+Amjid Khan The SE/5S design looks better than the iPhone 6/6S design, however the 6/6S design is easier to hold and just feels better in the hand, because of the curved design. The 6/6S are far ahead in terms of design, in my opinion.
+ben owen true, i have android s6, moto x pure, z5 compact. this is my first iPhone and it is super fast with the a9 chip and a bit faster than the 6s and plus.
I just got my SE. I love it. The same feel of my 5C but so, so much faster. Battery now lasts all day and Live Photos are amazing and the Touch ID is vastly better than my iPad mini. This phone is amazing, and I'm so pleased that Apple are keeping this size alive. I can't use the 6s or 7 , feels unwieldy in my hands. Phones started huge, got smaller and now are getting huge again. It's madness !
I switched from a nexus 6 2014 to the SE. It sounds like a mad move but I was fed up of the huge 6 inch screen and wanted a one handed phone. The 6/6s design is ugly to my eye with those horrid antenna lines but the 5/5s design is my favourite ever in an iOS device. This combined with the a9 chip meant I couldn't resist. The SE is not innovative like Apple claim but it's a fantastic one handed phone with serious specs and a gorgeous design. Happy with my purchase.
Iphones 5/5s/SE are the best iphones in general. Apple did very smart move towards people who understands what a smartphone should look like plus the speed of 2016.
Design design, I love the old iPhone 5/5s design, I just wish to have much powerful chip and a better camera, the SE gives me all that. Why people are complaining about the design?
You say "people seem to really like the 6 design". IMO it seems to me like people prefer the 5 design and were disappointed with the 6 design. Interesting. Maybe it's just me or it's like a country-to-country preference.
Switched from Android to an iPhone SE 64GB. I actually downgraded in screen size. Needed a new phone and didn't want a 5 or 6 inch screen. Not much available at this size on Android other than slow phones with very limited storage. I like being able to tuck it away in my pocket without constantly being reminded that it's there. Everything can be worked with one hand. Price is right too. The form factor may be old, but it's time tested.
I'm starting to get sick of reviewers talking about the design and how it's so old and there isn't anything new..Ok yes it is old but what's the problem with that? It is a beautiful small design and most people love it. Not everyone wants a 5 inch+ device and there really aren't many alternatives for a small and powerful device. And besides it's not a new phone by any means it is a refresh for an older model. I personally still use the 5s because it is very comfortable and its design is much better than that of a 6/6s with a protruding camera imo.
Aside from the internals, the design of the SE was a main selling point for me. The 6 and 7 series iPhones all look like Androids. One of the primary things that set iPhones apart from Android phones was the small and boxy look. I for one am glad they brought back the beautiful design of the 5 series. This is also my first iPhone. I've wanted to switch for a while but I really hated the look of the iPhone 6's, and the 5s was pretty dated. Figured I might as well stick with Android and save some money.
I upgraded to this from the 6 Plus because to me, it has the battery life of the 6s or even 6 Plus without being as big and especially not as ugly as the 6/6s. The iPhone 5/5s is the most beautiful phone Apple has ever made and love having the squared body that doesn't slip out of the hand. Loving the SE so far.
Palm friendly...pocket friendly... with tons of upgrades... what could be more important for a palm held device? a 4 inch screen is perfect. If you want bigger, why not carry pad or a laptop? If you live on your mobile, playing brainless games and watching HD movies in a little window, then by all means, get the big pocket ripper phones. But for those of us in business who understand the power of quickly operating a phone with one hand... NO BRAINER.
It's a perfect upgrade for iPhone 4/4s 5/5s users. With all its power upgrade, camera upgrades, Apple Pay support makes it a very worth upgrade. If you love 4" screen iPhones, or simply like iOS this is perfect way to get started. Btw your Apple Watch nylon band looks awesome. 😍
It's one of the nicest phones I have held in a while, one handed use is perfect you can reach every part of the screen with ease, it's super fast goes toe-toe with the iPhone 6s and in some parts out does the 6s, I can't fault it at all, I don't miss 3D Touch at all because for me I am waiting to see what Apple do with that as its a bit gimmicky at the moment and I never used it, over all I really like the iPhone SE..
