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ssledoux

macrumors 601
Original poster
Sep 16, 2006
4,416
4,245
Down south
I sold my 11 to get the SE2 and I absolutely love the size, was fine to go back to touch ID, was okay to give up the full screen to get the smaller phone, and I don’t mind bezels. The battery life wasn’t an issue for me because even though I had to charge it more often, it charges quickly on an iPad charger if I need it fast. It’s always connected if I’m in my car, so it has plenty of time to charge up before I get anywhere, etc.

Anyway, I was really loving everything about it, except typing. I can NOT type on it, and just can’t seem to wrap my brain around swiping. It just goes against everything I’m used to doing when it comes to typing. In addition, you have to swipe a word, correct it if it doesn’t do the right word, redo it, hit space bar, etc. It almost feels like it takes more time to me. Talking to text requires so much correcting it’s ridiculous.

I had pretty much realized going to a 5.4 in the fall would be a no-go, and I really want to stay smaller than a 6.1. So, I wound up ordering an 11 pro. I figured it would give me a chance to try OLED again (tried it with the XS Max and had some headache issues, so I returned it), as well as trying the size to see if it would be a nice middle ground for me. I had no idea how close it was in size to the SE2, albeit a little heavier and more “solid,” due to the SS and internals I’m sure.

So where am I? Struggling. ;-p

SE2 is a light, compact little phone that really does all I need it to. With a Loopy case it is super easy to use one-handed. The camera is fine for my needs, although I sometimes miss portrait mode with objects or animals. It’s speedy, and I have no issues with the battery life - just charge it more often. The screen is small, but usable, and the display is great.

The 11 pro is an absolutely stunning device. It’s definitely easier for me to type on, has a great camera, which is certainly a perk. The size seems just right, and, even though it weighs a little more than the SE2, it’s still not as heavy as my 11. I can’t speak to how easy it is to use one-handed with a Loopy because I don’t have a Loopy for it, but I think it would be fine. Obviously the screen is gorgeous, and it’s nice to have the screen size without much more phone size.

Do I think it’s worth the price difference? For me, not really, although right now I’m leaning toward keeping the 11 pro, mainly because I think it’ll suit me better than the options in the fall, and I just don’t think I want to struggle with the typing issue long-term. Texting is probably what I do most on my phone, so I feel like that will always be an issue that bothers me.

I’m still on the fence, and I have a few more days to play with both phones and decide for sure, but I thought I’d update for those who were curious, or anyone trying to make a similar decision.
 
I sold my 11 to get the SE2 and I absolutely love the size, was fine to go back to touch ID, was okay to give up the full screen to get the smaller phone, and I don’t mind bezels. The battery life wasn’t an issue for me because even though I had to charge it more often, it charges quickly on an iPad charger if I need it fast. It’s always connected if I’m in my car, so it has plenty of time to charge up before I get anywhere, etc.

Anyway, I was really loving everything about it, except typing. I can NOT type on it, and just can’t seem to wrap my brain around swiping. It just goes against everything I’m used to doing when it comes to typing. In addition, you have to swipe a word, correct it if it doesn’t do the right word, redo it, hit space bar, etc. It almost feels like it takes more time to me. Talking to text requires so much correcting it’s ridiculous.

I had pretty much realized going to a 5.4 in the fall would be a no-go, and I really want to stay smaller than a 6.1. So, I wound up ordering an 11 pro. I figured it would give me a chance to try OLED again (tried it with the XS Max and had some headache issues, so I returned it), as well as trying the size to see if it would be a nice middle ground for me. I had no idea how close it was in size to the SE2, albeit a little heavier and more “solid,” due to the SS and internals I’m sure.

So where am I? Struggling. ;-p

SE2 is a light, compact little phone that really does all I need it to. With a Loopy case it is super easy to use one-handed. The camera is fine for my needs, although I sometimes miss portrait mode with objects or animals. It’s speedy, and I have no issues with the battery life - just charge it more often. The screen is small, but usable, and the display is great.

The 11 pro is an absolutely stunning device. It’s definitely easier for me to type on, has a great camera, which is certainly a perk. The size seems just right, and, even though it weighs a little more than the SE2, it’s still not as heavy as my 11. I can’t speak to how easy it is to use one-handed with a Loopy because I don’t have a Loopy for it, but I think it would be fine. Obviously the screen is gorgeous, and it’s nice to have the screen size without much more phone size.

