iPhone XR SE to XR

[ghanwani]

I finally caved and bought a black XR. Let me try a big screen phone and see if I enjoy it. I played with them a lot in the store over some months. It is definitely not a one handed phone, so lack of portability is my biggest concern. The XS is lighter, but I did find the display bothersome when scrolling.

3 things I like about the XR
- Better display because of true tone.
- No home button (I won't be enabling Face ID).
- Larger display.

I picked black because it was the least distracting -- the bezels and the body are seamless.

Anyone else go from SE to XR?

I remember going from a 5s to a 6s and returning the 6s. Fortunately the SE came soon after. This time around there's no hope for a small form factor phone, so I decided to try a bigger device. Let us see if I decide to hold on to it.

Edit:

Sad to report I could not adjust to the size and weight and I ended up returning it after just one day of use.

 

[Reno Raines]

I have an old SE that I use as an iPod touch and a XR for regular use. I would agree with your assessment except I do miss the Touch ID.

 

[Trifectas]

Yeah, i have a XR too and it definitely isn’t a phone to be used single handed hence why I want to switch to a XS. But I love it’s battery life

 

[ghanwani]

Yeah, i have a XR too and it definitely isn’t a phone to be used single handed hence why I want to switch to a XS. But I love it’s battery life

I don't regard anything bigger than an SE (yes, not even the 8) as comfortable for single handed use. They feel like soap bars that are just a little to big to grip securely for one-handed use. I would have gone with the XS if I wasn't aware of PWM. Since I became aware of it, I paid attention to it in the store and did feel eye strain. So those were out.

 

[Cladster]

I can use mine one handed, even with the Apple Otterbox modern case.

 

[mreg376]

I finally caved and bought a black XR. Let me try a big screen phone and see if I enjoy it. I played with them a lot in the store over some months. It is definitely not a one handed phone, so lack of portability is my biggest concern. The XS is lighter, but I did find the display bothersome when scrolling.

3 things I like about the XR
- Better display because of true tone.
- No home button (I won't be enabling Face ID).
- Larger display.

I picked black because it was the least distracting -- the bezels and the body are seamless.

Anyone else go from SE to XR?

I remember going from a 5s to a 6s and returning the 6s. Fortunately the SE came soon after. This time around there's no hope for a small form factor phone, so I decided to try a bigger device. Let us see if I decide to hold on to it.

My only recommendation is not to shy away from Face ID. It's a major feature of the new phones and it's fast and surprisingly accurate and flexible. Also works in the dark. Plus it's usable with many apps, including banking apps, that require logins and is incredibly convenient, not to mention fully secure.

 

[pdp1]

I sort of went from an SE to the XR. I had to temporarily go to a 6 from the SE for a few months because I accidentally jumped into a pool with my SE soon before the XR was released. The size jump was my biggest concern too, but like most anything, I got used to it, and there are many benefits of a larger screen to help offset the concern. I have pretty small hands but I find myself being able to one-hand about 80% of the time (on the SE it was 100% of the time). It's really only the far corners of the phone I have a hard time reaching, but the "Reachability" feature also helps minimize that.

The weight of the phone was also a concern as I go running a lot with my phone in my pocket. It was noticeably heavier while running at first, but again, I got used to it and it's really a non-issue. I also now tie the elastic band on my running shorts a little tighter

All that said, I have no real complaints upgrading from the SE to the XR. The bigger screen and lack of home button greatly overshadows any remaining niggles I have with the XR. Yes, I find Face ID to work fine. The only thing about Touch ID I miss a little bit is when my phone is sitting flat on my desk next to me. Before I could just touch the phone and it would unlock. Now I have to lean over to do the same.... yeah first world problems.

Another niggle along the lines of the home button is taking screenshots. Since taking screenshots involves the volume button on one side and the power button on the other side, I find myself accidentally taking screenshots sometimes while I'm changing the volume... again, first world problems.

Oh, and the battery life... it's amazing. I thought I'd miss the battery meter in the status bar because of the notch, but since the battery lasts so long, I really have no need to check on it until I charge it at night!

 

[bigjnyc]

May I ask why you don't want to enable face ID? its really secure, your face details are not sent anywhere they live on the phones motherboard. it's fast, easy to use and super convenient. I like it more than touch ID to be honest.

 

[StellarVixen]

I can use mine one handed, even with the Apple Otterbox modern case.

Big hands, or using assist from Accessibility menu?


For me, it is impossible, I can reach only 2/3 of the screen. Reachability helps.

 

[ghanwani]

May I ask why you don't want to enable face ID? its really secure, your face details are not sent anywhere they live on the phones motherboard. it's fast, easy to use and super convenient. I like it more than touch ID to be honest.

I don't use a password or touch ID on my existing phone. Not secure, I know, especially if I lose the device.

 

[bigjnyc]

I don't use a password or touch ID on my existing phone. Not secure, I know, especially if I lose the device.

oooph yeah man that's pretty irresponsible. I would get in to the habit of using a passcode or face ID. it's so seamless to unlock the phone that its almost like you aren't using a passcode.

 

[ghanwani]

Sad to report I could not adjust to the size and weight and I ended up returning it after just one day of use. I have a renewed respect for my SE.

I guess I will have to live without True Tone.

Incidentally, of all the laptops only the 2018 MBP has True Tone.

 

[newknowledge__]

I just got the XR on Monday and I generally am pleased with it. I do sometimes struggle with the idea of it not being able to be use it with one hand, coming from an iPhone 7.

The narrative about the screen being less than has been consistent, but I find it to be awesome. It really renders out to what your personal preference is, etc.

Speed has also been well recieved. Zooming from app to app. Less wait times.

Although you won't use FaceID, it's really well done. Very responsive and allows for ease of use in certain situations.

The phone will indeed take some time to get used to. Enjoy it though.

 

[aevan]

I won't be enabling Face ID

People saying they won’t be enabling Face ID is the new “taping over laptop cameras” for me.

Edit: I see you just don’t use security measures of any kind. Well, you probably should.