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Opinion: How iPhone SE is tempting me to actually skip iPhone 7

iPhone SE 2-1

From iPhone 4 and beyond, I’ve never skipped out on buying a flagship iPhone. The white AT&T iPhone 4 in May 2011 was my first model, then iPhone 4s in November a month after its launch. Starting with iPhone 5, I’ve bought every flagship iPhone on day one (even camping out in line overnight at least twice). I pre-ordered the off-cycle release iPhone SE last month and switched from the top-of-the-line iPhone 6s Plus. I fully reserve the right to change my mind between now and September, but my experience with the iPhone SE so far and the current crop of iPhone 7 rumors has me thinking I just might hop off the upgrade train for the first time. Here’s why:

A reoccurring conclusion across almost every iPhone SE review (mine included) was that it’s competitive to the larger iPhone 6s and 6s Plus for now, but that likely won’t be true in September when the next generation of iPhones debut. Despite the appeal of a 4-inch iPhone for some people, whatever new features Apple packs into newer iPhones will make the iPhone SE less appealing for users that like using state-of-the-art technology.

But I’m strongly considering just keeping the iPhone SE in September and beyond and not upgrading any iPhone on my family’s plan. Like the period between the iPhone SE being rumored and Apple actually announcing the device, I have a few ideas about what the new iPhone needs (and doesn’t necessarily need) for me to — this time — consider not buying it.

It starts with the expected (and in some cases surprising) appeal of the iPhone SE to me.

Three weeks later, the iPhone SE generally feels like what an iPhone is supposed to be (with those a few exceptions). The app icons no longer look huge, and it’s easier for me to tell what app icons are inside folder previews. The share sheet still needs to be optimized for the 4-inch screen like it was in iOS 7, but I’m holding out hope for this in iOS 10.

iPhone SE

The viewfinder in the Camera app is still noticeably smaller than what I was used to on the iPhone 6s Plus, but the photo and video quality is identical save for the lack of optical image stabilization and a weak selfie camera. Using iPhone SE without a case as a camera with the volume toggles as shutter buttons makes it feel like using a nicely designed point-and-shoot just like the iPhone 4-5 days.

The lightness and smaller body makes it especially great in pockets. I mentioned this before, but I continue to notice it so it’s worth repeating that iPhone SE feels much better in gym shorts pockets compared to larger iPhones that swing around on the treadmill or elliptical. One-hand use without relying on Reachability– the double-tap Home button to lower the screen trick–4 is also super nice when using the iPhone SE during exercise or other activities.

iPhone SE has also been a nice conversation piece over the last few weeks. People notice it, especially people that expect me to have the latest and greatest iPhone. The idea of a new iPhone with the old design certainly gets people thinking about which size they’d really prefer if given the choice of all other specs equal, and 3D Touch is rarely if ever mentioned as something people I talk to would miss.

apple-iphone-se-rose-gold

There are measurable benefits to hopping off the annual upgrade trade too. I bought my 64GB space gray iPhone SE Sim-Free, so it’s unlocked and has no carrier contract but only cost $500 new. I’d likely opt for a mid-storage 4.7-inch iPhone next time, which would put me at $750 new if I upgraded. My monthly phone bill currently has three monthly payment plans for different family members, but paying those off and not starting any new would make my phone bill look a lot less like the cost of rent.

Having the latest technology is often important for my job, but my colleagues will surely have new iPhones and I can provide a rarer perspective in the future if I keep using iPhone SE. Like whether or not we see those 4-inch iPhone UI design optimizations I keep mentioning in the future. See my iPhone SE review for more examples of what Apple can improve.

iphone-7-mockup

Keep in mind that I’m writing this without actually seeing the next generation iPhone and rumors are somewhat light this year, but if what we expect so far pans out (like it often does), it will actually be somewhat easy to sit out on the 2016 flagship iPhone and possibly stick with the iPhone SE until the 2017 flagship iPhone.

This is something people say every year which typically makes me roll my eyes, but my affection for the iPhone SE makes it apply to me this time around: iPhone 7 would need to be revolutionary, not evolutionary, for me to compromise on screen size and go bigger again.

A slightly redesigned 2016 flagship iPhone followed by an all-new design next fall would make using the iPhone SE for a full 18-months okay. Rumors that this year we could see a cleaner but similar design with a thinner body and missing headphone jack make iPhone SE sound just fine. It’s the nearly all glass redesign that some believe will be re-introduced next year that really catches my attention. I don’t think the iPhone 6-era design will go down in history: it’s the larger screen sizes that make it memorable, but iPhone 4-iPhone 5 are still highly regarded so a return to form will be welcomed.