The flat edges are much better and to me, I think the iPhone 6/7 actually look more dated than the 5S. Also, I owned an S7 Edge for a year before moving to the SE and I don't regret anything, the screen is less saturated and has worse black levels but that first part is preference and the latter is not too important on a phone. SE screen still has a high PPI and due to diminishing returns you won't notice a big difference when changing from the 500+ PPI of the S7 anyway. Here's the kicker: My S7 Edge deteriorated in less than one year, the screen's coating wore off faster than any device I've ever had. It became constant moisture/oil marks so I traded it in to cover an SE. Zero regrets.
I don't understand phablets - they're pointless and weird. In the early 90s people walked around with bricks and we laugh at them now. Yet, apparently that's where the market is heading again? I already have a tablet, to slot in between my computer and my phone. The SE is a much better size than a phablet, as it's far more comfortable.
I think because of better screens and specs, we have to have big screens or else the battery life will be unusable. the note series used to have amazing battery life, now they have average battery
Kaboomerty Perhaps that's true, but honestly it isn't as if the resolution on this screen is by any means bad. At a certain point I'm not sure how good it needs to be relative to human vision.
i went from an iphone 5 to the nexus 6 and had an enjoyable experience. The speakers and large screen make a huge difference even for a casual user. after two years though I'm ready to go back to a smaller phone again. ive seen the SE in stores and the screen is beautiful even though it isnt hd. the pixel density is perfect for the size. im looking forward to having a smaller iphone that has the sake battery life as my nexus. The only thing i'll miss are the front facing stereo speakers
I purposely switched from two flagship 6" Android phones just to finally have a pocket-friendly, one-hand phone that's actually peppy. Android manufacturers think that only the largest phablet phones should ever have anywhere near flagship specs which is why they lost my business. Apple got my business by offering near-on flagship specs (it crammed the then flagship 6s internals into the body of a 5S) in a finger-friendly size and I couldn't be happier. Very smart move on Apple's part and the iPhone SE is one of the top selling smartphones in the world now.
The flat sides make the phone better looking and much better to hold than the round sides. At least no ridiculous antenna lines. Hope Apple considers all this before their next flagship.
Why push a change in the body design?? It just adds cost and won't make the phone operate any better!! The design is classic, and very solid looking. It's a PLUS in my view.
I just switched to this phone after years of samsung and the sole reason is the design, ive always loved it how smooth and sharp the design is, very classy and not generic shit. I waited for ages for the s7 mini to be released but i dont think that even exists so i switched to the se simply for the size and design because lets face it, software wise it doesnt even come close to android but i was jist so sick of massive ugly phones
Which iPhone color should I get? Rose Gold or Space Gray. I love the new rose gold but I think I might be judged. But I dont really care what people say so any thoughts on this?
Really, how obsessed do you have to be to want the perfect ratio, the perfect colour, the perfect black etc on a PHONE?! Sure, use it for chatting, making photos and maybe some social media, but why would you want to expect cinema-quality visuals on a handheld? The reviewer totally misses the entire point of the SE: It's for everyday use! It's sturdy, it's really fast, takes good enough photos. Perfect form-factor. What else should you expect from a device marketed for everyday use? You should only judge any product on how it succeeds in its mission. The SE passes with flying colours in my opinion.
I don't see why people hate the iPhone SE. There is no phone that'll suit everyone. The iPhone SE is a phone for those who like a 4" inch device with the latest and fastest internals at a low price. Only £400 here in the UK!
+TR-8R it's faster than an s7 due to a better OS and it's not even a flagship phone. Anything around its price gets completely smashed performance wise.