Do I think it’s worth the price difference? For me, not really, although right now I’m leaning toward keeping the 11 pro, mainly because I think it’ll suit me better than the options in the fall, and I just don’t think I want to struggle with the typing issue long-term. Texting is probably what I do most on my phone, so I feel like that will always be an issue that bothers me.

I’m still on the fence, and I have a few more days to play with both phones and decide for sure, but I thought I’d update for those who were curious, or anyone trying to make a similar decision.

Thanks for the update! Keep us posted. You know I’ve been contemplating for awhile now but using the X for two years, I love the size of the 11 Pro. only downfall is the weight. I would love an SE2 as a backup phone or an iPod touch but I’ve been spoiled by the 11 Pro aesthetics and battery life.
 
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Thanks for the update! Keep us posted. You know I’ve been contemplating for awhile now but using the X for two years, I love the size of the 11 Pro. only downfall is the weight. I would love an SE2 as a backup phone or an iPod touch but I’ve been spoiled by the 11 Pro aesthetics and battery life.

I used the x for 3 years almost and had to switch because my x quit (long story) I bought the SE2 and I absolutely love it. The screen is a little different but not remarkably so to me. It is way lighter than my 10 so I can imagine it is definitely lighter than the Xr or the 11. It’s a little narrower than the X was but it’s more than manageable and it is way better with one-handed use. I will check out the whole screen one that is coming out this year that is the same size but for now I am more than happy with my purchase. Also at $350 for 256 gigs I cannot complain
 
I used the x for 3 years almost and had to switch because my x quit (long story) I bought the SE2 and I absolutely love it. The screen is a little different but not remarkably so to me. It is way lighter than my 10 so I can imagine it is definitely lighter than the Xr or the 11. It’s a little narrower than the X was but it’s more than manageable and it is way better with one-handed use. I will check out the whole screen one that is coming out this year that is the same size but for now I am more than happy with my purchase. Also at $350 for 256 gigs I cannot complain

See the storage options was what drew me to the SE. I thought to myself man I can finally get a phone with more than 64GB without breaking my damn bank account. I’ll see what the 5.4” model has in store this year.
 
Okay so another thing I didn’t mention is that it is nice having a phone that uses all the same swiping gestures as my iPad. I was constantly trying to swipe on the SE2, not that I wouldn’t get used to it I’m sure (although I’ve had it a while), but I use my iPad daily as well, so it’s just become a habit to do certain gestures that are of course different on the SE.

Side by side, they both have their pros/cons. I have no clue what to do.
 

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Well I’m clearly just ridiculous. Unpaired my watch from the pro, put my SIM back in the SE, logged out of iCloud on the pro, and pretty much resigned myself to keeping the SE, then almost instantly regretted it. I think my biggest problem with getting a real feel for the pro is that I have no case. I know having the Loopy case on it will make a huge difference in usability, but I cant really wait on the Loopy to arrive to try it out because if it’s getting returned, it needs to go back soon.

Here is something I’m wondering about - what is with the drastic difference in the screen warmth? Same brightness, both tru-tone on.

I have no clue why those pictures are blurry like that - thinking I might have smudged my iPP lens.
 

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If it were me I would keep the 11 pro. SE is nice but, it’s not in the same class. There are too many concessions to be made. But it seems like you are pretty into the SE too, at this point I would say you are going to regret either choice you make. I’d say keep the SE for now and grab a 12 on your size and flavor later.
 
I believe that long term, as long as you are OK with the pro's price, that you will be happier with it than the SE. The SE is a great phone. But it's not a pro. There really are so many important differences. I'd give the Pro a full workout and a fair chance. I bet that you'll find it is the one to have.
 
The pro is the right choice 95% of the time to those who don’t mind the price. The SE is way cheaper and marginally lighter. Everything else, the pro is better.

This is absolutely true. The only reason I went with the SE is I want to se the 5.4” 12 and I didn’t want to spend all that money on a phone (11 pro) that I wouldn’t be 100% happy with. The SE was a great price for me to use until the 12 comes out and then I can make a more informed decision.
 
