ProMotion display technology made its debut in 2017, but it was first equipped on the iPhone 13 series. Today, this technology is widely integrated into subsequent generations. In this article, Mytour will provide you with insights into what ProMotion technology is, its functionalities, and how it operates.
What is ProMotion Technology?
ProMotion technology is an exclusive feature by Apple, also known as adaptive display technology with a 120Hz refresh rate. It first appeared on iPad Pro models in 2017, significantly enhancing display performance and responsiveness. This technology ensures smoother motion compared to conventional 60Hz screens.
ProMotion technology delivers higher screen precision and smoothness, along with quicker screen responsiveness. Notably, its flexibility in adjusting the refresh rate contributes to significant battery savings for smartphones.

Although introduced since 2017, it wasn't until the latest generation that ProMotion technology made its debut on Apple's phone screens, especially on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. Under the influence of this advanced technology, the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max automatically adjust the screen refresh rate from 10 to 120 Hz, delivering an optimal experience for users.
So, after going through the above content, have you grasped what ProMotion technology is? Next, let's delve deeper into understanding this screen technology.
How ProMotion Technology Works
Most standard screens usually have a refresh rate of 60Hz, meaning the screen updates 60 times per second with a delay of 0.0166 seconds. And the frame rate is 60 frames per second.
On the contrary, with ProMotion technology, the scanning frequency is increased to 120 Hz, reducing latency and providing a smoother experience. To understand how this technology works, we need to recognize that the frame rate generated by the GPU and the screen refresh rate are not synchronized.
On most screens with a standard refresh rate of 60 Hz, whether you're watching videos, using apps, viewing photos, or playing games, the frame rate is typically 60 frames per second. ProMotion technology reduces this latency by increasing the refresh rate to 120 Hz, creating smooth motions without the need to boost the frame rate.

Additionally, ProMotion technology is also known as adaptive screen technology. This means that the screen on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max can switch between frequencies from 10 Hz to 120 Hz as needed. Simply put, the refresh rate automatically drops to 30 Hz or lower when reading news or watching movies. However, it will automatically return to 120 Hz when playing games or scrolling to the main screen.
Another factor supporting ProMotion technology is the LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) display. It allows the refresh rate to adjust automatically on your device. This is a perfect combination with almost identical features and benefits.
Applications of Promotion Technology
After learning about what ProMotion technology is and how it works, let's explore the amazing applications and benefits of this screen technology below.
ProMotion not only makes scrolling on the device smoother but also significantly enhances feedback performance and gaming experience. In the case of using the iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil, ProMotion technology provides extremely high sensitivity when interacting with the screen, with a response speed of only 0.02 seconds. It brings a smoother and more precise experience for writing and drawing on the screen.

Moreover, ProMotion technology has enabled Apple to bring an advanced Super Retina XDR display to the iPhone 13 Pro series. You not only get to experience the stunning Retina display but also enjoy the flexible 120 Hz refresh rate. Coupled with a maximum brightness of up to 1000 nits, a 25% increase from the previous generation. This allows for comfortable device usage even when outdoors.
ProMotion technology also aids in saving battery life through its adaptive feature. When browsing the web or watching videos, the battery consumption is negligible as the refresh rate automatically drops to 30 Hz or lower. However, if you engage in high refresh rate-demanding games, it will significantly drain the battery.
Comparison of ProMotion (iOS) and Refresh Rate (Android)
Essentially, ProMotion doesn't differ much from the screen refresh rate of Refresh Rate on Android devices. However, if asked about the biggest difference of ProMotion technology, it lies in its ability to automatically adjust the screen refresh rate based on user usage. This contrasts with a stable 120 Hz rate on Android.
The refresh rate on Android devices often depends on the frame rate. However, the frame rate is contingent on the processing power of the CPU or GPU and the display capabilities of the screen. If a screen can refresh at 120 Hz but the CPU processes only 60 frames per second, the actual refresh rate is limited to 60 Hz.
In contrast, Apple eliminated this dependency through ProMotion technology. It allows the screen to refresh at 120 Hz without the need to increase the frame processing speed. This could be the reason Apple named this technology, showcasing its unique difference from Android devices.
Devices Integrated with ProMotion Technology
In the above section, Mytour has provided you with information about what ProMotion technology is, as well as its benefits for mobile device screens. Below is a list of iPhone and iPad models equipped with this technology:
- iPad Pro 2017 (10.5 inch, 12.9 inch)
- iPad Pro 2018 (11 inch, 12.9 inch)
- iPad Pro 2020 (11 inch, 12.9 inch)
- iPad Pro M1 2021
- iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
For iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, despite being introduced at the Wonderlust event alongside Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, they do not support ProMotion technology.

Conclusion
In this article, Mytour has provided detailed information about ProMotion technology, what it is, how it works, and the benefits for the screens of mobile devices. We hope that the information above will help you understand more about Apple's advanced technology and grasp its unique features.
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