+TR-8R the 6s and SE are both faster than the s7. The S7 is only waterproof if you have never dropped it because it smashes so easily and its Apple rival (the iPhone 7) isn't even out yet. If you want a good camera buy a camera. Phone cameras aren't close to a comparatively cheap digital camera.
shmacerooz is there a way to find out the screen on time from full to empty? like android has in battery settings? my z5 compact get around 4 - 4,5 hours of screen on time. SE might get more from what you're saying
+comedyman112 yea if you go to the battery in the settings you can see how long your screen is on and how much battery u used. And i just got this phone 2 days ago so I'm still learning about it
After a couple weeks of research on Apple, its products, its OS updates, reviews, and forum feedback; I finally decided to try out this brand and ordered today for this particular phone. I'm getting the gold 64gb version and leaving behind my old Samsung phone. It's a huge upgrade from where I was though. I still had the Galaxy S3 as it worked pretty well for me, but felt that it was time to move on. I just didn't want a new and BIGGER phone. So I'm glad Apple announced a smaller one that's also high end. If I enjoy the SE as much as I anticipate, I may stick with Apple. But there's also a chance that Samsung will reel me back if they decide to make more tiny phones without half-assing them.
Steve Jobs did not like big phones so he would be happy that the SE came to be, it is easier to carry on your belt clip that all those giant phones too. The flat edges make it easier to grip when photographing. Maybe apple will increase the selfie camera size down the road.
I like the SE design, especially the flat sides which make it easy to hold. With iPhone 6(s) rounded sides I have been frightened to drop it and have even considered a bumper case to spoil it's looks. So as other folks have noted, I think the SE "flat" sides and back is much better than the 6/6s.
The new iPhone SE gets a lot of criticism for not being a new design, just having new, more powerful internals and I have to disagree with all of this criticism. I actually LIKE the design. I don't care that it's 4yrs old. It works, it's good, millions like it so basically Apple decided to offer a new product that has all that's good that they have to work with right now. I see that as a smart move. jmo
This guy doesn't know the concept of this phone....it's a Special Edition...that's what the SE stands for..if it had the same design of the 6 or 6S it wouldn't follow the classic design. Love the SE
I'm a big bloke. I don't have a handbag and I don't wear cargo pants. I do have pockets and I do wear normal trousers. The 5/5S/SE design is pocket friendly - but then I mostly carry my smaller phone as my pockets are close to my prostate. Thank you for the review.
Love the Se. The square design makes it easier to hold and i think it has advantages when taking photos. I don't read or play games on my phones, i use my iPad for that so for me it has the perfect size. I use my phone as a remote to my life and appreciate that the design and size makes it light and one handed. Perfect!
Had the 6S Plus. My niece needed a phone so I gave it to her. Bought the SE to hold me until the 7 came out. Fell in love with the small size, speed and battery life. I know, crazy right? Waited forever it seemed for Apple to make a bigger phone. Bought one but now back to a small phone again but I really like it. SE is not the best phone but it is a good, affordable iPhone.
Just finished my 2 year contract with an SE, it's been a brilliant phone and with the (albeit expensive) Apple leather case, it still looks like new. As a cyclist, this is the perfect device for popping in the jersey pocket, battery lasts ages even with Garmin connected on BT, and 4G/GPS performance for Google Maps in case you get lost are great. I've just tried a new larger screen iPhone for a couple of days, but am sticking with the SE on SIM only as it's still the perfect phone for the cyclist. I really hope Apple bring out an SE2 as this 4in screen form-factor is still great!
Nice review! I switched from the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge to the iPhone SE, and I don’t regret it! I miss the stylus and edge from time to time, but my Note Edge was really buggy and the battery life was atrocious! I would go through about 2 batteries by the end of one work shift. My iPhone SE has no problems making it through a day at work, even under heavy use!
The SE also appeals to anyone who has not owned a "smartphone" before. For all the same reasons, reachability of the screen, up to date processor, highest megapixel camera on any iPhone. Someone who really wants a phone on their camera. Someone who has an iPad or laptop to view media on the internet.I have an iMac, an iPad and a Macbook Pro. I'm nearly 70 and bought my SE at the end of April and all the foregoing reasons apply to me.
The most comfortable i-phone to hold was the old 3GS, as it had a very rounded back, and it was a good size for the hand. The gloss finish made it easy to grip, so much less likely to slip out of the hand. Brushed metal may LOOK nice, but it's actually very slippery.
