iPhone SE (2016) What's better than an iPhone SE?

[s54]

Two SE's!

Ya know, just in case we never see another 4-inch iPhone made, I copped a second one. They are getting harder to find. I bought it off eBay, but it was unlocked, brand new (non-refurb), and still factory-sealed by Apple. Unfortunately, I missed out on the recent SE clearance by Apple.

I cannot live without this phone. Every time I go into a store and play with any of the new iPhones, I get reminded of why I went from 6 to 7 to 8 to X to 8 and back to SE. To me, the new phones feel terrible when it comes to maneuverability and ergonomics. They are simply too big and slippery. I literally operate my SE with one hand, all the time. You simply cannot do that with any larger iPhone. Some people say that they can - sure, you technically *can*, but do you in practice? - I see most people using two hands.

Additionally, the SE is so damn snappy! It's underrated in terms of performance. Whenever I compare it with the new iPhones side by side, my SE actually feels faster. No joke. I can't believe this phone can be had in 128 GB for about $300. To me, this is still the best smartphone on the planet and it also happens to be one of the cheapest.

 

[Closingracer]

Two SE's!

Ya know, just in case we never see another 4-inch iPhone made, I copped a second one. They are getting harder to find. I bought it off eBay, but it was unlocked, brand new (non-refurb), and still factory-sealed by Apple. Unfortunately, I missed out on the recent SE clearance by Apple.

I cannot live without this phone. Every time I go into a store and play with any of the new iPhones, I get reminded of why I went from 6 to 7 to 8 to X to 8 and back to SE. To me, the new phones feel terrible when it comes to maneuverability and ergonomics. They are simply too big and slippery. I literally operate my SE with one hand, all the time. You simply cannot do that with any larger iPhone. Some people say that they can - sure, you technically *can*, but do you in practice? - I see most people using two hands.

Additionally, the SE is so damn snappy! It's underrated in terms of performance. Whenever I compare it with the new iPhones side by side, my SE actually feels faster. No joke. I can't believe this phone can be had in 128 GB for about $300. To me, this is still the best smartphone on the planet and it also happens to be one of the cheapest.

What I can use my X one handed ....

 

[bigjnyc]

I was just fixing something on my mother's SE yesterday and my goodness that screen is tiny... I can't fathom how I was able to do anything on that size phone.... It seems so tiny and useless now after getting used to the bigger screens.

 

[bpeeps]

What I can use my X one handed ....

So can I. It's not really an issue for the majority of people.

 

[eyoungren]

Two SE's!

Ya know, just in case we never see another 4-inch iPhone made, I copped a second one. They are getting harder to find. I bought it off eBay, but it was unlocked, brand new (non-refurb), and still factory-sealed by Apple. Unfortunately, I missed out on the recent SE clearance by Apple.

I cannot live without this phone. Every time I go into a store and play with any of the new iPhones, I get reminded of why I went from 6 to 7 to 8 to X to 8 and back to SE. To me, the new phones feel terrible when it comes to maneuverability and ergonomics. They are simply too big and slippery. I literally operate my SE with one hand, all the time. You simply cannot do that with any larger iPhone. Some people say that they can - sure, you technically *can*, but do you in practice? - I see most people using two hands.

Additionally, the SE is so damn snappy! It's underrated in terms of performance. Whenever I compare it with the new iPhones side by side, my SE actually feels faster. No joke. I can't believe this phone can be had in 128 GB for about $300. To me, this is still the best smartphone on the planet and it also happens to be one of the cheapest.

An SE in the plus size would be better.

PS. What's wrong with two hands? Dropping a ~$1000 phone because you can't be bothered to use two hands is poor comfort when it comes time to replace it.

 

[s54]

An SE in the plus size would be better.

PS. What's wrong with two hands? Dropping a ~$1000 phone because you can't be bothered to use two hands is poor comfort when it comes time to replace it.

I’m not disagreeing with you. When I owned the bigger iPhones, I also had to use two hands the majority of the time in order to feel like I have a secure hold on them.

The SE allows me to hold it in one hand *comfortably*, while also ensuring that my grip is safe. The phone is small enough to allow for that. Size aside, the old school edges also help in that regard. And given how cheap the phone is in the first place, I’m not as worried about dropping it, since replacement parts are also dirt cheap.

