Apple just lately introduced some new iPhones — maybe you’ve already heard? The iPhone 16 household is upon us, and it’s an attention-grabbing mixture of anticipated and shock upgrades. The common iPhone 16 has a contemporary new design, the Camera Control button is fascinating, and there’s a welcome spec bump with Apple’s newest A18 chip.
However, one facet of the iPhone 16 didn’t change in any respect — and it’s an essential one. For all of the upgrades and new options on the iPhone 16, the show stays practically an identical to the one on the iPhone 15. Unfortunately, which means one other yr of a 60Hz refresh charge.
Another yr, one other 60Hz show
The first iPhone with a 120Hz show was the iPhone 13 Pro, launched in 2021. At the time, we had already had years of Android telephones with 90Hz and 120Hz screens, so Apple was already trailing behind. Still, it was good to lastly have an iPhone and not using a 60Hz show.
Unfortunately, whereas 120Hz screens have continued to be on all of the new Pro iPhones annually, the baseline iPhone has but to see the function. That means the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and now the iPhone 16 are all caught with a 60Hz display screen.
When your smartphone has a quicker refresh charge, it implies that the display screen is refreshing no matter is on the show at a quicker tempo. A smartphone display screen with a 60Hz refresh charge refreshes 60 occasions per second, whereas a 120Hz display screen refreshes 120 occasions per second.
This is most noticeable when scrolling by an app or enjoying a recreation, or with different animations/actions occurring in your display screen. The quicker your refresh charge, the smoother and extra fluid every thing appears to be like. It’s a big distinction that’s tough to clarify or present on video, however is very noticeable in individual. A cellphone with a 120Hz refresh charge appears to be like buttery clean, whereas a 60Hz refresh charge appears to be like gradual and uneven. It’s not unusable, nevertheless it’s a noticeably worse consumer expertise — and a fairly vital one at that.
A quick refresh charge is not a Pro function
If it have been an trade customary that solely $1,000-plus smartphones acquired 120Hz shows, I’d be glad to offer Apple a go and never have this dialog. But the drawback is that issues couldn’t be farther from the reality.
Take a take a look at the Android smartphone panorama right this moment, and it’s virtually tougher to discover a cellphone with a 60Hz display screen as a substitute of a 120Hz one — no matter the value. The Google Pixel 9 — a $799 cellphone and the closest direct competitor to the iPhone 16 — has a 120Hz display screen. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), a $400 finances cellphone, additionally has a 120Hz display screen. Hell, even the CMF Phone 1, which prices 199 British kilos (just a little over $260), has a 120Hz display screen.
These are just some examples, however this is largely the case throughout the board for Android telephones in 2024. You may even see some actually low cost telephones step right down to a decrease refresh charge, however even then, it’s extra prone to be 90Hz as a substitute of 60Hz.
Yet, for no matter cause, Apple hasn’t gotten the memo that 120Hz shows are a desk stakes smartphone function today. The $799 iPhone 16 and $899 iPhone 16 Plus tie you down with a 60Hz display screen. To get an iPhone with a 120Hz panel, you continue to should get one of the Pro fashions — both the $999 iPhone 16 Pro or the $1,199 iPhone 16 Pro Max.
If Samsung, Google, or another Android smartphone maker tried to get away with this, there could be an outrage. But as a result of this has been the norm for the iPhone for therefore lengthy, Apple will virtually definitely get a go — as undeserved as it could be.
This wants to alter
(*16*)
Does an outdated 60Hz show imply you shouldn’t take into account shopping for the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus? For most individuals, in all probability not. The 60Hz screens on the iPhone 15 and that iPhone 15 Plus have been annoying, however we nonetheless in the end beneficial the cellphone in our opinions.
I’m wanting ahead to spending extra time with the iPhone 16, significantly with its Camera Control button and new design. I simply want it had the fashionable display screen it deserves — and you must, too. A 60Hz display screen might not be the finish of the world, nevertheless it is an unreasonable spec for a cellphone of this caliber in 2024. You deserve higher, and Apple ought to do higher.
