You've had this conversation, we've had this conversation: the iPhone SE is tiny and it's a shame there's no longer any iPhone that small. Except if you actually compare the iPhone SE with, say, the iPhone 8 or even the new iPhone 11 Pro, then the difference is startling. For all that the newer models have bigger screens, their cases aren't truly that much bigger than that of the iPhone SE.
It's something you have to see to really have a good feeling for it — and it's something you need to know before you buy. So here's the annual AppleInsider guide to iPhone sizes. We've included the iPhone SE for comparison, but otherwise this is every current iPhone model.
Inside the PDF you'll find full-size photographs of each model and you can print them out to compare. Download the embedded PDF below, and print it out full size. There's a scale on every page to compensate for slight differences between printers. Be sure that one inch on your print corresponds with one inch on a ruler!
AppleInsider 2019 iPhone Size Comparison 2019 by Mike Wuerthele on Scribd
Keep up with AppleInsider by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.
25 Comments
Two things:
1) What seems to be very small changes in external case size can make a very large difference in the feel of the phone -- both in hand and in pocket.
2) The introduction of no-bevel, full face screens dramatically changed the way we typically measured phone size using screen size. When mixing the formats, screen size becomes worthless when talking about "the size of the phone".
There is a reason why Steve Jobs wanted to stick to a smaller phone -- because, at that point, phones were still used primarily as phones. And, a smaller form factor worked best for that in all ways. But, while today, we have moved on to using phones primarily to access the web and various apps, some still want and need a smaller SE sized phone. I saw that myself when I was rebuilding a set of stone steps -- my 6+ simply didn't fit well into my pocket while stooped down working and it eventually cracked the screen and killed the phone (touch disease). My choice was: risk the phone or leave it somewhere -- both were undesirable options. I could have really used an SE.
Another case, for myself, would be running: Carrying a big, bulky phone simply doesn't work well. Again, an SE sized phone would be ideal.
So, many want and need a solid, rugged, sturdy phone with a case the size of the SE but with a full, no-bevel screen approaching the size of that on the far larger iPhone 8.
There is no technical reason why Apple could not produce that. It's all about marketing. But, if Apple is serious about serving the customer and their needs (and I think they are), then an SE sized phone with a full, no-bevel screen should be in their plans.
Good job on this printable size guide, guys.