Speaking of which, I have never dropped the SE in my one year ownership and I never had a case for it.

 

[Juicy Box]

PS. What's wrong with two hands? Dropping a ~$1000 phone because you can't be bothered to use two hands is poor comfort when it comes time to replace it.

What if I am holding a coffee?

I went from a 5s to a 6s Plus at launch thinking that I would enjoy a larger phone. Well, I did, but only when I could have two hands on it, and even better when I was sitting down.

I quickly found out that trying to take a 1-handed photo of myself while holding my premature baby that was in the NICU to send to my wife was very difficult. She was in the ICU of the same hospital, but didn't ever see her baby daughter at the time. And this was while laying down.

I also found that my favorite coat's pockets were too small to accommodate the large size of the 6s Plus. When I started clothing shopping based on the size of my phone, it made me a little sad.....

Another issue was there wasn't anywhere for my phone to be stored in some of my cars, which it ended up on the passenger seat, and then would slide off in between the seat and the door when going around a turn.....

I could list other things, but will stop.

I ended up switching to an SE and I love it. I picked up a spare during the clearance event for a spare in case something happens to my current SE>

 

[EM2013]

I was just fixing something on my mother's SE yesterday and my goodness that screen is tiny... I can't fathom how I was able to do anything on that size phone.... It seems so tiny and useless now after getting used to the bigger screens.

The 7/8 are tiny as it is. I can’t fathom how people say it’s too big, unless you have some really tiny hands.

 

[trfc54]

I have relatively big hands (I can palm a basketball so they are pretty wide as well). I can actually hold the 7/8/X comfortably, but the SE is good for me because:

1. Cheap (relatively) so I don't feel worried about babying it.

2. Can more easily fit in my pocket.

3. Don't care about the small screen because reading anything on those bigger phones is just as annoying. I only read on my ipad/laptop.

4. Did I mention cheap? . On IOS 12, while the battery life is worse, everything is pretty damn smooth otherwise. If you look at any speed tests on youtube where people compare it to the XS, it actually holds its own for basic functionality.

5. Don't like the camera bump or notch.

6. Don't like Face ID.

 

[eyoungren]

What if I am holding a coffee?

I went from a 5s to a 6s Plus at launch thinking that I would enjoy a larger phone. Well, I did, but only when I could have two hands on it, and even better when I was sitting down.

I quickly found out that trying to take a 1-handed photo of myself while holding my premature baby that was in the NICU to send to my wife was very difficult. She was in the ICU of the same hospital, but didn't ever see her baby daughter at the time. And this was while laying down.

I also found that my favorite coat's pockets were too small to accommodate the large size of the 6s Plus. When I started clothing shopping based on the size of my phone, it made me a little sad.....

Another issue was there wasn't anywhere for my phone to be stored in some of my cars, which it ended up on the passenger seat, and then would slide off in between the seat and the door when going around a turn.....

I could list other things, but will stop.

I ended up switching to an SE and I love it. I picked up a spare during the clearance event for a spare in case something happens to my current SE>

We think differently.

You ask about coffee. To me, my $5-6 cappucino is not worth the price of my phone. I'm going to set my coffee down and then use two hands. I'm going to set down whatever I am holding and use two hands.

Both my kids came before we started using phones with cameras, but in the pictures we took before that, they were both lying or sitting on something (usually the floor or a baby table).

Not to criticize you or how you handled it, but if it's any indication at all…I used to change my kids diapers on the floor. I would put the changing pad on the floor and put them on it and then change their diapers. It is VERY difficult, if not impossible to fall off the floor.

I don't wear clothes with small pockets and I've posted pics here more than once of my phone riding around in a slot under the radio in one car and inside the cup holder in another. If those spaces are occupied for some reason the phone is inside the center console. I don't use my phone will driving so I don't need it immediately available.

Don't get me wrong, I like the SE. My son has an SE. I have an iPhone 5 as a secondary phone. But I much prefer the size of the plus models.
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I’m not disagreeing with you. When I owned the bigger iPhones, I also had to use two hands the majority of the time in order to feel like I have a secure hold on them.

