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iPhone SE (2016) Would anyone still buy the SE?

M

Mokiwi

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 22, 2016
18
5
Hi everyone, just wondering whether is it worth buying the SE with the current specs? Think I read somewhere on-line that ios 12 might slow down the SE and essentially be a step to far. I understand future software updates affect all phones but considering the SE is getting on a bit would it be wasting money? I can’t afford the X or the 8 and in my part of the world the 7 is still pricey (actually they all are).
Thanks in advance everyone, looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
 
There is talk of an update to the SE coming the first part of this year, but nobody knows for sure.

If the SE does everything you need your smart phone to do, it is a great option.
You could get it now, and keep it on the current version of iOS if you are concerned about future versions affecting performance.
 
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Mokiwi said:
Hi everyone, just wondering whether is it worth buying the SE with the current specs? Think I read somewhere on-line that ios 12 might slow down the SE and essentially be a step to far. I understand future software updates affect all phones but considering the SE is getting on a bit would it be wasting money? I can’t afford the X or the 8 and in my part of the world the 7 is still pricey (actually they all are).
Thanks in advance everyone, looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Click to expand...

There is no way of knowing if iOS 12 will slow the SE down inevitably and by how much. I still think the iPhone SE is an excellent performer and you can find them well under Apples prices.

And as far as the iPhone SE 2 is concerned, there is a lot of speculation that that may or may not happen. I still think iPhone SE is a great device to take advantage of in its current state.
 
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That $150 SE on metro combined with the 4/100 plan is looking TEMPTING For my family.
 
I’d not buy from Apple as the retail price hasn’t changed recently.

I would buy on contract at the right price. I recently upgraded my mother in law from a 5C to an SE and it’s a great upgrade for her. If the SE2 is released soon, it would be considerably more expensive on contract than the SE was.
 
MacDawg, Relentless Power, Caesars, Krislord, Thanks for the replies. If the rumors are true about an SE2 coming pretty sure the prices will be high. Can’t exactly blame Apple though, all phones are becoming ridiculously expensive. At least in the States there are cheaper brands that are good. Here in South Korea, LG, Samsung and Apple reign supreme, hard to get anything else and they are still overpriced. I actually have a 1 year old 6s+, just finished a 1 year contract. Was really lucky to pick it up on such a rare deal, no such luck this year-I checked. My wife is going to take over the phone as she doesn’t have a smart phone-still got an old folder phone -hence the need for a second phone. I used to use the original SE, loved it so I have no problem going back to it as long as it can possibly last more than a year.
 
I "downgraded" from a 6s Plus to a 128GB SE a few months ago. I love the SE.

If you find a good deal in the SE, go for it. I paid full price for mine, but I sold my 6s Plus to offset the cost.

I have really enjoyed it, and recommended it to anyone that wants a smaller iPhone, or doesn't want to spend a lot for one.
 
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I use an 8 plus but going to pick up a few of the $150 SEs for family with Androids to get them on the same ecosystem for iMessage/FaceTime etc
 
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I don't think I'll install iOS 12 on my iPhone SE after Apple's sloppy development recently. Looking back when the iPhone SE came out it had iOS 9 and I can't think of anything in iOS 10 and 11 that actually made it better.
The phone runs smoothly on iOS 11 at least, but I can't see it's any better or worse than back in 2016 when it came out.
 
I'm personally waiting on an SE2 announcement before deciding. If you really need to buy ASAP, you take your chances. It's not realistic for everyone to always wait until new products are announced. Sometimes you need a device immediately and have to choose from what's available.

That said, if you HAD to buy an SE today and are worried about future iOS updates - maybe don't update your iOS until you read lots of reviews for the device? Personally speaking, there are rarely major enough differences in a new iOS to justify needing to stay current all the time. My wife has a 7+ running 10.3 and I have an 8 running 11.2. There are hardly any differences, and none that impact our daily use whatsoever. So I don't imagine you would NEED iOS 12 when it comes out. Keep your SE on whatever OS works best for it and don't fall to peer pressure to upgrade :)
 
actcyclist said:
I don't think I'll install iOS 12 on my iPhone SE after Apple's sloppy development recently.
Click to expand...

