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iPhone SE: What a little beast!

My Se has only performed better since the 10.2 update. I have the brightness at 60% and get two full days of texting calling forum reading etc. this thing is only getting better.
 
Populus said:
Hi forum members!

I have been an Android user since I sold my beloved iPhone 4S. Since then, I've been using a Motorola Moto G, a very good phone for its price. And also, a really good form factor: 4 and a half inches, not more than 13cm tall and 65mm wide. But the phone was, in its last days, a bit choppy and slooow. It felt more slow than my 4S.

Then, a couple of months ago, it started to reboot itself, turning off suddenly... So I thought it was time for the warranty. Here in Spain, Europe, we have two years of consumer warranty, so It was repaired. Well, kind of: they only reflashed my phone. Problem was, apparently, solved. But suddenly, my Moto G fell onto the floor. And it cracked. Passed away.

About Android, I discovered Nova Launcher, the notification LED, the icon packs... I ended up loving Android, forgetting iOS during the iOS 8 and 9 era. And I was decided to buy a new Android smartphone... but not a big phone (5 inches or more). There was a problem, because I don't like the Z5 Compact. I know it is a good smartphone, but I just don't quite like it.

So, my idea was to initially but the Samsung A3 2016. It's not a big phone, similar in size to my passed away Moto G, and a good screen. But there was a problem: Touchwiz. I want Android Stock AOSP, and the software of Samsung is far from being pure Android experience. Yes, there are icon packs, and with Nova Launcher I can make it similar to a Nexus device but again, notifications aren't the same, Lock Screen is not the same, etc... Even though, the Samsung A3 2017 is pretty appealing to me, with that gorgeous black monolith appearance, that always on screen, probably with Nougat... In January or February of 2017. And I needed a phone NOW.

So this evening I went to the Apple Store of my city, and bought an iPhone SE 64GB. And, aside from that noisy clicky home button, I'm loving it.

I tried a 4,7 inch iPhone 6S back in November, and I arrived to a conclusion: This new iPhones (6 and above) are way too big for my hand. I used the 6S during the 14 day trial period, and that was my conclusion. Yes, its screen is the best of the smartphone market, and are really beauty, but very very slippery even with the silicone case. And very bulky. I have an average man hand, but even then, it was pretty complicated using it one handed.

So I decided that, if I ever come back to iOS, it should be with a smaller device. Right now the only device that fits in my one handed usage is the iPhone SE, so I gave it a try.

This machine is fast, man. Camera app opens instantly, I can listen Youtube in Safari with the device locked, I can install Ad Blockers, like Purify or 1 Blocker, and read the Internet without annoying ads. Touch ID is not as good as the one in the 6S, yes, and the Home Button is clicky and makes a weird sound, that's my only concern because battery-wise and performance-wise, this machine is awesome. And I can use it easily with my right hand!!! It fits on my pocket, and barely notice it.

I guess this is the feeling when you come back to iOS. It is like coming back to your old home, you know the bad things, but you appreciate the good things. I missed that snappiness, that clean aspect, that quality on the build, that EXCELLENT camera... I think the iPhone SE is going to be my next smartphone. This one has TSMC chip, the "good" one, the screen is not very yellow, and pretty uniform. Would you exchange it because its home button? It is a bit annoying, than chunky click, but I know a lot of iPhones feel like this one...


Overall, I feel very pleased with this smartphone.
Click to expand...

Nice story. Now since you're an Android fan (or used to be), go check out the Google Pixel when you have a chance and be REALLY blown away.
 
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pixel_junkie said:
Nice story. Now since you're an Android fan (or used to be), go check out the Google Pixel when you have a chance and be REALLY blown away.
Click to expand...

I used to be an iPhone fan, few years ago. Then I tried Android, and it has its drawbacks but yes, I ended up liking it.

Nowadays I like both operative systems, although I prefer the iOS stability over the time, Apple's App Store, and Apple's ecosystem; but there are some features on the Android side -customization, notifications, the Google Keyboard now available on iOS as well, lock screen always on thanks to OLED technology, etc- that are pretty appealing to me. Because I'm not fan of a brand, but I'm devoted to technology.

Anyway, answering to your question, yes, I checked out the Google's Pixel phone. It is a great smartphone but again, I think it's a bit big for me. Give me a 4.5 - 4.7 inch Google Pixel (135mm x 67mm max), and I'll buy it, because otherwise it is an amazing phone.
 
Love the size but after having used the 7 for a few months, I would miss 3D Touch, easier to see display and quicker Touch ID sensor.

Such as Waze. Press icon and you can navigate home. Handy.
 
lclev said:
My husband needs a new cellphone. He currently has a 5c which has been okay for him. It has had a hard life. He has dropped it in water and he recently left it outside - in the snow - in it's lifeproof case. It did survive but occasionally it has to be reset because it will not make calls.

I have been debating on either an SE or a 7. I think since he is use the smaller size he probably would like the SE better. But then I remember the water resistance of the 7 and I vacillate.

Your review has me leaning toward the SE.
Click to expand...
ThevSE is a great phone. I currently have a 6 Plus that was having battery issues. I almost replaced it with an SE but decided to save the money and just have the battery replaced in my 6.
 