The SE allows me to hold it in one hand *comfortably*, while also ensuring that my grip is safe. The phone is small enough to allow for that. Size aside, the old school edges also help in that regard. And given how cheap the phone is in the first place, I’m not as worried about dropping it, since replacement parts are also dirt cheap.

Speaking of which, I have never dropped the SE in my one year ownership and I never had a case for it.

All valid points.

I will simply say this. I own a 4, a 4s and a 5. I've had a 3GS and before all those phones an HTC Touch Pro. Every one of those phones has been the same size as the SE or a bit smaller than it. And I have handled every one of them with two hands, even when I could have used one.

I do that because I am not going to explain to my wife how it is that I dropped a phone and we now have to spend more $$$ we don't have to replace it. Because I had to one-hand it.

So, my point is not so much larger phones, just the whole one-handing things in general. I get that it's convenient and a lot of people do it and are pretty good at it. That's fine. It's just not how I handle my phones, no matter what size they are. I just don't have the money to fix any one-handed fumbling.

 

[Juicy Box]

I used to change my kids diapers on the floor. I would put the changing pad on the floor and put them on it and then change their diapers. It is VERY difficult, if not impossible to fall off the floor.

I am sure you are not suggesting that I should have placed my 2lbs baby on the floor so I can get 2-hands on my phone to take a photo.....

She was a premmie and spend 2 months in a hermetically sealed incubator and pretty much only was allowed out during select times of the day with the purpose of doing skin-to-skin bonding with myself.

So, there was no option for two hands then. I really wish I would of had the SE then and not the relatively giant 6s Plus.

 

[eyoungren]

I am sure you are not suggesting that I should have placed my 2lbs baby on the floor so I can get 2-hands on my phone to take a photo.....

She was a premmie and spend 2 months in a hermetically sealed incubator and pretty much only was allowed out during select times of the day with the purpose of doing skin-to-skin bonding with myself.

No, I was not suggesting that at all. My intent in mentioning it was to indicate the lengths I would go to in making sure my kids were safe from any klutzy moves on my part.

But, I will tell you what my wife would have expected from me if we had been in this situation. She would have simply expected pictures of the baby in the incubator or that someone else (such as an NICU nurse) took the picture of me and the baby. She would have yelled at me and hit me if she discovered I was taking a pic with one hand on the phone and one on the baby.

That does not make me right and you wrong. It means we are different and my wife is different than yours. Everyone is different. I do not know all the circumstances of your situation and I am not here to judge you or criticize, or to say what is or was right or wrong.

PS. For the record, my son was born with jaundice. While not anything close to what you went through it was six days before my son was released to come home and it tore my wife up going to bed each night knowing her newborn wasn't with her.

 

[Juicy Box]

We think differently.

I think that is what it comes down to, and this is okay. That is why it is good to have options including a smaller phone.

You ask about coffee. To me, my $5-6 cappucino is not worth the price of my phone. I'm going to set my coffee down and then use two hands. I'm going to set down whatever I am holding and use two hands.

I can understand that, I just value stuff differently.

I'd rather not have to change my life to fit my phone, and rather have a phone that can I can easily intergrate into my current habits.

When I am sitting down and can have two hands on my phone, that is when I miss the 6s Plus. But.... I have an iPad for many of those moments.
[doublepost=1549670906][/doublepost]

She would have yelled at me and hit me if she discovered I was taking a pic with one hand on the phone and one on the baby

The one hand on the baby wasn't the issue, the baby was laying on my chest not going anywhere. The issue was only one hand available to take a photo when I needed two hands.

The SE takes one-handed photos very easily for me.
[doublepost=1549671785][/doublepost]

She would have simply expected pictures of the baby in the incubator or that someone else (such as an NICU nurse) took the picture of me and the baby.

Ultimately, this is what end up happening, as the photos were not coming out very well taking them one handed. I had to use the volume buttons, which was the only way I could hold the phone and snap the photo, but each time I would squeeze the volume buttons, the camera angle would move suddenly causing the photos to be blurry.

I ended up having the nurses take some photos, which they were happy to do. But, they were also extremely busy, and wasn't always available for taking the photos....

Just to be clear, my daughter was in no way in danger with me taking photos. Believe me I was extremely careful and gentle, and probably still so in an unhealthy way.

