Is a 60Hz iPhone 16 a Hard Pass?

Paul97 on 25/02/2025 - 19:32
Last edited 25/02/2025 - 19:53 by 2 other users

Hi, I have a Samsung S9 from 2018.

The screen is cracked, the front camera shows black spots in the image, and I've also lost the button to turn the phone on and off, having to use an accessibility setting to now perform this. Safe to say, I'm really frugal.

I have been looking to purchase an iPhone, but I learned that the regular iPhones are 60hz. I am surprised that even the latest iPhone 16 is 60hz. Therefore, should the regular iPhone be ignored and should I be looking at the iPhone Plus variant instead? Or should I just upgrade to the iPhone Pro?

Thanks for your help!

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

  • askbargain on 25/02/2025 - 19:38
    +15

    if you come from higher refresh rate you might notice it for a few weeks but will get used to it anyway

    • FireRunner on 25/02/2025 - 22:09

      Pretty much this. I had switched from 144Hz Motorola to an iPhone 15.
      I felt the UI was actually smoother but I think it’s the way Apple pretties things up with animations.
      The part I most noticed and still notice is when scrolling pages. 60Hz certainly looks much worse than 120Hz+.
      It just stings a bit because it’s an expensive phone and an inexpensive feature. The only reason it’s not on the base iPhone is to upsell you to the Pro model.
      I don’t regret buying the base instead of the Pro. The higher refresh would have been nicer but 60Hz is acceptable in my opinion.

    • EarlyBird22 on 26/02/2025 - 11:44

      I put my 4yo phone back to 60hz in an effort to save battery life and I wouldn't say I cared.
      Iphones also have slower animations according to LTT, probably to combat this.

    • HeWhoKnows on 26/02/2025 - 12:41
      -1

      Correct, but more like a few days

      This article explains it very well

      https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/i-was-wrong-about-the-i…

  • CyberMurning on 25/02/2025 - 19:43
    +8

    surprised that even the latest iPhone 16 is 60hz

    Well i surprised when they remove charger due to saving the environment but selling separately at amazing prices. They just rotten to the core

  • Twix on 25/02/2025 - 19:46

    iPhone 16 Plus is also 60Hz. Get the iPhone 16 Pro if you want 120Hz. Go compare in-store.

    What about the Samsung S25 series?

  • CrispyChrispy on 25/02/2025 - 19:50
    +3

    Honestly once you go 120Hz it's hard to go back

    Does it need to be an iPhone?

    • Paul97 on 25/02/2025 - 19:53
      +1

      Doesnt need to be an iPhone, but I have a Samsung so was considering switching sides. Also partner has been insistent on me getting a new phone that is an iPhone.

      • MS Paint on 25/02/2025 - 20:45
        +20

        that is an iPhone.

        Time for a new partner then.

        • RiseAndRuin on 26/02/2025 - 10:50

          Or partner can switch to Android, their choice…

      • ifuggedxyz on 25/02/2025 - 21:08
        +3

        … was considering switching sides.

        Don't, u will regret it!

      • Twix on 25/02/2025 - 21:36
        +3

        Most apps are cross compatible. What's the reasoning for the iPhone push? Those blue iMessage bubbles?

      • ForkSnorter on 26/02/2025 - 08:23
        +1

        If your partner has an iPhone, I would recommend you get an iPhone too. iMessage is pretty convenient in ways that may not be apparent to most people.

        For one thing, you can send full-resolution photos and videos, which you can't do normally with most messenger apps. With other messenger apps, you will always see a noticeable drop in quality/resolution. I especially notice this with Facebook messenger, and the drop in quality is even worse when using Facebook messenger on an Android phone.

        If you have any other apple products, like a Mac Mini or an iPad, having an iPhone just makes it so much more convenient to share files, photos, videos, and information between devices.

        • EarlyBird22 on 26/02/2025 - 11:38

          I have ~8 family members with Iphones using whatsapp just so we could message in groups/media share easily. I was very close to making the switch just for this prior to everyone using whatsapp. Even closer recently when I realised you could return your $526 s25 for an Iphone 16. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/16270667/redir

          • orangehead911 on 26/02/2025 - 11:42

            @EarlyBird22: Why not create a group in iMessage?

            • EarlyBird22 on 26/02/2025 - 11:45

              @orangehead911: As an android user I can't respond to the group. Also media goes as mms which is comedic

          • ForkSnorter on 26/02/2025 - 11:48

            @EarlyBird22: I have family members sending whole documents such as large PDFs directly to multiple other family members on iPhone through group iMessages.

            • EarlyBird22 on 26/02/2025 - 11:53

              @ForkSnorter: Apologies, I'm an android user. So imessage isn't an option. But is the main reason I would switch

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 25/02/2025 - 19:51

    If that’s what’s in budget

  • vorsprung on 25/02/2025 - 19:52
    +3

    It’s a phone… do you really need more than 60Hz? I do have an iPhone 15 Pro but that’s because of a work tax thing.

