Why the iPhone SE is the phone for me

The iPhone SE, Apple's newest handset, is very much like the iPhone 6s on the inside in practically every way (I know, I know, no 3D Touch). The beauty of this model? It looks exactly like the iPhone 5s on the outside, four-inch screen and all.

I can't wait to pre-order and pick up my new iPhone SE the moment it is available. It's what I've been waiting for since 2014.

That perfect size!

As I've previously mentioned, I've got small-ish hands and never felt particularly comfortable holding the larger iPhone 6s — annd let's just forget about trying to grip the iPhone 6s Plus. I also have small pockets, and a small pouch to carry my phone around in. I've stubbornly resisted getting the larger device in part because of this restriction; why should I have to get a new wardrobe and bag just so that I can carry a new iPhone? (Yes, it's a slight exaggeration, but you get my meaning.)

But it goes beyond clothing choice: When it comes to feel in the hand, daily use, and overall comfort, I've just felt that the four-inch iPhone was the perfect size for me. I don't need anything larger, and I'm overjoyed to know that Apple cares enough about pleasing the four-inch iPhone user to bring back the size I love.

And as a bonus, my most favorite case in all the world (they don't even make it anymore) will fit my new iPhone SE!

That speedy A9 processor!

Oh, the speed! With the A9 64-bit processor, the iPhone SE promises to be more than twice as fast as my iPhone 5s, with three times faster graphics. It also will have better speed when connecting to cellular data, faster Wi-Fi, and it supports Wi-Fi calling. iMore editor-in-chief Rene Ritchie, says "it feels like an F1 race car." All of that, and I don't even have to compromise with a screen that's too big for me?

I'm sold.

That fancy camera!

The iSight camera is getting a huge boost over the iPhone 5s: It will now take 12-megapixel photos instead of eight. I can now take higher-res slow-motion shots, 4K 30FPS video, and my low-light concert photos are going to look so much better. Plus, with Retina Flash on the FaceTime camera, I can take selfies on stage without completely fading into the background.

That awesome color!

Rose Gold, anyone? I've always invested in the Black or Space Gray iPhone models in the past, but this time around, I'm going with Rose Gold. Because: Rose Gold.

That price!

Not only does the iPhone SE start as low as $399, but if, like me, you have an iPhone 5s in your possession, you can trade it in for your new four-inch handset and pay as little as $10 per month.

That's more than I spend on apps and games for my iPhone in that time span. To get a whole iPhone for that price? I'm in.

And, in conclusion

I'll be preordering the iPhone SE in Rose Gold on March 24. I may just spend the night outside of my local Apple Store on March 31 — just to make sure I'm there the very moment it arrives. (What if it's already there, just waiting for me in the back room? Maybe I should head over now... just in case.)

What about you, iMore? Is the SE the phone for you? Or have you converted to the big-phone phenomenon? Let's chat.