Hi, Speed!

After my disaster with Android, I got back into iOS as cheaply as possible. Slowly during that time, I upgraded to the AirPods Pro and Apple Watch series 5, updated my iPad, and now finally switched up my iPhone.

(Truth is, I was sad when the lightning port from my original SE broke and didn’t allow me to charge her anymore. I loved that small form factor. Even though she supports iOS 14, any used original SE on the market will have a degraded battery, and it’s not worth paying for another that will only last mere months before potentially no longer being supported.)

There is nothing wrong with the iPhone SE 2 (2020). I just found the iPhone 12 Mini to be smaller, and remind me of that original SE. I hate big phones.

I use my iPad for the majority of digital activity. While not a minimalist (you want to see my coffee device collection?), I don’t want device redundancy. I want the Mini because it’s smaller and more compact, to keep on top of notifications when at work or not at home. The small body with the full screen allows for better interaction with my social media, and for the occasional video use; that notch does not get in the way.

I have some form of 5G in my area, but I switched that capability off—LTE uses less battery, thus extends the life between charges. Basic phone usage doesn’t require powerful bandwidth speeds.

I feel apathetic towards the LCD vs OLED debate. I don’t notice the supposed speed and processing improvements of the new A14 chip, as I use for the basics—nothing powerful like games or photo/video editing. The ultra-wide camera is awesome, though not something I’ll use often when I do take pictures; that night mode should come in handy if I take twilight or nighttime pictures. Better to have it but not (always) need it, then need it but not have it. 

For what I do like? It’s smaller, more compact, even compared to the SE, with the the flat edges that I miss from the original SE. Face ID and the gesture-based UX becomes more consistent with how I interact with my iPad Air. The taller screen allows me to see more without scrolling so much. I can better handle her with one hand. Somewhat better, richer audio from the speakers. She’s also in basic black, my favorite color for my accessories.

I know how I wrote how I wouldn’t splurge for a gaming PC, but why on an iPhone? iOS products I don’t mind spending on, because it maintains my current ecosystem. With how everything works so well, I won’t add a non-Apple product that’ll break it down; accessing iCloud through the Web sucks, and Apples software for Windows is pretty much deprecated and outdated by this point. Yes, there’s third-party hacks and answers, but I’m at that point in my life where I value simplicity, ease of use. I don’t want to have to pay for services that come free with the devices I use. 

You can pay for the hardware and specs. I’ll pay for the simplicity, ease of mind, longevity, customer service, and security that comes with staying within the Apple ecosystem. This doesn’t make me an Apply “fanboy”—it’s just a preference. When Android OEMs can deliver more than a year or two worth of updates, and deliver those updates on time; and when Windows updates don’t screw over users—maybe I’ll switch back over. 

I’ve finally upgraded my ecosystem from a budget one, to one that works for me.

Then again, the content, apps, services, and digital goods I’ve already bought…I don’t want to repurchase. I’ve dug myself so far in, that it’s not worth coming out.

I am not endorsed in any way with anything mentioned on this post.