I have an 8+ in an Apple leather case. Yes it’s a bit big, but… Battery life is excellent and it has rendered my iPad Mini 4 redundant. I never expected the latter. It’s a good communcation device. I rarely make calls on it, and find the Airpods or my Watch good for that. I take it out of its case and ride with it in a clear sealing wallet in the back pocket. I also have an SE but can’t be bothered to swap sim.
Other phones are available, but I find the form factor very good. Typing is absolutely rubbish, and if I wanted a work phone to always have as a PHONE, then the SE is probably the best size. Son 1 has a regular 8 and I’m not tempted by that size for me.
I had a Blackberry Passport before the iPhone and work stopped supporting them. I guess I was used to something a bit larger, but I miss that keyboard so badly!