I had two immediate impressions when first picking up the iPhone SE. First, ‘wow this feels small!’. Having gotten used to the iPhone 6 and 6s as the new normal, the SE really does feel like an iPhone mini when you first handle it.
But the second, which followed seconds later, was ‘… in a good way.’
I’m old enough to have used the very first mobile phones, which were ginormous. For many years, the primary goal of manufacturers as they introduced successive models was to make them smaller and smaller. Smaller was newer, sexier and more hi-tech.
Picking up the iPhone SE gave me that feeling all over again. It didn’t feel like a step down, it actually felt like a step up. It was like ‘wow, Apple has managed to fit (almost) all of that 6s tech into this much more pocketable phone.’ And yes, this thing fits sideways into jeans pockets, and gives no sense of being at risk of falling out of other trouser pockets while cycling.
My third impression – and I think this is something I could only say to a tech audience like you, because you’ll understand – was feeling like I was welcoming back an old friend. I remembered how much I love this design. It truly is a classic that looks every bit as great today as it did when it was first introduced …
There’s nothing wrong with the design of the iPhone 6/6s. It’s slim, sleek, stylish. But I never loved it. It was good design, but it never felt to me like great design. The iPhone 4/4S/5/5S – that was great design. And the iPhone SE is, once more, great design.
Non-tech friends will be rolling their eyes right now. “It’s a phone, for wotsit’s sake!” But you all get it, right?
I’ve always felt the antenna lines on the iPhone 6/6s looked messy, so it felt great to get back to the old top-and-tail approach.
I’ve said before that – for a company which prides itself on details – Apple seems to have absolutely no idea what color Space Gray is. Every gadget it produces has a completely different shade. But on this occasion I was absolutely delighted to see it, because this version of Space Gray looks … silver! Silver and black has always been my preferred combination, so finally a new iPhone that gives me the look I want.
The main visual difference from the 5S is the matte edges instead of polished ones. I actually really liked the polished sides, but I know many disliked the ease with which they got scratched. I thought I might be disappointed by the matte edging on the SE, but it actually looks just as good. Oh, and I always did prefer the round volume buttons.
The camera bump on the iPhone 6/6s annoyed many of us, who thought Apple was taking the thinness game just a step too far. The SE looks miles better without it.
And it’s really not at the expense of much extra thickness. Sure, the SE is very slightly thicker, but really – an extra 0.5mm is nothing.
That last photo does illustrate one usability issue I had, though: I had to get used to the power button being back on the top. I’m very used to having it on the right-hand side, and think that’s actually a better position for it.
Usability
Of course, form is nothing without function. I may greatly prefer the aesthetics of the SE, but the big question was whether it would pass the usability test. Now that I’m used to that bigger screen, would I find the smaller device fiddly to use?
I said last week that I wasn’t expecting the smaller screen to be too big a deal. As I noted then, my (newly upgraded) iPad goes everywhere with me, and my iPhone is actually my least-used device.
My iPhone fills the somewhat small gap between things that are convenient to do on my Watch and things that are easier and more pleasant to do on my iPad.
When I do use my iPhone, Siri is my primary means of interaction. I dictate messages, have it open apps for me and so on. So that again was another reason to suspect that the smaller screen might not pose a problem. However, theory is one thing and practice is another, so it was only by trying it out that I’d find out whether or not I was right.
First up, I wanted to compare how the two phones felt in my hand. The iPhone 6/6s has always felt ok, but as soon as I held the SE it just felt right.
Of course, the smaller screen does translate into a missing row of icons on each screen, so four fewer apps.
I made a mental note to do some rejigging, but two factors mean that this probably won’t be a huge deal for me. First, the fact that I don’t use hundreds of apps in the first place. Second, my usual way to open an app is to ask Siri to do it for me, or to search for it – so which screen it’s on isn’t really important.
Of course, the screen size makes a big difference when it comes to some apps. As Zac noted in his own first impressions piece, you’ll really see the difference in a web browser. But web-browsing on my iPhone is not something I do: my iPad goes everywhere with me, and that’s what I pull out if I need to surf the web.
