Apple unveiled its iPhone 16 series on September 9, 2024, amidst much fanfare. Yet, keen observers couldn’t help but notice that the new models, priced at $799 and $899, still feature a 60Hz OLED display—a disappointment for many.
Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus retain the same 60Hz OLED displays with 480Hz PWM dimming at all brightness levels. Contrast this with the CMF Phone 1, which offers a 120Hz OLED display and 960Hz PWM dimming, and is priced at just $200. This stark difference in display specifications is surprising, especially considering the significant price gap between the two devices.
A 120Hz display significantly enhances the fluidity and responsiveness of a smartphone. Consequently, even the most budget-friendly phones feel smooth and fast with such a display. Conversely, a 60Hz display can make even the most high-end devices feel sluggish. Apple’s decision to stick with its older technology makes the iPhone 16 series feel outdated right out of the gate.
Hands-on photos reveal that Apple has not improved the PWM dimming rate on its new models, maintaining a 480Hz flicker rate. This is in stark contrast to the CMF Phone 1, which has a more eye-friendly dimming method, offering 960Hz PWM dimming at lower brightness levels. This difference matters for users concerned about eye fatigue and health, making the CMF Phone 1 a smart buy despite its lower price.
Historically, Apple has lagged behind Android in adopting advanced display technologies. The first iPhone with an OLED panel, the iPhone X, came out seven years after Android started using the technology. Similarly, Android phones featured 120Hz displays years ahead of Apple, which only adopted this feature in its iPhone 13 Pro models. Even now, Apple reserves its 120Hz displays for its most expensive phones, meaning you need to shell out at least $1,000 to get it on the iPhone 16 Pro.
On the processing front, Apple continues to excel. The A18 processor in the iPhone 16 series is more powerful than most current Android chipsets. However, despite this processing power, Apple is not introducing any groundbreaking new features with these models. The iPhone 16 does include a Google Lens-like feature, but Android users have enjoyed similar functionalities since 2017.
In summary, while the iPhone 16 series boasts impressive processing power, its outdated display technology is a significant drawback, especially considering the high price. Meanwhile, budget-friendly Android options like the CMF Phone 1 offer superior displays at a fraction of the cost, highlighting the widening gap between Apple and its competitors in specific aspects.
Source: Androidcentral