In light of the 2023 Wonderlust Apple event - where all variations of iPhone 15 models were unveiled - now is a good time to talk about the different refresh rates of iPhone and Android display screens. You'd think that the more expensive the phone the higher the refresh rate, right? Frustratingly, this is not always the case.

What is a refresh rate?

Screen refresh rate is measured in hertz, which records one singular event happening per second. In this case, it accounts for the amount of time a digital display updates its imagery per second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the screen appears to the naked human eye, and this is why it is highly adored within the gaming community.

black flat screen computer monitor turned on near black computer keyboard

iPhone Vs Android

There are £200 Android phones with 120Hz refresh rates, so this makes it a little awkward when Apple release a new iPhone 15 which still only uses a 60Hz screen refresh rate. This has caused some uproar online this week as there is an argument that a 120Hz screen, which is utilised on the iPhone Pro Max model, is not justified as a 'pro' feature, as there are plenty of 120Hz screens on smartphones that cost considerably less than iPhone's.

With Android I get to choose from many different products from many different phone manufacturers. With iOS, I get what Apple gives me. Which isn't necessarily bad, but it's not always the best fit for my personal or business communication needs.

-Mark Cuban, Investor

How important is the refresh rate?

This depends. Even though there is a noticeable difference between 60Hz and 120Hz, it isn't absolutely essential to have a higher refresh rate on a smartphone. But when you're paying through the roof for new models, you'd expect to have the most modern display rates included in the price that you pay for your device.

Protecting your panel

Whether your device has a 60Hz refresh rate or a 120Hz refresh rate, it is still vital to keep your devices protected with an added layer of tempered glass which prevents scratches, cracks and smudges. My Ameego specialise in these products, and we've got some listed below that are perfect for older and newer models.


Happy Friday, Ameegos.