How does the refresh rate adaptation work in the Xiaomi 15 Pro compared to the iPhone 16 Pro.

Xiaomi 15 Pro

The Xiaomi 15 Pro employs LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology, which allows for a highly adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1 Hz to 120 Hz. This capability enables the device to adjust the refresh rate in real-time based on the content being displayed. For instance:

- Dynamic Adjustment: The refresh rate can drop to as low as 1 Hz for static content, such as reading text or viewing still images, which significantly conserves battery power. Conversely, it can ramp up to 120 Hz during fast-paced activities like gaming or scrolling through apps[2][5].
- Three-Level Refresh Zoning: This feature allows for efficient power management by dividing the display into zones that can refresh independently, further enhancing battery efficiency while maintaining high performance during dynamic content[5][6].
- User Interaction: The system is designed to keep the refresh rate high during user interactions and quickly lower it when the screen is idle, though some users have reported inconsistencies where the refresh rate remains elevated even when not interacting with the device[3][4].

iPhone 16 Pro

In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro also utilizes LTPO technology but focuses on a slightly different approach to refresh rate adaptation:

- ProMotion Technology: This feature allows for a variable refresh rate from 10 Hz up to 120 Hz, adjusting based on user activity and content type. For example, it can lower the refresh rate to conserve battery when displaying static images or text, similar to Xiaomi’s implementation[2].
- Seamless Transition: Apple emphasizes a smooth transition between different refresh rates, ensuring that animations and scrolling remain fluid without noticeable lag or stutter. The adaptation is generally more seamless compared to some reports from Xiaomi users regarding their devices staying at higher rates longer than expected[1][3].
- Battery Optimization: The iPhone's system is designed to maximize battery life by intelligently managing the refresh rates based on usage patterns, ensuring that high refresh rates are only utilized when necessary.

Conclusion

Both devices leverage LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, but the Xiaomi 15 Pro offers a broader range of adjustment (1 Hz to 120 Hz) with specific features like three-level zoning for enhanced efficiency. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro focuses on a seamless user experience with its ProMotion technology, ensuring smooth transitions and effective battery management. Users may prefer one over the other based on their specific needs for performance versus efficiency in various usage scenarios.