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iPhone SE diary: It’s day 5, and my decision is already made

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I use this diary format to provide my take on iDevices for three reasons. First, because initial impressions can be misleading. Second, because tastes, of course, vary. And third, in recognition of the fact that you can’t really look at a single device in isolation – we also need to understand the role it plays in our own personal Apple ecosystem.

If I were looking to have just two devices – a laptop and a phone – then there would be only one sensible choice for me: the iPhone 6s Plus. As a pocket computer (which is of course what the iPhone is), the iPhone 6s Plus is an extremely capable device which offers an excellent compromise between a smaller iPhone and an iPad.

But, for me, that would be too great a compromise. I’d be giving up the ability to carry it in most trouser pockets (YTrousersMV) without gaining the usability benefits of an iPad-sized screen. It is, to me, a little too large for comfortable handling and a little too small for comfortable viewing and typing.

I am, though, in the fortunate position of not having to make that kind of compromise. I have an array of iDevices, so I’m able to assign each a much more specific role – something which has a significant impact on my perception of the relative pros & cons of the iPhone 6s versus the iPhone SE …

My MacBook Pro is definitely my primary Apple device. I use it all day in my office, and in the evening carry it to the living-room where it becomes our main Netflix device and music system.

My LTE iPad is clearly the number two device in my personal ecosystem. It goes pretty much everywhere with me, and is my go-to mobile device for everything from writing through web access to apps. My MacBook Air takes its place when mobile writing is the main task at hand.

My Apple Watch does some of the things my iPhone used to do. Checking notifications, calendar appointments, weather, quick replies to messages and so on. So my iPhone now plugs the gap between Watch and iPad. That’s not to say it isn’t a useful device (leaving aside the fact that my Watch would be largely useless without it). There are things the Watch isn’t really able to do and where my iPad would be overkill.

So the iPhone has a role in my personal Apple ecosystem, but a relatively small one – and that puts me in a rather luxurious position when it comes to deciding which phone best suits my needs.

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All of which is, of course, leading up to me reporting that, one week in, the smaller screen size of the iPhone hasn’t proven significantly problematic.

I say ‘significantly’ because the smaller size is not entirely free from drawbacks, and not just because there’s more scrolling involved. One thing that only became apparent over the course of a few days is that there’s a secondary issue with smaller screens: the tap targets are also smaller. Many of today’s apps are designed with larger screens in mind, so buttons can sometimes be a little on the small side on a 4-inch screen.

That hasn’t proven a deal-breaker for me, but it’s definitely a factor to consider.

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Did I mention that I absolutely love the classic design of the SE?

I know it’s shallow, but let’s be honest here, great design is one of the reasons we all buy Apple kit. The UI and ecosystem may be bigger factors in the scheme of things, but we’re also people who appreciate gorgeous aesthetics and are willing to pay a (modest) premium for something as beautiful as it is functional.

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Design is, of course, subjective, and some people adore the iPhone 6/6s design; I’m just not one of them. As I said last time, it’s not that there’s anything wrong with the design of the larger iPhones, it’s just that – to me – there’s nothing special about it. But the iPhone 4/4S/5/5S – that’s beautiful. And timeless. While I’ve seen some complaining that Apple is selling a 2012 design in 2016, to me that’s testament to the fact that the design is a classic that stands the test of time.

I’m willing to pay a premium for great design because every time I look at or use a stylish device, I’m glad I did. I never had that feeling about the iPhone 6 or 6s, but I do have it about the SE. Only this time, I don’t even have to pay a premium: I’d actually have money in my pocket after selling my 6s. Win-win.

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But it isn’t just the aesthetics that favor the SE, it’s also the handling. Again, there’s nothing actively wrong with the handling of the 6s, but it only felt ok in the hand rather than great. The SE feels perfect. Even in a crowded place, where there’s a risk of being jostled by the crowds, I never feel there’s any danger of dropping the phone. And unlike the sharpish edges of the 6s, the flat sides of the SE are comfortable.

I honestly think that in terms of both looks and handling, the iPhone 5S cracked it – and Apple has yet to better the experience. Using the 5S form factor is, for me, almost perfect.

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I say almost perfect for one reason: the power button. I mentioned before that this moving back from the right-hand side of the phone to the top was something I had to get used to, and – silly as it might seem – that’s the single thing that has bothered me more than anything else! I do feel that the right side is a much more ergonomic location, allowing me to seamlessly switch off the phone after use. But it’s again no biggie.

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Part of the reason I’d be better off after selling a used 6s to pay for a new SE is that I’d be forced to downgrade from 128GB to 64GB. I suspect there are two reasons Apple limited the SE to just two storage tiers. First, that it sees the SE as a semi-budget phone, so doesn’t see much of a market for a 128GB model. But also because it’s hedging its bets a little, and wants to minimize the risk of cannibalizing sales of its flagship device by those who always buy the top-of-the-range model.