    • Paul97 on 25/02/2025 - 19:55

      Good point. Saw a post on here a few days ago about the 16e being 60hz, and that flipped my mindset. Thanks for the insight.

      • CrispyChrispy on 25/02/2025 - 19:57
        +3

        Would recommend going in store and comparing between them - if you think you can live with 60Hz, as you have been doing, then by all means

        Don't go off what people on the internet say, go in store and try it yourself.

        • Paul97 on 25/02/2025 - 19:59

          I will do this. I doubt the human eye can tell the difference between 60hz and 120hz. I feel that's only in video games. Thanks for the tip.

          • tenpercent on 25/02/2025 - 20:01

            @Paul97: I need 120hz for my candy crush addiction /s

            • Paul97 on 25/02/2025 - 20:05

              @tenpercent: It's also a good to have the phone be as unattractive as possible so I spend less time on it. 60hz would help with that.

            • viper8548 on 26/02/2025 - 01:22

              @tenpercent: 99% of games don't run higher than 60fps, 120hz is just purely for scrolling, no streaming platforms or 99% of the games will actually take advantage of a 120hz screen. Happy to be corrected.

              • CrispyChrispy on 26/02/2025 - 13:20

                @viper8548: All the big titles like PUBG, CoC and COD Mobile are all capable of running at high FPS/refresh rates, not sure of the smaller games but a lot of games do nowadays

          • CrispyChrispy on 25/02/2025 - 20:04
            +3

            @Paul97:

            I doubt the human eye can tell the difference between 60hz and 120hz.

            Hard disagree. I have both a 60hz and 120Hz phone sitting at my desk right now, and the 60Hz just feels outright slow. It's a complete night and day difference, and not only for gaming. Literally everything on the 120Hz phone is smoother. The difference could not be more obvious.

            120Hz and 165Hz is a different story though.

            • Paul97 on 25/02/2025 - 20:06
              +1

              @CrispyChrispy: Okay thanks i'll conpare them in person at the store.

              • vorsprung on 25/02/2025 - 20:31

                @Paul97: Agreed the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz on a phone is noticeable, my argument is whether or not it’s necessary for a phone.

                It’s a decision only you can make, based on how and how much you use your phone and whether you value the smoother visual experience that 120Hz offers.

                • conan2000 on 25/02/2025 - 21:28

                  @vorsprung: Yeah, I have two phones one with 60Hz the other 120Hz, but I am not convinced it's the refresh rate so much that makes it feel slow as the fact the 60Hz one is just an older phone model. It's definitely not a difference I'd care enough about on a phone. Gaming monitor for home, then I would.

            • Jolakot on 25/02/2025 - 22:11

              @CrispyChrispy: For my monitors, 30hz to 60hz was a revolutionary upgrade, 60hz to 75hz was a more noticeable upgrade than 75hz to 144hz, and recently went up to 240hz which doesn't feel different at all.

    • RiseAndRuin on 26/02/2025 - 10:52

      It’s a phone… do you really need anything more expensive than an Android one?

  • AustriaBargain on 25/02/2025 - 19:53

    I went from iPad Pro with ProMotion to iPad Air with 60hz and I hardly notice the difference. You do kinda notice, but not really.

  • Gunnar on 25/02/2025 - 20:05
    +12

    The thing with asking questions like this is that typically:
    - Android users will tell you how much iPhones suck because they were doing it a million years ago
    - iPhone users don’t know what you’re on about or for that matter, care

    So you never really get an unbiased /informed answer

    Sent from my iPhone

  • DingoBilly on 25/02/2025 - 21:22
    +2

    Lol. I typically set my phone to maximum 60Hz to save battery even with the option for 120Hz.

    There's really no benefit/difference if it's 120Hz. Save the money and go the lower spec, only really anal people will say there's a noticeable difference.

    • OZBargainer in SA on 26/02/2025 - 08:47
      +1

      I've just tried both settings on my phone and the difference isn't noticeable enough to me that I'll take the battery life penalty that 120Hz imposes.

      • mattmel96 on 26/02/2025 - 09:14
        +1

        So to clarify, you can't notice the difference but you won't 'get the battery savings', time to turn in your name tag as you are 'saving'. 😂

      • User0001 on 26/02/2025 - 10:09

        Do you have an iPhone or android?

  • greatlamp on 25/02/2025 - 21:56

    I certainly wouldn't pay more for a phone just because it has 120Hz. I would pay for a better screen, for example LED to OLED, but refresh rate alone is not noticeable. I have been using a Samsung with 120hz for 3+ years, most of the time it's at 60hz anyway when in power save mode.

    • CrispyChrispy on 25/02/2025 - 22:03
      +1

      I certainly wouldn't pay more for a phone just because it has 120Hz.

      I don't think anyone is suggesting this, and the jump from a base iPhone 16 to a 16 Pro is obviously more than just the refresh rate

      But really $200 phones nowadays have 120Hz refresh rates, if you're spending so much $$$ you would expect it as a minimum imo.