This is absolutely true. The only reason I went with the SE is I want to se the 5.4” 12 and I didn’t want to spend all that money on a phone (11 pro) that I wouldn’t be 100% happy with. The SE was a great price for me to use until the 12 comes out and then I can make a more informed decision.

Well that was my plan except with the struggle I’m having with the keyboard size, I think the 5.4 will be out for me. Honestly, I really don’t want a phone with 5G either - IDK I’m sure it’s nothing, but I’ve read stuff that just makes me nervous. I guess it won’t matter though, as I’ll still be surrounded by it when I’m in areas that have it.

I suppose it’s possible the 6.1 12/12 pro could be a little smaller/lighter than, say, the 11, but there’s just no way to know.

I do know I can’t really imagine improvements over the 11 pro that would make me have any need for a new phone. The only thing that would make me want a 12 is if it had no notch or less notch, and it doesn’t seem like that’s gonna be the case.
 
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Okay so another thing I didn’t mention is that it is nice having a phone that uses all the same swiping gestures as my iPad. I was constantly trying to swipe on the SE2, not that I wouldn’t get used to it I’m sure (although I’ve had it a while), but I use my iPad daily as well, so it’s just become a habit to do certain gestures that are of course different on the SE.

Side by side, they both have their pros/cons. I have no clue what to do.

They really are pretty similar in size. Based on those pics.
 
I believe that long term, as long as you are OK with the pro's price, that you will be happier with it than the SE. The SE is a great phone. But it's not a pro. There really are so many important differences. I'd give the Pro a full workout and a fair chance. I bet that you'll find it is the one to have.

I never intended the SE to be my long-term phone. My plan was to keep it til fall releases then give it to my granddaughter. However, it’s not looking like there’s gonna be a 12 in a size I really want. I sold the 11 because it was just too big/bulky, but I’m finding the SE just a bit too small for typing comfortably.
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They really are pretty similar in size. Based on those pics.

Not a huge difference for sure. Obviously the screen is a good bit bigger on the pro, and it weighs a little more - only like an ounce or ounce and a half or something, but it’s weird how that is noticeable in the phones.
 
Well that was my plan except with the struggle I’m having with the keyboard size, I think the 5.4 will be out for me. Honestly, I really don’t want a phone with 5G either - IDK I’m sure it’s nothing, but I’ve read stuff that just makes me nervous. I guess it won’t matter though, as I’ll still be surrounded by it when I’m in areas that have it.

I suppose it’s possible the 6.1 12/12 pro could be a little smaller/lighter than, say, the 11, but there’s just no way to know.

I do know I can’t really imagine improvements over the 11 pro that would make me have any need for a new phone. The only thing that would make me want a 12 is if it had no notch or less notch, and it doesn’t seem like that’s gonna be the case.

I agree with the others. If the price of the 11 pro is good for you I’d stay with that one. It’s a beast of a phone. The only thing is you may be able to get the 11 pro cheaper when the 12s are announced. But since you already have it...keep it and use the SE as a back up or vacation phone.
 
I sold my 11 to get the SE2 and I absolutely love the size, was fine to go back to touch ID, was okay to give up the full screen to get the smaller phone, and I don’t mind bezels. The battery life wasn’t an issue for me because even though I had to charge it more often, it charges quickly on an iPad charger if I need it fast. It’s always connected if I’m in my car, so it has plenty of time to charge up before I get anywhere, etc.

Anyway, I was really loving everything about it, except typing. I can NOT type on it, and just can’t seem to wrap my brain around swiping. It just goes against everything I’m used to doing when it comes to typing. In addition, you have to swipe a word, correct it if it doesn’t do the right word, redo it, hit space bar, etc. It almost feels like it takes more time to me. Talking to text requires so much correcting it’s ridiculous.

I had pretty much realized going to a 5.4 in the fall would be a no-go, and I really want to stay smaller than a 6.1. So, I wound up ordering an 11 pro. I figured it would give me a chance to try OLED again (tried it with the XS Max and had some headache issues, so I returned it), as well as trying the size to see if it would be a nice middle ground for me. I had no idea how close it was in size to the SE2, albeit a little heavier and more “solid,” due to the SS and internals I’m sure.