The best case scenario for iPhone SE fans would then be to see three new 2017 flagship iPhones next fall. Let this September stick to just new 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models, test the waters with the 4-inch iPhone SE, then if sales are fine then go all in with a flagship 4-inch iPhone at the same time as the larger models next time around. There’s no evidence this is Apple’s plan, but it would sure work out well for me even if the price was higher than iPhone SE (as long as the selfie camera improved).

iphone-se-20

Still not convinced that the iPhone SE should exist in the flagship lineup? Aside from the reasons detailed above, the 4-inch iPhone noticeably makes iPads more useful (d’oh!). A 4.7-inch or 5.5-inch iPhone is much better at viewing photos and browsing the web than the 4-inch iPhone, but any size iPad is far superior at both tasks. The same is true for other tasks like reading iBooks or browsing Twitter or Facebook.

Personally, I’m finding that having a smaller iPhone and a medium iPad gives more purpose to both devices depending on the situation, and iPad sales could certainly benefit from not being as cannibalized by the larger phones if others feel the same.

iPhone SE

The 4-inch form factor has other not-so-obvious benefits too. For example, I recently launched a frequently used iPhone app that hasn’t been updated since iOS 6. It looked sharp, really sharp, and at first I thought it was a new version; the difference, though, was that I was looking at an iPhone 5-sized app on an iPhone 5-sized display. That benefit obviously doesn’t scale to the overly crowded status bar or the oddly padded share sheet, but here’s to hoping iPhone SE means iOS 10 will ring in new optimizations for smaller screens.

If Apple fixes those issues, releases a new iPhone this year that feels like a second shot at the S model, and plans a bigger upgrade next fall, I’m totally fine with sticking to the iPhone SE for the next 18 months.

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Comments

  1. Proper clickbait. You’re hoping to skip something that you have almost no idea about over something else. What a waste of time.

  2. Russell McBain - 8 years ago

    Did you get used to the display resolution change going from the 6s Plus to the SE?

    • Zac Hall - 8 years ago

      Yeah it’s very noticeable to start but you get used to it after a few days.

  3. Doug Aalseth - 8 years ago

    Nice bit of sanity. Too many in the Mac/iOS media push the newest thing and insist that you must upgrade to every new model, even if it’s just a new colour choice. Glad to see an article saying ‘stop’ to this madness. Some of us aren’t made of money.
    (FWIW my personal arsenal contains a 2012 MacBook Pro, iPad Air, and most importantly an iPhone 5C)

  4. AbsarokaSheriff - 8 years ago

    If you love the form factor and it works for you, this hardware is designed to last a long time. The SE has Apple Pay which is a huge differentiator and even 720p on a TV is less than 1 Mega Pixel for selfies. With 4K Video and 12 MP for actual camera shots that’s pretty healthy.

    The new iPhones will probably be waterproof and do away with the microphone jack. Yes the processors will be faster and the memory higher but the SE is a phone that should last a long time and hold it’s value.

    Don’t get rid of it or feel guilty about keeping it or at least having your family members keep it.

    It’s like a 400 HP car. How many times will you be on a track where you can take advantage of it.

  5. xoFoxtail - 8 years ago

    The 7 will really have to be something else if it’s going to get me to upgrade to a bigger screen again. The SE so far is amazing, I don’t miss my 6s at all.

  6. I love my iPhone SE. I went for a run this morning and I wasn’t worried about it at all. It stayed in safely in my pockets. I saw a guy adjusting his 6 or 6 plus on his arm mid-run (I didn’t have a good look because I didn’t have to slow down to worry abut my phone). I was anti iPhone 5 when I had my 4s, so if this the only choice for a phone-sized phone then Apple better make an iPhone SE 2.

    • Greg Kaplan (@kaplag) - 8 years ago

      Man, don’t see many other people who admit to being anti iphone 5. When I updated from the 4 to the 5 I ended up returning it and going with the 4s I’ve been using. I’m finally caving for the SE since I don’t expect ios 10 to run on the 4s and I’m missing out on tons of features. Still hoping that we’ll get back to 4s size when they shrink top and bottom bezels of a 4″ phone.

  7. applegetridofsimandjack - 8 years ago

    We all say these kinds of things but when we will see the iPhone 7 get announced in September, we will finally all get one. This is how this goes.