In my first diary piece, explaining the reasons I was considering a switch in the first place, I said that 64GB felt a little tight, but I felt I could live with it. I bought the 128GB iPhone 6 and 6s because I’d rather pay over the odds for storage I’d never use than curse when I ran out of space.

However, 18 months in (a year of the 128GB iPhone 6 then six months of the same size 6s), I peaked at 48GB used. I took the opportunity of the switch to the SE to do a little housekeeping (removing podcasts I was never going to play, apps I was never going to use again and audiobooks I’d already listened to), and that dropped me down to just 26GB. That means that 64GB gives me plenty of breathing space. Over time, that will probably creep back up again to 48GB, but I don’t think I’ll use more.

I no longer feel that 64GB is tight, so storage needn’t be a factor in my decision.

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I wondered whether I’d miss 3D Touch. It’s possible that I’d regret losing it if it ever gets more committed support from both Apple and third-party developers, but so far, I really haven’t missed it. I said last time that I did habitually force-touch a couple of times, but I soon got used to not having it. Right now, at least, it’s not enough of a factor to influence my decision. The slower Touch ID, likewise, is something I adapted to really quickly.

The downgrade to a 1.2MP camera might bother me if I were a selfie fan, but I’m someone who likes to be behind the lens rather than in front of it. I have never in my life taken a solo selfie. I probably average about one selfie a month with my partner or a friend, and those photos never go further than the phone, or perhaps Facebook, where 1.2MP does the job.

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As I mentioned in the introduction, what will be right for one person will be wrong for another, and the role the iPhone plays in our life will play a major role in determining which model is best for us.

But for me – someone for whom the iPhone simply fills the smallish gap between the Apple Watch and the iPad – small is beautiful. It’s a more convenient size. It is, in my eyes, a much more pleasing design. And the switch involves only minor compromises which are well worth it to me.

I was planning to give it my usual week before I made the decision, but I don’t need to: my decision is already made. My iPhone 6s is dead, long live the iPhone SE!

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Comments

  1. Drew (@gettysburg11s) - 8 years ago

    I totally agree Ben. My 6s is as good as sold. Using my SE is like coming home. Its exactly what I was looking for. World class speed, but in the best design Apple has ever had. I’ll definitely buy the SE 2 next year.

    • applegetridofsimandjack - 8 years ago

      Not certain Apple will refresh the SE every year. It could be, but not certain…

      • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

        My guess is this one will have an 18-month cycle first time out, to sync it with the others, then it will be an annual update.

      • Grayson Mixon - 8 years ago

        The other two options would be a 6 month release cycle on this one to sync up (they did it with the iPad 3->4) or making this a one off (they did it with the iPhone 5c, but that was a slightly different situation).

    • cdm283813 - 8 years ago

      Trust me. Once Apple teases you with the iPhone 7 this year and iPhone 7S for 2017 you would have already updated the 5SE. Apple will not do yearly updates for the small model because it lacks the profit margins of the larger newer ones. Every move Apple makes has meaning. Their not going to have a $400 iphone compete spec wise with its flagship every year.
      In 5 months we are going to see another article from Ben on how he went from a 5SE to a 4.7″ iPhone 7 and fell back in love with the form factor. Just watch. I’ll bet money on it. That’s why I won’t fall for Apple’s trap phone.
      This phone only makes sence if you have a 5S or below. And personally I couldn’t go from a 5S to a 5SE because the design would bore me. I’m bad because I get tired of phones after 6 months. It also appears that Ben does as well but seeing that he only sticks with iOS devices his choices are limited. I have no problems switching back and forth between iOS and Android.

      • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

        Heh, we’ll see!

      • DarkMx2000 - 8 years ago

        Lol Ben you should have responded with “Challenge Accepted” 😂

  2. Bob Dylan - 8 years ago

    I switch from a 6s to a SE and the battery is about 4 hours longer

    • applegetridofsimandjack - 8 years ago

      Really? That much longer? This just goes to show how much battery an iPhone could gain by keeping it the same thickness. As time evolves, batteries can get smaller and smaller while keeping the same battery life thanks to the chips and OS’ better energy efficiency.
      Yes the SE didn’t gain thickness but they keps the same thickness, while adding a more energy efficient chip inside the phone and making the battery bigger because there was more space for a bigger battery because of the shrinking components inside the 5S compared to the SE.

      But I do understand why Apple keeps wanting to make iPhones thinner and thinner. Device thinness has a highly underestimated wow-effect when it comes to devices that are already this thin. I mean the iPad Air looks like a fat-äss compared to iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro 9.7 inch. Just a difference of 1.4mm but that is a huge percentage of the overal thickness of the device.

      For me, iPhone 7 can keep the same thickness, hopefully components that were used for the 6S have shrunk enough to make the battery big enough for 1 – 2 hours added battery life. But knowing Apple, I think they will thin the iPhone down until it reaches a thinness that doesn’t allow more battery life than the 6S does.

    • Dan (@danmdan) - 8 years ago

      Mine is less than one inch longer !

