[Tech] iPhone 13 Rumors : Higher Refresh Rate?

The concept of 'refresh rate' might not be familiar to those who are not fully engaged in the tech world. It is a thing that we can overlook so much, taking granted of it, but a function that never should be.

The refresh rate of a display refers to how many times per second the display is able to draw a new image. 120Hz refresh rate therefore means the display is refreshed every 1/120 second. (or, 120 different images are shown in a second) This rate is measured in Hertz, since it has to something do with frequency. Higher refresh rate therefore leads to a more natural-moving display.


(demonstration on why a higher refresh rate improves your device using experience)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKjI4CYThjg

Galaxy S20, the flagship model of Samsung, supports a 120Hz refresh rate and was released in 2020. Products from Hwawei and Xiaomi also adopted the 120Hz refresh rate display since 2020 and has since became one of the main preconditions of a high quality smart phone.

galaxy's 120hz refresh rate results in a more natural motion depiction

However, Apple never adopted the technology until their latest released iPhone 12, which brought upon resentment from many Apple fans. They thought the company lacked the capacity to 'follow the latest trend' and was starting to 'fall behind' other competing companys. And as always, as Apple has proved constantly, that was not the case. Although iPhone only supported a refresh rate of 60Hz up until now, it never was considered bad or uncomfortable to use. In fact, 60Hz is considered 'good enough' for a refresh rate.

As being a Galaxy S10 user for almost about 2 years, I never had a single complaint about the refresh rate my phone provides, which is 60Hz. Of course, when taken a look at my friends' S20 models, I recognize a slight improvement in the smoothness of the display, but I am completely fine with what I have now.

Plus, iPhone's under display sensor that recognizes the touch by the users is quite exceptional that people actually mistake the device having a 120Hz refresh rate. It is already smooth enough.

iPhone 13 with 120Hz refresh rate

But the newest iPhone 13 model is expected to introduce a 120Hz refresh rate (only in pro & pro max models, as rumors tell). The company reportedly published a patent for high refresh rate display, thus confirming the rumor.

rumored specs of the iPhone 13 series

This will be a great addition to the smooth motion display Apple realizes by their touch sensor. Although now is 'good enough', I believe that Apple is aiming for introducing the world to a better phone, not being complacent by their accolades they have acheieved.

120Hz will only be adopted in pro&pro max models, but I hope the feature expands its footprint even to the mini&original models, since I am a big fan of smaller smart phones.