iPhone SE Reviews: Impressive Performance in a 'Tired Design'

[mabhatter]

Apple need to take the XR design, update the internals and sell for this price. It would sell like hot cakes.

This design is way over done now.

The iPhone 11 is only $499 to start.

Some security businesses don't want the FaceID and actually remove the cameras from them. A FaceID only iPhone wouldn't work for them. The low features make it a good "enterprise" phone so people don't fill it up with their personal stuff as well.

 

[Makosuke]

I just wish they'd give this design flat sides

Keep the bezels and home button, etc -- but flat sides are so much easier to grip

While I like flat sides as well, that would defeat part of the purpose of this. The 2022 SE is compatible with cases designed for the 2020 SE and the 8 (which was basically the 2017 SE). The fact that nobody needs to design a new case for it--there are piles of cheap old ones already in stock--and a lot of potential buyers will already own a compatible case, is one of the benefits of the device.

Arguably, that kind of old-case compatibility is almost the point of it, since the phone is targeted at those wanting something familiar.

 

[Makosuke]

The iPhone 11 is only $499 to start.

People arguing that Apple's $429 phone should use an XR-like form-factor seem to be forgetting that this is only a bit cheaper than the 11, which is exactly what they're asking for. Yes, $70 is not pocket change, but there is already a very nice sub-$500 iPhone in Apple's lineup for people who want a big screen.

This phone is designed for people who actually like the old-school form-factor, not the extremely price-sensitive.

 

[jicon]

What possible app outside of photography are you running on an iPhone 13 that you can't run reliably on a 6S?

The SE might be my next phone... still using an iPhone 7, but I'll stick with the 7 until the hardware can no longer get the latest OS. Weight, battery life, and touch id are important... Step up weight 30%, and I'm having to possibly get a strap to keep the phone on my arm instead of pocket when running.. battery life.. .well, its tied to a bluetooth glucose sensor with an app running 24/7 in the background so that's of utmost importance. I still get that with my 7. If that means smaller screen, and lower weight for all day battery life, fine by me.

Touch ID? I subtly use it quite a bit. Start my car, plug in the phone... oh yeah, got to unlock the device and I'm driving down the road... quick touch on the button while I watch the road... done. A lot of other times, its orientating the device by feel when I have arms full of bags trying to look something up quickly, or, its pitch black in a room looking to plug in a lightning cable. I know.... Qi chargers can do the same thing, but I don't have one of those in as many spots as a lightning cable around the house.

 

[Seanm87]

We already have XR design. So why not just have both? Why can't you accept the some of us like SE as is and are happy about it?
You like notch, I don't. We both have a choice and we are both happy so don't take that away from those that prefer this form factor.

Because we don't have the XR its discontinued. The iPhone 11 isn't 400. I can accept some people like it but a lot of people liked the iPhone 5/SE1 design and that got discontinued. Things change, designs change. I'm simply saying I think its time apple moved on from the design and would sell more if they did.

You may disagree, and that's fine. But I have my opinion and I think its time they moved on. That's it.

 

[turbineseaplane]

While I like flat sides as well, that would defeat part of the purpose of this

I understand that
I'm advocating for them to at some point spend the capital to slightly tweak the SE as it currently is and add flat sides.

Ultimately, they should always have an SE in the lineup just for accessibility (home button/bezels) and it would benefit it to have flat sides

(not just be a place to re-hash old cases -- they are spending some amount of R&D on updates/upgrades as it is -- do flat sides next!)

 

[Freida]

So would you buy it if they did? Or are you just stomping our desires for the fun? The iPhone 11 isn't $429 sure but its not that far of ($499) so are you really arguing here because of $70? Why don't you just accept the fact that Apple now caters almost everyone and move on?

You like XR/11 style, I like SE style and each has its own audience. I bought mine and an extra for my partner. Have you ? Or you have Pro and just stir this for fun?

Because we don't have the XR its discontinued. The iPhone 11 isn't 400. I can accept some people like it but a lot of people liked the iPhone 5/SE1 design and that got discontinued. Things change, designs change. I'm simply saying I think its time apple moved on from the design and would sell more if they did.

You may disagree, and that's fine. But I have my opinion and I think its time they moved on. That's it.

 

[turbineseaplane]

So would you buy it if they did?

I would personally consider an SE4 if it simply had flat sides.

I'm coming from an SE1 and so I'm not happy about anything larger, but flat sides would mitigate it somewhat.

The 6/7/8/SE2&3 series are just the worst from my perspective.
The "slippery bar of soap" series of designs.

 

[CarlJ]

No notch no annoying home bar and square display it’s better lol

Square display? When has Apple ever made aiOS device with a square display? Maybe on an iPod somewhere along the way.

 

[progx]

If Apple changed the design, I think they’d lose the customers they’re targeting with this design. This “tired design” is clearing loved with the crowd Apple is pitching to. The proof is in the sales of the past generations, I suspect this will be a nice bump for Apple until the iPhone 14 is announced.

