The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus displays are set to disappoint again

Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 series is garnering significant attention, but not entirely for reasons that would please the tech giant. Reports suggest that both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models are set to continue featuring a 60Hz display refresh rate, trailing behind the 120Hz standard now common in many other flagship smartphones. This decision comes as a surprise, especially given the advancements in other aspects, like the Dynamic Island design, in recent Apple models.

The persistence with a 60Hz refresh rate has been a point of discussion since the release of the iPhone 15 series, which also sported the same rate. Despite these models being well-received in various aspects, the reluctance to upgrade the refresh rate in the non-Pro iPhones has been a noticeable drawback. This hesitance seems to be continuing with the iPhone 16 series, according to leaks from sources like South Korean tech site Naver and Twitter leaker @Tech_Reve. This aligns with the predictions of display analyst Ross Young, who suggests that Apple might not introduce high-refresh-rate screens to its base models until 2025.

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus displays are set to disappoint again

The rumored screen sizes for the iPhone 16 series are 6.12 inches for the standard model and 6.69 inches for the Plus variant. In contrast, the Pro models are expected to feature slightly larger screens with the 120Hz refresh rates, aligning with the trends of current flagship smartphones.

Apple's decision to stick with a 60Hz refresh rate, particularly in premium models like the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, makes them stand out in the current smartphone market – and not necessarily in a good way. While a 60Hz refresh rate isn’t inherently inferior, it is noticeably lower than the standard found in most recent flagship devices. Competitors like Samsung and Google have already adopted higher refresh rates in their flagship models, and even budget variants like the Pixel 7a are not lagging behind. Some mid-budget segment phones, like certain Moto models, offer up to 144Hz displays.

The reluctance to upgrade the refresh rate could be influenced by various factors, including cost considerations and potential impacts on battery life. However, it remains a significant point of contention for users who expect a smoother and more responsive experience from new smartphone models. As the industry moves toward more dynamic and fluid displays, Apple’s choice to maintain a 60Hz refresh rate in its upcoming models might be perceived as falling behind in the competitive tech landscape.

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