Apple’s latest offerings, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, have certainly stirred up a storm in the tech world. But amidst the whirlwind of new features and upgrades, there’s one aspect that ‘hertz’ us consumers – the display refresh rate.
Like MKBHD states, the new iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are the most expensive phones with a 60Hz display in 2023, despite getting a brighter display with that new dynamic island on the iPhone 14 models, Apple stuck to their guns with the refresh rate.
Meanwhile, mid-range and even budget Android devices are racing ahead with 120Hz and 90Hz displays. Take a look at some of the mid-range devices on the market. The Redmi Note 12, OPPO Reno10 5g, Poco M5s, and even Samsung’s Galaxy A34 all boast 120Hz displays. And they do so without breaking the bank. It’s like getting champagne on a beer budget.
The Apple Angle
So why is Apple serving us beer at champagne prices? The only theory I have is that Apple is trying to create a clear distinction between its Pro and non-Pro models. Apple is saying, “Want a faster refresh rate? Go Pro or go home!”
The Consumer Conundrum
The question remains: does the average consumer care about this? The answer is a resounding yes. In an era where every scroll, swipe, and tap counts, smoother visuals can significantly enhance the user experience. It’s not just about having the latest tech; it’s about having tech that makes a difference, and if all that doesn’t matter, it’s about getting a bang for your buck dude.
If the average consumer didn’t care, Apple would not upgrade the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus to the A16 Bionic chip, after all, you hand a device with the A15 Bionic and another with the A16 Bionic and they wouldn’t tell a difference without the benchmarks. So it’s not about the consumer, Apple is just cheaping out!
While the new iPhone 15 and 15 Plus may be packed with features (read USB-C and well, uhm cameras? No, Dynamic Island...), their 60Hz display is a letdown. It’s like being served a gourmet meal with plastic cutlery – it just doesn’t match up. As consumers, we can only hope that Apple takes note and steps up its refresh rate game in future models.
