Apple unveiled its iPhone 16 series on September 9, 2024, and as expected, the company made a big splash with new features like Apple Intelligence support, an upgraded processor, a new Camera Control button, and enhanced cameras. However, one area where the iPhone 16 lineup may not impress as much is its display. Despite offering plenty of internal upgrades, Apple has stuck with its familiar 60Hz refresh rate for both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models, which might not meet the expectations of some users.

In a world where high-refresh-rate displays (120Hz and beyond) are becoming the standard on flagship smartphones, Apple's choice to retain the 60Hz refresh rate might feel outdated to some. And it appears that DxOMark agrees, with its iPhone 16 display test results falling short of what many expected from a device at this price point. While the iPhone 16 may still offer an excellent user experience with its optimized software and performance, its display could leave users who are accustomed to smoother, faster screens feeling a little disappointed.

For those hoping for a top-tier visual experience with a higher refresh rate, the iPhone 16 might not be the upgrade they were hoping for, especially when compared to the competition.

Apple’s iPhone 16 has earned a rather underwhelming 142 score in DxOMark’s display evaluation, placing it a surprising 40th on their leaderboard. Given that the iPhone is positioned as a premium device, this score is disappointing and falls well short of expectations. Meanwhile, top-tier Android flagships like the **Google Pixel 9 Pro XL** (Rank 1) and **Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra** (Rank 4) have secured spots in the top 10, highlighting the iPhone 16’s struggle to keep pace with the competition.

What’s even more troubling is that the iPhone 16 doesn’t just trail the flagship models—it’s also outperformed by several more affordable Android smartphones. The **Galaxy A35 5G** and **Pixel 9a**, both mid-range devices, scored 143 and 145 points respectively, surpassing Apple’s latest flagship despite their more budget-conscious pricing. 

In a market where display quality is often a deciding factor for consumers, Apple’s failure to deliver a standout screen experience with the iPhone 16 is disappointing. For a company that usually sets the bar for design and performance, this