The SE is a dynamite phone.

Only drawback is the front camera for ft and selfies (if the latter is important to you). But everything else rocks on this phone and it's more affordable to boot.

The one-handed useability is a primary advantage w/this phone. Not even the 6s/7 does it better.
 
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bufffilm said:
The SE is a dynamite phone.

Only drawback is the front camera for ft and selfies (if the latter is important to you). But everything else rocks on this phone and it's more affordable to boot.

The one-handed useability is a primary advantage w/this phone. Not even the 6s/7 does it better.
Click to expand...
It is a great phone. I regret not getting it sometimes.
 
The SE is a stunning little phone. I've loved having mine but I'm now starting to think it's a little too small (probably more to do with my eyesight). I've previously owned the Note series and wouldn't want to go that big again so maybe just the plain 7......

I also had an A series Samsung (A5 old version) that I used for a couple of months primarily cos I wanted a small phone. However when I was offered the SE, the new A series didn't seem to be available. What's always worth noting about Android though is the guys over at XDA that can help you make almost any phone run a "stock" ROM
 
Last time I actually posted on this forum I was still using my iPhone 5, but I finally upgraded to the SE and I'm loving it so far. It's got the same form factor as my 5, which I love, but it's so much snappier and I'm loving the camera a lot. Really great little phone.
 
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Reno Raines said:
I have a 7 and a se. Personally I always come back to the se. It is a great phone and for the price is amazing.
Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat. I really enjoy using my SE more than my 7. Especially using it one handed and throwing it in my pocket and forgetting about it.
 
nburwell said:
I'm in the same boat. I really enjoy using my SE more than my 7. Especially using it one handed and throwing it in my pocket and forgetting about it.
Click to expand...

That was my favorite feature was the one handed use with the SE.
 
I own the SE, 7 Plus and now a regular 7. The real missing feature of the SE the new home button. Without it, it just feels "old" to me. The ability to use with one hand seems the same to me on the SE and the regular 7. The 7 Plus is obviously in a different league all together.

I find the SE and 7 both need the same amount of "zooming" for web browsing, where I can often use the 7 Plus without needing to zoom.
 
The SE has great bang per buck performance and there's nothing at all wrong with its old design. The main reason I prefer the iPhone 7 over one is the larger screen size and of course the keyboard is a little easier when you have man size hands :D
 
I picked up two 64 GBs yesterday at Target. One for me and the other for my daughter. I think I got a great deal. By an SE or 7 or 7+ on an installment plan (ATT Next) and get a $200 instant gift card. Put some money down on each and walked out with two new phones and $400 in gift cards. BTW, the phone is a little beast.
 
Just picked up another new SE. 7 is sitting in box. I def like having the ear bud jack back.
 
Hi everyone! 8 days have passed since I bought my SE.

As I thought, that small screen feeling disappeared after 3 or 4 days of usage. Now I feel pretty confortable with its screen size and most definitely with its overall size. So regarding size, I'm 100% satisfied.

Performance wise, oh man, it is really fast. And the most surprising thing is the amount of apps that can be kept in RAM, making the opening of apps... instantaneous. I've been dreaming this for a long long time.

Camera... I know it is the same camera than the 6S but... Are all the SE/6S camera modules made by SONY? Or there are different sources like in screens and home buttons? I say this because this camera is OK, but it is not outstanding, maybe because I haven't tried at the day in the outside, outdoors.

Next is the App Store. I've missed the App Store and almost forgot how easy is to search, navigate, rate and purchase. I've been doing a cleanse, hiding bad/old apps from my purchased, and I'm ready to select only useful apps.

This little machine is great, but there is a problem. This problem is called Location service -> Motion Calibration
and Distance. This service is ALWAYS on. Sure, I could disable it permanently, but it is like hiding something that it is not working properly, and I'm in my 14 trial days, so I'll probably exchange it for another one, hopefully another TSMC, but I don't know. What I do know, is that I spent 500 on a smartphone and want it to work PERFECT.

I don't know what is causing this issue of constant calibration, but definitely something goes wrong. I've tried anything, including restoring the device. It keeps Calibrating 24/7, with the Location services on.

Please, @golfnut1982 @CYKBC could you activate the notification of System Location Services, and tell me if Motion Calibration is always on? Thank you
 
Regarding battery life, so far, so good!
TSMC chip rules!!!!

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Populus said:
Regarding battery life, so far, so good!
TSMC chip rules!!!!

0qqAsPe.jpg
Click to expand...

My second 6s (Gave the TSMC chip 6s to my guy) has the Samsung chip. It's horrible on battery life. Worse than his which is part of the recall! Frustrating.

Got the 7+ now though as my daily driver.
 
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Septembersrain said:
My second 6s (Gave the TSMC chip 6s to my guy) has the Samsung chip. It's horrible on battery life. Worse than his which is part of the recall! Frustrating.

Got the 7+ now though as my daily driver.
Click to expand...
I have a iPhone 6S Plus (launch day) still using as my main phone with tsmc chip and battery life is tremendous even after 15 months of heavy use
 
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