Review of New Apple iPhone SE: Jeff Kagan

Image: iPhone SE. Source: Apple

So, you love the iPhone, but you hate the huge size it’s taken in recent years. You remember the days when the smaller footprint was easy to hold, use with one hand and disappeared in your pocket. And you really miss the home button. Then several years ago Apple offered the iPhone SE and you fell in love all over again. Since that time, however, year after year, the company has never upgraded the device and you like to update every year or two. Once again, you felt forgotten.

I’ve got great news for you. Apple just introduced the newest version of this smaller iPhone SE and you can fall in love all over again. If you love the larger screen, stick with it. However, if you yearn for the smaller screen, this may be the iPhone for you.

It has the same name as the previous version, but it’s in a totally updated package. It looks very similar to the newest iPhones and has more power and features. This one costs much less and offers fewer features, but most of what’s missing is not important to most users.

The size is larger than the previous iPhone SE, but smaller than the current iPhone 11 model. This means it does not disappear completely into your pocket any longer. That’s too bad. But this new version is thinner and that helps.

Should you upgrade to the new and smaller iPhone SE?

Much of the difference seems to be in the camera. Apple says it still takes great pictures, but many of the extra features are missing. This should not be a problem for most since most don’t use these features anyway.

Plus, during this time with COVID-19 hitting so many directly in the wallet, this lower cost iPhone may be a big hit.

There are several things that are different to bring the price down so much. The question is, how important are these features to you? Some are simply the material that’s used to make the device. Some are actual features that you need to assess if you’ll miss.

Some people really want or really need these extras. If so, stick with the more expensive version. If not, the iPhone SE may be just what you were hoping for at a much more attractive price point than you’ve come to associate with iPhones.

They start at $399, and I predict this new device will be a hit at least for the first year, maybe two. I see many users who miss their smaller, one-handed device that disappears in their pocket.

Why don’t I say it will be a hit for many years going forward? Simply because it is not updated annually. So, it quickly falls out of grace with the average user who wants to upgrade every year or two. That’s a mistake Apple keeps making with this device. There is no real sizzle here.

How often will Apple upgrade the iPhone SE?

So, how often will Apple upgrade this iPhone? I am sorry to say, I don’t see them putting this on an annual upgrade cycle. I don’t see them marketing and advertising this like crazy and creating a buzz, increasing sales.

I’m sorry to say this seems to be of little interest to Apple executives and engineers. An afterthought.

After all, they still use the same name they used on the device they introduced several years ago. That should tell you all you need to know.

I don’t think this iPhone SE is the focus of Apple. Never was. Never will be. That’s a shame. They focus on their top of the line device for all their marketing magic.

To tell you the truth, if they turned on the charm machine for the iPhone SE, I am sure it would capture the imagination of a larger slice of the marketplace — especially as an exciting and less expensive tool during this coronavirus.

So, if that’s the case why don’t they just do that simple thing?

Good question. Who knows? That’s Apple for you. But at least they finally got around to upgrading this smaller, single handed iPhone once again.

Available at AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and more

So, if you miss the smaller, easier to handle device that disappears in your pocket, then you will love this new iPhone SE. If you prefer a larger screen, or super fancy camera or other features the average user doesn’t use, then never mind.

They will be available anywhere Apple iPhones are sold. That includes your favorite wireless network like AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, Altice Mobile, US Cellular, C-Spire Wireless or whoever you currently use. Plus, retail stores like Best Buy, Walmart, Target and more.

Jeff Kagan is an Equities.com columnist. Kagan is an Industry Analyst, Thought Leader and Influencer focused on Wireless, Telecom, Pay TV, Cloud, AI, IoT, Tele Health, Healthcare, Automotive and Self-Driving cars. Email him at [email protected]. His web site is www.jeffKAGAN.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffkagan and LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/jeff-kagan/.

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Equities Columnist: Jeff Kagan

Source: Equities News