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New iPhone SE

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Re: New iPhone SE

#441
Like many here I prefer the (original) iPhone SE due to the small size. Rumors of the iPhone 12 say that there will be a smaller model with a 5.4" edge-to-edge screen. I wanted to see how the size of that device would compare to the SE.

If we assume that the iPhone 12 would have the same aspect ratio as the iPhone 11, and that the "margins" between the edge of the device and the edge of the screen will be the same as well, we get:

   iPhone 12 (5.4") is 2.69x5.30"
   Body size is 26.67% larger than the iPhone SE
   Screen size is 62.27% larger than the iPhone SE
That is only 1.3% smaller than the iPhone SE 2 released today. This device size is here to stay.

Re: New iPhone SE

#443
post #345

"Popular design"? On the contrary. As an iPhone SE owner, this is exactly the form factor that fans of the iPhone 4/5 series (like me) rejected as being too large.

Apple is referring to the 6/6S/7/8 case. It is indeed extremely popular. Check out these stats from a year ago. On this app (which has a broad appeal), the 6/6S/7/8 had a 47% share. iPhone 5s/SE had 11% The old SE form factor is great! And those who like it, like it a lot. But you're clearly wrong if you take that to mean that the new SE form factor is an unpopular one. https://david-smith.org/blog/2019/06/24/the-pop…

By calling this model "iPhone SE", they're plainly hoping to appeal to people who already own the earlier "iPhone SE" (and probably have not upgraded in several years). Among those people, the larger form factor is unpopular. Obviously, people who like big phones already have plenty of choice.

Re: New iPhone SE

#444

"Popular design"? On the contrary. As an iPhone SE owner, this is exactly the form factor that fans of the iPhone 4/5 series (like me) rejected as being too large.

Of course 4/5 fans wouldn't like it. They are a hilariously small and vocal minority. This is the most popular selling smartphone design in history. It's no secret that the market back in 2013 was begging for a larger screened phone and this design delivered it in a big way. It's also much smaller than current flagships.

I kept my iPhone SE and was waiting for this announcement for literal years. I only just replaced it for an XS _2 weeks ago_ (refurbished off Woot!), and I knew at the time that as soon as I caved, the new SE would come out. And here we are. If only my Wall Street bets went so well.

The small form factor is really nice to have. Some people don't want a gigantic phone, it's true. Maybe we are in the minority, but a huge phone is inconvenient at the times where you don't need a big screen. I still can't even unlock the thing without having my big dumb face directly in front of it.

The screen is gorgeous OLED and it's terrific to watch Youtube/Netflix on in bed. The camera is incredible. A foldable phone would clearly be the most practical, but I know Apple won't ever do that, and I won't switch to Android. At this point, I just have this stupid thing attached to me at all times, and I'll have to accept it. You ever try running with a damn X/XS/XR or god forbid one of the Max phones strapped to your arm?

But my point is that just because people have gotten used to bigger and bigger phones, doesn't mean that they wouldn't appreciate it being smaller 99% of the time. Like I just mentioned, running or even going for a walk wearing gym shorts with one of these devices in your pocket is pretty much impossible. They are too large and weigh too much, flailing around and whacking you in the knees. I have a battery charging case which admittedly adds more weight, but it literally pulls my shorts down when I go for a brisk walk with my dog.

So to call those who desire a small phone a "hilariously small and vocal minority" sounds to me like "people are in denial that a bigger phone is always better" when that most certainly is not true. It has benefits but I still think they should have kept the SE2 the same size (4") as the SE. The ideal solution would be a phone that can be big OR small depending on situation.

Much like the concept of a touch screen as pitched by Jobs himself during the initial iPhone reveal (context-sensitive buttons/keyboards depending on what you currently need vs. a static keyboard), you can't tell me that the vast majority wants a huge phone every hour of the day.

Re: New iPhone SE

#445
type C and a headphone jack would have made this phone god-tier. Good on apple for releasing something affordable though.

Re: New iPhone SE

#446

I was itching for this announcement, not because I want to buy an iPhone, but because this will finally mean other manufacturers will start to make compact phones. It drives me up the wall that I simply cannot find a reasonably competent phone (i.e. mid/upper range from the past 4 years) which is not absolutely fucking huge. It's insane that the "phablet" standard from ~5 years ago is now not even the new standard, b…

...as someone who absolutely loves big phones - I am on the other side of this argument. I read and watch shows on my phone constantly, and screen size is a major factor for me. I specifically buy clothes with larger pockets to accommodate. I agree that choice would be better - but I imagine that economies of scale sometimes means having only one size for everyone if you want to keep them cheaper than the competition…

Here's the rub; I'm glad you have your fill of phones to choose from. But consider that I (and many others) have nothing.

If the situation was reversed I would not argue against larger phones, in fact, I was part of that generation when the iPhone 4, 4s, 5 et al. were being released and over in Android Land the OnePlus One was coming out (legitimately called a Phablet)- I welcomed the choice. It wasn't for me of course but more variety is great.

Unfortunately choice has been removed and I regret celebrating the new form factor thoroughly.

What I'm trying to convey is that: I'm glad you have choice, please give me back mine. And I would graciously ask that if you're ever in a conversation about large phones vs small phones you don't take the stance of arguing against the existence of smaller phones simply because you have a preference for the current standard of sizing.

Re: New iPhone SE

#448

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Plenty of people still working, and this is a budget iPhone; this is the perfect time to launch a cheap phone.

It's likely to cannibalize sales from their higher-priced phones, but better to sell a cheaper phone than to lose the customer entirely. I noticed that if you scroll down to the bottom of the press release, they are also accepting orders for the magic iPad keyboard as of today...

As Apple moves to be more of a service-based company, they are likely factoring in the increase in service value for newly acquired/retained customers.

Re: New iPhone SE

#449

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It isn't about the screen size - it's about the external dimensions. This is almost as large as the Pixel 4A, Samsung S10e or iPhone 11. You are only saving a couple grams and a few mm. Hopefully the Sony Xperia 5 II comes out soon - it should be smaller than this.

Yes, I agree, this iPhone SE is too large. But it's at least a step in the right direction compared to where we've been heading.

I keep seeing this. I’m below average height and I only have use of one hand so I know I never use my phone with both hands. Between the single handed keyboard mode and double clicking on the home button to bring the screen down, I have no trouble using the 8 Plus with one hand.

Re: New iPhone SE

#450

Earlier quoted context omitted.

...as someone who absolutely loves big phones - I am on the other side of this argument. I read and watch shows on my phone constantly, and screen size is a major factor for me. I specifically buy clothes with larger pockets to accommodate. I agree that choice would be better - but I imagine that economies of scale sometimes means having only one size for everyone if you want to keep them cheaper than the competition…

I never understood watching stuff on a phone given tablets, laptops, PCs, smartTVs and even VR headsets. But then again, I take my laptop everywhere and use it for everything when there's a choice between the two.

When I'm in a plane, in coach, watching on my phone is way more comfortable than pulling out my 15 inch MBP.
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