So where am I? Struggling. ;-p

SE2 is a light, compact little phone that really does all I need it to. With a Loopy case it is super easy to use one-handed. The camera is fine for my needs, although I sometimes miss portrait mode with objects or animals. It’s speedy, and I have no issues with the battery life - just charge it more often. The screen is small, but usable, and the display is great.

The 11 pro is an absolutely stunning device. It’s definitely easier for me to type on, has a great camera, which is certainly a perk. The size seems just right, and, even though it weighs a little more than the SE2, it’s still not as heavy as my 11. I can’t speak to how easy it is to use one-handed with a Loopy because I don’t have a Loopy for it, but I think it would be fine. Obviously the screen is gorgeous, and it’s nice to have the screen size without much more phone size.

Do I think it’s worth the price difference? For me, not really, although right now I’m leaning toward keeping the 11 pro, mainly because I think it’ll suit me better than the options in the fall, and I just don’t think I want to struggle with the typing issue long-term. Texting is probably what I do most on my phone, so I feel like that will always be an issue that bothers me.

I’m still on the fence, and I have a few more days to play with both phones and decide for sure, but I thought I’d update for those who were curious, or anyone trying to make a similar decision.
I'd stick with the pro as that's the inbetween of the three size screens.

You and I are in the same boat. The new 12 and 12 prowill be too big at 6.1. The SE a little small at 4.7 but the 12 5.4 might just work. The current 11 pro is kind of like the 5.4 I think but with a monster of a battery.

Kind of hoping the 11pro sticks around for my upgrade later in the year but not holding my breath....
 
Did you try going into settings > display > display zoom > and change the setting to zoom?

It will make your keyboard bigger and easier to type. No need to spend money on a bigger, heavier phone.

Not a single person suggested this feature. Rather surprised seeing how this place is filled with tech heads.
 
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My GF does that on her new SE, which she also did on her 7, because it was so big compared to her 5S.. It not a feature I've used for more than a minute, but you maybe on to something.
 
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I concur on the using Zoomed Display on the SE2.

It definitely helps on typing. I've come to the SE2 from from an 11PM because while I loved that phone, I had issues with OLED and chose ultimately (you know, after six months) to be kind to my eyes and brain. Love the weight and screen (especially its whiter/bluer TT compared to the OLED's more yellow/orange TT) and find that Zoomed helps with reading and typing. A lot. Definitely worth trying. No biggie if you don't like it, but could be biggie if you do. :)
 
Did you try going into settings > display > display zoom > and change the setting to zoom?

It will make your keyboard bigger and easier to type. No need to spend money on a bigger, heavier phone.

Not a single person suggested this feature. Rather supervised seeing how this place is filled with tech heads.

Have not tried it, but I definitely will.

I concur on the using Zoomed Display on the SE2.

It definitely helps on typing. I've come to the SE2 from from an 11PM because while I loved that phone, I had issues with OLED and chose ultimately (you know, after six months) to be kind to my eyes and brain. Love the weight and screen (especially its whiter/bluer TT compared to the OLED's more yellow/orange TT) and find that Zoomed helps with reading and typing. A lot. Definitely worth trying. No biggie if you don't like it, but could be biggie if you do. :)

Well, this is what I’m concerned about. I had pretty much made up my mind I’d keep the 11 Pro. I don’t really think the SE is gonna be my optimum size for long term (the phone size is awesome, but I know I won’t want to stay with that small of a screen). However, I’m trying to use the 11 pro a bit more this evening to see how it does, and it’s starting to give me a headache.

The OLED issue concerns me because it’s pretty much gonna rule out most iPhones going forward. I mean I can handle that for a couple years since I can go back to an 11 for more screen size if I have to, but what am I gonna do long-term? I am NOT getting out of the Apple ecosystem.

Anyway, that’s for another thread. I’m gonna mess with the pro over the weekend, and make a decision by Monday. If the headaches keep up, the answer will be pretty clear.
 
I love my iPhone 11 Pro. For me the screen and battery are the selling points for me. And yes the camera is nice but I don't use my camera as much as some people. Once I used an oled display I can't go back to lcd. I guess I am spoiled lol.
 
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