Apple recently unveiled its latest iPhone 16 series, bringing forth a blend of anticipated and unexpected enhancements. The standard iPhone 16 showcases a refreshed design, a captivating Camera Control button, and welcomes a performance boost with the all-new A18 chip.
Nonetheless, one crucial element of the iPhone 16 remains stagnant – its display. Despite the array of upgrades and innovative features, the iPhone 16’s screen is almost identical to its predecessor, the iPhone 15. This implies we’re in for another year with the 60Hz refresh rate.
The first iPhone to sport a 120Hz display was the iPhone 13 Pro, which was launched in 2021. Even though it was a step forward, it was a delayed one, considering several Android phones had already featured 90Hz and 120Hz screens. Yet, the base models of iPhones, including iPhone 13, 14, 15, and now 16, are still stuck with a 60Hz display.
A higher refresh rate means a faster screen update. A 60Hz screen refreshes 60 times per second, while a 120Hz one does it 120 times. This difference is most evident while scrolling an app, playing a game, or watching animations. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the experience. A phone with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a smoother user interface, while a 60Hz display seems slow and choppy.
However, the notion that a high refresh rate is a premium feature is flawed. If industry standards dictated that only high-end smartphones could have 120Hz displays, Apple would perhaps be justified. But that’s far from reality. Today, Android smartphones, irrespective of their price range, are more likely to feature a 120Hz display than a 60Hz one.
For instance, the Google Pixel 9, priced at $799 and a direct competitor to the iPhone 16, boasts a 120Hz screen. Notably, even budget phones like the Moto G Stylus 5G and the CMF Phone 1, priced at $400 and roughly $260 respectively, feature a 120Hz display.
Despite the industry-wide adoption of 120Hz screens, Apple seems to be oblivious to it, restricting 120Hz screens to its Pro models. To get an iPhone with a 120Hz display, you’ll have to opt for the iPhone 16 Pro or the pricier iPhone 16 Pro Max.
If an Android phone manufacturer attempted such a move, it would stir outrage. But as this practice has been normalized by Apple, it’s likely to escape criticism.
This pattern needs to change. An outdated 60Hz display doesn’t necessarily deter buyers from considering the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus. However, for a high-end phone in 2024, a 60Hz screen is a letdown. As consumers, you deserve better, and Apple should strive to deliver better.
