iPhone SE (2016) iPhone SE 2020 Users

[Aoligei]

Hi,
I currently own the iPhone 11 Pro Max but for the love of god I hate the size of it.

Everywhere I go I have to keep it in my hand and does (of course) not fit in my jeans without looking like a massive bulge.

I am considering switching to the 2020 SE. What are your thoughts and things you believe I should consider when switching?

Thank you

One thing you will have to get use to is poor battery endurance with iPhone SE.

The only similarity between iPhone SE and iPhone 11 Pro Max is the processor.

Everything else is downgrade. Screen, camera, storage, RAM you name it. there is a reason that iPhone 11 Pro Max is 2.5x more expensive.

 

[snipr125]

Never heard “rinsing” before. Interesting phrase.

Its more of a British slang expression for essentially ‘overusing’ something to the point of abuse. You could also say “i feel totally Rinsed” meaning you are tired or over exerted yourself from an activity. Thanks for your observation Fourthpope!

 

[The.Glorious.Son]

I agree with the above. Unless you are in love with the older design, home button, Touch ID, and/or cost is an issue, I would steer clear of the SE. But that is without knowing your needs in your phone.

If you love everything about the Pro Max aside from the size, the 11 Pro would be a good option albeit, it is hefty in weight despite the size. You could also wait a few weeks and see what the rumored 5.4” is all about. Since it’s likely to be a non-pro and have an aluminum frame, it should be not only a better size but weight as well. It should also be cheaper than the one year old 11 Pro and still give you a high quality OLED screen.

 

[snipr125]

One thing you will have to get use to is poor battery endurance with iPhone SE.

The only similarity between iPhone SE and iPhone 11 Pro Max is the processor.

Everything else is downgrade. Screen, camera, storage, RAM you name it. there is a reason that iPhone 11 Pro Max is 2.5x more expensive.

Agree with you on most points. The battery is not as bad a many make out though if one consumes media frugally. Also from the OP’s point of view, the smaller, compact size could be seen as an ‘upgrade’.

But my advice would be to wait for the iphone 12 5’4, which should be the perfect solution for the OP.

 

[Phil A.]

I absolutely love mine - the size is perfect, performance is great and I don't have to look at a notch all day (I have a completely irrational hatred of notches on phones!)

 

[NoBoMac]

...11 Pro Max but hate the size so much, it does not fit anywhere and I have to hold it in my hand everywhere I go.

Try the 11 Pro and see if that works for you. I’ve got the 11 Pro and am contemplating the SE, only cause I rarely use my phone as I use my iPad more though. Also for the lightness.

These.

Or wait for 12 announcement. Might like 12 Pro or plain 12 for size and will be (obviously) newer than buying a year-old tech 11 now at possibly full-price.

That said, using an SE2 and happy with it. Fits almost anywhere. Wallet friendly price for same processor as 11.

And with Covid, phone is pretty much being solely used for Podcast playing, Messages, Notes, occasional phone call (eg. local coffee shop is take-out only, so not lingering there and reading things via Safari, Feedly, etc.). Never really used phone for videos or games. Using iPad and Mac more, along with Watch as second screen to phone (ie. view Notifications, leave phone in pocket). So, smaller/"lesser" screen on phone is not an issue for me.

I generally hang onto a phone for three years. At that point, battery is going, processor might not keep up with new OS. Scratches/dings. With SE2, have runway to iPhone 14. Maybe more, as processor might not be taxed like in the old days.

 

[Migranya]

Maybe the iPhone 12 or 12 Pro will be a better choice for you. Just wait a couple of weeks and then decide.

 

[rui no onna]

I figured the same, but tested with a watt meter and the 18W will charge the SE faster than the 12W. The 2020 SE pulls around 13.8 watts while charging on an 18W USB-C to Lightning adapter, so it does get a slight boost from it. Apple is careful with their wording, I believe they say the fastest charging on this phone is with the 18W adapter, but not necessarily that it will charge at 18W with it. It does charge ridiculously fast on the 18W though with such a small battery. I love it.

Power bricks are not 100% efficient.

You pretty much get the same charging speed with 12W as you do with 18W. The iPhone chargers are 5W so they're quite slow but a 12W iPad charger will do just as well as an 18W USB PD charger for the SE2.

These tests are from a completely discharged state (ran Geekbench battery benchmark to drain) and then plugged into the respective chargers checking for battery percentage every 15 minutes.

Power consumption measurements were from the wall and I expect these are around 85-95% efficient.