  3. applegetridofsimandjack - 8 years ago

    The thing I love about the SE is the price. I’m not going to whine about the fact the front facing camera is outdated because for this ridiculous price, I think nobody is allowed to complain. The battery life is awesome too. And the 5S had the best iPhone design ever, the SE has the exact sale design and is much more powerful than the 5S. Even though 4.7 inch iPhones will remain my default iPhone, I will get a Silver iPhone SE, the design is just much too gorgeous actually. It’s an absolute crime that such a beautiful device can be made.

    The reason I prefer the 5S/SE design to the iPhone 5 is because the Tough ID ring looks so slick on the white iPhone.

  4. pdoobs - 8 years ago

    thanks for this series. i recently switched from using my 6s to an old 5s i still had laying around. the battery on the 5s is pretty much shot but it’s amazing how similar my experience mirrors yours. only thing holding me back from getting an SE is a feeling that Apple might release a 4 inch version of the iPhone 7 in the fall or possibly a redesigned 4.7 inch iPhone with a much smaller footprint.

    • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

      My guess is no update until the SEs(!) alongside the iPhone 7s.

    • spiralynth - 8 years ago

      That’s the sweet spot, and the next imperative step: a bigger screen within a smaller footprint. With proper engineering, Apple could easily fit a 4.7″ screen in the 5/s/SE body.

      Physically placing a 5/s/SE on top of a 6/S allows one to play around with this idea. Even leaving the physical home button as-is, the entirety of the 5’s footprint would stop at the top edge of the 6’s screen (right up to the bottom edge of its forehead). Or, symmetrically reduce the 6’s chin and forehead by 50% and remove the home button. Either way, this reduces the 6’s footprint by 1/2″ or so in height and 1/4″ in width (even more with an edge-to-edge screen) while leaving the 4.7″ screen intact.

      I believe we all want a smaller phone, but none of us want a smaller screen. I’m glad people are buying the SE (as I’m happy with anything that garners AAPL more $ale$), but I won’t be switching to a smaller phone until it has a larger screen (it will eventually happen).

  5. nateo200 - 8 years ago

    Interesting decision! Surprised to see the amount of people going from the iPhone 6 to the iPhone SE. I really like the iPhone SE but I prefer my 6. If it had been available alongside the original iPhone 6 I might have bitten, you see I wanted a 4″ screen iPhone 6 and my iPhone 6 also practically lives in its case because the thing is too slippery. I truly miss my iPhone 4 and iPhone 5c and although I never had a 5 or 5S I loved that design, it was and is the perfect phone design for a 4″ screen phone, when it came out I loved the iPhone 5 because I was so worried that it would rapidly depart from the iPhone 4 design but it didn’t! If I had a reason to have two cell phones the iPhone SE or even a used iPhone 5S would be it. I also see the SE as a great “work phone”, my dad is issued a work phone being an executive and he is given the choice of a variety of iPhone’s and some other phones that meet the companies security standards, for lower employees who need a work phone I could see the iPhone SE being perfect for that task, it gets the job done.

    • nateo200 - 8 years ago

      One last note: I hope the 5S / SE design is continued on for at least 2 more cycles for the budget phone level at least…its a timeless design.

    • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

      Yes, I was really surprised in the poll to see how many people are planning the switch from a larger iPhone.

  6. When I went from the 5s to the 6 Plus, the screen size difference was ginormous. Fast forward to the the 6s Plus, and I still feel like the size is just too big for my hands and being able to type or access everything one-handed is cumbersome. But, because Apple decided to include optical image (then video) stabilization features on the Plus models, I don’t like new features offered only one version and not the other, so I had to get the 6/6s Plus versions.

    Here’s hoping they don’t do the same thing again, but I wouldn’t put it past the people at Cupertino. Make ‘size’ the only difference between the upcoming iPhone 7 models!

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

    Yea yea yea Small phones are awesome for some people – even tech people like Ben.

    Ughghgh I just want them to be in stock now so I can get mine. What the hell. Apple should have had plenty of stock of these things ready to go. There shouldn’t be any production issues since the body is almost exactly the same. Yet I’m hunting for in store pickup notifications since I don’t want to wait two weeks for one to ship.

    I really hope this leads to more 4″ devices and not just a back burner model.

    • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

      I think Apple may have been taken by surprise at the level of demand, despite rumors to the contrary.

  8. Jake Becker - 8 years ago

    That old screen tho….. but I hope the small form factor has a permanent place in the lineup. I love my 6S. As I’ve opined before, the Plus is the expendable one if anything. Either that goes or the iPad Mini goes.

    • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

      Yeah, I was worried about whether the screen will bug me, but I haven’t looked at any photos on it since, so …

  9. Chris Cicero - 8 years ago

    To each their own, having a 6+ means I no longer take my iPad mini with me, which is a huge+

  10. My experience seems to be the mirror image of yours. I currently carry two phones on a daily basis. I have a 5s as a work phone, and the 6 as my personal phone. When given the option of performing a task on either phone, I find myself always reaching for the 6. The size and screen are far more favorable for me.

