The iPhone 16 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display that is OLED-based. Its resolution is 2622 by 1206 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of around 460 pixels per inch (ppi). The display has rounded corners and follows a curved design, housed within a standard rectangular shape that measures about 6.27 inches diagonally when considered as a rectangle. It supports an adaptive refresh rate technology known as ProMotion, capable of varying refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and responsiveness. The contrast ratio is very high at about 2,000,000:1, with a typical brightness of 1000 nits and a peak brightness reaching 1600 nits for HDR content, and an extraordinary outdoor peak brightness of 2000 nits. This display also features Apple's Dynamic Island, an Always-On display mode, True Tone for color adjustment based on ambient light, wide color gamut (P3) support, and haptic touch functionality. It is protected with a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating and supports the simultaneous display of multiple languages and characters. The display aspect ratio is approximately 19.5:9, and it employs HDR10 for high dynamic range content.
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Its resolution is higher, at 3088 by 1440 pixels, yielding a higher pixel density of about 500 ppi. The screen supports an adaptive refresh rate like the iPhone 16 Pro but with a wider range, dynamically adjusting from 1Hz to 120Hz depending on the content to optimize power efficiency. It has an aspect ratio of 19.3:9, slightly different from the iPhone's. This AMOLED display technology offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high brightness levels. The typical brightness for the Galaxy S23 Ultra is around 1750 nits, with peak brightness going up to 2500 nits for HDR content, making it one of the brightest smartphone displays available. The display supports HDR10+ for advanced dynamic metadata for HDR video playback. It also has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection and supports stylus input with the integrated S Pen. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's screen uses an LTPO technology panel allowing efficient power consumption while supporting the higher refresh rates. Additionally, this device supports a wide color gamut and color accuracy modes suitable for professionals and content creators.
Regarding display protection, the iPhone 16 Pro uses Apple's Ceramic Shield on the front, known for its toughness and scratch resistance, while the S23 Ultra uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is designed to provide very high durability and resistance to drops and scratches.
In summary, the iPhone 16 Pro's display emphasizes accurate color reproduction, high dynamic range with peak outdoor brightness, and smooth responsiveness with ProMotion technology and an Always-On display. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a larger, sharper screen with higher resolution, stronger peak brightness, and expansive HDR10+ support. Both use OLED technology but with different implementations and optimizations: Apple uses its Super Retina XDR panel with a focus on color accuracy and brightness for HDR, whereas Samsung employs its Dynamic AMOLED 2X with very high brightness levels and a wider refresh rate range for enhanced power management and display quality.