Went back to 5s, kinda love the form factor

[Abazigal]

So my 6S+ crapped out on Saturday. All attempts to reboot and restore it failed, with errors 4005 and 4014 being displayed. Have sent it to an authorised repair store to get it fixed, and have gone back to my older 5s in the meanwhile. Couldn't qualify for the express mail-in replacement option as I didn't sign up for Applecare+ either.

I must say, while you can definitely feel the speed / performance difference on the 5s (everything seems to run that few seconds slower compared to the 6S+), I find I quite like the compact 4" size of the 5s. It's also way lighter, and I barely feel in it my pants pocket. Being able to pull down the notification shade with one hand is great, and it's clear that iOS has always been more optimised for a smaller, more cramped interface.

Some of the apps I use actually look better, because they have not yet been updated for the larger iPhones. The irony.

Only thing I don't miss is having to peck on the small keyboard. My typing error rate has definitely increased. The share sheet layout sucks too, with each share icon appearing more spaced out than it should. Battery life isn't stellar, but it has been close to 3 years already. Touch ID error rate also seems higher than before.

If not for iOS 10 utilising Force Touch for a lot of its functionality, I am almost tempted to switch to an iPhone SE. Almost.

 

[Channan]

I never could move on to the bigger iPhones. I had to upgrade my iPhone 5s to the iPhone SE when it game out.

 

[willmtaylor]

Yup, the SE was a smart move by Apple. Many missed the smaller form factor. I know the wife is very happy with the updated specs and 5S form factor.

 

[oneMadRssn]

If the next iPhone is as rumored with the same general form-factor as the iPhone 6 (I doubt it will be called the iPhone 7, I'm thinking iPhone 6SE or iPhone Air or something), then I will probably get an iPhone SE if and when my current 6 breaks.

 

[maxsix]

Apple convinced millions of users that the company knew what was best for them. That a 4.0" display was optimal, and nothing else. Certainly a brilliant marketing ploy, removing the need for individuals to think for themselves... a very appealing option for the masses.

It worked so well, that when Apple finally caved in to modern design, copying the size Samsung's wildly popular Galaxy series, some of the faithful were left dazed and confused.

Fast forward to the present, by offering choices of the old and new sizes, Apple has positioned themselves for maximum sales volume.

Always the masters at effective marketing opportunities, Apple wins big.

 

[eyoungren]

I have my old iPhone 5 I use as a media device.

Black/Slate, still love the phone.

Got a 6+ in February of last year, got used to it in five minutes. Upgraded to a 6s+ in late September.

Even though I love my iPhone 5 I could not go back to it as a primary phone - it's too small.

Next time we upgrade my wife wants the '+' model.

 

[willmtaylor]

Apple convinced millions of users that the company knew what was best for them. That a 4.0" display was optimal, and nothing else. Certainly a brilliant marketing ploy, removing the need for individuals to think for themselves... a very appealing option for the masses.

It worked so well, that when Apple finally caved in to modern design, copying the size Samsung's wildly popular Galaxy series, some of the faithful were left dazed and confused.

Fast forward to the present, by offering choices of the old and new sizes, Apple has positioned themselves for maximum sales volume.

Always the masters at effective marketing opportunities, Apple wins big.

Translation:
First, Apple made quality goods for many years and reinvented the smartphone, so people liked it and bought it.

Then, Apple made bigger phones. People liked them, so they bought them.

Now, Apple makes big phones and small phones, and people like them, so people buy them.

What's wrong with that again? Isn't that why you're here?

Or are you our self-proclaimed savior to rescue us from our dazed and confused state?

 

[Appleaker]

If you are positive you're suited to the form factor then it might be a good idea to switch to the SE as it is a major upgrade over the 5S in my opinion.

I've seen a number of people switching back to the 4" form factor.... I think it's interesting and in a way.
Personally I think the smallest iPhone should be a new model slightly larger than 4" - maybe 4.3" or something, just as I think the largest model should be 11-12" in the same way.

 

[maxsix]

Translation:
First, Apple made quality goods for many years and reinvented the smartphone, so people liked it and bought it.

Then, Apple made bigger phones. People liked them, so they bought them.

Now, Apple makes big phones and small phones, and people like them, so people buy them.

What's wrong with that again? Isn't that why you're here?

Or are you our self-proclaimed savior to rescue us from our dazed and confused state?

Simply sharing an observation and acknowledging the cunning marketing expertise of Apple Inc.

It's as simple as that.

 

[willmtaylor]

Simply sharing an observation and acknowledging the cunning marketing expertise of Apple Inc.

It's as simple as that.

How benevolent and magnanimous of you.

Sure it is, Max. Sure it is.

 

[eyoungren]

… removing the need for individuals to think for themselves... a very appealing option for the masses.

These masses you speak of - they aren't here on the forums. They are the ones who want what you describe because they have neither the time nor the inclination to engage in any form of learning how to use the technology they purchase.

They want to be catered to and they want it to be easy and they don't want to have to think about it. Most of them have trouble finding the on switch for their computers. So, Apple's thinking for them is very much appreciated by them.

For the rest of us who are here and online in other places, we aren't Apple's target customer.

 

[bufffilm]

...thing I don't miss is having to peck on the small keyboard. My typing error rate has definitely increased. The share sheet layout sucks too, with each share icon appearing more spaced out than it should.

