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?
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.