    I will say that I agree on one point within your review. While I have no problems holding and typing with just one hand, even while walking, the phone is more resting against my fingers, rather than being grasped. As opposed to the 5s which is firmly grasped. This has never been a problem, but I live in Mississippi and not an overpopulated city.

  11. cameroncovington - 8 years ago

    For you, I can completely see how using an iPhone SE would be better than a 4.7 inch iPhone 6s. Since you carry an iPad around everywhere, there’s no doubt you’d be fine with a smaller phone. Zac, however, will cave and return his, I believe.

  12. Thanks to your brilliant in-depth reviews I have now got an SE on order and upgrading from my 5S.

  13. – The lack of 128GB flash is the only thing that keeps me from buying it. But my contract is due in fall, maybe there will be a 128GB version.
    – For me the power button on the top is a much better place. I accidently turn my iP6 off very often while trying to take a picture with the volume rocker
    – I still dont get why Apple doesnt simply offer the flaghip model also in 4″. I would pay the same like for the 4.7″. Same tech, same flash. To fit all these things, make it friggin thicker.

    j.

    • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

      Yes, identical specs in different sizes would be ideal, but Apple is trying to do two different (and slightly incompatible) things here: appeal to those who just prefer the smaller form-factor, but also offer an entry-level phone to those new to iPhones. It’s very tough to do both, and in all honesty I’m surprised the spec is as good as it is.

  14. jerrygrundle - 8 years ago

    Beyond screen size, the one concern I have is that the SE supports fewer LTE bands than the 6s. As a Verizon customer in the United States, should this be a concern for me? Here in the crowded DC market, Verizon LTE data speeds on my current iPhone 5 have left a lot to be desired. I’m hoping that gaining access to additional bands will help speed things up, and I don’t want to miss out by picking the wrong phone.

  15. John Smith - 8 years ago

    I’ve got a relative in pretty much the same position as Ben – got a cellular equipped iPad mini so doesn’t want or need a big screen on the phone.

    I don’t hear any early production faults found by Ben – or by other people – which is another advantage of established/tested tech.

    I guess we’re off to buy an SE this weekend.

  16. Richard Hallas - 8 years ago

    The article says: “unlike the sharpish edges of the 6s”.

    Eh??! Where on earth are those?! I think the 6s resembles a block of soap! All the edges are rounded, and there’s nothing sharp in sight; unlike the new SE, which does at least have some corners.

    I have to say that, as a 6s Plus user, I wouldn’t want to go back to the tiny screen… much as I loved my first iPhone (a 4S), my eyes didn’t like enjoy the necessary squinting.

    As for design, though, absolutely my favourite iPhone ever is the 4S. As soon as I saw it announced, I knew the time had come and I just had to have one. What a beautiful device. I *loved* the all-glass back. I also liked the symmetrical antenna bands (the one design feature that let the previous iPhone 4 down). For those people who say they were too easy to break, I say: take better care of your valuable equipment! My 4S is still in pristine condition. And it’s still running iOS 6, because that lovely old UI is the software complement to the beauty of the physical design. It dates from before Apple “embraced the ugly” and threw all its best design work away.

    I like the 5/5s design, but I always thought the little glass windows at the top and bottom of an otherwise metal back looked rather stupid. The full glass panel of the 4S was just so much better. As for the mixture of metal back and plastic ‘spacers’ on the 6/6s, they’re as ugly as hell and make the back of the phone look like a weird pair of Y-fronts! And I’m another non-fan of the sticking out camera. But I’ve covered my 6s Plus with an Apple black leather case, which solves both problems and makes the phone look good.

    I do hope that Apple eventually goes back to the iPhone 4-style all-glass back; or, at least, a design without ugly antenna bands (somehow).

    One final good thing about the iPhone 4/4S/5/5s/SE models is that, because they have flat sides, you can put them down on their edges and leave them to take a timed photo. That’s virtually impossible with all other models because you can’t stand them on their curved edges.

    Anyway, for me, I’ll be continuing with the larger phones in the future because they’re kindest to my eyes (and I keep my phone in my shirt pocket, so my trousers are irrelevant!). However, I’m glad to see Apple doing what it’s doing with the iPhone SE. I don’t want one myself, but it’s clearly a good idea for Apple to continue to support the traditional small size.

    Perhaps Apple should stick with a choice of Small, Medium and Large sizes in ALL of its portable devices (phones, tablets, laptops)…

    • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

      Apple certainly needs to simplify the messy iPad line now …

      • Grayson Mixon - 8 years ago

        I completely agree with that. They need to rationalize the Macbook, iPad, and now iPhone situation. And most of it has to do with just rebranding to make things clear.

        They should eliminate the Macbook Air 11 and the Macbook Pro 13. The only question is whether the Macbook 12″ should be branded as an Air or Mini and whether the Macbook Air 13″ should just be the Macbook.