So far, in a very quick test of my main apps, the difference really only makes itself apparent in Facebook, where you do see pretty much one post less on the smaller screen.
But again, I use my iPad if I want to do a full catch-up. The only time I use my iPhone for Facebook is to upload a photo or do a quick check while standing on a train platform or similar. So I’m guessing I won’t be too bothered by this, but we’ll have to see.
The SE does have the slower, first-gen Touch ID. I was conscious of this the first few times I used it, but it quickly faded from consciousness. I have the same sensor on my iPad, so it’s the same experience on both devices.
Speaking of touch, one other difference between the two phones is the lack of 3D Touch support on the smaller model. The feature really impressed me when I first got my 6s, so much so that I even considered it a good enough reason to upgrade from the 6. Yet, as time went by, I found myself using it way less than I’d expected to.
I think there are two reasons for that. First, the simple fact of the novelty wearing off. But also the disappointing level of support for it from third-party apps (and even some Apple apps). There were two occasions yesterday when I pressed for it and it wasn’t there: Facebook > Upload photo and Twitter > New tweet. Both times, I just shrugged and opened the app instead. It’s too early to tell whether the lack of 3D Touch will frustrate me, but right now I’m guessing not.
I tested the camera against the iPhone 6s and, like Jeff, found the results identical. The FaceTime camera is another matter, of course. I’m really not a selfie guy – I prefer to remain on the other side of the camera – so I haven’t tested this yet. I will.
In Jeff’s feature comparison, he pointed to the lower contrast ratio on the SE display. The iPhone 6s has a 1400:1 contrast ratio; the SE offers just 800:1. I wasn’t seeing the difference in everyday use, so I copied over a bunch of hi-res photos to compare the results.
A photo of an iPhone screen isn’t the ideal way to see the difference, but it is a significant one. This was the first spec difference to really give me pause. I flicked through a series of photos and, yes, you can clearly see the difference in every one of them.
Plus, of course, photos simply look better on the larger screen. If you want to share photos on your phone, I would say there’s no question at all that you want the 6s/Plus rather than the SE.
But again, if I want to share photos, I pull out my iPad, not my phone. So in practice, it doesn’t really have an impact. All the same … I care about image quality, and the comparison between the two did make me flinch slightly.
Overall
So, where am I at so far? The iPhone SE scores big wins in two key areas: pocketability, and design. I’ve already waxed lyrical about that in the introduction, so I won’t do so again here.
It also just feels more comfortable in the hand. That’s partly size, of course, but – paradoxically – I actually find the straight edges of the SE more comfortable than the rounded ones of the 6/6s. Thickness, by the way, is simply not a factor. In real life, the difference between the two is miniscule.
There is an obvious difference in real-estate. If I used my iPhone for web-browsing, I wouldn’t be writing this: the SE wouldn’t even be in the running. But mobile browsing is what my LTE iPad is for. So I’m still thinking that the reduced screen real estate isn’t going to prove an issue for me. We’ll see.
Touch ID speed is a non-issue for me. The jury is, though, still out on 3D Touch. My view at this stage is I probably won’t miss it once my fingers realize it’s not there, but that one needs more usage to be sure.
The contrast ratio of the screen does bug me. It shouldn’t matter, given my usage patterns, but it could prove to be one of those things that annoys me even though it really shouldn’t. Again, let’s see.
If I balance out the pros and cons so far, pocketability and design are by far the standout factors. Both of those tell me to keep the SE and sell the 6s. As with my 9.7-inch iPad Pro diary, I’m not expecting to write any interim pieces – I think it will just be one more after a week’s use – but I will update if anything significant strikes me in the meantime. Watch this space …
Have any of our hands-on pieces made the iPhone SE seem more tempting to any of you? Last time we asked the question, 26% of you planned to buy it: 15.6% from an older 4-inch phone, and 10.4% from a larger one. Let’s see if those numbers have changed. Please take our new poll, and as ever share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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I sold my iPhone 6 Plus on Amazon last night, so I will be picking up an SE very soon.
