I love the simplicity and ease with which the SE functions. But last 2 iOS updates (now at 18.5), have caused problems with IMDb app and overwhelming me with way too many features. I have zero need for flashy features and would appreciate some direction re which iPhone offers that same simplicity and ease. Pros and cons would help.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPhone SE, iOS 18
I wouldn't count on the iPhone SE (2nd generation) getting many more iOS updates – if any.
It originally shipped with iOS 13.4. So it's gotten five major iOS updates already. If you look back at earlier iPhones that have already stopped getting major iOS updates, many of them got between four and six major updates – with five seeming to be the typical number.
It has 3 GB of RAM. Only two of the iPhones that can run iOS 18 have that little. All of the iPhone 16 models which Apple introduced at the same time as iOS 18 have 8 GB of RAM, and a number of other iPhones that can run iOS 18 (but not Apple Intelligence) have 6 GB.
I would use this compare tool to see the differences between the models --> iPhone - Compare Models - Apple
Please note: The 16e is NOT MagSafe capable. And if you ever used HDMI out, it isn't able to do that either. Otherwise, the 16e is a very capable iPhone.
If you're overwhelmed by the features in iOS 18, I'm sorry to tell you that there is no 'simpler' solution.
My dad upgraded his SE 2nd gen 3 weeks ago, He had the same things as you. It has become slow, his battery was empty with half a day
He upgraded to the 16 pro, as he is a hobby photographer and loves to take beautiful photos. But if you want a simple iPhone without the top notch features an iPhone 16E might suit your needs
lobsterghost1 wrote:
Please note: The 16e is NOT MagSafe capable. And if you ever used HDMI out, it isn't able to do that either.
The iPhone 16e also lacks an Ultra-Wide camera and an Ultra Wideband chip. (The Ultra Wideband chip is what enables Precision Finding of AirTags.)
I don't use hard-wired video output or AirTags with my phone – but for me, the lack of an Ultra-Wide camera and the lack of MagSafe would likely be real deal-killers.
Servant of Cats wrote:
lobsterghost1 wrote:
Please note: The 16e is NOT MagSafe capable. And if you ever used HDMI out, it isn't able to do that either.
The iPhone 16e also lacks an Ultra-Wide camera and an Ultra Wideband chip. (The Ultra Wideband chip is what enables Precision Finding of AirTags.)
I don't use hard-wired video output or AirTags with my phone – but for me, the lack of an Ultra-Wide camera and the lack of MagSafe would likely be real deal-killers.
Yep and I wouldn't personally own an iPhone without the Ultra-Wide, but photography is important to me. It may not be a big concern to the author, however. The ultra wideband chip isn't all that important to me.
We own two iPhone SE Gen 2 and neither have any issues with iOS 18.X. They works perfectly, We do not install useless "protection" software sold through fear marketing. Those tend to cause serious performance or battery drain issues.
Yes, the camera has a tiny CCD and cannot do what a more expensive iPhone does, but I did not buy an iPhone to replace my Nikon DSLR. The compact size of the SE 2020 was its selling point for me.I do not carry a purse or "murse" to hold my phone, and need a phone to be shirt-pocket capable.
Apple have not yet said if support for that model will continue into iOS 19. All I know is that our old iPad 5, restricted to iPadOS 16.X, is still doing its job. There are people posting here who still use an iPhone 6.
Thanks. This is very helpful.
How does the iPhone SE 2nd gen compare to newer iPhones?
