Photo credit: www.techradar.com
My thumbs are a bit on the chunky side relative to the size of my hands, which may seem like an unusual introduction, but it plays a significant role in how I engage with various smartphones.
Over the past decade and a half, smartphones have significantly evolved to accommodate changing user behaviors. With the advent of 5G technology, mobile streaming has become increasingly popular, leading to larger screen sizes designed to enhance the viewing experience. From my perspective, having oversized thumbs—currently at work as I type—might suggest that bigger devices would be an advantage. However, I’ve consistently faced challenges using smartphones since my first experience with the iPhone 4, often dealing with frustrating autocorrect failures and unintended typos. Yet, I find a preference for smaller, more compact phones over the larger models that dominate the market today.
Choosing a smaller device means sacrificing some screen real estate for improved practicality; smaller phones typically boast higher pixel density, better display quality, and superior portability, allowing for easier storage in pockets. This viewpoint remains critical as I reflect on my experiences with a multitude of devices throughout my career as a technology journalist. Almost all devices I’ve tested have gravitated toward the 6.5-inch and larger range.
When my last smartphone, the Oppo Find X3 Lite with its 6.7-inch display, reached its end-of-life, I seized the opportunity to downsize. After thorough research and careful consideration, I made the switch to a smaller phone, and this time around, I feel content with that choice.
Indeed, Size Matters
I transitioned to the Samsung Galaxy S23, which has proven to be a refreshing change from years spent grappling with oversized devices. This phone presents a more manageable size without sacrificing quality, and it has garnered a lot of positive feedback since its release. While I also considered the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, I opted for the more compact model as the others were unavailable for review at the time.
Now that several months have passed since I made the switch, I can’t pinpoint any features from larger devices that I truly miss. This summer, I enjoyed following England’s journey to the Euros final on this smaller screen, and I no longer have to juggle my phone precariously while trying to reach for the top of the display, especially in social situations where clumsiness can lead to mishaps. I can easily slip my phone into my pocket without worrying about it sticking out, significantly enhancing my day-to-day life—and my thumbs have adjusted quite well to the new device.
Nonetheless, there is an underlying sentiment that leaves me wanting more.
A New iPhone SE is Desirable
While I appreciate the compact design of my current phone, I still find myself craving a device that meets my needs even more effectively. I’ve come to realize what I genuinely desire is a fresh, edge-to-edge iPhone SE that integrates the latest iPhone 16 technology within a smaller form factor. Unfortunately, despite much anticipation, Apple did not unveil a new iPhone SE during their high-profile September launch, leaving a noticeable gap in their lineup.
My journey with iPhones began with the original iPhone SE in 2016, a device that brilliantly merged cutting-edge hardware with a sleek design. Its compact size and exceptional performance set a standard that I find lacking in later models. As smartphones have continually grown larger over the years, the iPhone SE stood out as a reminder that many users prefer a more traditional size and design.
Regrettably, the last two iterations of the iPhone SE have fallen short of expectations, with their reliance on older designs and lack of modern features like edge-to-edge displays. If Apple decides to release an iPhone SE 4, I fear it may not constitute the upgrade I desire.
Despite these reservations, I maintain a glimmer of hope that Apple is secretly developing a truly innovative, compact iPhone SE that would differentiate itself in a saturated market. Perhaps 2025 could bring us a device that captures the spirit of Apple’s original vision.
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www.techradar.com