Anker 12W
USB-A to Lightning

Anker 18W
USB-C to Lightning

 

[paulsonj72]

Just got today, swaped out the SIM card from my Android device so I could keep my contacts and got my prpepaid plan transferred over Right now just updating the iOs as it came with 13.5.1

 

[heyyitssusan]

Kind of annoyed that I have to wait 30 days to upgrde.. was wanting to do the Walmart deal. hoping it's still available at that time. but then again, the 12 will have been announced so maybe it's a good thing. I can weight my options then I guess.

 

[Momof2.1107]

I paid my XS Max off last Wednesday to use on Verizon. I transferred my carrier from T-Mobile to Verizon on the same day to take advantage of Verizon’s old Get More Unlimited plan before the new plans kicked in on 8/20. I got a 64GB SE 2020 for $0 and $0 a month (I will receive $16.66 in monthly credits) for 24 months. I’ve been accustomed to using big phones since the 6+, so using the SE 2020 for 48 hours was different. I got used to the size quickly and had no problems texting. I will say compared to my XS Max battery it was a huge difference for me. I’m back on my unlocked XS Max, and will be keeping my SE 2020 as a 2nd backup phone and will be upgrading my XS Max to the 12 Pro Max (XS Max will be 1st backup phone).

 

[jahall05]

Love mine! I came from an 11, and I did struggle with my decision at first, but now that I’ve tried the 11 pro and also gone back to a regular 11 for a few days, I’m settled and no longer second-guessing myself.

I am loving it.

I am considering switching from an 11 as well. How did you come to your decision to switch to the SE?

 

[heyyitssusan]

Coming from a guy who upgrades the iPhone plus / max models every year (because it’s easy to sell in my area, considering it like an annual phone expense), the SE is refreshingly small and fast. But the battery life is about 30% less than the big phones. I usually don’t need to charge it because I use my MacBook or iPad most of the time, and the phone is just for communication and quick info, so the big screens on phones isn’t much of a concern for me anymore. Sometimes I use my wife’s phone and was surprised how big those 6.5” screen was, but when I held it I don’t miss it because they’re big

I’m also a big fan of Touch ID, even when I’m not wearing a mask, because you don’t have to pick up your phone just to view some notifications. I was impressed about Face ID, but still prefer touch. Wish they had both in the future.

additionally, the price! Now I don’t have to wait to get a new iPhone if the old one breaks (my old one broke because I washed it 😅) I can just head to the Apple store and get the SE without any hassle! I hope that will be another 2-3 years before I have to visit for this reason though.

instead of getting a new iPhone every year, I can now save that money and put into a Mac or iPad instead, which IMO gives much more value and usability than the iPhone.

This! I used to be the one to get the latest and greatest, but my priorities have changed now. I realize that I don’t use my phone for much more than texting, talking, social media, music and the occasional picture. I got the 11 Pro last year, and while I do like it, it’s just big and cumbersome and is sitting around most of the time since I like you, use my iPad 90% of the time when I’m home. I’m planning on grabbing an SE and if I truly enjoy it, I’m going to sell the 11 Pro and use that towards a new iPad.

 

[MacFlop]

This! I used to be the one to get the latest and greatest, but my priorities have changed now. I realize that I don’t use my phone for much more than texting, talking, social media, music and the occasional picture. I got the 11 Pro last year, and while I do like it, it’s just big and cumbersome and is sitting around most of the time since I like you, use my iPad 90% of the time when I’m home. I’m planning on grabbing an SE and if I truly enjoy it, I’m going to sell the 11 Pro and use that towards a new iPad.

Damn it feels like a big downgrade going from the 11 pro to the SE. The size isn't so bad in comparison tbh. I'm looking to buy a 11 pro soon as soon as the 12 gets released.

 

[heyyitssusan]

Damn it feels like a big downgrade going from the 11 pro to the SE. The size isn't so bad in comparison tbh. I'm looking to buy a 11 pro soon as soon as the 12 gets released.

I guess it’s all preference on how you use your devices. if the 11 Pro was as light as the X, I would’ve kept it in a heartbeat and wouldn’t even be considering this. But due to the weight of it, and how little I use my phone, it makes sense.

 

[MacFlop]

I guess it’s all preference on how you use your devices. if the 11 Pro was as light as the X, I would’ve kept it in a heartbeat and wouldn’t even be considering this. But due to the weight of it, and how little I use my phone, it makes sense.

Yeah of course. Is the weight so bothersome? Hm might have to think about that.

