Been using my first long-term iPhone SE 2 since summer 2024… it’s been great

I used Android phones for most of my life. They were cheaper, more open, and worked well for me. My parents usually got good deals on Samsung tablets, so I just stuck with what was familiar. But around late 2023, something shifted. I became really curious about Apple products and decided I wanted to try them out.

I got a Mac first and thought it made sense to pair it with an iPhone. After looking around, I found an amazing deal on an SE 2—just $64 and in great shape. It arrived, and I couldn’t believe how small it was compared to my Galaxy A50. But once I got it set up, I loved how smooth and fast it felt. Even though its processor is several years old, it still performs like a champ.

Now I’m hooked. I might stick with iPhones long-term unless Apple messes up big time. The experience is just that good.

So how did you guys decide to switch to an iPhone? I’d love to hear your stories.

I had an iPhone 4 a while back, but I switched to Android for years. Last November, I got fed up with Android—my Samsung S22 Plus was overheating, slowing down, and just felt unreliable. A friend suggested I try an iPhone, and it was the best advice. I got the iPhone 16PM, and it’s been awesome.

What I love most is how smooth and well-optimized everything is. Plus, the extra features like AirDrop, Dynamic Island, and better app performance make a big difference. I even prefer Face ID now. And the resale value of iPhones? Amazing. It’s hard to imagine going back to Android.

@Ozzie
I know what you mean! The fact that you can use emulators like Delta on an iPhone now is such a win. Combined with AirDrop and all the other features, the experience feels complete. Honestly, the openness of Android is more useful on computers than phones anyway, so I don’t miss it as much. Glad you’re enjoying it too!

I started with an iPhone 7, then upgraded to the SE 2020, and eventually moved to an iPhone 13. Now, I mostly use a Pixel as my main phone, but I keep the SE as a backup. I really miss the compact size of the SE. Small phones just feel so much better to use.

I got introduced to Apple through work when I used an iMac at my job. From there, I went to an iPod Classic, then an iPhone 3GS, and the rest is history. Now I’m on an iPhone X, but it’s starting to feel old. I think I’ll switch to the 16 Pro soon.

Cool story. Glad you’re enjoying your iPhone!

My first Apple device was a Power Mac 9600 when I went freelance. My first iPhone was a white 5, and I loved it. Now I’m using an iPhone XS but holding out for USB-C before upgrading. Looking forward to getting a new one soon!

I switched to iPhone because of frustration with Android updates breaking my phone. I started with an SE and eventually upgraded to an 11. Now I’m using a 16 Pro and even got an Apple TV and an iMac. I’m still adjusting to the iMac after being a Windows user, but overall, it’s been a great experience.

@Weston
I had an iPhone 11 before switching to a Galaxy Fold 3. I’m planning to move to a 16 Pro soon. How do you find the 16 compared to the 11?

Zya said:
@Weston
I had an iPhone 11 before switching to a Galaxy Fold 3. I’m planning to move to a 16 Pro soon. How do you find the 16 compared to the 11?

The 16 Pro is a huge step up in some areas, especially the camera and battery life. The zoom is amazing, and the 4K video quality is so good I don’t think I could go back. Everything else feels like small improvements, but they all add up.

I’m waiting for my iPhone 11 to finally give out so I can switch back to Android. The Apple ecosystem feels too restrictive for me since I mostly use Linux. I’ll miss my Apple Watch, but I’m okay with letting it go.

@Zander
That’s the trade-off with Android—you get more freedom but lose some of the stability. I get why you’re switching, though I think most people are better off with iPhones.

Lennon said:
@Zander
That’s the trade-off with Android—you get more freedom but lose some of the stability. I get why you’re switching, though I think most people are better off with iPhones.

I get that, but I’ve had bad luck with iPhones. My iPhone 11 had so many issues that I had to replace it multiple times before getting a working one. That’s never happened to me with Android.

@Zander
Wow, that’s really unlucky. I’ve never had any major problems with my iPhones. Maybe the 11 was just a bad model for you?

Lennon said:
@Zander
Wow, that’s really unlucky. I’ve never had any major problems with my iPhones. Maybe the 11 was just a bad model for you?

Yeah, maybe. I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.

Welcome to the simplicity of iPhones. You’re probably here to stay.

Asher said:
Welcome to the simplicity of iPhones. You’re probably here to stay.

It really does feel like I’ve found my place. Which iPhone are you using, and what do you like about it?

@Tatum
I’m using the 14 right now, but I’ve had almost every iPhone since the 3GS. They’ve always been reliable, and AppleCare makes things so easy. I just love how everything works seamlessly.

I had an iPhone 3GS years ago, and I’ve always been impressed by their quality. Right now, I’m using a 14 Plus, but I’m eyeing the Pro models for the better display. Also, the sound quality on iPhones is seriously underrated.

@Cypress
Thanks! The sound quality really surprised me too. It’s amazing for a phone. And yeah, I think 120Hz displays should be standard by now. Apple’s really dragging their feet on that one.