The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 17 Pro Max are both expected to offer advanced display features, particularly in terms of refresh rates. Here's a detailed comparison of their adaptive and variable refresh rate capabilities:
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Adaptive Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S25 Ultra features an adaptive mode that can adjust the refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz. This allows the device to optimize power consumption by lowering the refresh rate when the screen is static or displaying static content, and increasing it for smoother animations and gaming experiences[1][5][7].- Standard Mode: In contrast, the standard mode is limited to a fixed 60 Hz refresh rate, which can help extend battery life but may not provide the same level of smoothness as the adaptive mode[1][3].
- Display Technology: The S25 Ultra uses a high-quality OLED display that supports HDR10 and HDR10+, offering vibrant colors and contrast[5].
iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Variable Refresh Rate (ProMotion): Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a variable refresh rate display, similar to previous Pro models, which can adjust from 1 Hz to 120 Hz. This technology, branded as ProMotion by Apple, is designed to enhance visual smoothness while conserving battery life[2][4][6].- Display Panel: The iPhone 17 series is rumored to use Samsung M14 OLED panels, which support variable refresh rates. This would mark a significant upgrade for non-Pro models, as they would also potentially receive this feature[2][4].
- Historical Context: Historically, Apple has reserved ProMotion for its Pro devices, but recent rumors indicate that all iPhone 17 models might include this feature, which would be a significant departure from past practices[6][8].
Comparison
- Refresh Rate Range: Both devices offer a similar range of refresh rates, from 1 Hz to 120 Hz, allowing for dynamic adjustment based on content and user interaction.- Power Efficiency: Both adaptive and variable refresh rates are designed to optimize power consumption by reducing the refresh rate when not needed, though the exact implementation might differ slightly between Samsung and Apple.
- Display Quality: Both phones are expected to feature high-quality OLED displays, though specific brightness and color accuracy metrics may vary.
Overall, while both devices offer advanced refresh rate capabilities, the exact implementation and user experience might differ based on software and hardware optimizations specific to each brand.
Citations:
[1] https://www.webproeducation.com/how-to/enable-disable-120hz-refresh-rate-on-galaxy-s25-s25-ultra/
[2] https://www.notebookcheck.net/Entire-iPhone-17-line-rumored-to-use-iPhone-16-Pro-s-120-Hz-display.963354.0.html
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h7dAV1wn9I
[4] https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/the-iphone-17-could-launch-with-a-display-upgrade-that-makes-the-iphone-17-pro-seem-questionable
[5] https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s25_ultra-review-2793p3.php
[6] https://9to5mac.com/2024/12/30/iphone-17-higher-refresh-rate-displays/
[7] https://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=27118
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1AdZB0yVl8