One of my favorite phone was a Droid Eris, with a 3.2″ screen. Looks tiny now, but that was a plus. They did stop updating it fairly quickly. (Made this mistake of getting an early Samsung Galaxy, which I replaced in two months.)
So I like the smaller phones, except for some games and web browsing. My first iPhone was a 5, and I have to agree it is the nicest design so far. Nothing bad at all about the 6, it is really quite nice, it just seems doesn’t match up with the 5 or SE. Much better than the old android phones I had, but they have gotten better too. I don’t think any really match up to the size, looks, and well it’s just kind of a little jewel.
I think what you use if for would have then most influence on what size you get, (as the article talks about). Or features. I expect I might upgrade to a 7, not an SE, because while the size my be fine, I would want the newer features.
I love the 5S, it’s the most beautiful iPhone design ever. The SE makes me really happy, I wish there was a 128gb option. In either case, I’ve pre ordered 2 64GB iPhone SE’s (Space Gray), very excited to get them!!
Yeah, I’d love to have seen a 128GB version, but that was just me playing safe – I haven’t ever gone over 64GB, and my backup from my 128GB 6s restored just fine on the SE.
Im sorry but dont get this one! We went backwards its a 5s just got a tune up! Larger phones in my opinion are better!! Come on apple are we running out of ideas?
Larer Phones are good for some people but not everyone.
Even though I have huge hands, I found the 6+ far too big for me. I use an iPhone 6 at the moment after the 5s that preceeded it took a bath in a Brecon Beacons River. I’m thinking about getting an SE just becaise it suited me very well.
People forget too easily.
All comments are from 2 years ago. Fast forward today and 4.7″ is too big.
“So the iPhone 6’s 4.7-inch screen is a catch-up feature. But it’s very well done.”
“The iPhone 6 screen is still smaller than the display on the latest Galaxy, which measures 5.1 inches, but the new Apple is narrower, and substantially thinner and lighter, even though it’s made of metal, and not the plastic used by Samsung, which to me feels cheap.”
“There is no doubt in my mind that iPhone 6 Plus will be hugely successful, because clearly there are people out there that want a larger screen device”
“For me, I think the iPhone 6 will be the perfect upgrade for people in the U.S. that haven’t embraced larger screen devices yet. It’s the perfect size for almost any hand.”
“On the other hand, the iPhone 6 feels like the perfect phone in my hand. Not too big and not too small. Its thin frame still makes the device seem compact, but the added display real estate is a breath of fresh air if you’re coming from an earlier model. Yes, this is an iPhone 6 in my pocket. And yes, I am happy to see you.”
“I’ve a suspicion that for many the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will hit the sweet spot once they try out both models in-store.”
“I wrote in 2013 that Apple was becoming more aware that the time when it could define what consumers would buy in the smartphone was ending – and with the 4.7-inch screen, it clearly had to admit defeat in the smaller screen market.”
I don’t think you were using updated versions of the Facebook or Twitter app if yesterday 3D touch didn’t offer either of the options you said were still missing. They’ve been there for a few months now I believe and they’re certainly there right now. :)
The iPhone SE doesn’t have 3D touch, so that’s why he couldn’t use that feature on those apps.
I think you may have missed a small detail …
You use the podcast app Ben? My experience with it was an absolute nightmare. Terrible syncing! Instacast was the best podcast app of all.
Yep, not had a problem with it
I want to have iPhone SE but still keep my iPhone 6….
I had an iPhone 3G and used for almost three years; then my wife used for another two. I loved it. Then, at the beginning of 2012 I decided that replacing my iPhone and my MacBook in the same time is too much of a burden to my pocket. So I switched to Android. After just over three years and as many Android phones (Samsung Galaxy S II, Nexus 4, and OnePlus X), I went back to iOS. And, as you, Ben, I was feeling like I was welcoming back an old friend.