You know, it's a PHONE. It's not a tablet. I had absolutely no interest in the iPhone6, but I'm about to buy an SE because it gives me the size and convenience and portability I like in an iPhone with a lot more power than previously. As far as rounded vs. flat, I don't care at all, and at least sticking with the iPhone 5 proportions made it easier on a lot of third-party producers (Mophie, etc.) who had designed support items for the 5 series and don't have to abandon them just for the relatively useless aesthetic reason of corners being rounded. When I found out Apple had made the SE, I finally felt motivated to upgrade.
I would say a few benefits of using the 5s body style is A.) a vast collection of cases and accessories to choose from and B.) it's a proven solid and elegant design.
Something I've noticed in RU-vid is that when you go to a Apple product review theres always some people hating on Apple and praising some other device. But when I watch an Android review I don't see any Apple fans hating on Android. To me it seems Android fans are the immature ones spreading their hatred.
+Aron Sch You're right, many iPhone users don't know about specs or really care about them. Why? Because iPhones, for the most part, just work, and they consistently either beat or match their Android counterparts in benchmarks. Specs don't become a consideration and that's because of Apple's ability to deliver a well-optimized experienced. Android fans look to specs because the level of optimization between hardware and software isn't really there, and Android is a much more RAM-hungry OS. Android OEMs and chipmakers have played on this and fixated on Octo-core processors like it actually means something.
I honestly loved the design of the IPhone 5/5S. This phone is perfect for all of those that want a smaller device with a bunch of power. Though for the price I don't recommend it. For those of you that want a smaller device that looks and works great. I'd recommend the OnePlus X. The design is similar to this, plenty of power, and a 1080p AMOLED display all for $250.
As a current 5S user : Yes I would upgrade to an SE. I bought the 5S just after the 6 came out. I simply don't like big phones and was considering getting a Z5 Compact if Apple had no intention of making small phones anymore. I could really complain about Apple not making a better display on the 5 or having 3D touch but it is still worth the money considering it's pretty much most of 6s internals cramped in to my favourite iPhone body.
I have an iPad Mini 2 with 32GB and cell reception, so I can do all my serious work on the go with the tablet. At home, I'm working off a Late 2014 Mac Min with 8GB and the Intel Iris graphics driver. It does everything I need it to, and runs very quickly plugged into my 32" flat-screen TV. I have all the processing power I need (of course your mileage will vary) but I can run Photoshop, iMovie, and have my work's published remote apps through MS RDP. When it came down to a new phone, I went with the SE with 64GB (don't get the 16GB version). I have my entire photo collection and music on it, and can use it with one hand. I even use Plex on it sometimes, I don't see the display as a hinderance. Overall, I'm glad Apple made this for the market of users who enjoy having a smaller and more discreet phone. Display is fine, if I really want to watch a movie the iPad serves that purpose extremely well. Glad to hear other people are enjoying it and I appreciate what Apple has done in keeping the phone small but with the same internal specs as the iPhone 6. It's snappy performance and responsive thumb gestures are great. TL:DR, but here's the takeaway - Apple has really created something I love and appreciate because I just don't need a huge phone; the iPad works fine. Also, the amount of music I've synced its incredible. Don't know the total play time but I could drive cross country twice and never hear a repeat track, plus I've still got 15GB of space free for more apps, If you're into big phones, its not for you. If you want something that's quick ,powerful, and can be operated with one hand, then the SE (64GB) is what you're looking for.
Nowadays phones are almost an iPad . I want a PHONE not a tablet. This SE is perfect. It is fast , pictures are good etc. etc. . And at the end of the day ( or week ) i put some storage on my laptop or iPad. This phone has the capacity to perform and i do not want it to be a storage for everything. The size is perfect , as it has to be. I know millions of people will love this phone. They are not stupid at Apple haha
Fits in your hand so u can use your thumb to navigate the whole screen. This is the most important aspect because it becomes an extension of my hand. I wish they would always keep the SE updated with new processors housed in the same design. I don’t really care for all the new features of the newer iPhones. iPhone 6: made it too big for hands. iPhone 7: removed headphone jack. iPhone X: made it cost as much as a laptop and all you get is emoji faces and face lock
Upgraded from the iPhone 6 to the SE and the design is light years better. Super easy to pick up the phone off my desk without dropping it and the aluminium back just feels way more expensive.
