Upcoming Apple iPhone model, the iPhone 17, promises a significant display overhaul, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and a larger screen size.
The tech world is abuzz with rumours about Apple's upcoming iPhone 17, set to launch in early September. According to leaks and speculations, the device is expected to boast several significant screen upgrades, aiming to enhance user experience and make it more competitive in the market.
Key Upgrades for the iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 is rumoured to sport a larger 6.3-inch display, marking a 0.2-inch increase over the iPhone 16's 6.1-inch screen. More notably, the base iPhone 17 is expected to adopt a 120Hz LTPO panel, a first for the base model. This upgrade doubles the previous standard 60Hz on the base iPhone 16 and brings ProMotion technology (previously reserved for Pro models) to the standard iPhone 17.
In addition, the rumoured new iPhone 17 Air model could feature a larger 6.6-inch screen with an ultra-thin chassis design around 6mm thick or less, expanding the form factor options in the lineup.
Comparison with Previous Models and Android Phones
Compared to previous iPhone models, the iPhone 17's base version will significantly outshine the iPhone 16's 60Hz refresh rate and smaller screens. The Pro models had 120Hz displays, but bringing that to the standard iPhone 17 represents a democratization of this feature.
In contrast, many Android flagship models have offered larger sizes often at or above 6.5 inches, high refresh rates of 120Hz or even higher, and displays using OLED or AMOLED technology with HDR support for some time now. The iPhone 17's screen upgrades — larger size and a 120Hz refresh rate on the base model — bring Apple closer to matching or narrowing the gap with flagship Android competitors.
However, Android phones sometimes offer even higher refresh rates and larger displays, so the iPhone 17 focuses more on refinement and bringing Pro-level features across its lineup.
A Step Closer to Matching Android Competitors
The iPhone 17's display upgrades — larger size and a 120Hz refresh rate on the base model — bring Apple closer to matching or narrowing the gap with flagship Android competitors who have been offering high-refresh, large OLED displays for some time. However, Android phones sometimes offer even higher refresh rates and larger displays, so the iPhone 17 focuses more on refinement and bringing Pro-level features across its lineup.
In summary, the iPhone 17's screen upgrades are a meaningful evolution in screen tech for Apple's lineup, improving smoothness and size on the standard model while maintaining Pro model advantages.
| Feature | iPhone 16 Base | iPhone 17 Base (Expected) | iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max (Expected) | Android Flagships (Typical) | |-----------------------|----------------|----------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------------------| | Screen Size | 6.1 inches | 6.3 inches (slight increase) | ~6.7 inches (Pro Max size) | 6.5 to 6.8+ inches | | Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (first time on base) | 120Hz ProMotion | 90Hz to 165Hz (common 120Hz) | | Display Type | OLED | OLED | OLED | AMOLED / OLED | | Screen Thickness | Standard | Thinner overall design | Slightly thicker for battery | Varies |
These changes make the iPhone 17 a compelling base-model iPhone in years, addressing long-standing criticisms of Apple's non-Pro models. However, it's important to note that Apple has not yet confirmed these details about the iPhone 17.
[1] AppleInsider: iPhone 17 to feature 120Hz LTPO display, always-on display, and 6.3-inch screen [2] 9to5Mac: iPhone 17 to adopt 120Hz LTPO panel, bringing ProMotion to base model [3] MacRumors: iPhone 17 to Feature Larger 6.3-Inch Display, 120Hz ProMotion [4] Bloomberg: Apple to Bring 120Hz Refresh Rate to Base iPhone 17 [5] TechCrunch: Apple's iPhone 17 may finally bring a 120Hz display to the base model
- The world is abuzz with anticipation for the iPhone 17, with many expecting it to narrow the gap between Apple's smartphones and Android competitors in terms of screen size and refresh rate, as rumors suggest a 6.3-inch display and a 120Hz refresh rate for the base model.
- The upcoming iPhone 17, slated for a September release, is expected to boast significant screen upgrades, including a larger display for the base model and the introduction of ProMotion technology on the standard iPhone for the first time, which has been previously restricted to Pro models.
- While Android flagship phones have long offered larger screens, high refresh rates, and advanced display technology, the iPhone 17 aims to democratize these features by making a 120Hz refresh rate available on the base model, thereby bringing the iPhone lineup closer to matching its Android counterparts.
