# Apple’s Latest Phones Fall Short in Everyday Use
The new iPhone 16 series from Apple has launched, and although the brand pushes forward with impressive processing and camera advancements, there’s a conspicuous element where it appears to fall short: the display. With starting prices of $799 for the iPhone 16 and $899 for the iPhone 16 Plus, Apple has again chosen to include a 60Hz OLED display—a characteristic that seems increasingly antiquated in the current smartphone landscape.
## Key Information
– **iPhone 16** begins at **$799**, while the **iPhone 16 Plus** starts from **$899**.
– Both models are equipped with a **60Hz OLED display** featuring **480Hz PWM dimming** across all brightness settings.
– On the other hand, the **CMF Phone 1**, priced at **$199**, boasts a **120Hz OLED display** with **960Hz PWM dimming** at lower brightness levels.
– Apple’s **A18 chip** remains exceptionally powerful, surpassing most Android devices regarding raw processing capability.
## The Display Issue
Apple’s choice to maintain a 60Hz display on its non-Pro versions has disappointed many consumers. In an era where even lower-end Android phones such as the **CMF Phone 1** offer **120Hz displays**, Apple’s decision is perceived as a regression. A **120Hz refresh rate** delivers a more seamless experience, enhancing animations, scrolling, and overall phone operation. Conversely, a 60Hz display can render even the fastest devices feeling slow and outdated.
The **CMF Phone 1**, at merely **$200**, not only features a **120Hz LTPS OLED display** but also includes **960Hz PWM dimming** at lower brightness levels, providing a more comfortable viewing experience. In comparison, Apple’s **480Hz PWM dimming** is less friendly for the eyes, particularly for those who are sensitive to flickering screens. This positions the **CMF Phone 1** as a desirable option for users seeking a more pleasant display at a significantly lower price.
### Why is Refresh Rate Important?
A **higher refresh rate** signifies that the screen updates more times each second, leading to smoother motion and reduced stuttering. This effect is particularly noticeable when scrolling through applications, gaming, or viewing videos. A **120Hz screen** can make even an economical phone feel responsive, while a **60Hz screen** can induce a sluggish feel, even in premium devices.
Apple has limited the **120Hz ProMotion display** to its Pro line, requiring a minimum spend of **$1,000** to obtain a screen on par with certain **$200 Android options**. This choice seems increasingly disconnected from the larger smartphone ecosystem, where elevated refresh rates are now common, even in mid-range and budget phones.
## Apple’s Delay in Display Innovations
Apple’s hesitation to embrace the latest display advances is not a new phenomenon. The company was tardy to adopt OLED technology, with the **iPhone X** being its inaugural device to sport an OLED screen—**seven years** after Android models started utilizing this tech. Additionally, the first Android device with a **120Hz display**, the **Razer Phone**, was launched in **2017**, while Apple only brought a **120Hz option** to market with the **iPhone 13 Pro** in **2021**.
This pattern persists with the iPhone 16 series, where Apple again reserves the **120Hz refresh rate** for its Pro models. Meanwhile, Android manufacturers across the spectrum, from budget to premium, have readily incorporated higher refresh rates, rendering Apple’s stance increasingly anachronistic.
## Competing Android Phones Outshine Apple
When matching the iPhone 16 against similarly priced Android alternatives, the disparity in display quality becomes glaringly obvious. For instance, the **Google Pixel 9**, also beginning at **$799**, showcases a **120Hz LTPO display** that smartly adjusts its refresh rate between **60Hz and 120Hz** for battery conservation. It additionally features **Google’s Gemini AI** and various innovative functionalities such as the **Add Me** feature, ensuring everyone can fit into group snapshots.
Additionally, even affordable Android phones like the **CMF Phone 1** present superior display technology. For just **$200**, you receive a **120Hz OLED display**, **960Hz PWM dimming**, and a modular architecture allowing for customizable backplates and add-ons. This makes the **CMF Phone 1** an exceptional choice for individuals who value display quality and visual comfort without overspending.
## Apple’s Advantage: Processing Power
Although Apple may lag in display technology, it continues to excel in processing performance. The **A18 processor** in the iPhone 16 series is anticipated to outperform