I just bought my Iphone SE 32GB on the 30th of Novemeber 2017 and i love it, Yea it's small but i came from a 5.2inch screen and couldnt reach all corners with one hand use so i love this smaller screen size..
I'm definitely in that niche market, by keeping the design and screen of the iPhone 5s, Apple have brought into the market their best value for price phone ever. That design is, to date the best Apple have given us, if it ain't broke, why fix it? What I wanted was the most powerful possible phone, at the cheapest possible price, that I could use with one hand. Of course Samsung Galaxy offers better screens, but that's not a deal breaker to me, having a phone running on iOS is.
Bigger isn't better, I have no need for a paddle, but I do need a phone that's lightning fast, which I can operate with one hand. I'm loving it so far.
I Replaced my galaxy s5 with the iPhone Se about 2 months ago and can only describe it as a pocket rocket that does everything I need pretty well. The Camera launches quickly but the small screen is difficult to see in bright sunlight, however all photos are of a high standard and automatically download to my iPad mini which is a big plus and I can also view all content on the big screen via my Apple TV box. Speaker phone is clear and Siri handles phone calls, navigation and most other requests with aplomb...I hope that one day we will see iphone se2 with a 4.7”-5” he screen or an iPhone X mini....
Have this phone about 2 weeks now. I'm really happy about this product, it's small and it's fast. I'm not a fan of apple products but this phone really rocks.
I prefer the size and rounded edges of the iPhone 6s Plus, but would prefer that it's a little thicker for two reasons: 1. So that the camera didn't stick out. 2. It's hard to use such a thin phone without hands (by holding it between your shoulder and ear). Also, that extra space could be used for a little more battery life. My 6s Plus does not ever get low on me, even if I forget to charge it one night, but more battery life is always welcome, so if the extra size makes it easier to use and capable of laying flat, you may as well use the extra space for more battery life. My wife prefers the size and shape of the iPhone SE. She wouldn't upgrade from a 5s until now because she doesn't want a bigger phone. That's the audience that Apple was targeting with the SE and I think the SE was really successful at fulfilling every aspect of what that audience was looking for. To get the flagship specs for the price of a two year old phone is great, especially if it's a phone more desirable to that particular user than the actual flagship phone.
As someone who can palm a basketball, and have used Galaxy Notes, 6 plus, and various other big phones, I like the small form factor. I already have an iPad, and I don't need to carry a smaller tablet in my pocket.
purchased rose gold 64gb se yesterday after having used the space grey 128gb 6 plus for 2 years. definitely keeping this as my daily driver and not purchasing the new phone in september.
Because the old design is freaking awesome. And people bought it, including myself, because we love the design of the five and 5S. I hope they come out with another one with the iPhone X specs inside.
I am a Apple user but recently I have a straight swapped from my iPhone 7 to Huawei Mate 10 Pro. I liked the big 6 inch AMOLED screen and the camera. But I still like the palm sized iPhone SE. I'm getting the iPhone SE as a second phone for work. It is also pocket friendly. It has 6S spec iPhone but fitted in iPhone 5 casing. It feels good and it feels very like a solid retro iPhone.
Hey bud, first you keep calling it an "iPhone 5 with extra features." That's a glass half empty approach is ever there were one. Why not refer to it as an iPhone 6 stuffed in an iPhone 5's body? That's essentially what it is. I have an iPhone 6. Larger screen, curved edges. You call that progress and suggest that by using and "seeing" an iPhone 6 or 7, I would feel "pretty sad every time I did." That's pretty naïve. I'm replacing my iPhone 6 for the iPhone SE. Why? Because in my opinion the iPhone 5's design was Apple's best design for their phones. The curved edges of the 6 and beyond cheapen the look of the phones and remind me too much of every other android phone on the market (you call that "progress"?). I also prefer the size of the 5. It sucked that to get a better phone I had to get a bigger phone. Bigger does not always equal better. Plus, you didn't mention the low price point of this phone! I think the demographic isn't as small a niche as you suggest.