 

[44267547]

I kind of have to agree, we don’t really need another SE thread that really is regurgitated as all the other ones. Even though I agree that the SE is a great phone, as I owned one when they launched in March 2016. There is a very small minority who want the SE returned, and I support that, but realistically, I’m not sure the Apple shares those views either. But they very well could release something in the future, but I don’t think it will be what it once was with the original SE. Realistically, I don’t think the original SE was generating enough money to keep it in production, which is why they likely discontinued it.

 

[anitak1982]

I was just fixing something on my mother's SE yesterday and my goodness that screen is tiny... I can't fathom how I was able to do anything on that size phone.... It seems so tiny and useless now after getting used to the bigger screens.

My exact reason why I never want a 4 inch phone with a credit card sized screen and big ole white stripes on the top and bottom ever again. NOPE NADA! I'm a small woman and keep my phone in my pocket all the time.
<----------see I had one before getting my ipx

 

[Juicy Box]

I kind of have to agree, we don’t really need another SE thread that really is regurgitated as all the other ones.

I love my SE and would love for it to make a comeback with the same form, just upgraded internals, but..... I would probably have to agree that another SE thread is probably not needed......

Realistically, I don’t think the original SE was generating enough money to keep it in production, which is why they likely discontinued it.

I think this is what it comes down to regardless of the SE popularity. I am sure it was making money, but I bet the profit margins were just not high enough for Apple's liking.

I know a lot of people will disagree, but I bet in Apple's mind, almost every iPhone SE sold is a loss on a sale on a XR or X.

Yes, there will be some people that won't upgrade their phone because there is not a smaller iPhone available, but I think Apple bets that most will.

 

[s15119]

I loved my SE. My wife uses mine now that I upgraded to the XS Max. I will say the Max is much better than the SE. Better battery life, much better camera, faster, even maybe prettier. The SE seems so small now, it would be hard to go back to a phone that sized.

 

[dcpmark]

I kind of have to agree, we don’t really need another SE thread that really is regurgitated as all the other ones.

I disagree. I think there is ample room on a message board for all of interests, and I find it peculiar that people come into a thread to say that the thread shouldn’t exist. Have you considered not clicking on the link to an SE thread instead of coming to say it shouldn’t exist?

The OP came to discuss HIS observations and feelings about it....as far as I know, he’s not started the same thread before. I can’t even imagine going into any 5, 6, 7, 8, X, or any other phone thread that I don’t care about to post that there are too many of those threads......I just don’t click on them. I think that people in those threads don’t really care about the opinion of some person who doesn’t think there should be another thread on a phone he doesn’t have and doesn’t care about....maybe i’m just not that narcissistic.

 

[Juicy Box]

The SE seems so small now, it would be hard to go back to a phone that sized.

Going back wasn't too hard for me, but there were some things I had to get used to on the smaller phone.

This thread is my "downgrade" story that I made back in 2017 when I switched from the 6s Plus to the SE.

This quote pretty much sums up the difficulties of going to an SE, the only one is missing is the slightly slower Touch ID on the SE was pretty annoying at first. I didn't realize how fast Touch ID 2 was until going back to Touch ID 1:

I am one week in, and I have to say that I am happy I downgraded, but there are things I miss about the larger 6s Plus.

First the downsides – I miss the larger screen of the 6s Plus when I am at my desk at work and I am able to have two hands on it. Typing on the SE is a little harder with the smaller keys. Coworkers are noticing that I am using the smaller phone, and they ask me why I downgraded my phone. WiFi signal on the SE is always lower in my bedroom for some reason.

Now the upsides – One Handed Use!!! Squared edges makes it much easier to pick up and hold. Battery life while streaming music seemed like it has gotten better. Top lock button, much better placement. It is cold in the mornings now, and I started using my older winter coat since the phone fits in the pockets. I can discreetly carry the phone in my dress pants.


The pros definitely outweigh the cons so far. For anyone that has a similar experience with the larger sized iPhone, they might want to consider switching to the SE.

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I can’t even imagine going into any 5, 6, 7, 8, X, or any other phone thread that I don’t care about to post that there are too many of those threads......I just don’t click on them.

Good point.....
I never really thought about it until you posted this, but there are a lot of threads stating how much people like the other iPhones, but you never really see those posts treated like SE ones....

