5 Years Later, iPhone Catches Up with Xiaomi’s Display Tech
In a move that’s been long anticipated by tech enthusiasts, Apple is reportedly planning to introduce 120 Hz refresh rate displays to its standard iPhone lineup starting with the iPhone 17 series in 2025. While ProMotion displays have existed in Apple’s Pro models since the iPhone 13 Pro, this marks the first time that base models will get a higher refresh rate panel—a feature that Xiaomi implemented in mid-range phones as far back as 2020.
Xiaomi Was Ahead of Its Time
Xiaomi made a big splash in 2020 when it released phones like the Redmi K30 with a 120Hz refresh rate display. This was years before Apple added the same feature to its high-end iPhones. At the time, people thought that this ability was only found on high-end phones. Xiaomi’s choice to add this technology to its low- and mid-range phones changed what the industry expected. Now, even at lower price points, smooth scrolling and visual changes are the norm.
What’s Changing in the iPhone 17?
The iPhone 17’s standard variant is expected to receive a fixed 120 Hz OLED panel. Unlike the Pro models, which feature dynamic refresh rates through Apple’s ProMotion technology (scaling between 1 Hz to 120 Hz), the standard model will likely offer a consistent 120 Hz experience. This upgrade brings several user benefits:
- Smoother animations and scrolling
- Better responsiveness in gaming
- An overall more premium feel
This change makes Apple’s base model more competitive in a market where Android competitors have already made high-refresh displays a standard feature, not a premium one.
Other Key Upgrades in iPhone 17
Apart from the improved display, the iPhone 17 standard model is rumored to include other substantial upgrades:
- Apple’s A18 chip, based on the advanced 3nm N3E process
- 8 GB of RAM, a boost from the 6 GB in current base models
- A dual-camera system with a 48 MP main sensor and 12 MP ultrawide lens
- Wi-Fi 7 for faster wireless connectivity
- Enhanced MagSafe features
All these enhancements point to a more capable and future-ready iPhone—without needing to upgrade to the Pro line.
Why This Matters
Apple has been slow to follow display trends for years, while Android makers are quick to follow suit. By finally adding 120Hz to regular iPhones, Apple is recognizing that smartphone users today want better visuals across all price ranges.
This also shows that Apple’s approach is getting better, and the company may start closing the gap between the Pro and non-Pro models, at least in some core areas like speed and display. It gives people who buy iPhones more for their money without hurting the core strengths of the Apple environment.
The Xiaomi Effect
Xiaomi was one of the first companies to put high-refresh-rate screens on mid-range smartphones. This wasn’t just a stunt; it moved the whole industry forward. These days, even cheap Android phones have 90-Hz or 120-Hz screens, and users’ standards have changed to match. Apple’s future change is just a recognition of what other companies have already shown: screens that are better are much more enjoyable to use.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 17’s rumored 120 Hz OLED display for its base model is a long-overdue but welcome change. It narrows the experiential gap between Apple’s Pro and standard iPhones and catches up with a feature Android users have enjoyed for half a decade. Whether you’re scrolling social media, gaming, or just navigating iOS, the difference will be immediately noticeable—and finally, everyone buying an iPhone will benefit from it.
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