The iPhone 16 represents a significant upgrade to non-Pro iPhones in recent years. It boasts a new chipset with Apple Intelligence support, enhanced cameras, improved battery life, the Action button, and the new Camera Control button. These enhancements enhance the overall iPhone experience.
However, one key question remains: does the iPhone 16 feature a 120Hz refresh rate display? Do you need to opt for a Pro model to enjoy this feature? Let’s delve into the details.
Does the iPhone 16 support a 120Hz refresh rate?
Despite the array of new features, the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus do not offer a 120Hz refresh rate. Their screens remain at 60Hz, which may be underwhelming by current standards. Many Android phones in the market already support a 120Hz refresh rate, even at lower price points. While Apple has incorporated several Pro features into the base iPhone models in recent years, the 120Hz refresh rate display remains exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Apple refers to the 120Hz display feature as “ProMotion technology.” The naming convention suggests its availability on the Pro models. This trend started with the iPhone 13 Pro in 2021, indicating that the feature’s exclusivity to Pro models may be more about branding than technological limitations or pricing.
Why is a 120Hz display important?
A higher refresh rate display is a crucial enhancement that impacts the user experience significantly. Unlike certain features like the Action button or Dynamic Island, the display is a fundamental component that influences the overall smoothness and fluidity of the interface.
The absence of ProMotion technology on the iPhone 16 lineup also means that it lacks support for an always-on display (AOD) function. This feature, typically reserved for higher-end iPhones, requires a lower refresh rate for efficiency during periods of inactivity. Presently, the AOD and refresh rates higher than 60Hz are exclusive to the new iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models, equipped with ProMotion screens.
Both AOD and a refresh rate exceeding 60Hz are standard features on most Android phones priced above $400. Unfortunately, the $799 iPhone 16 does not include these upgrades, leaving users to anticipate potential changes in Apple’s approach with next year’s iPhone lineup regarding ProMotion technology for flagship non-Pro models.