I guess the SE has been out for a while and is discontinued, but maybe that shouldn't matter. Especially since the SE news has been relatively active lately.

 

[Shanghaichica]

What’s better than an iPhone SE:

iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6S plus, 6S, X, 8, 8 plus, Xs, Xs Max. All better because they are bigger.

That being said I do like the design of the SE it’s classic and at least it still comes in rose gold.

 

[44267547]

I disagree. I think there is ample room on a message board for all of interests, and I find it peculiar that people come into a thread to say that the thread shouldn’t exist..

Really, I get it, I know you’re one of the select on here that really want to see the SE revived and you’re a fan of the original SE (As was I). I’m not being dismissive, I’m indicating that there’s a reason why these threads seem to get merged quite often, because they’re all really the same discussion in some form or another. But in the same respect, I can be a realist as well, which means that even though I can still voice my opinion about the SE as I did in my post, I don’t necessarily think that we need multiple threads that really say the exact same thing, but in the same respect, I don’t expect every member who creates an SE thread really to research on the iPhone forum to find a thread similar to theirs either.

Have you considered not clicking on the link to an SE thread instead of coming to say it shouldn’t exist?

Let’s clarify this. That’s not all I said, you snipped out the fact that I also indicated/stated that “I didn’t believe SE was not generating enough revenue for Apple to keep in production, which is why they likely discontinued it”. I didn’t just post in this thread by saying this thread ‘shouldn’t exist’, when I also offered my thoughts on the SE’s past/future. I can still voice my opinion just like others have in this thread, but by me clicking on this thread, that wasn’t the only viewpoint that I expressed either that this thread shouldn’t exist.

The OP came to discuss HIS observations and feelings about it....as far as I know, he’s not started the same thread before.

Right, I gathered that. A lot of times, you will see threads that state “iPhone.....merged”, and that indicates really that all these discussions are very similar in context, which is why they get merged in the first place. That was the point that I was making behind that, not necessarily that the OP can’t voice his opinion. Two different things that are not mutually exclusive.

I can’t even imagine going into any 5, 6, 7, 8, X, or any other phone thread that I don’t care about to post that there are too many of those threads......I just don’t click on them.

I think this is a fair point, but it’s also your own prerogative that _you_ don’t want to click on those threads discussing other phones. It doesn’t mean that I can’t click on an SE thread to see what content is under the thread title, and if it’s something that I necessarily don’t agree with, I’m free to state my opinion on this. Not also did I state my opinion, but I did offer my viewpoint on the SE’s future. Again, I didn’t just come into the thread and say it shouldn’t exist and leave, I did post my thoughts as well in accordance to where I believe if the SE will be updated and it was not likely generating enough revenue.

maybe i’m just not that narcissistic.

I’m familiar with your posting, and I don’t think that you are. I understand your passion for the SE, and if Apple were to update it, at least that would show that they are paying attention to what the consumer wants, which is not always a large smart phone. That was the point of the original SE’s intention back in March 2016 as stated by Greg Joswiak stated, who mentioned that the SE was revived because they did have iPhone users who are requesting this. So perhaps there is a chance in the future, but with Apple, you just never know what they will and won’t do.

Back to my original opinion, no, I don’t believe the SE will be updated, I believe it was a one time exclusive offering, which is what I believe Apple always intended the SE to be.

 

[nightlong]

I just bought an SE, finally upgrading from my still working 5, which has been relegated to iPod duty in the car.

Why did I choose an SE when I could afford an XR?

I very rarely use a phone for more than calls, I usually carry an iPad in my shoulder bag.

And, price, headphone jack, size, Touch ID. It’s just a great phone .. fast, comfortable to use.

 

[dcpmark]

Really, I get it, I know you’re one of the select on here that really want to see the SE revived and you’re a fan of the original SE (As was I). I’m not being dismissive, I’m indicating that there’s a reason why these threads seem to get merged quite often, because they’re all really the same discussion in some form or another. But in the same respect, I can be a realist as well, which means that even though I can still voice my opinion about the SE as I did in my post, I don’t necessarily think that we need multiple threads that really say the exact same thing, but in the same respect, I don’t expect every member who creates an SE thread really to research on the iPhone forum to find a thread similar to theirs either.