I think it's a little early to make that judgement call. iOS 12 for all we know could be an entirely different build that may not prohibit the performance of the SE. But given the A9 processor still performs well currently, it may start showing its age regardless with iOS 12, but fortunately you can wait to see what others thoughts are before you upgrade.
 
I actually purchased on around Christmas but returned it when I got the opportunity to get the Red iPhone 7 in a 256g for a great price. Otherwise I would have been happy with it as it’s a type phone that has its time and place to me. Easy to use and put in the pocket and go. I miss having one at times. I wonder if Apple will replace it with one similar in size.
 
Just bought my husband s SE last week. Its a upgrade from his flip phone, and he wanted something small. The keyboard is a bit small for his fingers but he loves it. He felt the regular size phones were too big and he wanted the most inexpensive one he could get. So size and price were his main consideration
 
RobinInOR said:
Just bought my husband s SE last week. Its a upgrade from his flip phone, and he wanted something small. The keyboard is a bit small for his fingers but he loves it. He felt the regular size phones were too big and he wanted the most inexpensive one he could get. So size and price were his main consideration
Click to expand...

Adonit actually makes a small compact capacitive stylus that would help him a lot with typing on the small keyboard. I actually have one and it’s a huge help to me. I prefer using it rather using my fingers. Let me know if you want the info on it to get it for him.
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RobinInOR said:
Just bought my husband s SE last week. Its a upgrade from his flip phone, and he wanted something small. The keyboard is a bit small for his fingers but he loves it. He felt the regular size phones were too big and he wanted the most inexpensive one he could get. So size and price were his main consideration
Click to expand...

I actually have a coupon code that I never used if you decide to get one for him that I can send to you. I think it’s for 20 percent off and I’m not going to use it now so I figured I would give to someone who needs it.
 
Mokiwi said:
Hi everyone, just wondering whether is it worth buying the SE with the current specs? Think I read somewhere on-line that ios 12 might slow down the SE and essentially be a step to far. I understand future software updates affect all phones but considering the SE is getting on a bit would it be wasting money? I can’t afford the X or the 8 and in my part of the world the 7 is still pricey (actually they all are).
Thanks in advance everyone, looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Click to expand...
My mom would!

She’s using her 5s but if that day comes that the 5s dies I’m sure she’d be the first to buy.

It’s a great first phone, or a phone to give to grand parents or parents who aren’t super techy.

It’s still a great phone. I don’t see her ever getting a 4.7 in iphone.
 
I am not an iOS newb, but I am considering buying an iPhone SE.

I love ipads, so to me, the iPhone is not the primary piece of equipment. It is to be used on occasions when carrying an iPad mini is not so practical, for example, when jogging, cycling etc. Also, the camera on the iPhone SE is better than the one on my iPad mini, so it's great for getting snaps.

In other words, there is no point in getting a great iPad and a top line iPhone, in my opinion. If there is money to be spent, I would spend it on an iPad Pro 12.9. That machine is a beast for audio recording, video and photo editing, and much much more.
 
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I have an SE, though its unused now that I purchased an X. If I didn't buy the X, I would definitely buy any subsequent SE. Its a great phone, and I love the form factor.
 
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Thanks for everyone's opinion. The SE is still one of the best phones available for a cheaper cost. I will definitely scour the the net for a good deal.
 
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I’m still using my Se and debating on wether or not I’m picking up a 7 plus to replace it. The 7 plus prices are great right now and even though I swore I would never go to a big phone again it looks like I’m buying one this weekend. Still keeping my Se around either way.
 
Alch3mist said:
I am holding out to see if an upgraded SE comes out soon.

You may want to see if the newly for sale refurbished iPhone 7 and 7plus will serve your need. Looks like the starting price is $499. (www.apple.com)
Click to expand...

It's a good idea, unfortunately in my part of the world refurbished phones are not available. However, Apple just opened the first store so maybe in the future!
 
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