wtxnitz

FYI macOS 15.1 beta bricked the internet on my 2024 MacBook pro.
Pandemonium ensued.
all the recovery methods REQUIRE internet

Had to 'nuke and repave'
Even with a day old backup, it was a day wasted

Betas on the iPhone 15 and ultra 2 watch went fine, minor glitches

I let my guard down. A lesson relearned.

" the P2 Pro can collect light between 8 and 14 nanometers."
The correct units are 8 to 14 micrometers (micron) longwave infrared

some reviews indicate REQUIRES enabling GPS tracking to operate

fully Chinese company - your choice

I have both a 14 Pro (upgraded from a 13 pro) and the SE. They are for two completely different users.
The 14/13 pro is for power users who want the full beans. The SE is for "ordinary" people who just want
a good quality smartphone.

The 14 is my main phone. Mine is a pro, not the pro max. Still I find it a bit large, heavy, and uncomfortable with the square
edges. It has all the pluses mentioned. 

I use the SE for casual uses and low demand games. The big thing I like- the SE  is the best form design Apple ever did.
I loved the form in my 7 and I love it in the SE.
It's relatively thin, has rounded edges and fits comfortably in my hand. It's also very light - a plus IMO. And I disagree
with the quality. It has an excellent quality feel. It's just not a tank.
Every time I use the SE, I think, "This is a nice little phone." It also is the last iPhone with a physical Home button. 

Home button and Touch ID vs FaceID swish and flick, IMHO

This is certainly the most heated debate in iPhones. Here is my opinion. There are pluses and minuses to both.

Home button/ touch ID

I like the positive feel and the simplicity of performing functions. Closing apps, going home, app switching
I've found touch ID fairly reliable. I know some people, like my wife, have problems because touch doesn't like their skin type,
but  I've had no problems.
I use touch ID all the time on my iPad and Mac. It's the main reason I upgraded my MacBook. Also, as noted, you don't have to 
look at the iPhone to open.

Face ID

I've found FaceID to be faster and more reliable, usually.  It needs an unobstructed view of your face. No heavy sunglasses or
face mask (no, I don't use that option). More annoying, it seems to want you sitting upright in good light. Forget about unlocking
half asleep in bed. And sometimes it just demands a passcode, even if you just unlocked 1/2 hour ago.

And I find the "swish and flick" interface annoying. Flick up quickly from the bottom center to go home. Slide up slowly from
the bottom center to open app switcher, slide up, hold ,and swipe to switch apps. Sheesh! Too complicated and finicky,
especially if you don't have the steadiest hands. Same for the multiple tiny nuances from the top.

Bottom Line
I'm  mixed. Home button/ touch ID is direct, the i/f is simpler. Face ID is faster and more convenient when you can just look at your iPhone.
It's worse when you can't.  And the i/f is finicky. Overall, for me, Face ID gets the nod for convenience when it works.

The SE is a very nice, quality iPhone for someone who doesn't need bells and whistles. It's not a phone for power users. Get a pro or pro max. If you're a power user, you won't be happy with an SE as your only iPhone. IMHO

No need to up (down?) grade to Catalina. works on my Mojave 10.14.6. 
Nice nostalgia, but nowadays I rarely reboot. Just close the cover to lock screen. Unlock with Watch - usually.
Sounds different from the classic Mac. Not as deep and clear. HiFi? ;-)

as for no keyboard light at login. You probably have filevault enabled. The only solution I've found is turnoff filevault. I'd also love a fix
that allows both. 

I have a strong password and weak fingers. I need to see what I'm typing in a dark room. Especially since I usually unlock with watch or touchID.

Thanks for the warning. 
This may be related. At the same time I updated to iOS 13, I lost all my smart mailboxes on Mojave.