iPhone SE (2022) Moving from 15 Pro to SE3

[LiE_]

Has anyone done a similar move? I find myself using my phone more and more as a communication device only. Social media, media consumption, gaming, photography etc aren’t part of my usage anymore. Of course the 15 Pro can handle everything but I’m considering downgrading to simplify my phone usage.

In essence I want a worse phone to help solidify its usage. like how some people move to a dumb phone, but less extreme.

 

[nburwell]

I have both. 15P is my DD and SE3 is my work device. The form factor of the SE3 is definitely better for me since I don’t have huge hands. But if you’re simply using the phone as a communication device only, the SE3 would certainly fit the bill.

 

[NoBoMac]

Not exactly, but similar situation. Phone is probably my most important device (ie. communications device) but gets the least amount of screen time.

Went from SE 2020 to 13 Mini. And in a few years, most likely will go SE route again, if still available.

Have not had a flagship in years (8 instead of X, SE, Mini 13 [bought 2023]) and probably never will again as a "waste" of money for device functions/tech not needed/important to me.

So, long winded, +1 from me for the plan.

 

[NUFC2025]

I use my SE3 as my main device, never had a big iPhone and the little SE does everything I need. I use it for calls, messages, email and online searching for looking stuff up.
I just don’t like large screen devices.

 

[nxt3]

If Apple made an SE with 90hz refresh rate and battery life as good as the iPhone 15 Pro, I'd be all over it.

I'm in the same boat as you OP, phone is mostly a communication device and iPad at home is for consumption.

 

[FlyingDutch]

Even if communications were my core business, I wouldn’t go for such a small screen and poor battery life (compared to modern devices).

 

[NUFC2025]

I don’t have a problem with the battery life on the SE3, I have usually around 60% left at the end of the day but I never ever use any kind of social media or any other junk on my phone.

Phone calls, iMessage and the camera when I need it. I like a simple life.

 

[geta]

For your use this will be a great device, special if you appreciate small and light phones.

 

[NUFC2025]

For your use this will be a great device, special if you appreciate small and light phones.

Yeah I don’t like a brick sticking out of my pocket.

 

[scrane]

The reason I went with the early SE and now the 13 mini is they are small. A large SE is of no interest to me.

 

[NUFC2025]

I wished I had kept my 12 mini and just had the battery swapped, great little phones.

 

[ab2c4]

I have considered doing the same thing. The SE3 is appealing due to its smaller size, super light weight and rounded sides. It would be wonderful to carry around and I think simplify my phone usage.

 

[FlyingDutch]

I have considered doing the same thing. The SE3 is appealing due to its smaller size, super light weight and rounded sides.

… and not-day-long battery

 

[ab2c4]

… and not-day-long battery

I realize that but I would use it considerably less.

 

[NUFC2025]

I realize that but I would use it considerably less.

It does if you don’t install a load of junk.

 

[FlyingDutch]

It does if you don’t install a load of junk.

Well, the battery is 2018 mAh, in the last SE iteration. It doesn’t matter what you are installing, but just if you use it or not.
If you are one just talking a few hours a day on the phone, texting and browse a little (on such a small screen it isn’t very comfortable anymore), then the battery could last a day. But in 2024 that’s considered very light smartphone usage.
If it suits you, good for you

 

[geta]

Well, the battery is 2018 mAh, in the last SE iteration. It doesn’t matter what you are installing, but just if you use it or not.
If you are one just talking a few hours a day on the phone, texting and browse a little (on such a small screen it isn’t very comfortable anymore), then the battery could last a day. But in 2024 that’s considered very light smartphone usage.
If it suits you, good for you

With the intended use of the OP, the SE3 battery will easily last a full day.

 

[Ahiqar]

I’ve “downgraded” to simplify in the past twice. Regretted it both times. I’d hang on to the 15 pro. But give it a shot if you’d like.

 

[I7guy]

The SE3 won’t alter the destination, only the journey. However, if you’re thinking, “I don’t consume media,” why pay for a larger phone with OLED? Well, why not?

Give it a try; it’ll be an intriguing “experiment.”

 

[geta]

The SE3 won’t alter the destination, only the journey. However, if you’re thinking, “I don’t consume media,” why pay for a larger phone with OLED? Well, why not?

Give it a try; it’ll be an intriguing “experiment.”

Why would anyone pay for a big-bulky-heavy and expensive phone when a smaller and lighter version would be more than enough for their needs?

 

[LiE_]

The SE3 won’t alter the destination, only the journey. However, if you’re thinking, “I don’t consume media,” why pay for a larger phone with OLED? Well, why not?

Give it a try; it’ll be an intriguing “experiment.”

The other thought I have is if you drop £1000 on a device you feel like you need to use its potential, to justify the cost.

You see this a lot every year when someone justifies upgrading. “I spend so much time on my phone, therefore £1000 is justified”

 

[FlyingDutch]

Why would anyone pay for a big-bulky-heavy and expensive phone when a smaller and lighter version would be more than enough for their needs?

I can’t see anything bulky or heavy in an iPhone 16. For sure with that user scenario you don’t need to upgrade it every year or two, so even the higher price (iPhone se isn’t exactly cheap anyway) could be affordable over a period of 3/4 years

 

[geta]

I can’t see anything bulky or heavy in an iPhone 16. For sure with that user scenario you don’t need to upgrade it every year or two, so even the higher price (iPhone se isn’t exactly cheap anyway) could be affordable over a period of 3/4 years

Every iPhone from the last few years is too big and heavy compared to the OG SE1 or even the Mini 13.

 

[LiE_]

Thanks for all your input. I have an SE3 on the way after hunting for the right one on eBay for a few weeks. 100% battery, great cosmetic condition, black and 128gb. All for £165.

My goal for 2025 is to spend less time on my phone and only use it as a tool. I'll be buying a dedicated camera again early next year that will tick the photography box, the SE3 will function fine as a quick snap device.

 

[FlyingDutch]

Thanks for all your input. I have an SE3 on the way after hunting for the right one on eBay for a few weeks. 100% battery, great cosmetic condition, black and 128gb. All for £165.

My goal for 2025 is to spend less time on my phone and only use it as a tool. I'll be buying a dedicated camera again early next year that will tick the photography box, the SE3 will function fine as a quick snap device.

How can a used phone have 100% battery health ? Was it serviced ?