        Macbook (Air? Mini?) 12″
        Macbook Air 13″
        Macbook Pro 15″

        They should have released the iPad Pro 9.7 as the iPad Air 3 at the same price as the iPad Air 2.

        iPad Mini 8″
        iPad Air 10″
        iPad Pro 13″

        They should have released the iPhone SE as the iPhone 6S Mini, and change Plus to Pro to fit with their other naming conventions. It’s the only Plus in their product line.

        iPhone Mini 4″
        iPhone (Air?) 4.7″
        iPhone Pro 5.5″

        Three sizes. Pretty clear. Mini->Air->Pro.

        They can sell the last two models at reduced prices, as they have done pretty consistently, the only deviation being in the 5C and SE.

        Their desktop line is pretty consistent already.

        Mac Mini
        iMac 21″
        iMac 27″
        Mac Pro

      • Grayson Mixon - 8 years ago

        Actually, Ben, have you considered writing an article on this?

      • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

        It might be a short one, but you know me, once I get going … :-)

      • Grayson Mixon - 8 years ago

        Short for you is long for everyone else, and I say that as a good thing.

        It’s the kind of topic that is interesting that other people don’t really cover. They may post a short paragraph or two that naming conventions are confusing now, and there are too many variations, but a post with a short history of paring down product lines at Apple and some suggestions on what to eliminate and rebrand? Nobody has done a piece like that.

      • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

        Yes, that would be a fun topic – thanks for the suggestion, and watch this space …

      • taoprophet420 - 8 years ago

        Ben the iPad line has been messy for a long time now.It started about the time they had the iPad 4, iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad mini 2 all for sell out the same time. Add in the mini forever having year to 2 year old hardware inside and Apple keeping the legacy models around for 2 years or so.They still for some reason are selling the 2 and half year old mini 2. My main problem with the iPads now is the naming and not sure with how the Air 2 i priced to if there is a reason to keep the mini around.

        Seeing the HP Spectre with i3 or i5 chips inside and 3 usb-c ports makes my desire to see new 13″ and 15″ Air even stronger. I would like to see the laptop lineup like this.
        12″ MacBook (Education model with A series chip)
        12″ MacBook
        13′ MacBook Air
        15″ MacBook Air
        14″ MacBook Pro
        16″ MacBook Pro

      • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

        I’d certainly love to think that the 12-inch MacBook is a precursor to 14- and 16-inch models.

  17. alanol - 8 years ago

    Thoughtful article. I absolutely agree on the style issue. The 4/5 series design IS classic. It’s sort of like the difference between a Cross pen and a Mont Blanc. Both functionally great, but one just feels to me more like fine instrument. The pocketability is the critical thing tho’. I simply cannot sit in the car with a 6s in my pocket! It digs into my gut, so I have scads of dashboard cradles and stuff to hold it while driving. I will switch.

  18. tonywmd23 - 8 years ago

    Congrats Ben! I myself will probably not give up on all the five-and-a-half inches of goodness that my 6s plus has to offer, but I’m certainly sold on the concept of wanting a flagship phone with manageable form factor. Actually I’m planning on getting the 9,7″ iPad pro, for similar reasons.

  19. Ron Cronovich - 8 years ago

    Big fan of 9to5mac here, check it daily, grateful for all the useful news & info.

    But, knowing that the iPhone SE is the best option for someone with an arsenal of iDevices is of limited value to most people.

    • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

      As I say in the intro, what else we own will influence this decision. There will be others like me out there with an arsenal of iDevices, for whom this will be totally on-point, and there will be people out there whose only iDevice is an iPhone, for whom it won’t.

    • Grayson Mixon - 8 years ago

      I agree. 9to5 is far better than that other site, and Ben is the best writer on the site. You literally can’t get this stuff anywhere else.

    • sally (@FedGoat) - 8 years ago

      I thought the article was well written and helpful. Makes me feel “validated” in my decision to order the SE tonight.
      Can’t wait to get it and this article just made me want it more.

  20. applegetridofsimandjack - 8 years ago

    Ben, what about battery life of the SE?

    Could you also tell me which iPhone you owned has had the best iPhone battery of all, just curious. I have found the iPhone 4 having the best battery life of all iPhones I have ever owned. And I have owned a 3Gs, iPhone 4, iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone 6S.

    • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

      I’m a rubbish tester of battery life as I work from a home office, so usually my phone is only used on battery in the evenings. But certainly I can say I’m seeing less power usage on the SE than the 6S.

  21. jak24 - 8 years ago

    I am awaiting the 5.8″ iPhone in 2017 ;-)

    I always carry my iphone in a backpack, not in my jeans pockets … (that’s unhealthy anyway)

  22. Jimmy Hauser - 8 years ago

    I still prefer the larger screen.

    But the power button; that was the single dumbest design change ever. How many times have I turned off the screen by accident when trying to change the volume. I know it won’t happen, but I wish they would move the power button on the iphone 7 back to the top where it belongs.

