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| Even in 2027, Apples "value packed" iPhone 18e probably wont offer a 120Hz display, which you can get with some of the cheapest Android phone these days. |
As Apple prepares its spring lineup, the company's most affordable iPhone continues to carry a display technology that's becoming increasingly outdated in a market flooded with 120Hz screens.
Is it a "value packed" deal, as Apple claims? The iPhone 17e currently costs upwards from US$599 when purchased directly from Apple. Even within the Apple ecosystem, you are sacrificing significant hardware features when compared with the US$200 more expensive iPhone 17. In addition to the lacking ultra-wide-angle camera, UWB and Wi-Fi 7, the underwhelming 60 Hz display stands out as a major drawback for Apple's cheapest iPhone.
For budget-conscious consumers, the display disparity becomes even more glaring when looking at the competition. If you're looking for a really good deal, you'll usually find it in the Android camp, where 120 Hz OLED displays are already available as standard in the cheapest Chinese phones like the Redmi series. Of course, there are other display qualities beyond just the refresh rate, especially since Apple combines 120 Hz with the higher dynamic of an LTPO panel, while Android phones also use cheaper LTPS panels with 120 Hz refresh rate. Nevertheless, it's quite telling that Apple will apparently stick with a 60 Hz display for the iPhone 18e in 2027, as Digital Chat Station currently mentions on Weibo.
What the Leaks Reveal About Apple's Display Strategy
This also aligns with earlier leaks which don't see a modern ProMotion display in Apple's most affordable iPhone until the iPhone 19e (likely launching in 2028). According to the leaker, the iPhone 18e will once again feature a 6.1-inch LTPS display with 1.5K resolution, while the iPhone 18 is expected to have a 6.3-inch 1.5K 120 Hz LTPO-OLED display. The iPhone Air 2 is tipped to get a 6.55-inch 1.5K 120 Hz LTPO-OLED, meaning the display specs for all the new iPhones set to launch in spring 2027 will apparently remain largely unchanged.
What This Means for Consumers
The decision to stick with 60Hz displays on budget iPhones raises several questions:
Is the savings worth the sacrifice? At $599, the iPhone 17e sits in a competitive price bracket where many Android alternatives offer 120Hz displays as standard. Users upgrading from older iPhones may not notice the difference, but those switching from modern Android devices will immediately feel the lack of fluidity.
Apple's tiered strategy: The company clearly positions the "e" series as an entry point to the ecosystem, prioritizing the iOS experience and Apple's silicon advantages over display innovations. For users who primarily consume content rather than game or scroll heavily, the 60Hz screen might be acceptable.
The LTPO advantage: It's worth noting that when Apple does implement 120Hz on its Pro models, it uses superior LTPO technology that enables variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz, offering better power efficiency than the cheaper LTPS panels found on budget Android devices.
Future Outlook: The iPhone 19e and Beyond
As a little bonus, Digital Chat Station also mentions the iPhone Ultra 2 and the iPhone 19 Pro (potentially iPhone 20 Pro) whose development is apparently proceeding normally for a fall 2027 launch. This suggests that while Apple may be slow to adopt advanced display technology on its budget line, premium devices will continue to push boundaries.
The delay in bringing 120Hz to the "e" series until 2028 means that for the next two generations, budget-conscious Apple users will need to choose between saving money and enjoying the fluid display experience that's becoming industry standard elsewhere.
Bottom Line: Should You Wait?
For those considering the iPhone 17e or 18e, the decision comes down to priorities. If a 60Hz display doesn't bother you and you're committed to the Apple ecosystem, the "e" series offers a solid entry point. However, if display smoothness matters to you, it might be worth saving for the standard iPhone or exploring the Android alternatives that offer 120Hz at similar price points.
With the gap between Apple's budget and premium offerings widening on display technology, consumers have a clear choice to make in the coming years.
Source : Digital Chat Station Weibo