Great review. Stupid details like "the power button rattles" are EXACTLY what I want in a review. It's the difference between having actually tested the thing, like you have, and looking at pictures or testing in stores, like I am. :)
i used to have the iphone 6 but i renewed my contract got my new iphone se . i just love the design form factor im back again on the original size of the iphone 📱 i loved it! and se is fast like the 6s
Am trying to convince myself to switch from an iPhone 5 to an iPhone SE, and from all the RU-vid videos I've watched today, yours was the most sedate / ambient / relaxing and also the least annoying. Keep this tone, if you can.
This phone is perfect for me. I like a small phone. I think they just re used the iPhone 5 case to keep cost down and I think it's more of a test phone. I bet if they sell a bunch, next year they will have 3 size phones in the new design
I've had the 4, 5 & now the 6 and from day one I didn't like the bigger screen or design (iPhone 6). I've waited for this and now with the improved battery life it's a no brainier for me 👍🏼
I recently upgraded from android to Iphone have wanted to for years because android just doesnt make the cut with me and I wont look back on my decision. I absolutely love love love my iphone SE. I looked at getting the iphone 6 but changed my mind when I saw how compact the iphone SE is. I love the design its a very nice size for me as I really battle to text on big phones. when my iphone SE is no longer functioning the biggest phone I want to upgrade to will be the iphone 6,7 or 8 but for now I am very very happy with my iphone SE and amd glad I made the decision I did. I also dont think the lighting specs on the screen of the Iphone SE is bad I thinks it much better than any phone I have had infact I love the screen size and the colours they are crisp and beautiful
I have never had an an iPhone. While I will always have Android and will keep buying Nexus phones, I love the small form factor and power combination here and I'm finally going to give iOS a try.
It's all about form factors. Once you have a design that is a hit with the public, if you can keep using it but improving internals then you are onto a winner. Let's be honest here, Apple have no competition in midrange segment of the market for overall experience and this coming from a non-iOS user. For example: if the next SE was exacty the same size but they increased it to 4.3" screen, it will sell bucket loads for everyone who don't want to move to 4.7/5". Or even more surprising, if the next SE was fitted into an iphone 4s body with a 4" screen then we will see a lot of Android device makers drop out of the market.
Dear TechRadar. Hope this message finds you well. I recently had purchased an iPhone SE 64GB (about 4 months ago), and last week I dropped it unknowingly (with a silicon sleeve & tempered glass in place). I was asked to pay 200$ for fixing it, because there was an internal damage too. I wondered what went wrong constantly, it barely fell 2 feet to the ground. Ever since then, I am having differing thoughts about the iPhone SEs sturdiness. Should I fix it paying 200$ or I am planning to get myself a BB Keyone. What would you suggest ? Note: Is it just me - or is there anyone else having a battery drain issue after ios11 updates. ?! I appreciate your comments. Regards.
This phone DID make me get an iPhone for the first time in my life I don't find myself using the customization options of the android much anymore, and need a phone with a good camera and good battery life over the luxuries of a bigger or better looking screen. To be fair, if there was a smaller android that piqued my interest like the SE did, I would have gotten it instead.
SE / 5S /5 design is aesthetically better looking than the 6s. It's also easier to hold. I have a 6s and finally found a case that is shaped like the SE to sit comfortably in my hands. The supcase made a big difference for me. Anyone with the 6/6s/6splus want a case that will bring you back to the SE 5s feel check out that supcase on Amazon. Trust me!
Feel free to laugh at me as I just upgraded to the SE from a dinosaur BlackBerry Curve----ahahahahahah. I do like that the SE is a small phone like the BB fitting nicely into the pockets. I love the SE so far-- the biggest complaint is when texting the alpha-numerics are small to the touch even though I have small hands too but I'm learning to adapt to it. Otherwise its a great phone overall.
Im really thinking about getting an se soon. Im a fan of the smaller phone. I also didnt really like that the newer iphones look so much like the samsungs. Iphones still look way better than samsungs but its getting a little too close for me. I almost cant tell the difference sometimes
Same for me, iPhone SE = very elegant iP5 design(best so far), really good grip, compact size -> makes it a one handed phone and the iPhone 6 internals to round it off. Nice move, Apple.