    And contrary to many rumors, I don’t believe iPhone 7 will be a marginal upgrade compared to iPhone 6S. Why? iPhone 6S sales have been quite disappointing (that is also the reason Apple launched iPhone SE, because iPhone 6S was the first iPhone that showed a decrease in iPhone sales growth).
    I don’t think Apple will risk the iPhone 7 to be like another marginal upgrade so they can celebrate the tenth anniversary of iPhone with iPhone 7.

  8. Josh Lambert - 8 years ago

    I am highly considering going to the SE from my 6s plus. The only reason I got the plus was because the regular 6 sucked as far as battery life, and the 4 inch phone at the time was far behind in terms of new tech. With the 5SE having better battery life then the 6s I’m thinking of switching as I also “hate” the rounded and slippery feel of the 6/6s design. The only thing Ill really miss is the OIS and better front camera.

    • dcj001 - 8 years ago

      Apple does not make or sell an iPhone 5SE. You will not find one.

      • Greg Kaplan (@kaplag) - 8 years ago

        awe cut them some slack. They said SE in the first line. 9to5 was even propagating the idea it was called 5SE for a while : p

  9. Robert Wood - 8 years ago

    I understand Apple did excellent job with iPhone SE but why would you make conclusion that you like to skip iPhone 7. You are idiot as iPhone 7 or 6S or 6 are larger screen phones. Two different segments of users. You can’t merge them to gather. Get a new job or life.

    • Doug Aalseth - 8 years ago

      Woah dude. That’s a bit harsh. The article was what the headline said. He’ has an opinion and the article is marked Opinion:
      Whattaya say you go to decaf, man.

  10. Vincent Conroy - 8 years ago

    I’ve never upgraded my iPhone every year. It’s just too expensive. My first iPhone was the iPhone 4. I stuck with that for 3 years before dropping it for the iPhone 5s, which is probably my favorite iPhone I’ve ever owned. I’m happy with my 6s, but I have to say, if Apple was offering the iPhone SE in 128GB storage capacity, I’d be sorely tempted to downgrade and stick with it for another three years. The only real reason I dropped my iPhone 5s was because I had maxed out the 64GB of storage.

    That being said, there’s nothing wrong with sticking with the form factor you prefer, even if the specs don’t match up to the latest and greatest in a few months. Being a year or two behind isn’t as bad as most techies make it out to be.

  11. chrisl84 - 8 years ago

    You probably aren’t the only one….and thats scary. iPhone sales could get smacked down pretty bad this year especially if Apple doesnt redesign the iPhone 7 and only really makes a “6S 2.0”. Could be a bad year for Apple…..with as popular as the inexpensive SE is and how bland the 7 has been rumored to be.

  12. Jake Becker - 8 years ago

    It has advantages for sure, but some disadvantages also, I think that’s true of all phones. Smaller with less worry in that regard, possibly justifies mid size iPad more. But also I honestly just got weary of everything squished on that screen. My 5S camera lept beyond the 4S but I still had a hard time assessing my shots afterward the way I needed to. SE/5S size is also the minimum size I would ever read WWW content on a phone, and even that if you have a lot of moments where you sit and browse the web, can get to be a pain. The thickness of the phone also, I know the 6S is not monumentally thinner but it does feel a lot better in my pocket despite being a taller phone. The depth of the phone sticking out was always a bigger issue for me. All that being said, if the bloody screen was up to par with the flagship – that might be more appealing to me if I decided to go smaller…. but right now, I’m just hoping to stick with 4.7 for as long as possible. Now the Plus size, that is a little ridiculous IMO. I wouldn’t mine SE/4.7 size, and then we move up to iPad mini. Plus and Mini both can’t possibly stick around.

  13. Max - 8 years ago

    I’m not liking the rumours surrounding the iPhone 7… From what we’ve heard so far, it looks almost like it’s going to be an iPhone 6SS (more or less same design, thinner thanks to no headphone jack, etc.), with the real “next” iPhone coming next year (with OLED display, new design, etc.).

    I’m still holding to my iPhone 5S, and it still works pretty well. I was tempted to get a 6S last fall, but I couldn’t really justify getting rid of a phone that still works perfectly. And also, the lack of proper bank support for Apple Pay in Canada doesn’t put me in a rush to upgrade to a newer device.

    Come September, the iPhone 7 will need to be really convincing to get me to shell out the money for it. Otherwhise, I may as well get a 6S after its price drops, and I may also take a look at what Nexus devices Google will unveil this year.