And I love the typing action of the 5/5s.

I've had my 6s since Oct and too many times, I'm not hitting the right keys. If Apple brings back the 4" model for yearly updates, I think I would give it a go.

 

[Phonefanman]

I like the 4.7 inch screen I think it's perfect. Small phones to me seem like girl phones and me got manly hands

 

[willmtaylor]

I like the 4.7 inch screen I think it's perfect. Small phones to me seem like girl phones and me got manly hands

I tapped "show ignored content" just in case. Nope. Exactly why it's ignored.

 

[Savor]

I do like the design of the 5s/SE design better than the 6 series. Typing on a small keyboard can definitely be a challenge though. With Android's version of SwiftKey, you can adjust the size to make it bigger. On iOS, you can't. Texting or typing notes is the most common task I use on any phone. After that is browsing.

Playing games on a "4 is also no longer ideal. I rarely do game on a phone but a bigger display does have its advantages. My ideal dimensions that isn't too big or too small for one-handed use is 2013 Moto X or Moto G. Moto X had "4.7 but less than 130mm tall. My finger can reach all four corners with just one hand. The ergonomics for those were just perfect since they were rounded. Z3 Compact was also close to those dimensions but that fragile glass back. Rubberized matte plastic is what I prefer.

So neither the size of 5s/SE or 6/7 "4.7 is truly ideal for me. Too much top and bottom bezel. The 5 series is boxy. The "4.7 have uglier design rears and 7mm is a tad too tall for my thumb to reach all four corners. Wished Apple copied Motorola from a few years ago or match the dimensions of the Sony Xperia Compact but use the same aluminum back of the 5 series. Ergonomics is more important to me than design. But I am left choosing the 7 for the bigger display to type faster on. Same dimensions as my LG but thinner.

If only the iOS version of SwiftKey can adjust the size, wasn't a crappier version than Android, or the 5 series design wasn't so boxy, I would've considered the iPhone 5s or getting SE. My mind is about 90% towards iPhone 7 with the other 5% split between 5s and SE. Until then, neither "4 or "4.7 iPhones at near 124mm or 137mm tall has truly the most perfect ergonomics for me. Neither has hit the bull's eye in height like the Motorola or Sony did a few years back with the Moto X, G, Xperia acro S, and ZR. I could live with Nexus 4 ergonomics too but just change the rear.

 

[akash.nu]

I don't mind the size of the 6 but I'd rather have rectangular side design to be honest. Although that may look horrendous on bigger devices.

 

[elemenohme]

...

 

[Savor]

It is actually harder for me to find a comfortable phone to hold in one hand without compromises in specs than it is finding a "beautiful" designed phone. If you look around especially from the Chinese brands like Huawei and ZTE, there are alot of beautiful phones. ZTE Axon 7 is quite sexy and better looking than the iPhone 6 series. But most of them are in the "5.5+ spectrum.

The problem with OEM's is everytime they want to give it a spec bump (example Moto E3), the size goes with it. From Moto E2 4G to E3/G4 Play, same SoC except the E3 is now 144mm in height since it is now "5. I hate when manufacturers do that. They can't just stay at the same dimensions? E3/G4 Play is taller than a Nexus 5.

Apple hasn't found the middle ground for me either. If they could increase the height and width a slight, they could fit 4.5 or 4.7 as seen from the Xperia Z1 Compact and Moto X (2013). A half inch increase can make a huge difference for my thumb when texting.

My ideal iPhone -
4.5-4.7 display
127-130 mm in height, 8-12mm thickness
Rounded back, not flat
Rounded edges like the 6 series
If no faux leather, rubberized soft plastic
If no touch plastic, same 5 series rear design

I will say the Nexus One and Moto E2 are two of the most comfortable phones I ever held in my hand. I never felt it digging into my palms like the iPhone 4 and 5 series did. I hate TPU cases because they wear out and dust enters near the edges of the screen. I hate installing screen protectors because similar to sex, I like the raw feeling. If OEM's get the dimensions right, they mess up with design. If they get the design right, the dimensions or comfort are still not where I want it. But since "4.7 is more convenient to me than "4, I have to settle with the iPhone 7 over SE.

^ Moto X and Xperia Z3 Compact

I will take the better ergonomics of that left phone any day over a better design...

Finding a beautiful design - quite common
Finding the perfect dimensions and comfort - quite rare

 

[BigMcGuire]

I think the 4s was the most comfortable phone I've ever held (Moto X was nice too). I REALLY liked the 4s - it was indestructible. I miss it a lot. That said, having used a Note 3, iPhone 6+ and now 6s+ - I could never go back to a smaller form factor. Yes, I miss the days of the 4s and 5 but realistically I couldn't go back to them now. I do stuff on my phone now that I couldn't do with the 4s and 5 (as easily). I compared my phone to an SE and ... yeah the form factor is nice but I could never get used to a smaller screen size again. To use an SE or 5s - I'd have to use my phone a lot less than I do.

 

[Channan]

I tapped "show ignored content" just in case. Nope. Exactly why it's ignored.

For some reason, I read this as "show ignorant content". Both work I suppose. ;P

I REALLY liked the 4s - it was indestructible.

Wot?

 

[BigMcGuire]

Wot?

It was for me. I dropped it a handful of times and even smashed it against my car's shifter really hard (accidentally). I guess I'm lucky? That phone was indestructible for me.