i would still be using my 4s if it was supported by Apple and carriers. got my SE in 2017. gently dropped it recently and lcd is wonky (pink stripes). i can use it, but will need a replacement. i like a small phone. not a fan of the other SE models. don't want a mini-ipad phone! what has been produced since 2017 that would be a great fit and value in the used market?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPhone SE (2016) iPhone 4s -> iPhone SE (1st) ->?
- Thread starter rwh63
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
SE 2016 is still usable in 2024. WhatsApp Signal Telegram and banking apps all work. Safari with content blockers / ad blocker support still great.
If you want a 4” display then another SE 1st gen can be had for cheap. Count on immediately replacing the battery if you don’t buy from a refurbisher. iOS 15 does support most apps now as @User #07242024 said, but that won’t last forever. I expect it’d do for a couple more years though.
Why not iPhone 13 mini? It’s bigger than the 4 but you’ll get used to it.
If you're using an SE1 right now, why is replacing it with another SE1 (as has been suggested by others), not in the cards?
Why not simply just replace it with another SE1 versus going through the trouble of asking on this forum? Why the post?
Are you perhaps hoping that you missed something? That maybe Apple made another model that is better than your SE1 but still the same?
There isn't. If you want the same then getting another SE1 is your only real option. I suspect you probably knew that but were hoping…
Agree, just get another original SE. There’s plenty on the market, and refurb ones as new are still sold third party.
SE1 seems a little long in the tooth. Based on the 5. I’ve heard the 13 mini is ok, but also a bit old. I haven’t shopped for a phone since getting the SE, so haven’t really stayed on top of what’s happened since 2017.
I actually have a 32gb SE I could use in place, but the storage is too small.
I see there might be slim 17, or SE, coming out at some point.
Last edited:
If you are waiting for that 17 (Air, I think) I imagine you'll be waiting until around this time next year.
I like small phones too, but good options have disappeared and ok options are disappearing in Apple land.
You can get another SE1 but will probably lose support from your apps pretty soon if not already.
SE3 or 13 Mini (same processor) are the next smallest iPhones available. They're about 2 years old, but 6 years newer than the SE1, so comparatively they still have many more years of support ahead. The SE3 is still being sold by Apple, but 13 Mini you'll have to buy elsewhere, probably used. They have different form factors so if you can you should find a Mini to compare and see which feels better to you before buying. The 13 Mini has a better camera, more storage, an Ultra Wide Band chip, and uses Face ID instead of Touch ID if these matter to you.
Next smallest iPhone is over 6"--iPhone Pro, standard iPhone, or the rumored next SE(4)--so it's a pretty big jump.
You can get another SE1 but will probably lose support from your apps pretty soon if not already.
SE3 or 13 Mini (same processor) are the next smallest iPhones available. They're about 2 years old, but 6 years newer than the SE1, so comparatively they still have many more years of support ahead. The SE3 is still being sold by Apple, but 13 Mini you'll have to buy elsewhere, probably used. They have different form factors so if you can you should find a Mini to compare and see which feels better to you before buying. The 13 Mini has a better camera, more storage, an Ultra Wide Band chip, and uses Face ID instead of Touch ID if these matter to you.
Next smallest iPhone is over 6"--iPhone Pro, standard iPhone, or the rumored next SE(4)--so it's a pretty big jump.
The 13 mini is actually smaller in length and width than the se
SE2022 or iPhone 13 mini is prob your best choices that willl be supported for a good few more years.
And with the constant increasing cyberthreats you'd want your device to be supported with updates.
OP has stated they aren't a fan of the later SE models (SE2/SE3) though…
If I were you, I would go for the iPhone 13 mini.
It’s about the size of the original SE, but significantly more modern.
If he would rather wait for the rumored “iPhone Air”, be warned that the current rumor is that it will have a 6.67 inch screen, which is pretty much right in between the current 16 Pro and Pro Max.
As for the 13 mini, I wouldn’t worry too much about its age.
It came out in 2021, it uses the same A15 is the iPad mini Apple was literally selling just a couple days ago, and it’s an even newer processor than the iPad 10th generation Apple still sells to this day.
It’s based off of the same process and has the same NPU as the M2, which is still being sold in tuns of Macs and the current iPad Air.
It should at least get five additional years of software updates, if not more.
I loved my 2016 SE. Worked well for me for many years. I loved how well it sat in my hand and I think it looked pretty good also, with no case. Eventually the battery went pretty bad and I started getting apps complaining about the old iOS 15.
So I recently got a used 12 Mini with new battery. FaceID, compatibility with latest iOS, better camera, wireless charging, it's good. About $280. Only a bit bigger than the SE1, and it needs a rubber case to protect the protruding lenses.
I'm now in the process of installing a new battery in the old SE, which is simpler and much cheaper than I had feared. And if I don't get a good handful pocket change for it, I think I'll just keep it as a backup.
So I recently got a used 12 Mini with new battery. FaceID, compatibility with latest iOS, better camera, wireless charging, it's good. About $280. Only a bit bigger than the SE1, and it needs a rubber case to protect the protruding lenses.
I'm now in the process of installing a new battery in the old SE, which is simpler and much cheaper than I had feared. And if I don't get a good handful pocket change for it, I think I'll just keep it as a backup.
Last edited:
also, i like the physical home button, and use the headphone jack a lot. and i like that not supports a sim card.
i know they are out there, but frankly they are boring looking. i guess the 13 mini is the closest in size and appearance to the 4S/5/SE.
i looked into it, too complicated for me to attempt. and outsourcing it isn't worth it. i do have a nice SE1, but only has 32 gb. i may end up using that one, esp. if the screen on mine gets worse.
funny, i use my 4s as a music player. and when in public, it draws a lot of attention. like the phone they wish was being produced, or that somehow they missed this secret new tiny beautiful device.
A refurbished/used iPhone mini 13, basically, unless you want to get another SE1 stuck on iOS 15.
The alternative would be the current iPhone SE3 (2022) that you can still get new, if you prefer a Home button and/or LCD.
No. According to Everymac.com, a very trustworthy source, both 12 mini, and 13 mini is supported in the latest version iOS:
iPhone 13 mini (US/A2481) 128, 256, 512 GB Specs (A2481*, MLHP3LL/A*, 3994*, iPhone14,4): EveryiPhone.com
Specs and features for the iPhone 13 mini (US/A2481) 128, 256, 512 GB (A2481*). Dates sold, capacity, battery life, networks, size, price and more.
Edit: sorry, I misunderstood, you're right the SE1 is stuck on 15.
Last edited:
Yes same as me on my now pretty vintage iPhone SE 2016.
The only new alternative these days appears to be the Nanophone. Besides requiring switching to Android it only supports a subset of bands. The idea and the interest are out there though.
Edited to include link:
NanoPhone - A Miniaturized Smartphone Packed with Mega Features! | ExtremeTech
Enjoy Dual SIM Support, 4G Connectivity, Crystal-Clear Calls in a Credit Card-Sized Smartphone
shop.extremetech.com
Last edited: