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wdmn1234

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 18, 2013
16
8
Thinking my next phone might be an SE after using a 6 for three years. How is the experience on a smaller screen? I'm not worried about texting with one hand or gaming, but I read a lot on my phone. Does content feel cramped? Is the screen nice to look at compared to a 7? And is the keyboard easy to type on in portrait mode?
 
Thinking my next phone might be an SE after using a 6 for three years. How is the experience on a smaller screen? I'm not worried about texting with one hand or gaming, but I read a lot on my phone. Does content feel cramped? Is the screen nice to look at compared to a 7? And is the keyboard easy to type on in portrait mode?

When I owned the iPhone SE, I found reading was very minimized, as I preferred the 4.7/5.5 iPhone. Like you said, it's great for one handed use, but you have to factor you're reading on a 4 inch display. I would suggest testing iPhone SE in person in comparison to see if you would appreciate it or not for reading purposes.
 
I agree with @Relentless Power. I really don't read extensively on my SE, I typically save that for my Mini 4. Typing is great on the SE because I can easily do it one handed. But I definitely would suggest trying the SE out in a store before you buy.
 
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I agree with the above, go and try it before you commit to buying it. I also love the smaller phones for their pocket-ability and one handed use, but my old eyes appreciate the screen on my 7+
 
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I loved my SE, but the only reason why I upgraded to a 7 was because the screen was too small.
 
Work just gave me an iPhone 7, an "upgrade" from 5S (have one personally). I don't like typing on it as much - I'm adjusting, but haven't gotten used to the spacing yet.

But, yes, easier to read on especially for anything that doesn't reformat to page width.
 
I went from 6 Plus to 6s Plus to 7 Plus then briefly to an s8 Plus before getting my SE. I absolutely hate typing on the 4" screen now after getting used to the big screens. I'm so glad I get to get my X preorder in and hopefully will be in the first wave of shipments so I don't have to keep using this tiny screen. Other than the screen size it is a great phone but I just can't do 4" anymore.
 
I am starting to think i could even go bigger than the 7 Plus screen lol crazy how you get used to things

It’s true. Every iPhone I’ve had has been bigger than the last. I’ve gone 3.5” to 4” to 4.7” to 5.5” and every time within a day or two the new size felt “normal” and the previous phone felt small.
 
It’s true. Every iPhone I’ve had has been bigger than the last. I’ve gone 3.5” to 4” to 4.7” to 5.5” and every time within a day or two the new size felt “normal” and the previous phone felt small.

sometimes i am using my old iPhone 5 and the keyboard is so tiny. I just cant type on it anymore. Gives me cramps in my fingers lol my old 6 is „okay“
 
I did try one out in a store, actually. It felt small. And the screen on the 7 had a smoother, deeper look to it. There's something about reading an article where there are like 4-5 words on a line (4") that I found annoying. But I guess I was wondering if it's just one of those things I'd get used to it and forget about after a few days. Same with adjusting to a small keyboard again.
 
I had the SE and was forced to upgrade to a 7 because of my job. Prior to getting the SE I had a 6 for two years.

Going from the 6 to the SE took about a week to get used to. After that week I remember being really happy with the size - specifically being able to use it with one hand and the fact that it disappeared in my pocket. Typing actually became faster for me on the SE than it was on the 6. iOS just fits so perfectly on a 4" screen in my opinion.

When I was forced to go to the 7 it felt like the extra size was unnecessary and everything just seemed so big. Now I am used to it again, but if I had a choice I'd go with a 4" screen over 4.7". Regardless of what you choose, it will become "normal". I say if you have normal vision go with the SE! Hoping Apple keeps the 4" iPhone alive.

Edit:
Also want to mention that the SE kind of altered my reading habits - I noticed that I would grab my iPad more for reading. And honestly I did not consider this a bad thing, the iPad is better than ANY phone for reading.
 
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