What is screen refresh rate and why is it important?
The screen refresh rate is an indicator of how many times per second the screen updates the image; it is measured in hertz (Hz). For example, a 60 Hz screen refreshes the image 60 times per second, while a 120 Hz screen refreshes it 120 times. The higher the frequency, the shorter the interval between updates (e.g., ~8.3 ms at 120 Hz), making motion appear smoother and input actions (mouse movements, touches) displayed more quickly. It is important to distinguish refresh rate (Hz) from frame rate (FPS): a screen can refresh 120 times per second, but if the source only provides 60 frames per second, the smoothness will be limited by the content itself.
A higher refresh rate provides a more natural, smoother motion display. Scrolling, animations, and menu transitions on a 120 Hz phone appear smoother than on a 60 Hz screen; in games, fast-moving objects remain clearer, and input lag decreases. A lower refresh rate means longer frame intervals and more motion blur – fast-moving objects appear to „lag” behind their position on the screen.
Common refresh rates and their practical significance
60 Hz
The traditional frequency for most devices. 60 Hz is sufficient for browsing, documents, movies, and everyday tasks. However, fast motion may appear slightly „choppy” compared to higher frequencies, and response in games may be modestly quick.
90 Hz
Commonly found in smartphones (especially mid-range models). 90 Hz provides a noticeable jump in smoothness compared to 60 Hz – scrolling, animations, and interface effects look smoother; energy consumption is slightly higher.
120 Hz
Very popular in high-end phones, tablets, and monitors. A 120 Hz screen refreshes twice as often as a 60 Hz screen, making fast scenes appear extremely smooth. Additionally, 24 fps (24p) movies can be displayed on a 120 Hz screen without „judder” using 5:5 pulldown (each frame is repeated 5 times), provided the device properly processes the 24p signal.
144 Hz
A popular standard for gaming monitors. 144 Hz further reduces input lag and motion blur, provided the GPU can generate sufficient FPS. It often costs similarly to 120 Hz monitors but offers a tangible advantage in fast scenes.
240 Hz and above
Designed for eSports professionals and highly demanding gamers. On 240 Hz (~4.2 ms between frames) and 360 Hz (~2.8 ms) screens, motion artifacts are even less noticeable, but the benefits are only revealed with very powerful hardware capable of generating the corresponding FPS.
360 Hz and above
Top-tier gaming monitors. The benefits for everyday use are minimal, but in competitive gaming, every millisecond counts.
Refresh rate across different devices
Smartphones
Many modern phones – especially those with OLED – support 60, 90, or 120 Hz. More expensive models (e.g., Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Xiaomi, iPhone Pro) increasingly feature 120 Hz dynamic LTPO displays that automatically adjust the frequency based on content (e.g., from 1–10 Hz for static images to 120 Hz for animations), saving energy while maintaining smoothness when needed.
Televisions
Modern TVs typically support 60 or 120 Hz. 120 Hz is particularly beneficial for movies (24p without judder) and gaming. Additionally, HDMI 2.1 introduced VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), allowing the TV to synchronize with the console or computer’s FPS, thus reducing „tearing” and „stuttering” – relevant for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S owners. It is important to distinguish „motion interpolation” (software-generated intermediate frames, often resulting in a „soap opera” effect) from true high refresh rates.
Tablets
Tablets follow the same principles as phones. The iPad Pro (ProMotion) and some Android tablets use 120 Hz with adaptive control; the larger screen and more capable battery allow for better utilization of high Hz for creative work and gaming.
Computer Monitors
For office use, 60–75 Hz is often sufficient, but gaming and performance monitors offer 120/144/165/240/360 Hz. Widespread variable refresh rate (VRR) through VESA AdaptiveSync/HDMI 2.1 and NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync helps avoid „screen tearing” and „stuttering.” For professionals working with static content, color and resolution are more important, but for video creators, higher Hz allows for better assessment of motion.
What affects smoothness, latency, and eye comfort
LTPO Technology
LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) allows for very wide and rapid changes in refresh rate – from very low (even down to ~1 Hz for static images) to high (120–144 Hz), thus reducing energy consumption without sacrificing smoothness when needed. This technology is widely adopted by Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, and other manufacturers.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR, Adaptive Sync)
VRR synchronizes the screen’s Hz with the FPS output from the GPU or console. This eliminates „tearing” and „stuttering” – instead of fixed 60 or 120 Hz, the screen operates at whatever Hz the system is currently providing. VRR has become standard in gaming monitors and 120 Hz TVs with HDMI 2.1.
G-Sync and FreeSync
NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync are two implementations of VRR. G-Sync is traditionally associated with the NVIDIA ecosystem (often with a special module), while FreeSync is associated with AMD and VESA AdaptiveSync; both reduce latency and artifacts, with differences in compatibility and pricing.
Motion Smoothness and Response Time
A high Hz reduces motion blur, but pixel response time is also important. Slow transitions between icon colors (e.g., >8–10 ms) can cause „ghosting” even on a 144 Hz screen. Therefore, smoothness requires both sufficient Hz and fast response.
Screen Brightness Adjustment (PWM) and Eye Fatigue
Some screens adjust brightness using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) – rapidly turning the backlight on and off. A low PWM frequency can be perceived as flickering and cause discomfort for some people; higher PWM frequencies or DC dimming reduce this effect.
Battery Life
The higher the refresh rate, the more power the screen consumes. Therefore, adaptive technologies (LTPO, VRR) are widely used in phones and tablets, significantly reducing Hz for static content to extend battery life, and raising the frequency again when motion occurs.
What to choose for different users
For Gamers
For computer and console gamers, high Hz is extremely beneficial. A 120–144 Hz monitor is often sufficient for an average system; eSports players opt for 240–360 Hz to minimize latency. For consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X|S), it is advisable to choose a 120 Hz TV/monitor with VRR.
For Movie and Video Content Enthusiasts
Film lovers should have at least a 120 Hz screen or TV capable of correctly reproducing 24p (5:5 pulldown) – this avoids judder caused by telecine (3:2). Interpolation (creating intermediate frames) should be used sparingly, as it can create a „soap opera” effect.
For Everyday Users
For everyday tasks, 60–75 Hz is sufficient. 90 or 120 Hz will provide a more pleasant scrolling experience and animations, but the greatest comfort is often determined by brightness, resolution, color accuracy, and screen size. If battery life is important, it is worth keeping adaptive mode.
For Professional Users
For designers and photographers, color, contrast, and resolution are more important than the highest Hz. For those working with moving images (editing, animation, broadcasting), 120 Hz and above helps to better assess the nature of motion and artifacts.
Need help with your device?
If your phone, computer, or tablet is not working properly, bring it to Fiksas. We perform fast diagnostics and often complete repairs within 1–3 hours.