Let’s clarify this. That’s not all I said, you snipped out the fact that I also indicated/stated that “I didn’t believe SE was not generating enough revenue for Apple to keep in production, which is why they likely discontinued it”. I didn’t just post in this thread by saying this thread ‘shouldn’t exist’, when I also offered my thoughts on the SE’s past/future. I can still voice my opinion just like others have in this thread, but by me clicking on this thread, that wasn’t the only viewpoint that I expressed either that this thread shouldn’t exist.

Right, I gathered that. A lot of times, you will see threads that state “iPhone.....merged”, and that indicates really that all these discussions are very similar in context, which is why they get merged in the first place. That was the point that I was making behind that, not necessarily that the OP can’t voice his opinion. Two different things that are not mutually exclusive.

I think this is a fair point, but it’s also your own prerogative that _you_ don’t want to click on those threads discussing other phones. It doesn’t mean that I can’t click on an SE thread to see what content is under the thread title, and if it’s something that I necessarily don’t agree with, I’m free to state my opinion on this. Not also did I state my opinion, but I did offer my viewpoint on the SE’s future. Again, I didn’t just come into the thread and say it shouldn’t exist and leave, I did post my thoughts as well in accordance to where I believe if the SE will be updated and it was not likely generating enough revenue.

I’m familiar with your posting, and I don’t think that you are. I understand your passion for the SE, and if Apple were to update it, at least that would show that they are paying attention to what the consumer wants, which is not always a large smart phone. That was the point of the original SE’s intention back in March 2016 as stated by Greg Joswiak stated, who mentioned that the SE was revived because they did have iPhone users who are requesting this. So perhaps there is a chance in the future, but with Apple, you just never know what they will and won’t do.

Back to my original opinion, no, I don’t believe the SE will be updated, I believe it was a one time exclusive offering, which is what I believe Apple always intended the SE to be.

I am in complete agreement with you that I don’t think the SE is ever coming back in it current form. If another lower-cost phone is coming it will likely be larger next time, perhaps based on the 7. But this makes the SE even more valuable to those of us who truly appreciate its form and function, and the more Apple realizes that there is still a niche market for small phones, PERHAPS they will introduce a small phone again in the future. One way this happens is if Apple sees lots of SE threads on message boards, and people still raving about it. Personally I’m in the even smaller subset of customers who don’t care about cost that want a small PREMIUM phone, and would gladly pay in excess of $1000 for one. But as my cell phone needs are basic, and my cellular Mini 4 does most of the heavy lifting anyway, I would gladly take merely an updated version of the SE as well. As of now, the SE still does everything I need a cell phone to do.....call, text, email, music, and Watch support.

Of course you should be able to enter any thread to offer your opinion....yours is one that I have to come to value.....the lone exception being when the opinion offered is telling someone else that their opinion is not necessary and shouldn’t be brought up.

You saw the original second post in this thread, now deleted by the mods....SE threads seem to attract lots of posters who’s only reason for entering the thread is to tell people to “move on” from the SE....these people don’t understand that it’s not really about the SE itself, it’s about the IDEAS behind the SE. And while I believe that Apple introduced the SE solely for cost reasons, not because some people preferred a smaller phone, I think they were quite surprised when they discovered that some people returning or seliing their 6/7 iPhones and going to an SE because they hated the larger size, like I did. For those of us who only want smaller phones the dialogue needs to continue, free of restraint from people not interested in smaller phones and/or just want to poke fun at those if us that are.

 

[Martyimac]

What a refreshing thread. Folks with differing opinions who can discuss them intelligently without name calling, rudeness, etc.
I keep an SE around for occasional use and still like the small form factor, on occasion. What I like is the small size AND the form. I am not a big fan of the skinny rounded corners/sides. For me it just feels better to the hand.
While I have an XS, great phone btw, I still occasionally pine for the smaller form factor of the SE. So I can't really answer the original posters query.

 

[jimbo1mcm]

I also went through the progression of iphones beginning with the 5 through the XS which I now have. But I just picked up my second SE and love it. I put a wireless receiver on it with a very thin Spigen cover and now I have wireless charging. The small form factor is refreshing for me.