Abstract

This article provides a personal evaluation of the iPhone SE 3rd generation, focusing on its design philosophy, functionality, and suitability for users with specific preferences. Drawing from personal experience with prior devices, including the iPhone 6s and Huawei Mate 8, the author highlights the importance of Apple’s unique design choices, such as the 4.7-inch 16:9 LCD display, compact form factor, and single-camera setup. Despite its departure from current trends, the iPhone SE meets the author’s requirements for usability, battery life, and longevity. The article emphasizes that the iPhone SE is a device tailored for those prioritizing practicality and design coherence over features driven by market trends.

0x00: Abstract

Maybe it suits you, or maybe it doesn’t—that’s up to you. What matters to me is that it suits me.

0x01: Background

In June 2022, after finishing the Summer NEMT, I bought a new phone, the iPhone SE 3rd generation, as part of my preparation for university life.

Back in high school, I had two phones in regular use. The first was an iPhone 6s that I assembled myself using second-hand parts, which made it incredibly affordable. That iPhone 6s had been my main device for five years, handling communication, gaming, and entertainment at school. The second was a Huawei Mate 8 (codename NEXT), originally bought by my father for business purposes, though he accidentally dropped it in water. After repairs, it worked again but was far from perfect, with persistent issues like excessive power consumption—it took a whopping 10,000mAh to charge fully. So, the Mate 8 stayed at home, reserved for running apps like WeChat and QQ.

It was clearly time for a new device.

I’ve always preferred Apple products. Thanks to Steve Jobs, Apple’s devices have a unique “Design Philosophy” that no other brand seems to replicate. Although I often grumble about iOS restrictions, I can never complain about the design. Perhaps that’s the essence of “Only the paranoid survive.”

0x02: Evaluation

I chose the red iPhone SE. It stood out among the other colors, “Midnight” and “Starlight,” which appeared as dark blue and a white with a yellow tint, respectively. The red felt the purest, but the color choice is ultimately yours. The “(PRODUCT)RED” branding on the back suggeEvaluating iPhone SE 2022sts it contributes to a charitable cause.

The iPhone SE 3rd generation retains the design of its predecessor, with a 4.7-inch screen—the same size as the iPhone 6s. Having used a 6s for five years, it feels completely natural to me. A friend once teased me about using such a small screen in today’s era, to which I responded, “With this ‘small’ 4.7-inch screen, I’ve read over 2 million words in Summer Pockets, defeated Herrscher 2, liberated the Reunion Movement, and explored miles of Teyvat.”

When it comes to displays, this iPhone SE might be the last non-full-display phone available worldwide, but that’s precisely what drew me to it. I’ve grown accustomed to certain screen standards over the years:

• Nokia N97 mini (360×640 resolution)
• Samsung Galaxy S4 (1920×1080)
• iPhone 6s (1334×750)
• Huawei Mate 8 (1920×1080)

Though resolutions varied, they all shared a common 16:9 aspect ratio. Nowadays, as phone screens get taller and narrower, I find myself uncomfortable with the new 2:1 aspect ratio. The 16:9 display provides a more familiar experience for both video playback and gaming cutscenes. For example, while playing Summer Pockets before the NEMT, a friend noticed that my 16:9 display showed CGs fully, while his non-standard screen required scrolling. It was this realization that made the iPhone SE a priority on my list.

The phone also uses an LCD screen, which I prefer for its longevity, eye comfort, and affordability, though the choice between LCD and OLED is a personal one.

The iPhone SE lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, replaced by speakers and a microphone on the bottom. Stereo sound is achieved via the receiver, as with the iPhone X. However, I had to buy a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter to use my ATH-CK350iS headphones. I’m particular about sound quality and, despite these being entry-level headphones (24-ohm impedance), they work well with this iPhone (though it doesn’t support DSD format).

Battery life is always a challenge with smaller devices. The iPhone SE has a 2000mAh battery, which is just enough for me. I use the phone for 3-6 hours a day, primarily for calls, messaging, emails, and some gaming. On a heavy gaming day, I might end the night with 20% battery left. If I game less, it’s closer to 30%. I’m in bed by 9 p.m., so the battery usually lasts me.

Back in high school, with my iPhone 6s and its smaller battery, I played fewer games (mainly Arknights and visual novels). I switched to 3G to save power and still managed until the end of the school day, though by nighttime study, the phone was down to 10%. The larger battery on the SE makes things easier, but ultimately, whether this phone suits you depends on your own usage patterns.

In terms of cameras, the SE has only one, which may seem outdated in an era of multi-camera phones. Modern phones narrow the gap between mobile and professional cameras by using multiple lenses and computational algorithms. The SE relies on its A15 processor (shared with the iPhone 13 series) to enhance photo quality, but I rarely use my phone for photography. Instead, I use my Canon EOS M, relegating the SE’s camera to a code scanner and image memo. For professional photography, it simply can’t compare to a real camera.

0x03: Reflections

I’ve been using the iPhone SE for over a week now. Before purchasing, my father asked me why Apple would release a phone with such a “unique” non-full display, a single camera, and a design unchanged for five years, yet with the fastest processor. Is it for nostalgia? Or to cater to low-budget consumers?

After thinking it over, I realized the SE isn’t about nostalgia or affordability. Although I may not have the biggest budget, I value longevity. My parents saved up a month’s salary to buy me this phone, not because it’s “low-end,” but because I need a reliable, long-lasting device. This iPhone SE will likely serve me for the next 7-10 years. Why would I buy something that will break down in three or four?

Apple released this phone for the same reason I bought it: it’s tailor-made for people like me. It has a 16:9 display, an eye-friendly LCD screen, and a compact body that’s easy to use with one hand—all at a reasonable price. It may not follow current trends, but it meets my needs. As Steve Jobs once said, “Most people make the mistake of thinking design is what it looks like… Design is how it works.”

Wednesday, July 13, 2022