old iPhones was just so much more convenient since contacts, apps, etc. are all on there already, and we don't have to adjust to a different UI.
Yea same for me. I got SE 2020 for Touch ID while out with a mask to pay and unlocking and authenticating faster. Didn't get it specifically as a backup, but once things go back to normal and masks are over, I will keep it for a backup, or if someone needs one I can sell it to them.
 
11PM. Got SE to use while out so I can use Touch ID with a mask. Going to switch SIM back or get the 12 or 13 or 30 once this is all over. Haven't had a small one since 5 or 5s. Actually isn't too bad to read as I thought especially with bolded and larger text settings. At first it was awkward to hold and almost dropped it, but it's getting a little better. I couldn't even imagine holding a 4" SE though. What size were the 5/5S. Once pluses came with the 6 and up, I always got those.
[automerge]1588190836[/automerge]

Yea same for me. I got SE 2020 for Touch ID while out with a mask to pay and unlocking and authenticating faster. Didn't get it specifically as a backup, but once things go back to normal and masks are over, I will keep it for a backup, or if someone needs one I can sell it to them.

I've had a + since the 6 as well, and from my 8+ I went to the XR then 11, so I've had bigger ones as well (couldn't keep my XS Max - OLED issues, so I didn't even try with the 11 pro max), but I've thought for a while it would be fun to have a small phone again.

I'm still in limbo too because I am having trouble keeping a good grip on it. I'm ready for a case to arrive. Overall I really like it though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: compwiz1202

Attachments

  • 15B3EBFC-6696-47F5-937B-9424D254AE20.jpeg
    15B3EBFC-6696-47F5-937B-9424D254AE20.jpeg
    575.1 KB · Views: 129
I use SE1 and can't imagine using larger! It's a pitty that SE2 is larger so I will stay with mine as long as possible ;)
But still it is really great that there is SE2 while all other brands push big sizes only.

Handling SE1 with one hand is great, putting in any pocket is a no brainer, TouchID is great. Almost everything is great!

The only complain is that typing might be a challange but I read here that some of you already have troubles typing on bigger phones also. I'm sure that the size must affect typing accuracy to some extent but at least I see that it is not so obvious ;) It might be that you just must be focused while typing :)
 
I would have one just in case of theft or loss as you say. I used to just keep the old phone when I got a new one, and have it just in case. That doesn't work well if you ever trade one in or do something else with it, lol. I traded my 5c in when I got my first SE, and now that I've gotten this new SE the old one is going to my stepson. So my current backup phone in case of loss is...an iPhone 3GS. :p

This is a good idea. I’m waiting for VZW or any big box retailer to offer a deal on the SE and I may make the plunge and make it a back up phone to my 11 pro. May even use it over my 11 pro for a bit too if I do get one.
 
Oh man I just loved that phone! So cool that you still have one!
They grow up so fast!

Funny thing: holding it in my hand I already reflexively look for the sleep switch on the SIDE! It’s been less than a week!
 

Attachments

  • E0B8F880-4EAE-4869-B96D-70EFA2C27380.jpeg
    E0B8F880-4EAE-4869-B96D-70EFA2C27380.jpeg
    600.8 KB · Views: 129
They grow up so fast!

Funny thing: holding it in my hand I already reflexively look for the sleep switch on the SIDE! It’s been less than a week!

Haha they really do!

I still love how that phone looks in hand. I remember getting that phone. My husband, all 4 of my kids (teens at the time) and I all had them, and I invested in half dozen Otterboxes. We thought we were something else.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lkalliance
I use SE1 and can't imagine using larger! It's a pitty that SE2 is larger so I will stay with mine as long as possible ;)
But still it is really great that there is SE2 while all other brands push big sizes only.

Handling SE1 with one hand is great, putting in any pocket is a no brainer, TouchID is great. Almost everything is great!

The only complain is that typing might be a challange but I read here that some of you already have troubles typing on bigger phones also. I'm sure that the size must affect typing accuracy to some extent but at least I see that it is not so obvious ;) It might be that you just must be focused while typing :)

im really loving these SE's. 1 and 2.

They are the most refined and fastest versions of the form factor, with longevity in mind. It's incredible SE1 is still relevant since it can run iOS 13 (and I would imagine it will stay relevant for people who refuse to go bigger, or fork over more cash even after it stops being supported). I haven't used it as a phone for a while, so impossible to comment on battery life (I've heard its taken a real nose dive) but it seems to run decent on iOS 13 for me performance wise, all things considered.

--

I won't balk at anyone who refuses to update from 1 to 2 because of size differences and all, I understand. I just think its all relative. To me, coming from Plus, X, and XR, this thing feels TINY! But not prohibitively experience wise like I felt was the case at times with SE1 -- still gets the job done, just not ideal and a little crammed visibility wise. I think it's a nice bump up from 4.0" which still feels amazing in the hand but out of touch with the times a bit. I didn't feel this way when it launched in 2016 though or for a while after that.
 
Last edited:
I bought the new SE as an extra phone to have for certain occasions and as a backup. I still plan to have the largest iPhone as my main phone each year.
 
Currently, I'm using a Samsung Galaxy S10, however, I'm planning to return back to IOS ecosystem since I hold Macbook and Ipad. Given the fact that I have Apple devices, it makes sense for me to complete the triangle with an Apple phone combined with Airpods Pro in the future.

The reasons that I'm considering to replace S10 with SE 2020:
1- Returning to the IOS ecosystem, greater integration of devices.
2- Compact form factor of new SE
3- Better camera, albeit not having the wide-angle lens.

Nonetheless, in where I'm living ah the moment, the prices of SE and XS are almost identical. Therefore it is a tough pick for me to decided between the two because at the end of the day XS is a compact device as well and I do not believe it will have any performance issues whatsoever in a foreseeable future.
Great tool for size reference: https://www.phonearena.com/phones/s...-S10,Apple-iPhone-XS/phones/10750,10959,10766

This was calibrated for my screen but the aspect ratios should be on. No trying to persuade you in anyway, but to each his own. OS aside, you lose a decent amount of screen here relative to actual footprint. Not so much with the XS however.
phone.PNG
 
That's nuts! I think that's the only one I never owned (until the last couple years when there have been multiple options).

The early iPhone days were nuts, waiting outside the night before to buy the phone. I think the last time I waited outside of the Apple store was for the first iPad.
 
The early iPhone days were nuts, waiting outside the night before to buy the phone. I think the last time I waited outside of the Apple store was for the first iPad.

I had some fun times with my sister waiting outside our Apple store to buy the latest and greatest. I think the last time I actually went to an Apple store on release day was for the 7+ maybe (started getting them shipped after that)? I was gonna be at my daughter's (in VA at the time), so I set my phone up to go to that store, and made the appointment for pickup.

I might have gone to my local store for the 8+ because I think I did the Apple upgrade plan with that one. I had an appointment and went in for that one too, I'm pretty sure.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mattopotamus
My SE was delivered yesterday. I almost forgot how much I love a device that doesn't feel like a brick in my pocket (11 Pro). I traded in an old 8 that my wife doesn't use anymore since T-Mobile was giving $200 off the SE with eligible trade in.

I love the size and form factor and have enjoyed using it thus far, but I'm not rushing to sell my 11 Pro. I'm going to use the SE exclusively this weekend and go from there. Most likely I'll keep the device as a backup, especially since my 11 Pro houses a good amount of apps that I use for work (especially now that I'm working from home indefinitely).
 
My SE was delivered yesterday. I almost forgot how much I love a device that doesn't feel like a brick in my pocket (11 Pro). I traded in an old 8 that my wife doesn't use anymore since T-Mobile was giving $200 off the SE with eligible trade in.

I love the size and form factor and have enjoyed using it thus far, but I'm not rushing to sell my 11 Pro. I'm going to use the SE exclusively this weekend and go from there. Most likely I'll keep the device as a backup, especially since my 11 Pro houses a good amount of apps that I use for work (especially now that I'm working from home indefinitely).

I think that is the best way to really get a feel for if the SE is a right fit and could be a daily driver. When you use them side by side, it's easy to focus on the positives of your old phone.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jimmy_uk
My SE was delivered yesterday. I almost forgot how much I love a device that doesn't feel like a brick in my pocket (11 Pro). I traded in an old 8 that my wife doesn't use anymore since T-Mobile was giving $200 off the SE with eligible trade in.

I love the size and form factor and have enjoyed using it thus far, but I'm not rushing to sell my 11 Pro. I'm going to use the SE exclusively this weekend and go from there. Most likely I'll keep the device as a backup, especially since my 11 Pro houses a good amount of apps that I use for work (especially now that I'm working from home indefinitely).

I think SE2 is gonna be my daily driver for a while coming from XR

I'll miss XR battery life, but I wonder how much its gonna be an issue. That's the main thing honestly. The rest, eh.

Though I prefer home button + swipe up (jailbroken, pre-X form), full screen-ish is nice for video

Also not in a rush to toss my XR either, I may want to switch it up occasionally / like to not be boxed in
 
  • Like
Reactions: nburwell
I think that is the best way to really get a feel for if the SE is a right fit and could be a daily driver. When you use them side by side, it's easy to focus on the positives of your old phone.

You absolutely right because right now I'm going back and forth and the screen on my 11 Pro is just gorgeous after I'm done using it for work then go to the SE. Not saying the LCD screen is terrible I just prefer OLED.

But I do need to use the SE as my DD for a week or so without going back and forth between it and my 11 Pro.
[automerge]1588274545[/automerge]
Also not in a rush to toss my XR either, I may want to switch it up occasionally / like to not be boxed in

This is the route I'm going to go with my 11 Pro since I do really like the device and the screen. But I want to get used to the SE, so I think I'm going pop the SIM out of my 11 Pro and use the SE exclusively for the time being (except check work emails).
 
  • Like
Reactions: mattopotamus
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.