 

[heyyitssusan]

Yeah of course. Is the weight so bothersome? Hm might have to think about that.

Yeah. if I’m wearing shorts and put it in my pocket, it weighs it down. Feels like I put a brick in there. Others in this thread feel the same about the weight as well.

 

[Dc2006ster]

I recently switched from a 4S to the 64 GB SE. I am a very light user. The size and capabilities are perfectly adequate for my needs: text messages and the occasional phone call. I do not store music or videos and take very few photos. I can go a couple of days without having to recharge so battery life is not a problem.

 

[macher]

This! I used to be the one to get the latest and greatest, but my priorities have changed now. I realize that I don’t use my phone for much more than texting, talking, social media, music and the occasional picture. I got the 11 Pro last year, and while I do like it, it’s just big and cumbersome and is sitting around most of the time since I like you, use my iPad 90% of the time when I’m home. I’m planning on grabbing an SE and if I truly enjoy it, I’m going to sell the 11 Pro and use that towards a new iPad.

I use my iPhone SE 2020 A LOT I consider myself a heavy user. I watch lots of video and use my iPhone for my online business. I would say I use my SE 2020 90% of the time vs an iPad or computer. It’s more than just a communication device.

Since I’m a heavy user I understand that since the SE is smaller the battery life isn’t as good as the 11 Pro. But I always have power near me so it isn’t an issue although not convenient in some situations.

Let me take it back I’m an extremely heavy user. And mostly rely on a portable power bank through out the day because I don’t work at a desk and the vehicle I drive for work doesn’t have any power.

The problem I run into to is since I’m a extremely heavy user I need to tap into my power bank often through the day to keep my iPhone up to a charge so when I get home I have battery to last. My iPhone is always getting charged in my power bank when I’m not mobile and when I’m mobile I take it off the charge.

This is not so bad. However I can see a problem when we are able to go to France to visit my wife’s family and touring the country. I can keep a power bank in my backpack but when it needs to be charged it’s not easy keeping an SE 2020 and a portable power bank in your cargo shorts/pants pocket. I’ve done it and it’s not comfortable.

 

[heyyitssusan]

I use my iPhone SE 2020 A LOT I consider myself a heavy user. I watch lots of video and use my iPhone for my online business. I would say I use my SE 2020 90% of the time vs an iPad or computer. It’s more than just a communication device.

Since I’m a heavy user I understand that since the SE is smaller the battery life isn’t as good as the 11 Pro. But I always have power near me so it isn’t an issue although not convenient in some situations.

Let me take it back I’m an extremely heavy user. And mostly rely on a portable power bank through out the day because I don’t work at a desk and the vehicle I drive for work doesn’t have any power.

The problem I run into to is since I’m a extremely heavy user I need to tap into my power bank often through the day to keep my iPhone up to a charge so when I get home I have battery to last. My iPhone is always getting charged in my power bank when I’m not mobile and when I’m mobile I take it off the charge.

This is not so bad. However I can see a problem when we are able to go to France to visit my wife’s family and touring the country. I can keep a power bank in my backpack but when it needs to be charged it’s not easy keeping an SE 2020 and a portable power bank in your cargo shorts/pants pocket. I’ve done it and it’s not comfortable.

How many times do you have to charge throughout the day, being a heavy user?

 

[frankenhooker]

I bought an Anker wireless portable charger. I’m away from a mains charger for most of the day, the Anker is a game changer. Just take it out my bag, turn it on and plonk my phone on it. Comfortably get through a day now.

Really recommend them.

 

[macher]

How many times do you have to charge throughout the day, being a heavy user?

I start my day at 5:00am at 100%. And usually at least 2x before I leave work at 1:00pm. Then if I’m home probably another 1x before I go to bed.

 

[heyyitssusan]

I bought an Anker wireless portable charger. I’m away from a mains charger for most of the day, the Anker is a game changer. Just take it out my bag, turn it on and plonk my phone on it. Comfortably get through a day now.

Really recommend them.

I agree with this. I have an anker and it’s amazing. It‘s a game changer during hurricane season too.

 

[macher]

I agree with this. I have an anker and it’s amazing. It‘s a game changer during hurricane season too.

Yep I have 2, 20,000 Ankers.

 

[heyyitssusan]

Yep I have 2, 20,000 Ankers.

Wow. And don’t judge, but I put on one of my old cases and it has perfect grip and the 11 Pro is somewhat manageable. I think I’m going to still get the SE to switch back and forth, and may skip out on the 12..