Apple’s iPhone screens have evolved over time, with different models featuring different aspect ratios. Aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of a screen. It is expressed mathematically as a ratio of width to height.
Understanding the aspect ratios of iPhone screens can help you know what to expect when upgrading to a new iPhone model, or what size and shape you prefer for media viewing and app usage. Here is an overview of the aspect ratios used on different iPhone models over the years.
Original iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPhone 3GS – 3:2 Aspect Ratio
The original iPhone, released in 2007, as well as the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS models, used a 3:2 aspect ratio display. This means for every 3 units of width, there were 2 units of height. The specific resolution on these models was 480 x 320 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 163 pixels per inch (ppi).
The 3:2 aspect ratio matches the aspect ratio of traditional 35mm film cameras. It is well-suited for photo viewing and makes efficient use of screen space for most common smartphone tasks like web browsing and using apps.
iPhone 4/4S – 3:2 Aspect Ratio
The iPhone 4 and 4S kept the 3:2 aspect ratio of earlier models but increased the screen resolution. These phones featured a “Retina display” with 640 x 960 pixels, for a 326 ppi pixel density.
The higher pixel density resulted in sharper images and text. However, the 3:2 aspect ratio remained ideal for photographic and general use.
iPhone 5/5S/5C – 16:9 Aspect Ratio
With the iPhone 5 release in 2012, Apple switched to a taller, widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. This aspect ratio matches the ratio used for widescreen televisions and most video content.
The longer 16:9 display on the iPhone 5 models allowed Apple to increase the screen size vertically without making the phone wider and harder to use one-handed. The specific resolution was 1136 x 640 pixels, with a density of 326 ppi.
iPhone 6/6S/7 – 16:9 Aspect Ratio
Apple stuck with the 16:9 widescreen orientation for the iPhone 6, 6S, and 7 models. However, the screen sizes and resolutions increased further.
- iPhone 6/6S – 1334 x 750 pixels, 326 ppi density
- iPhone 6/6S Plus – 1920 x 1080 pixels, 401 ppi
- iPhone 7 – 1334 x 750 pixels, 326 ppi
- iPhone 7 Plus – 1920 x 1080 pixels, 401 ppi
The larger Plus models allowed for full 1080p HD video viewing. But the screens on all models remained suited for widescreen video and gaming applications.
iPhone 8/8 Plus/X – 16:9 Aspect Ratio
The iPhone 8 family, including the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and the near-bezel-less iPhone X, retained the 16:9 widescreen ratio. Resolutions increased again though.
- iPhone 8/8 Plus – 1334 x 750 pixels, 326 ppi
- iPhone X – 2436 x 1125 pixels, 458 ppi
The higher density iPhone X display allowed more pixels to fit in the same physical space, thanks to the nearly eliminated bezel. The Plus model also saw a resolution bump for sharper images and video.
iPhone XR/XS/11 – 19.5:9 Aspect Ratio
In 2018, Apple again increased screen sizes and boosted aspect ratios to an even more elongated 19.5:9. This allowed more vertical space to display content.
- iPhone XR – 1792 x 828 pixels, 326 ppi
- iPhone XS – 2436 x 1125 pixels, 458 ppi
- iPhone 11 – 1792 x 828 pixels, 326 ppi
The 19.5:9 ratio is well-suited to multitasking, with the ability to see more in apps like Mail, Messages, and web pages. It is not quite as elongated as the 21:9 ratio used on some very tall Android phones.
iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max – 19.5:9 Aspect Ratio
The iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max feature the same 19.5:9 screen aspect ratio, but with higher density displays:
- iPhone 11 Pro – 2436 x 1125 pixels, 458 ppi
- iPhone 11 Pro Max – 2688 x 1242 pixels, 458 ppi
The increased resolution allows the Pro models to display sharper and more detailed images and text. But the aspect ratio remains the same as the iPhone XR and XS.
iPhone 12/12 Pro – 19.5:9 Aspect Ratio
With the iPhone 12 family in 2020, the screen sizes increased again but aspect ratio remained 19.5:9:
- iPhone 12 mini – 2340 x 1080 pixels, 476 ppi
- iPhone 12/12 Pro – 2532 x 1170 pixels, 460 ppi
- iPhone 12 Pro Max – 2778 x 1284 pixels, 458 ppi
The increased sharpness and resolution allow the screens to make the most of their OLED technology. But they retain the extra vertical space perfected in earlier models.
iPhone 13/13 Pro – 19.5:9 Aspect Ratio
In 2021, the iPhone 13 series stuck with the 19.5:9 ratio from previous generations:
- iPhone 13 mini – 2340 x 1080 pixels, 476 ppi
- iPhone 13/13 Pro – 2532 x 1170 pixels, 460 ppi
- iPhone 13 Pro Max – 2778 x 1284 pixels, 458 ppi
The similar aspect ratio provides a consistent experience for users upgrading from older iPhones. But display quality and brightness see improvements across the board.