  23. nachMexiko (@nachMexiko) - 8 years ago

    Agree, long live the iPhone SE!

  24. jkruehne - 8 years ago

    detailed article, cool. good points.
    I also agree about the 5(s) form factor – one of the best designs made, beside iPhone 1 (at its time) and 3Gs (which was my favourite)

    [“…that Apple is selling a 2012 design in 2016, to me that’s testament to the fact that the design is a classic that stands the test of time.”]
    • isn’t it more a fact that they don’t have to redesign the whole thing? product wise it would be more elegant to have three sizes (small, normal, “pro”) in same form factor, for each of their device categories (as someone here point it out, too)
    • for an upcoming device series, apple will for sure adopt one design for all sizes…
    … if not? at least they will stick an apple on back :D

    • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

      I very much hope Apple will stick with the classic design for future iterations of the SE – and I think it helps differentiate the models, so I’d say there’s a decent chance this will happen.

      • jkruehne - 8 years ago

        yes, would be fine to keep that cool design for a while. even I think a aligned series would be more “professional” for upcoming iterations.

  25. blakthundar - 8 years ago

    I have my 6S+ and love it, and would likely consider going to the SE as I have a Watch, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro combo. However, I have such big and uncoordinated thumbs that I would hate texting on the thing and I find texting by voice to be socially awkward (for me). Basically, I want Apple to shrink the bezels down on the + and keep it the same thickness because I would appreciate greater one hand usability.

    • taoprophet420 - 8 years ago

      We won’t see reduced bezels until Apple switches to OLED. Sounds like currently we will see a 5.8″ model next year with reduced bezels and 5″ model in 2018. I have always been a 2 handed user so, the size does not matter for me unless I’m holding it for a call.I agree about using Siri or diction in public. Hell even alone i find it awkward dictating my messages and talking tom phone.

  26. I’m still waiting for my pre orders to ship (bought 2 iPhone SE 64gb Space Grey), the more I read your beautiful previews the more my wait becomes unbearable. I did read today the iPhone SE is sold out in the UAE!

  27. SowderImagery - 8 years ago

    I came from a Android S6 Edge Plus (relatively the same size as a 6S Plus). Long story how I moved from Android to iOS, basically my sons 5S got wet and ruined the Touch ID (he bought a new phone) so I set out to fix it by buying a used 5S and making 1 phone out out of two. Complete success! Why? Because working on a 5S is so EASY, I mean ridiculously easy. Then once I dropped a SIM in and played with it a few days I found myself ditching the Samsung and using the 5S. The size is perfect and screen is great OS very responsive and the chassis of the 5S is truly something to behold. After a few weeks I sold my Samsung and won’t return, the 5S design is the best ever (I’ve owned at least 20 windows/android phones through the years). When I learned there was a “new” 5S coming out with new hardware I couldn’t believe it! It really goes to show how many people like this “older” design, enough so that Apple dropped new hardware in it. I’ve been using the SE for 6 days (partial day last Thursday) and it truly is now, in my opinion, the best phone on the planet.
    I’ve never been an Apple fan but the 5S/SE hooked me. New dilemma – switch from my Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 to a iPad Pro 9.7 hmmmmmm

    • I think you should give the iPad a chance. The iPad Air 2 is blazing fast and fantastic value, you are comfortable with iOS, both iPhone and iPad work great together. Share apps, photo stream, use iCloud Keychain, use the hands off thingi where phone calls / iMessages on your iPhone will be received on your iPad also.

  28. aces99 - 8 years ago

    I hope they update the screen on the next SE to make it the same as the 4.7″ iPhone.

    • sally (@FedGoat) - 8 years ago

      You already have that option. its the 6 and 6S…. what would be the point of making the small, one handed phone, bigger…
      Just get a case the squares the edges…
      What? smh….

      • blakthundar - 8 years ago

        They aren’t talking about the size of the screen, but rather numbers of pixels/quality of the screen itself. So use the same screen from the 4.7″, but cut down to the 4″ size.

  29. MyNudies (@MyNudies) - 8 years ago

    I definitely agree with you on design. It’s the best design ever applied to a phone and I’m so happy they saved it. Although I wish they would have kept the black casing of the 5.

    I’ve also done a lot of housekeeping, but not only apps, but hardware. I used to have the same lineup as you, but got rid of the Air, iPad, and Watch. LESS IS MORE…at least for me. The Watch causes stress. The Air is redundant now when Pro is smaller. The iPad was just a big screen phone and not always within reach, which my phone is. I keep it simple.

    My MacBook Pro is for productivity and content creation, while my iPhone SE is for content consumption and communication. It covers everything. I only need those two items, and boy is it a relief.