The OnePlus X is a nice phone although a bit slow. And Oxygen OS is still buggy but what bothered me the most was the 5″ screen – I consider myself having medium sized hands but using the phone with one hand was troublesome for me. SE’s 4″ screen is just fine for me as I browse the web using the phone only in extraordinary circumstances.
I’ve already received my SE, and I really like it. I’ll be selling my 6s soon.
I still have my iPhone 5s as a daily basis device, while iPhone 6s as an additional phone. I was waiting for Apple to make a return and launch an update to their 4-inch iPhone series. The matte sides do look awesome to me, but as you said, it may look odd to many.
My vote is I will get it for myself.
I’m putting my money where my mouth is and bought this too after advocating for reasonably sized phones for a couple years now. Selling my 6s soon. Being able to walk down the street while carrying something in one hand and being able to write texts and emails is a welcoming feeling again.
I agree that the design of the SE is just much nicer, though that’s personal preference. The flush camera is definitely way nicer though. I’m overall happy that Apple didn’t skimp on too many parts, though I agree with the screen contrast comment. I think that’s probably the biggest negative if I had to mention one. I can live without 3D touch since it’s not widely adopted, though I wouldn’t mind having it. Slower touch ID is definitely noticeably. I’m a bit torn there. I like how I can check the time easily with a push of the home button again. With the faster touchID button it instantly unlocks. On the other hand, for things that are tied to touchID like apple pay, the increased speed is better.
I think there is an opportunity to increase the screen size by a couple millimeters without compromising the reachability, but that would create another screen dimension for devs to consider. I did notice that some apps aren’t optimized for the 4 inch screen anymore, but aside from that I’ve been happy.
I hope this sized model becomes part of the standard yearly upgrade cycle and will continue to be cutting edge. The next version should be 100% on par with the larger siblings.
great to read the space grey here looks SILVER! it’s my favourite combination too! can you compare it with iPhone 5s space grey in a picture to see how different it’s? thanks
I don’t have a 5S here, but if I happen across one, I’ll take a photo.
…should you happen to have your iPad with you in order to take the photo. It’ll be a premiere(!)
Thanks for the review, I’m in the same boat with almost every topic you reviewed. Safe for the FB app; I don’t use FB, so a non-issue for me. Pocketability is a ‘win’ for me.
I’ve never understood why people love the old design and hate the antenna lines. The 6/s looks sooooooo much more refined than the 5/s design. It’s a gorgeous phone!
Tastes do indeed vary.
I agree, the iPhone 5S design is just awesome, ridiculous. I personally think the Silver iPhone 5S is the most beautiful thing ever created by human beings. It was so beautiful that it should not have been allowed on the market or should have been banned for being too beaitiful
I would’ve bought an iPhone SE if it also would’ve had 3D Touch and the faster Touch ID. Love my iPhone 6s, and kinda prefer the big display. But at the other hand, it sometimes feels a little too big. Especially when using one-handed. And I also think the design of the 5s/SE is much more refined. Don’t get me wrong, the 6s looks incredible too. And the stronger materials (7000 Series Aluminum and dual ion-exchange glass) make it a more reliable phone as well. Finally, it fits better with the size of the actual phone. But it’s just that the boxed design of the 5s/SE looks beautiful, especially with that space gray finish. I’ve got the 6s in rose gold, partly because space gray since the iPhone 6 looks so ugly and boring.
Anyway, if Apple will ever create an iPhone SE model with the exact same internals as the bigger flagship models, I might actually go for the smaller phone. :P
I’m using a 5S and have no plans to upgrade, although if they maintain the form factor when the time comes for an upgrade I’ll likely keep this size phone. The big reason is because of fitness tracking. I have a mount for my bicycle handlebars and an armband that I use with fitness apps to log workouts. At work they upgraded my phone to a 6 and I think it would be too big for the armband sleeves and bike mount. Sure, I could buy new ones, but I’m just talking about having a gigantic slab on my arm when jogging. It’s bad enough having a 5S on my arm. Before I moved to iOS I was using a Galaxy Note 2 and it took up a huge amount of handlebar space, with a basic non-waterproof case. There’s no way the style of handlebar mount I have today would work at all with a 6 or 6S without taking up too much real estate. My main complaint is that a lot of OS9 seems like it was designed with the larger screens in mind, and I often hit the wrong button when trying to do something (especially with the podcast app). I realize it’s hard to get a scalable layout, but it would be nice to see some more attention from the design department.