  14. Greg Kaplan (@kaplag) - 8 years ago

    The best case scenario for iPhone SE fans would then be to see three new 2017 flagship iPhones next fall. Let this September stick to just new 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models, test the waters with the 4-inch iPhone SE, then if sales are fine then go all in with a flagship 4-inch iPhone at the same time as the larger models next time around

    This is what I’m hoping for too. My SE is ordered… but not yet shipped but I’ll expect to have it until they come out with a new 4″ model that actually has a good new design.

    I still think that the odds of them releasing a full line of iphones that all look the same, have almost the same features, and come in 3 sizes is super slim.

    What makes more senes to me is Apple introducing the new iphone pro line this fall in 4.7″ and 5.5″ (which falls in line with rumors saying it’ll be these sizes) then introducing the new “iphone” revamp next year in 4″ and 4.7″, keeping the pro line models as 4.7″ and 5.5.”

    To me the oled screens and removing headphone jack make sense to be removed from the smaller devices that will benefit from the extra space gained. Then the larger devices keep the jack for the people that want it and push camera and specs harder.

    My dream phone is basically a 4s (actually the width and height of the 4s) but with 4″ oled screen, curved glass on both sides, 3d touch and touch id in screen. It would be the most beautiful and comfortable iphone ever released.

  15. Rich Davis (@RichDavis9) - 8 years ago

    The biggest reason why Apple won’t release 3 new smartphone models in the Fall is because of production capacity. They wouldn’t be able to catch up to demand if they released 3 new flagship phones at once, that’s why they delayed the 6SE for 6 months later. Same thing with the iPads. I think they’ll release 2 new models this Christmas and then delay one model for 6 months later.

  16. mrcraigs - 8 years ago

    Are you smack in the head! or retarted. how can the eye get used to 720p display after seeing the s7 edge . Dude! you are either a conformist or being paid by apple to write this review..

  17. Hey Zac, could you imagine the success that an iPhone 4 SE could had if it existed?

  18. MaxBay - 8 years ago

    Good article.

    I’m still using my 4S, sluggish as it is with 3G.With my 64 GB iPod, also, there has not been much pressure to upgrade till now.

    The SE is the first iPhone I’ve seriously thought about buying. I will get a big leap in features, but without paying dearly for Apple’s next big thing.

  19. Atlas (@Metascover) - 8 years ago

    iPhone 7 is apparently going to use a design very similar to the 6, only the bands being changed. Better to way for the iPhone 7s (probably called 8) that might have a seamless face with an oled display.

  20. Tommy Peters - 8 years ago

    Hey Zac nice take. It’s a primer for us in Kuala Lumpur anxiously awaiting the SE at the carrier. As as an aside if writing about Jobs vision of the ideal handheld vis-à-vis Cook’s is not tampering with a sacred cow, we would love if you’d give it a go. It appears someone at design set aside “Never ask what I would do. Just do what’s right” and said clearly ‘Jobs is back’ and if there are enough die-hards about, his 3-piece suit will cannibalize Cook’s bowl and backside, in two shakes.

  21. philips9179 - 8 years ago

    I too think that the iPhone 5s was the best iPhone Apple ever designed, and I don’t understand why they didn’t stick with the design and bring us other innovative features eg 3D/AR/VR through the iPhone screen without the glasses, iris recognition, screen privacy protection, waterproof and drop proof, etc

  22. Ramona Bynes - 8 years ago

    You tried it. Nobody wants this phone, including you.

  23. Matt (@MR1586) - 8 years ago

    Hahaha yeah right. The minute the 7 comes out with improved cameras, you’ll want to switch! I know I will!

  24. John Andrew Davidson - 8 years ago

    Had my SE for a month and the upgrade from my 5 was seamless…. I now have the phone I’ve been wanting
    Thank you Apple for acknowledging those of us who don’t require large screens everywhere in our lives
    The SE is a great phone, music player and now a great little point and shoot camera
    My Mini 4 is my web browser, photo editing and video companion and the two devices compliment each other perfectly for my needs
    Couldn’t be more pleased and I hope that if need be the SE will get it’s own incremental upgrades enabling users to get several years of use …. Well done … Thank you

  25. pdixon1986 - 8 years ago

    My upgrade is due when iphone 7 comes out… i currently have the 6 plus… but i am tempted to go with the SE in september.
    Of course we only have rumours at the moment, but some of them suggest that the good stuff wont come until 2017 – such as the OLED screen etc. Plus, if this is the first iphone without a headphone jack, then i’d much rather wait to see how that goes (i was an earlier adopter of the lightning cable and that was a pain in the a$$).
    I’ve also realised that i dont want the plus size — but again, rumours suggest that the ‘pro’ features will only be on the plus size, and possibly be added to the smaller size in 2017.