Comparing Aspect Ratios of Different iPhone Models
With the various aspect ratios used across iPhone generations, how do different models compare for screen size and space? Here is a rundown of how primary aspect ratios stack up:
3:2 vs 16:9
Comparing the original iPhone’s 3:2 screen to later 16:9 displays:
- 3:2 screens are more square and upright. 16:9 is wider and more rectangular.
- Watching widescreen video is larger on 16:9 with less black bars.
- 16:9 displays more landscape content from edge to edge.
- 3:2 provides more vertical space when holding the phone upright.
- The dimensions of photos and portraits fit better on 3:2.
3:2 vs 19.5:9
Stacking up 3:2 against the taller 19.5:9 ratio:
- 19.5:9 is significantly taller and narrower than more square 3:2 screens.
- You see much more vertical space for content on 19.5:9 displays.
- Widescreen video and landscape images look somewhat compressed on 19.5:9.
- The proportions of portraits and photos appear more natural on 3:2.
16:9 vs 19.5:9
Looking at the widescreen 16:9 ratio vs more squared 19.5:9:
- 16:9 provides more landscape width but less portrait height than 19.5:9.
- Cinematic video plays fuller on 16:9 with smaller black bars.
- 19.5:9 fits more vertical content from apps and web pages.
- Games see more horizontal play space on wide 16:9 screens.
There are merits to both wider and taller aspect ratios depending on intended usage. But iPhone screens have steadily trended taller, demonstrating how Apple prioritizes vertical space for mobile use.
Aspect Ratios of Other iPhone Models
In addition to the primary iPhone models, some specialty and older iPhones use different aspect ratios:
iPhone SE – 16:9
The original iPhone SE from 2016 matched the iPhone 5S with a 4-inch 16:9 display. The updated iPhone SE launched in 2020 also uses a 4.7-inch 16:9 LCD screen like the iPhone 8.
iPod Touch – 16:9
All generations of the iPod Touch media player have used 16:9 aspect ratio screens. Current models feature a 4-inch 1136 x 640 pixel display.
iPhone 5C – 16:9
The colorful budget iPhone 5C from 2013 had the same 4-inch 16:9 screen and 1136 x 640 resolution as the flagship iPhone 5S.
iPhone XR – 19.5:9
Apple’s lower cost iPhone XR adopts the same 19.5:9 OLED screen as the premium iPhone XS, but at a reduced 1792 x 828 pixel resolution.
iPhone 11 – 19.5:9
Like the iPhone XR, the successor iPhone 11 also uses a 19.5:9 LCD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels.
Comparing iPhone Aspect Ratios to Android
How do iPhone aspect ratios stack up against other smartphone brands and models? Here are comparisons to key competitors.
iPhone vs Samsung Galaxy
Recent Samsung Galaxy flagships have adopted even taller 20:9 or 21:9 displays:
- Galaxy S10/S10+ – 19:9 aspect ratio (similar to iPhones)
- Galaxy S20/S21/S22 – 20:9 aspect ratio
- Galaxy S8/S9/S10 5G – 18.5:9
- Galaxy Z Fold/Flip – Various flexible aspects
This provides more vertical space than iPhones, but very widescreen content can appear stretched.
iPhone vs Pixel
Google Pixel phones use 18:9 and 19:9 aspect ratios:
- Pixel 2/3 – 18:9
- Pixel 3a/4/4a/5 – 19:9
- Pixel 6/6 Pro – 20:9
These are taller than older 16:9 iPhone models but more similar to recent 19.5:9 iPhones.
iPhone vs OnePlus
OnePlus phones are typically either 18.5:9 or 20:9 ratios:
- OnePlus 6T to 8 Pro – 19.5:9
- OnePlus 9/9 Pro – 20:9
These extra tall or wide screens provide differentiation from iPhones’ more balanced ratios.
While some competing phones go taller or wider, most are converging around 19-21:9 for a balanced experience between video, apps, and multi-tasking.
It’s just a ratio
The iPhone’s aspect ratio shapes your experience viewing photos, watching videos, gaming, and interacting with apps. Apple has tuned the ratio carefully across generations based on usage trends and technological capabilities.
3:2 preserved print photo proportions; 16:9 enabled widescreen video; and 19.5:9 optimized one-handed interface verticality. Understand how different models compare to pick your ideal iPhone screen geometry.
Ultimately, usability matters more than any particular aspect ratio specification. Find the iPhone display size and shape that suits how you use your phone. Then make the most of the screen space for your activities. With smart features like iOS text size adjustments and app zooms, you can adapt the display to your needs rather than the other way around.