I did just get the 9.7″ iPad Pro, it arrived last night. I’m extremely impressed, coming from an original iPad Air. If I only had one device I’m sure I would have a 6S, but because I can afford 2, I can get a little more specialized.
“That last photo does illustrate one usability issue I had, though: I had to get used to the power button being back on the top. I’m very used to having it on the right-hand side, and think that’s actually a better position for it.”
Let me point you to some scenarios:
– Say… you forgot to switch your phone to silent. Maybe you’re in a meeting, maybe you’re at work. Maybe you don’t really necessarily need to switch it to silent at your office… but this call really comes when you’re in a meeting with someone, or while having a really important conversation with your client. Maybe you’re trying to prove your point in a debate you’re having with your employer. Maybe you’re having a romantic dinner with your wife.
And I can come up with even more scenarios, but I guess you got the point. In those moments… when you wouldn’t necessarily NEED to switch the silent button (or maybe you just forgot to)… but your phone rings at JUST THE WRONG TIME! It doesn’t matter who is on the other end of the call. You don’t even need to check. It’s a bad moment. You don’t want to answer that. You just want to make the ringtone shut up. And FAST!!
And what do you do? You just SLIDE YOUR THUMB in your jeans’ pocket, where your phone found the most awkward time to ring. And you press THAT button. Oh, which one? The one that sits on TOP!
I’d go as far as say that the power button (and its silence function) is THE most important button of all! And just because it sits where it does! Right at the top, just a second away from your thumb’s reach! It’s like an emergency button.
I’m not a big fan of those cheap plastic phone covers… I use a leather cover for my 5s. It opens up like a book, and I like it because the back cover folds, and you could actually use it as a stand for your phone, too… like when you’re watching video content on your phone. I find it hard to describe it, but it looks something like this: http://tinyurl.com/hrfsv6y
I just wouldn’t be able to hit any button on the left side of it while the phone stays safely in my pocket. I couldn’t reach the silent switch or any of the volume buttons. And even if I could, it wouldn’t be as easy.
So, to sum it all up… for me the place to be for the power button is right there: at the TOP! And it’s a personal preference not just based on estethic alone… but by design and based on practicability! Besides… this is a 4″ phone. :) It has the reach-ability advantage… so that’s not really the issue it is on bigger phones. :) There were some rumors before the phone was announced, that it would feature the power button on the side, just like the bigger models. I’m glad those turned out to be fake. It was a good design call!
Fully agree; moving the sleep/wake button to the side was the most moronic thing Apple has done in its lifetime. They’ve done a lot of things that were quite stupid, but this one takes the cake. It’s even more moronic than Steve coming up with ‘Mac Man’, but at least that never saw the light of say.
I think moving the jack to the bottom of the phone was way worse. When I take out the phone to check it, and I’m listening to music, it should come out facing the correct way. I think the 4S is a dinosaur but at least the jack was in the right place. I’d be more than good with side power button and jack on top.
Jake Becker, for me personally I like the jack on the bottom for the opposite reason. When I put my phone in my pocket, I have it upside-down so I can grab the Touch-ID sensor with my thumb and unlock it as I raise the phone. This is just my preference.
As an “average consumer” (well not really, is anyone on this blog an “average (tech) consumer”?) I will most likely switch to the smaller model in the future if all the following happen: my iPhone 6s starts to feel slow/outdated, the smaller model stays up to par with the flagship iPhone, and if price remains lower or the same as is now. I think I’ll like the smaller phone for the same reasons you do, it is the middle ground between my Watch and iPad/Mac, so a smaller phone is no problem.