[vsnf]

I've been an iPhone user since the OG in 2007, with a stint of Lumias (RIP) in the early 2010s. I'm currently on an aging 11. I've always been somewhat miffed at iPhones because they've never once cared about whatever consumer segment I fall into. Every year like clockwork it's "better camera". That's it. Whatever other innovations they do under the hood, the only overt thing they advertise or care about it is better camera. Sure, its nice I guess, but I'm not a big taker of pictures. After the iPhone 8, photo quality got basically good enough for me that everything after has been a barely noticeable upgrade. I'm sure teenagers, TikTokers, and amateur photographers really care, but boy howdy, I do not.

I'll be upgrading to the 16 come September, because my phone is kind of falling apart at this point, but it will done wholly without excitement.

I really just want hardware buttons so I can use the music controls by touch, without taking my phone out of pocket. I really just want the clickwheel iPod back.

[diffeomorphism]

Because cameras and screens are the main things which set the luxury/flagship segment apart and apple sells only in that segment.

If "good enough" is fine, just get a budget or midrange phone.

[vsnf]

Apple has other aspects that appeal to me. By and large, I like the OS, and by and large, I don't like any of the Android variants. This is what keeps me on the platform. But the unexciting upgrades is what keeps me from upgrading.

[badpun]

Get the iphone SE then. More than good enough for everyday intents and purposes, and you’ll save hundreds of dollars.

[vsnf]

Does this really solve any of my problems though? I’m not especially price conscious on phones, I’m just unexcited and feel somewhat underserved. Besides the physical home button, my primary wish for music controls goes unanswered by the SE. Plus I find it’s a little small for my hands. I’d absolutely get it if it was obviously better in some way than a Max model or whatever, but is it?

[badpun]

I don't think it's better (unless you prefer smaller phones, which is the case for me), but it's also not worse, and around 50% cheaper. Unless you're a multimillionaire, that should be a factor.