How does the iPhone 16 handle 120 FPS in games compared to other smartphones

iPhone 16 Gaming Performance

- Thermal Throttling: The iPhone 16 Pro can achieve 120 FPS in some games, but thermal throttling often limits sustained performance. For instance, games like Genshin Impact can initially run at 120 FPS but drop to 60 FPS after a short period due to heat management issues[1][4]. This abrupt capping at 60 FPS is a common experience across many titles, which can diminish the overall gaming experience.

- Game Support: Not all games support 120 FPS effectively. While some titles like Thumper and Call of Duty Mobile have functioning 120 FPS modes, others, such as Asphalt 9 and Minecraft, do not consistently support this frame rate[1][2]. Developers often need to update their games to enable 120 FPS, and many games are not optimized for this feature on iOS devices[1].

Comparison with Other Smartphones

- Samsung Galaxy S24: The Galaxy S24 series also supports variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz, similar to the iPhone 16. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip in the Galaxy S24 is designed to handle demanding tasks efficiently, which may result in better performance during extended gaming sessions without significant drops in frame rates[7].

- Consistent Performance: Reports suggest that the Galaxy S24 models manage thermal performance better, allowing for more stable frame rates in high-demand games compared to the iPhone 16, which struggles with thermal throttling[7]. This could make the Galaxy S24 a better option for gamers looking for consistent high frame rates.

Conclusion

While the iPhone 16 Pro can deliver impressive gaming performance at 120 FPS, its effectiveness is often hampered by thermal throttling and inconsistent game support. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S24 may offer a more stable gaming experience due to its efficient hardware and better thermal management, making it a strong competitor in the high-performance gaming smartphone market.