I've been comparing the displays on the iQOO 16 and iPhone 18 Pro, and honestly, both have some interesting technologies behind them. The iQOO 16 is pushing resolution and refresh rate, while Apple takes a different approach with its ProMotion display.

Resolution & Pixel Density

The iQOO 16 features a 6.85-inch 2K display (3168 × 1440)  The iPhone 18 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch OLED display (2622 × 1206) The iQOO offers a larger viewing area and higher pixel density, while the iPhone provides a more compact display with a similarly high level of pixel density.

165Hz vs 120Hz

This is probably the biggest difference on paper. The iQOO 16 supports a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, whereas the iPhone 18 Pro uses Apple's ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. A higher refresh rate can make scrolling, animations and supported games look smoother. However, the actual difference also depends on the content and whether an app or game supports those refresh rates.

Brightness & Outdoor Visibility

The iQOO 16 claims up to 2,800 nits global peak brightness, with its M16 panel and LEAD 2.0 technology also focusing on power efficiency. The iPhone 18 Pro offers up to 3,000 nits outdoor peak brightness, 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness and an anti-reflective coating. One thing worth remembering is that peak brightness measurements can use different test conditions, so these numbers aren't necessarily a direct comparison.

What About Everyday Usage?

Beyond gaming, I'd want to compare both displays while watching HDR content, reading, browsing, scrolling through social media and using them outdoors.

Because a display isn't something we use only when playing games. It is probably the component we interact with the most throughout the day.

👀 My Take

I find this comparison interesting because both brands are prioritising different aspects of display technology. The iQOO 16 brings a 2K 165Hz Samsung M16 panel with gaming-focused touch optimisation. The iPhone 18 Pro combines a Super Retina XDR OLED panel, adaptive 120Hz ProMotion, HDR and Apple's display technologies. I wouldn't decide based on refresh rate alone. I'd rather compare colour accuracy, brightness consistency, touch responsiveness, power efficiency and actual viewing quality.

Which display technology would you personally prioritise: 2K + 165Hz or Apple's 120Hz ProMotion experience?