The iPhone 17 marks a significant evolution in Apple’s display technology for its standard model by moving from the traditional 60Hz refresh rate to a fixed 120Hz screen. However, unlike the Pro models, which feature dynamic refresh rate technology known as ProMotion, the base iPhone 17 does not support adaptive refresh rates. This distinction has important implications for battery life and user experience.

Fixed 120Hz Refresh Rate on the Base iPhone 17

The base iPhone 17’s display refreshes at a constant 120Hz, doubling the fluidity of animations, scrolling, and video playback compared to the previous 60Hz standard. This fixed refresh rate means the screen updates 120 times per second regardless of the content being displayed. While this results in a smoother visual experience, it also means the display consumes more power continuously because it cannot reduce the refresh rate during static or low-motion content[2].

Dynamic Refresh Rate and ProMotion Technology

In contrast, Apple’s Pro models use ProMotion technology enabled by LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) OLED panels. This technology allows the refresh rate to dynamically scale from as low as 1Hz up to 120Hz. When viewing static images or reading text, the refresh rate can drop significantly, conserving battery power. During high-motion activities like gaming or video playback, the refresh rate ramps up to provide smooth visuals. This adaptability not only enhances battery efficiency but also enables features like the always-on display, which relies on ultra-low refresh rates to show information without draining the battery[3].

Battery Life Implications

Because the base iPhone 17 lacks a dynamic refresh rate, it cannot optimize power consumption based on usage scenarios. Running a fixed 120Hz refresh rate continuously demands more energy than a variable rate that can drop to minimal levels during static content. Consequently, the base model may experience shorter battery life compared to Pro models with ProMotion, especially during typical usage that involves a lot of static content like reading or viewing photos.

Moreover, the inability to lower the refresh rate to 1Hz means the base iPhone 17 likely cannot support the always-on display feature efficiently, as this feature requires very low refresh rates to avoid excessive battery drain.

Summary

• Base iPhone 17: Fixed 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother visuals than 60Hz but consumes more battery because it cannot lower refresh rates during static content.
• Pro iPhone 17 models: Use dynamic ProMotion technology with LTPO panels, allowing refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing battery life by reducing power consumption during low-motion scenarios.
• Battery life: The fixed refresh rate of the base iPhone 17 may lead to comparatively reduced battery efficiency versus Pro models with adaptive refresh rates.
• Features: The lack of dynamic refresh rate likely excludes always-on display functionality on the base model due to power constraints.

In conclusion, while the base iPhone 17 benefits from a smoother 120Hz display over previous 60Hz models, its fixed refresh rate design means it sacrifices some battery efficiency and advanced display features available on Pro models equipped with dynamic refresh rate technology. Users prioritizing battery life and features like always-on display may find the Pro models more advantageous despite the higher cost[2][3].

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/iPhone16ProMax/comments/1iu2wxl/want_better_battery_life_here_is_the_best_setting/
[2] https://zeerawireless.com/blogs/news/iphone-17-update-8-features-you-should-know-120hz-screen-wireless-future-more
[3] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/standard-iphone-17-display-again-said-to-feature-higher-refresh-rate.2446389/