    • barcer on 26/02/2025 - 07:56

      What rubbish. Refresh rate is absolutely noticeable. Scrolling is far smoother, for example. My phone also drops to 60 Hz in battery-saving mode, and the difference is definitely noticeable!

      • keejoonc on 26/02/2025 - 11:46
        +1

        I don't know what's more concerning. Genuinely not being able to notice a diffierence between 60hz and 120hz screen or lying about not being able to notice a difference LOL

  • neoleo on 25/02/2025 - 22:38
    +2

    My android phone (OnePlus) has 120 Hz, but I set it to 60 Hz. Not really noticeable in my opinion, unless if you are a gamer that play a lot of games in your phone. In Developer Options in android Settings, there's an option of "Show refresh rate" (Show the current display refresh rate) if you want to check the current refresh rate on any apps when you are using the device.

    Remember: The higher the refresh rate, the shorter the battery life. Even certain laptops have 48 Hz option along with 60 Hz option in the setting, but 60 Hz is the standard anyway.

  • AwesomeAndrew on 25/02/2025 - 23:34
    +1

    I recommend you stick to a Samsung phone.
    1. Samsung phones are much cheaper when purchased at launch using the optimal method. For example you could have purchased the S25 512GB at launch for $527 and got back a $200 JB-HIFI gift card though this deal, assuming you were able to use the preorder discount code and were able to get $79 first month fee refunded via chat. S25+ 512GB was $767 with $200 gift card, and S25 Ultra 512GB was $1004, under the same assumptions.
    2. If you have purchased any paid apps through Google Play, you will have to buy them again if you switch to iPhone.
    3. It is easier to switch between Android phones, especially when with the same brand, as the switching app can copy over settings and app data (only some apps), making setup less time consuming.
    4. You will be more familiar with the Android operating system on a Samsung phone and will not need to get used to iOS.
    5. You get mostly better hardware when comparing the S25 to the iPhone 16, you get a better screen (120Hz vs 60Hz), a faster processor, an extra 3x zoom camera, and USB 3, however the iPhone has better speakers, generally longer battery life, and satellite connectivity.
    6. You also need to decide whether you prefer having an under display fingerprint reader on Samsung or Face ID on iPhone. Samsung supports face unlock but it's less secure.

    Currently you get the S24 for $599 by trading in your old phone in this deal. Or if you can survive another year with your current phone, wait for the S26 launch deals which should be very similar to this year.

    • Paul97 on 26/02/2025 - 00:00
      +1

      Thank you. After reading your comment I am now considering the S24 as there's not much difference to the S25. A lot cheaper too. Thanks for your help.

  • barcer on 26/02/2025 - 07:54
    +4

    It's a joke that Apple are selling such expensive phones with 60 Hz screens in 2025, when I bought a $300 phone last year with a 120 Hz OLED screen.

    Sheeple still keep forking out megabucks for poor specs though, so Apple will keep raking in the profits.

    • ThithLord on 26/02/2025 - 09:50
      +2

      Hell hath no fury like an Androne user needing to tout their misguided opinion on why people buy iPhones

  • ForkSnorter on 26/02/2025 - 08:28
    -2

    The 60Hz is the least important factor in my opinion. It's not like you're going to stare on your phone's screen all day. Personally I wouldn't get one, because I wouldn't spend $1000 on any phone. But if you were planning to spend that money anyway, the 16E would be worth considering if you want to be in the Apple ecosystem.

    • plmko on 26/02/2025 - 09:52

      You don't need to spend $1000. Even cheap phones like Samsung A15 which can be bought on Ebay for $200 has 90hz.

      That's all you need to know about paying for what you don't get.

      • ForkSnorter on 26/02/2025 - 10:03
        -2

        He was asking whether he should get an iPhone 16E, which cost $1000.

  • ThithLord on 26/02/2025 - 09:52
    -4

    Mate, I have an iPhone 16 Pro and my partner has a 12 Mini, I cannot notice the difference when I use her phone. And I have near-perfect vision (got my eyes tested a week or two ago).

    Once you pick up a phone that receives day-0 updates, with a polished and uniform OS, you won't go back.

  • CheapStuffIDontNeed on 26/02/2025 - 10:59
    -1

    Was getting my 13 serviced the other week (damn fluff in the charging port) and they have the new ones set up on the repair table for you to fiddle with whilst they work. I was always skeptical of the refresh rate hype but I could deffo notice it.
    With that said, I wouldnt be buying a 16 at the moment. The refresh rate alone isnt enough to justify it over say a 14 or 15. TBH this gen of iphones was a bit of a miss, and ios 18 is buggy as heck by apple standards.

  • haemolysis on 26/02/2025 - 14:06

    The 60Hz thing is so weird. 120Hz displays are cheap enough that low-end budget androids are using them now. It's a weird thing to maintain to convince people to upgrade.

    But seriously… do you notice? And if you notice, do you care? I think most people will answer no to both questions.

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