Let’s be honest—when it comes to smartphone displays, Samsung often leads the charge. While Apple gets plenty of praise for its Retina displays, there’s a whole world of innovation happening on the Samsung side that the iPhone just hasn’t caught up with. Whether you’re a die-hard iPhone user or just curious about what else is out there, this article is going to open your eyes (literally and figuratively) to 8 Samsung display features that are truly next-level.
Why Samsung Displays Lead the Pack
Samsung’s Display Innovation Timeline
Samsung’s legacy in display technology stretches far beyond smartphones. As the world’s largest OLED panel manufacturer, the company has been years ahead of its competitors. From launching the first AMOLED panels in smartphones to debuting foldable displays, Samsung isn’t just playing the game—they’re writing the rules.
Collaboration with Display Industry Giants
Samsung not only develops its own tech but supplies displays to other brands—yes, even Apple! But the difference lies in how Samsung implements and maximizes the potential of its own panels in Galaxy devices.
1. AMOLED Superiority
True Blacks and Infinite Contrast
Samsung’s AMOLED panels are known for producing truly deep blacks. Unlike the iPhone’s OLED displays, which are impressive but slightly behind, AMOLED turns off individual pixels to create infinite contrast. Watching movies or playing games in dark settings? You’ll notice the difference instantly.
Better Power Efficiency
Since AMOLED only lights up the pixels in use, it uses significantly less power—especially when displaying darker themes. This contributes to longer battery life, making Samsung displays not just beautiful but also smarter.
2. Higher Refresh Rates (120Hz Adaptive Refresh)
Smooth Scrolling and Gaming
The Galaxy S22 Ultra and S24 series boast adaptive 120Hz displays that make everything—from scrolling Instagram to intense mobile gaming—ridiculously smooth. iPhones only adopted 120Hz recently and still limit it to the Pro models.
Dynamic Refresh Rate Optimization
Samsung’s LTPO technology intelligently switches refresh rates between 1Hz to 120Hz, depending on the activity. Reading a static article? It drops the refresh rate to save battery. Watching a video? It cranks it back up. Efficient and responsive.
3. Quad HD+ Resolution
Sharper Details and Better Text Clarity
Samsung’s Quad HD+ resolution (1440p) offers a visual clarity that the iPhone’s Super Retina XDR (1170p or 1290p depending on the model) simply can’t match. Whether you’re reading tiny text or viewing ultra-detailed photos, Samsung wins here—hands down.
4. Edge Display Technology
Immersive Visual Experience
Samsung’s edge displays wrap around the sides of the phone, giving you a more immersive look. This subtle curvature creates a borderless illusion that makes watching content feel like a cinematic experience.
Functional Edge Panels
It’s not just for looks—Samsung’s edge panels add real utility. Swipe in from the side to access shortcuts, tools, contacts, or your favorite apps. It’s like having a little hidden assistant built into the screen.
5. Brighter Panels with HDR10+ Support
Peak Brightness Levels That Outshine iPhone
Samsung’s recent flagships hit peak brightness levels over 1750 nits. That’s noticeably brighter than most iPhones, which max out around 1200-1600 nits. In outdoor use or direct sunlight, that difference is night and day—literally.
True-to-Life Colors with HDR10+
Samsung supports HDR10+ while Apple sticks with Dolby Vision. HDR10+ adjusts brightness and color scene-by-scene, delivering better contrast and a more dynamic picture—especially on streaming content.
6. Always-On Display (AOD)
Customization and Convenience
The Always-On Display is a long-time Samsung feature that Apple only recently tried to replicate. But Samsung’s AOD is far more customizable. Choose your clock style, calendar view, images, or even animated GIFs.
Battery-Smart AOD Features
Despite being always on, the AOD on Samsung devices barely sips battery—thanks to AMOLED technology that only lights up needed pixels. Plus, it can auto-disable when the phone is in your pocket or face-down.
7. Ultra-Sonic Fingerprint Scanner Under Display
More Secure and Fast Unlock
Samsung’s ultra-sonic fingerprint sensor sits under the display and works even if your fingers are slightly wet or dirty. That’s something Apple still can’t match with its Face ID-only system.
Technology Hidden in Plain Sight
It’s discreet. You won’t see it, but you’ll feel it work almost instantly. It’s futuristic tech you don’t have to think about—and that’s the best kind.
8. Curved Displays and Foldables
Samsung’s Pioneering Foldable Tech
Samsung didn’t stop at curved screens. It created a whole new category with the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series. These phones offer expansive screens that literally fold in half, giving you a tablet-sized display in your pocket.
Curved Display Ergonomics
Aside from looking gorgeous, curved screens also improve grip and swiping gestures. The curve isn’t just style—it’s function meets form.
How Apple Could Respond (But Hasn’t Yet)
Incremental Display Improvements
Apple is known for playing the long game, but when it comes to display innovation, it often lags behind. While it improves color calibration and integrates new tech cautiously, the company is slow to embrace radical changes.
Challenges Apple Faces with Display Innovation
Apple’s focus on ecosystem stability and mass production means it can’t take as many risks. Samsung, meanwhile, plays both offense and defense in the display arena—designing, manufacturing, and perfecting its own panels in-house.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to displays, Samsung isn’t just keeping pace—they’re setting it. From curved edges to folding screens and from true blacks to sky-high refresh rates, Samsung is miles ahead in visual tech. Sure, the iPhone has its strengths, but if you’re someone who truly values display performance and innovation, Samsung is hard to beat.
FAQs
1. Why are Samsung displays better than iPhone?
Samsung uses advanced AMOLED panels with higher resolution, faster refresh rates, and innovative features like foldable displays and edge screens.
2. Does Apple use Samsung displays?
Yes, Apple sources many of its OLED panels from Samsung, although they calibrate and use them differently.
3. What is the benefit of a 120Hz refresh rate?
It offers smoother animations, better gaming responsiveness, and an overall more fluid user experience.
4. What is HDR10+ and how is it different from Dolby Vision?
HDR10+ adapts brightness and contrast dynamically per scene. Dolby Vision does similarly but is licensed. Samsung sticks with HDR10+ to retain control and flexibility.
5. Is the Always-On Display a battery drainer?
Not on Samsung phones. Their AMOLED screens only light the necessary pixels, making it very efficient.
6. What makes Samsung’s ultrasonic fingerprint scanner better?
It’s embedded under the display, faster, works in more conditions (like wet fingers), and offers greater security.
7. Are foldable Samsung phones durable?
Absolutely. The latest Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models use Ultra Thin Glass and have passed rigorous durability tests, including hinge strength and screen flexibility.