 

[turbineseaplane]

If Apple changed the design, I think they’d lose the customers they’re targeting with this design. This “tired design” is clearing loved with the crowd Apple is pitching to. The proof is in the sales of the past generations, I suspect this will be a nice bump for Apple until the iPhone 14 is announced.

Not sure I agree as long as they kept it reasonably similar.

Keep bezels and a home button -- those are really the key for folks I know who still use these designs.

(my older relatives NEED a home button)

 

[rui no onna]

Not sure I agree as long as they kept it reasonably similar.

Keep bezels and a home button -- those are really the key for folks I know who still use these designs.

(my older relatives NEED a home button)

We like the smallish size as well. My mom hates using my dad's iPhone 11 (size, weight and no home button).

 

[progx]

They should at least make it a plus size.

Yes. They should bring the Plus out of retirement. Although, the Plus audience had no problem moving over to the newer phones, so would it be necessary? I used to have the 7 and 8 Plus, so I’d love to see it back, but think about it for a minute with SE users: did they ever consider the Plus models when they were around? Did they buy the older phones such as the 5S?

My mom hated the second generation iPhone SE and moved to the iPhone 11. My dad stayed with it, he’ll be upgrading to this one too.

 

[progx]

Not sure I agree as long as they kept it reasonably similar.

Keep bezels and a home button -- those are really the key for folks I know who still use these designs.

(my older relatives NEED a home button)

I meant if they put it in line with previous iPhones that came after the 6/6S/7/8 series. It looks the same, but it’s more improved than those older phones. Especially the glass.

 

[SSDGUY]

No, that is the mini. The SE is the budget phone that just happens to be small.

Ahh true. I forgot about the mini. I suppose cheap means not big?

 

[Freida]

Sure, that would be nice too. I would actually prefer the flat sides also. That is a good idea

I would personally consider an SE4 if it simply had flat sides.

I'm coming from an SE1 and so I'm not happy about anything larger, but flat sides would mitigate it somewhat.

The 6/7/8/SE2&3 series are just the worst from my perspective.
The "slippery bar of soap" series of designs.

 

[danakin]

Lmao. I'm convinced not to ever take iJustine seriously. The cringe of surprise opening a phone that is 8 years old as it's this special thing. They actually did unboxing videos. They could recycle the same video they have done for the past 5 years.

iJustine = jacka$$
I watched a few a while ago and immediately felt dumber for it.
There is an excellent variety of really intelligent, balanced tech reviewers out there. At this point, I'm not willing to risk potential brain damage from watching any more of her videos.

 

[Seanm87]

So would you buy it if they did? Or are you just stomping our desires for the fun? The iPhone 11 isn't $429 sure but its not that far of ($499) so are you really arguing here because of $70? Why don't you just accept the fact that Apple now caters almost everyone and move on?

You like XR/11 style, I like SE style and each has its own audience. I bought mine and an extra for my partner. Have you ? Or you have Pro and just stir this for fun?

Nope. Not for me. But wanted to get something cheap for my parents that was a bit more modern.

Not sure what you mean by stirring as you were the one that started by quoting me and attacking me for an honest opinion that wasn't even meant to cause offence. Maybe its you that needs to move on?

 

[Freida]

So your parents want big screen and faceID? Did you ask them about preferences? My parents prefer home button just like I do.
So, thats why I asked.
Thank you for participation.

Nope. Not for me. But wanted to get something cheap for my parents that was a bit more modern.

Not sure what you mean by stirring as you were the one that started by quoting me and attacking me for an honest opinion that wasn't even meant to cause offence. Maybe its you that needs to move on?

 

[George Dawes]

Tired

Understatement of the year , at this rate they’ll bring out the iPhone 3G as the ultimate budget iPhone

 

[merrygoround]

I feel more disrespected that they had the nerve to raise the price without innovating things like the battery or camera or at least starting at 128gb.

I don’t mind the design as I need a home/Touch ID button, but if there was a fancier version with a home button I’d get that instead.

 

[Seanm87]

So your parents want big screen and faceID? Did you ask them about preferences? My parents prefer home button just like I do.
So, thats why I asked.
Thank you for participation.

They wanted a bigger screen. Not fussed over Face ID.

You’re welcome.

 

[Phone Junky]

Plus this weekend I forgot my watch and home and using Face ID with a mask (yes still using one of those) was impossible and annoying as hell.

Install iOS 15.4.

 

[Thebrochure]

The people wanting this phone don't care about looks, or design. If they did, they would buy a new phone. They want an affordable iPhone that functions well. And that is exactly what they are getting.

 

[Michael Scrip]

Tired design? That's some people's opinion.

But I'd rather focus on how well the new SE works rather than what it "looks like"

I see a great phone with the current-gen flagship A15 CPU that will get updates and support for many years... TouchID that some people actually prefer... and 5G.

And it starts at only $430 or around $15/month from your carrier.

I think Apple will sell a ton of these...