Apple has unveiled the new iPhone 16 family, bringing a mix of expected and surprising upgrades. The standard iPhone 16 boasts a fresh design, an intriguing Camera Control button, and the latest A18 chip. However, one key aspect remains stubbornly unchanged: the display. Despite the advancements in other areas, the iPhone 16 sticks with a 60Hz refresh rate, just like its predecessors.
This is a curious choice in 2024, especially considering the widespread adoption of 120Hz screens in the Android world. The first iPhone to sport a 120Hz display was the iPhone 13 Pro back in 2021, at a time when Android phones were already showcasing 90Hz and 120Hz screens. While the Pro models have consistently retained this smoother experience, the standard iPhone lineup continues to lag behind.
The impact of a faster refresh rate is undeniable. A 120Hz display refreshes 120 times per second, resulting in incredibly smooth scrolling, animations, and gameplay, compared to the choppy 60Hz refresh rate on the iPhone 16. This is a noticeable difference in everyday use, making the iPhone 16 feel less responsive and engaging.
What’s even more perplexing is that 120Hz displays are no longer a premium feature. Smartphones across various price points, even budget options, are equipped with these faster screens. The Google Pixel 9, a direct competitor to the iPhone 16, boasts a 120Hz display, as does the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), a $400 phone. Even the CMF Phone 1, priced at just over $260, offers a 120Hz screen.
It’s baffling why Apple continues to hold back this crucial feature on its standard iPhone models. The $799 iPhone 16 and $899 iPhone 16 Plus force users to settle for a 60Hz display, while the Pro models, priced at $999 and $1,199, are the only options for a 120Hz experience. If other smartphone makers, like Samsung or Google, tried to pull this off, there would be widespread outrage. But because this has been the iPhone standard for a while, Apple seems to be getting a free pass, despite the lack of justification.
While the 60Hz display may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, it’s a disappointment, particularly considering the impressive advancements in other areas of the iPhone 16. It’s time for Apple to recognize that 120Hz displays are no longer a luxury but a standard feature that enhances the overall user experience. It’s time to elevate the standard iPhone experience to the level it deserves, and the 60Hz display is a glaring omission that needs to be addressed.
