What is refresh rate? 60Hz, 90Hz and 120Hz explained
Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen draws a new picture. It is measured in hertz (Hz). A 60Hz screen updates 60 times a second, and a 120Hz screen updates 120 times a second.
What you notice
Higher refresh rates make scrolling, swiping and animations look smoother. The difference is easiest to see in a long list or a web page that you scroll with your thumb. Videos and photos look the same.
The common numbers
- 60Hz: the usual standard. Fine for most things.
- 90Hz: noticeably smoother than 60Hz.
- 120Hz and higher: very smooth, and common on mid-range and higher phones.
The trade-off: battery
A faster screen redraws more often, so it can use more power. Many phones have an adaptive or dynamic mode that lowers the rate when the screen is still or you are reading, which saves battery.
How to check or change it
Look in Settings > Display for Refresh rate, Smooth display or Motion smoothness. Choose Standard (60Hz) or High or Smooth. Some phones set it per app or automatically.
For gaming
Games have their own frame-rate limits. A phone with a 120Hz screen only gives you 120 frames per second in a game that supports it.
Reading the spec sheet
Look for refresh rate next to the screen type and size. A high number is nice to have, but screen type and brightness matter too. See AMOLED vs LCD and how to read a phone spec sheet.
Should it decide your purchase?
Not on its own. If two phones are close, the smoother screen is a good tiebreaker. If battery life matters more, choose adaptive refresh and see how to make your phone battery last longer.