    Then there are the design rumours – some claim it will keep the same design as the 6, but others suggest a redesign using glass…if it’s the same as the 6 i will be extremely disappointed because i really dont like this design.

    all i can do is wait until it comes out, and until then hope that many of the rumours are wrong.

  26. uniszuurmond - 8 years ago

    I actually don’t think the next iPhone will be called the iPhone 7. I think it will be the iPhone 6SE. The next big iPhone release will be next year, the 10th anniversary iPhone. It will be loaded with all new tech, and wow the crowds (and competition) once again.

    • Greg Kaplan (@kaplag) - 8 years ago

      that doesn’t make much sense. The SE is not “5se” why would there be a “6se”?

      • uniszuurmond - 8 years ago

        SE stands fo Special Edition. They didn’t call it 5SE as that would sound too old. The 10th anniversary iPhone will probably come in three sizes, 4″, 4.7″ and 5.5″, all inthe same design. So by calling it SE ( which is better than S but not quite the next generation) they are starting the alignment for the future.

  27. mpias3785 - 8 years ago

    Zac Hall, do you really think 3D Touch is useless enough to ignore it for that long? At first I thought it was a great idea that would attract developers but it hasn’t happened as quickly as I would have liked, but even Peek and Pop in just Safari and Mail have become indispensable. Is that something you’d be willing to throw away?

  28. ilyasyurdaon - 8 years ago

    This article is why I have started skipping 9to5mac over MacRumors and AppleInsider!

    • Greg Barbosa - 8 years ago

      Can you explain further? The comment here is too vague to understand what you mean.

  29. Balcis (@balcis) - 8 years ago

    probably because apple lend you one that’s why.

    • Greg Barbosa - 8 years ago

      Apple doesn’t give us iPhones to test or use. I wish they did though.

  30. rafterman11 - 8 years ago

    If a 256GB iPhone 7 comes out – no contest for me.

  31. ankushnarula - 8 years ago

    “Personally, I’m finding that having a smaller iPhone and a medium iPad gives more purpose to both devices depending on the situation, and iPad sales could certainly benefit from not being as cannibalized by the larger phones if others feel the same.”

    @apollozac this sounds like a way of rationalizing more Apple products :-) I have a iPhone 6s+ and iPad Pro+ so I guess I see your point ;-)

  32. I’ve enjoyed the iPhone SE for almost a month, its the most perfect phone ever created! Loving it, I have 2 of them. I’m in no rush for a new iPhone, and typically wait 2+ years before upgrading again. I’m a fan of the 4 inch phone, so iPhone 7 will not interest me in the slightest if it skips a 4 inch size, I’d probably want a 128gb SE2 some time down the line, for now I just want to enjoy this beautiful phone.

  33. modeyabsolom - 8 years ago

    I agree with you. I’m also seriously considering holding on to my 5S until late next year too. If this year’s 7 is as evolutionary and thus disappointing as the few leaks of the device so far seem to indicate.

    And if the upcoming model is as such, Apple could see some financial problems this year and no traditional queues outside their stores for the ‘new’ iPhone because many of them are also waiting for a more radical redesign too!

  34. Royal Tippetts - 8 years ago

    I have to agree with a lot of the conclusions made here. I’ve actually been holding out for the Windows Phone platform to improve because of my hopes for a connected device ecosystem. Since that’s obviously not going to happen (at least without more bugs and problems than it’s worth) in the near future, I was considering Apple for my mobile devices anyway when the SE launched. Having now made that jump, I am tremendously pleased with an iPhone SE and full size iPad combo. With how connected the two devices can be (with a little work tweaking settings of course), I feel like I have a much more natural and adaptable set of devices for everyday work, play, and commuting. Good article, thanks for helping me put words to some of those thoughts for when opportunities arise to explain this to peers.

  35. David Morton - 8 years ago

    So now that the new one is announced, what’s your decision? I’m struggling with things this time around.

  36. David Morton - 8 years ago

    So now that the iPhone 7 is announced, what did you decide? I’m struggling with my decision this time around.

  37. LordBerly - 7 years ago

    Is it still worth buying in 2017?

Author

Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.