  30. Jeff Chuang - 8 years ago

    As a person who has designed for a living, I’d like to point out one thing that I think many designers hate, including the late Steve Jobs – the misconception that “design” is how something “looks”. As he said, it’s not just how something looks, but how something works. There are many things out there that “look” great, but are terrible designs. Almost always though, if something is designed to work elegantly and well, it also happens to look pretty nice. Form follows function. The iPhone’s great aesthetics come from its great design leap from the “phones” of the pre-phone era, having eliminated all the cumbersome physical buttons and replaced them with a clean interface to work with in new and better ways. I also happen to prefer the smaller iPhone. It just feels right in your hand. It feels secure and solid It’s less reach for your thumb. The harder perpendicular edges and depth give you a better grip and sense of how the phone is oriented. For me, it’s like a glove that fits just right. That’s what makes it a great classic design.

  31. sally (@FedGoat) - 8 years ago

    I ordered my SE tonight. Can’t wait. Absolutely love the design. I am one of those that actually hates the look of the 6 series.
    So much so, I sold it and got an android device. Now that the SE has top end specs for such a low price, it’s a no brainer for me.
    Returning the Android device.
    I never take selfies, I actually turned 3D touch off, hated the feature.
    Reachability is another ignorant feature ( just get rid of auto arrange and let us put the icons on the bottom instead of auto arranging as FAR away from the user as possible…. /rant off)
    Can’t wait. 7-10 days… ugh a lifetime when you want it NOW.

  32. Chris Leiter - 8 years ago

    I agree with the style – the 5/5s were awesome designs. The size is too small though. I tried using a 5 the other day, and simply couldn’t do it. Going from the 6S Plus to that tiny screen, not easy. And I know people who still use a 4 or 4S!!

    However, storage space is the ‘killer app’ for me right now. I’m in the camp of ‘bigger is always better’ when it comes to storage. I have a 128 6S Plus, and I only have 10GB free. When you have tens of thousands of photos, even with ‘optimize iphone storage’ turned on, you take up TONS of space. Also, I have about 320 apps on the phone. And iMessage.. like 10GBs just for iMessage.. how people get by with a 16gb iphone, I’ll never understand. I need the 256GB iPhone 7. You hear that, Apple? Make your flagship, dual camera phone with 256 as the top tier. I need it.

  33. cdm283813 - 8 years ago

    I have the 6S and have zero complaints about its size and I have average hands. I never have issues about the phone being too big in the pocket. 4.7″ is a nice balance between 4″ and 5.5″. But because Apple will gimp the smaller models I’ve decided on getting a low storage Plus model when iPhone 7 comes and use it in place of my iPad Air 2. I find myself using my phone in bed because its lighter and faster. And I’m going with the Samsung S7 as my daily driver due to the features to size ratio. Judging from the leaks Apple has made no progress on reducing the footprint on the plus model to make it pocket friendly so it’s unrealistic to use it as my daily device.
    There is just no perfect size, device or OS so I mix it up. But 4″ is just too small by today’s standards.

  34. DarkMx2000 - 8 years ago

    Awesome article I’m glad that you went into more detail as to why you like over the other a lot of other reviews seem to lack the detail and time you put into this article which is why it was so enjoyable to read. Keep up the excellent work 👍

  35. John Terry - 8 years ago

    Thanks for your honest appraisal. My Apple “ecosystem” is similar to yours. I currently use a 6s and have been underwhelmed by it. (It’s mostly the size.) I’m seriously considering selling it and moving to the SE after reading your article.

  36. Sean Keo (@SeanKeo1) - 8 years ago

    Love my iPhone SE 64gb! Same thoughts exactly as this review, and while I know the big iphones will live on in my coworkers purses, my small pocket says “long live the SE!!!”

    Now, will they release another small one or was this it? Is there enough people buying it yet?

  37. rshillyshally - 8 years ago

    I’ve got an iPhone 6s Plus. I was seriously considering the SE. I have arthritis so the larger screen is a little difficult for me to use. Any thoughts?

    • Ben Lovejoy - 8 years ago

      I’d say it very much depends what you do with it – and in particular whether you also have an iPad.

      • rshillyshally - 8 years ago

        Actually I just got an iPad. And as far as what I do with the phone….I guess make calls and send messages, look at Facebook.

  38. Nathan Woods (@4wdphoto) - 8 years ago

    Am I alone in hating the power button being opposite the volume controls on the iPhone 6 platform? Every time I turn off my screen, I change the volume settings on my phone. Drives me crazy! I FAR prefer it on top, out the way, where activating it has no further consequence than that intended!

  39. Annie Kammerer - 8 years ago

    Thanks so much for this. I have been out of space on my iPhone 5s for a while, but hated the bigger designs. I was wondering if I was being silly hoping for a small version…yea for the SE. Everything you said rings so true, particularly as I have the exact same ecosystem setup. I don’t need an iPad replacement….and I am forever running through airports or holding onto a train handrail working the phone with one hand (never dropped yet). One guy posted that you’ll regret going to the SE once the 7 comes out. Hah. Not everyone runs to the latest thing if it doesn’t fit what they actually want or need. I need something I can operate with one hand. Period.

