What is hz in iphone
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Key Facts
- iPhone display Hz indicates refresh rate, affecting scroll smoothness and visual fluidity
- Standard iPhones have 60Hz displays, while Pro models feature 120Hz ProMotion
- Higher refresh rates create smoother scrolling, animations, and game visuals
- ProMotion technology adapts refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz for battery efficiency
- 120Hz displays consume more battery power than 60Hz screens
iPhone Display Hz Explained
In iPhones, Hz refers to the display refresh rate—how many times per second the screen updates its image. Standard iPhones feature 60Hz displays that refresh 60 times per second, while newer Pro models include 120Hz ProMotion displays that refresh 120 times per second. This difference significantly impacts the perceived smoothness of scrolling, animations, and overall user experience.
ProMotion Technology
Apple's ProMotion is an adaptive refresh rate technology that intelligently adjusts between 10Hz and 120Hz depending on content and activity. When viewing static content like reading an article, the display drops to lower refresh rates to conserve battery. During scrolling, gaming, or fast-paced animations, it automatically jumps to 120Hz for smooth visuals. This adaptive approach provides the visual benefits of high refresh rates while minimizing battery impact.
60Hz vs. 120Hz Experience
The jump from 60Hz to 120Hz is immediately noticeable when scrolling through social media feeds, websites, or apps. Text and images move more smoothly at 120Hz, reducing the perception of stuttering. In gaming and video playback, 120Hz delivers noticeably more fluid motion. Most users describe the experience as significantly more responsive and premium. However, for basic messaging and phone calls, the difference is negligible.
iPhones with ProMotion 120Hz Displays
- iPhone 14 Pro: 120Hz ProMotion display
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 120Hz ProMotion display
- iPhone 15 Pro: 120Hz ProMotion display
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: 120Hz ProMotion display
- Standard iPhone 14/15/16: 60Hz standard display
Battery and Performance Implications
Higher refresh rates consume more power because the display updates more frequently. However, ProMotion's adaptive technology partially mitigates this by reducing refresh rate when possible. Users report that iPhone 14 Pro battery life is comparable to standard iPhones despite the 120Hz display, thanks to Apple's optimization. The 120Hz display is most beneficial for users who actively scroll and interact with their device frequently.
Related Questions
Is 120Hz worth the upgrade on iPhone?
The 120Hz upgrade is noticeably better for scrolling and gaming, making the experience feel more responsive and premium. However, it affects battery life slightly and only provides benefits when actively using the phone—resting the iPhone drains at similar rates.
Why don't all iPhones have 120Hz displays?
120Hz displays are more expensive to produce and consume more power. Apple reserves this premium feature for Pro models to differentiate them and justify higher pricing, while standard models achieve adequate performance with 60Hz displays.
Can you disable ProMotion to save battery?
The ProMotion adaptive technology cannot be completely disabled, but the display automatically reduces refresh rate when possible to conserve battery. You can also use standard battery saver mode to further extend battery life.
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Sources
- Wikipedia - iPhoneCC-BY-SA-4.0
- Apple - iPhone Specificationsproprietary