Smartphone Refresh Rates: 60Hz vs 90Hz vs 120Hz
Modern smartphones come with different display refresh rates, including 60Hz, 90Hz and 120Hz. While 60Hz has been the standard on many phones, higher refresh rates have become increasingly common, particularly on mid-range and premium models.
Although a higher refresh rate can make a display feel smoother, it does not automatically mean that a phone has a better screen in every aspect. Understanding how these refresh rates work can help you know what to expect when choosing a smartphone.
What Is Smartphone Refresh Rate?
Refresh rate refers to the number of times a display updates its image every second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz).
For example, a 60Hz display refreshes 60 times per second, while a 90Hz display refreshes 90 times per second. A 120Hz display updates its image 120 times every second.
A higher refresh rate allows the screen to display motion more smoothly, particularly when scrolling through menus, moving between apps or playing games that support higher frame rates.
However, refresh rate is different from touch sampling rate. Refresh rate measures how often the screen updates its image, while touch sampling rate measures how frequently the display detects touch input.
60Hz Refresh Rate
A 60Hz refresh rate means the display updates its image 60 times every second. It is a standard refresh rate found on many entry-level and some mid-range smartphones.
For everyday activities such as reading messages, browsing websites, watching videos and using social media, a 60Hz display can provide a satisfactory experience.
Its main advantage is that it generally consumes less power than higher refresh rate settings, although actual battery consumption depends on other display and hardware factors.
The main limitation is that scrolling and animations may not appear as fluid as they do on 90Hz or 120Hz displays, especially when switching between the different refresh rates.
90Hz Refresh Rate
A 90Hz display refreshes 90 times per second, offering a smoother experience than a standard 60Hz screen.
The difference is noticeable when scrolling through long pages, navigating menus and moving between applications. Animations also appear more fluid because the display can show more updates every second.
A 90Hz refresh rate offers a useful balance between smooth screen movement and battery consumption. It is particularly common in budget and mid-range smartphones.
Although it is not as smooth as 120Hz, it provides a noticeable improvement over 60Hz for many users.
120Hz Refresh Rate
A 120Hz refresh rate means the screen updates its image 120 times every second. It provides the smoothest experience among the three refresh rates discussed here.
Scrolling feels more fluid, animations appear smoother and supported games can display more frames per second when the processor and graphics hardware can handle them.
This makes 120Hz particularly useful for mobile gaming, fast screen navigation and other activities involving frequent movement.
However, running a display at 120Hz can consume more battery power than using a lower refresh rate. Some smartphones address this through adaptive refresh rate technology, which automatically adjusts the screen's refresh rate depending on what is displayed.
60Hz vs 90Hz vs 120Hz: Key Differences
The main difference between these refresh rates is how frequently the display updates its image.
| Feature | 60Hz | 90Hz | 120Hz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen updates per second | 60 | 90 | 120 |
| Scrolling smoothness | Standard | Smoother | Smoothest |
| Animations | Standard | More fluid | Very fluid |
| Gaming support | Up to 60Hz | Up to 90Hz | Up to 120Hz |
| Battery consumption | Generally lower | Moderate | Potentially higher |
The gaming figures represent the maximum display refresh rates, not guaranteed game frame rates. Actual performance depends on the game, processor and graphics capabilities.
Does a Higher Refresh Rate Consume More Battery?
Yes. A higher refresh rate can increase battery consumption because the display updates more frequently.
For example, using a smartphone at 120Hz may consume more power than using the same phone at 60Hz. However, the difference varies depending on the display technology, screen brightness, content and software optimisation.
Some smartphones feature adaptive refresh rates that automatically switch between lower and higher settings. This helps reduce unnecessary power consumption when a higher refresh rate is not needed.
If battery life is more important than screen smoothness, using a lower refresh rate can help conserve power.
Which Smartphone Refresh Rate Is Best?
The best refresh rate depends on how you use your smartphone and what you expect from its display.
A 60Hz display is suitable for basic activities such as messaging, browsing, watching videos and using everyday applications. It remains a practical choice for users who do not need extra screen smoothness.
A 90Hz display offers a good middle ground. It provides smoother scrolling and animations without necessarily requiring the highest refresh rate available.
A 120Hz display is ideal for users who prefer smoother navigation and play games that support higher frame rates. It is also a good choice for people who want a more fluid display experience.
However, refresh rate should not be the only factor when choosing a smartphone. Display resolution, brightness, colour reproduction, battery capacity and processor performance also contribute to the overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is 120Hz better than 90Hz on a smartphone?
Yes. A 120Hz display refreshes more frequently than a 90Hz display, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations.
2. Does 120Hz drain battery faster than 60Hz?
Yes. A 120Hz refresh rate can consume more battery power than 60Hz, although the difference depends on the phone and its display technology.
3. Does a higher refresh rate improve gaming performance?
A higher refresh rate allows supported games to display more frames per second, making gameplay smoother. However, the phone's processor, graphics hardware and game support also determine performance.
4. Can I change my smartphone refresh rate from 60Hz to 120Hz?
Yes, if your smartphone supports 120Hz. You can usually change the refresh rate through the display settings.