  40. Herry Sudharma - 8 years ago

    finally my iphone se has arrived…

  41. John Goering ن (@epaga) - 8 years ago

    Totally agree with this – the moment I realized I could sell my 64 gb 6s and buy a new 64 gb SE for LESS, I pulled the trigger. The Apple Store guy told me LOTS of people are switching back to the smaller form factor. Here’s hoping Apple starts releasing 3 size models from now on and doesn’t treat the SE as an afterthought.

  42. Sebastian Syder - 8 years ago

    The phone I am interested in is the iphone SE.
    Ok everybody loves 64 gig phones but just say i don’t want to store videos, images or music, but want a phone capable of making phone calls and recording voice. Does a 16 gig cut it?
    Why is an iPhone so preferable to an Android when one has a Mac Laptop?

  43. Dan (@danmdan) - 8 years ago

    I bought my 64G 5SE just hours after it became available here in U.K., simply because it was significantly cheaper at £439 GBP than my alternate choice of 6S costing £619. It makes me real uneasy to carry around such an expensive instrument in the £600+ phone, – when one of my specific needs is a small high quality camera – a need beautifully fulfilled by the 64G SE.

    And I even still use and cherish my first model 8G iPhone – still working and charging its battery – I plan to keep t to see how long it will continue to do both.
    I also have two Cubes, also working, heats my study very well !

  44. Dan Rossi - 8 years ago

    Would a 5s and and a SE use the same iPhone cover?

  45. I still have my iPhone 4s (and the original iPhone) and I am currently using an iPhone 6. I’m contemplating getting the SE and I went to see one in person to re-visit that phone size, and man it seemed so small! But the reason I’m thinking about getting it is BECAUSE of the power button being on top. I can’t STAND it on the side of the 6. Every time I go to adjust the volume, pick it up or hold it, I’m pressing that damn power button! I don’t know why they moved it to the side but those engineers should go back to the school of aesthetics. I agree with Richard–the 4s was the best, as far as design goes.

  46. Kimberly Gillem Griffing - 8 years ago

    My I[hone 6 had a catastrophic accident so I purchased an Iphone 5 SE and didn’t have any adjustment in size problem and love it!!! I actually like better than my 6!

  47. HollowGrapeJ - 8 years ago

    Awesome. I definitely need one of these. It looks nice and it would be my first Apple device. If not, then there’s always the iPod Touch 6 or iPad. Lol.

  48. ken coleman (@KWC311) - 8 years ago

    I had the 6 plus for almost two years and after a few months of the SE being out I made the switch. I honestly had enough of the larger screen. It is obviously better for viewing videos and playing certain games, but I can do those things on my computer at work or my computer at home. I also don’t think 4” is that small of a screen. It’s perfect for simple tasks such as texts,emails,pictures etc. I never loved the design of the 6. I always loved the design of the 5 and it feels great in hand. I much prefer the squared edges vs the rounded of the 6. The SE packs a punch. That amount of tech in a tiny form factor is impressive and I don’t feel like I am missing out my having a smaller phone. I would gladly buy the next iteration of the SE next time around. It would be nice to see a lineup next year as such:

    iPhone (4″)
    iPhone Air (4.7”)
    iPhone Pro (5.5”)

    Same design and form factor for all three.

  49. Robsa (@Robsa5) - 8 years ago

    Totally agree! I am the person who actually bought a 2015 MacBook 12″ too! I travel a lot and mainly use it for writing and media consumption so for me it’s perfect. I moved from a Samsung Galaxy S6 to the SE in a moment of giddy madness, expecting that I would be howling in frustration in the OS change, but I have been pleasantly surprised – iOS has moved on since the iPhone4S! I can even stream music and videos via cloud without iTunes trying to take control of it. The S6 has an amazing screen and brilliant camera, but dreadful battery life and annoying stutter OS and poor memory management. The SE screen is absolutely fine, battery is much much better and as you say, the design… in space grey it’s a total classic, like a Leica camera. The 6S is fine, but unremarkable – the SE just, to my eyes, looks like a total design classic. I love the way in nestles in my hand, smooth, cool and solid like a piece of alien technology somehow. I think iOS has lost out in the design stakes now – after having all these bits bolted on (the swipe up and down screens for instance) it’s a bit of a mess. They need a completely fresh redesign – 10th anniversary maybe? That’s a small thing, though really. I am also pleasantly surprised by Apple Maps and Siri here in the south of England – not anywhere near as bad as I had been led to believe.
    It’s lovely having a really smooth OS again, but the annoying lack of screen response seems to be the only real problem I have experienced – I frequently have to tap a button over and over and over before it engages.

    All round, I LOVE the SE!

  50. Harry Frank Orlish IV - 7 years ago

    Thanks for the info, this made my decision a whole lot easier. Going from Android to Ios I had no idea. However now I am comfortable with buying this phone and seeing if ios is right for me. Thanks again

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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