Device Frame
Definition
A graphic overlay of a physical phone or tablet's outer shell placed around an app screenshot for display purposes.
What Is Device Frame?
A device frame (also called a device mockup or phone frame) is a high-fidelity graphical representation of a physical mobile device — iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, iPad, etc. — used to visually wrap app screenshots for display in app store listings, marketing materials, and product pages. Device frames show the physical design of the phone (including the screen cutout, side buttons, and distinctive shape) overlaid around the actual app screenshot, giving the impression that you're looking at the app running on a real device. For app store screenshots, device frames provide important context — they visually communicate the platform (iOS vs Android) and give a sense of scale and realism. Device frames must be accurate to the current device generation to look credible.
Why It Matters for App Developers
Device frames significantly improve the perceived quality and professionalism of app store screenshots. Screenshots presented in accurate device frames convert 15–25% better than raw screenshots without framing in most app categories. They help users visualize what the app will look like on their own phone and signal attention to quality. Using an outdated device frame (e.g., showing an iPhone X frame for a 2024 app) reduces credibility and can signal lack of active maintenance.
Technical Details
High-quality device frames need to account for: screen aspect ratio (varies per device generation), notch/Dynamic Island/camera hole shape (varies by iPhone model), corner radius, bezel thickness, and physical color. For iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9" screen, Dynamic Island cutout, titanium finish. For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: flat display, S Pen slot. SnapMonk maintains up-to-date device frame assets that automatically match the correct specifications for each device model — eliminating the need to source or update mockup assets manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a device frame in app screenshots?
A device frame is a graphic overlay of a real phone or tablet — like an iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24 — placed around your app screenshot. It shows your app as if it's running on the actual device, which improves visual quality and context for users viewing your store listing.
Do App Store screenshots need device frames?
Device frames are not required by Apple or Google, but they are strongly recommended. Screenshots with accurate, current-generation device frames consistently outperform raw screenshots in conversion rate testing. They signal quality and help users visualize the app on their own device.
How do I add a device frame to my app screenshot?
SnapMonk includes device frames for all major devices — iPhone 16, iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24, Google Pixel 9, and more. Upload your app screenshot, select a device frame, and it's automatically positioned and sized correctly. No manual Photoshop work needed.
Which device frame should I use for App Store screenshots?
Use the current generation of the primary device you're targeting. For most iOS apps: iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 16. For Android apps: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Google Pixel 9 Pro. Using the latest device frames signals that your app is actively maintained.
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