From 60Hz to 240Hz: Refresh Rates on Phones Explained

pcmag.com:

Refresh rates on phones used to be a static thing that no one considered, but now they vary significantly and can really impact your experience. Many low-end phones feature slower displays with 60Hz refresh rates, while the latest gaming phones have screens that go all the way up to 240Hz. Refresh rate is an essential spec to consider when you buy your next phone, but it can also be confusing.

If you're looking for a new phone, you might be wondering: Should you spend extra to get a screen with a fast refresh rate? Are there any drawbacks to having a higher refresh rate? What about variable refresh rates? We're here to answer all of those questions.

Simply put, refresh rate is a measure of how many times a screen's static image changes (or how many frames it shows) each second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Therefore, a display with a refresh rate of 60Hz shows 60 frames per second (fps), while 120Hz and 240Hz screens refresh at a rate of 120fps and 240fps, respectively.

Generally, a faster refresh rate creates a smoother experience, though as we discuss a bit later, app and game limitations might prevent you from utilizing your screen's full potential.

Refresh rates of 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz are common on today's smartphones, though some can go up to 144Hz, 165Hz, or even 240Hz. Entry-level devices tend to ship with 60Hz pretty much across the board, while many midrange phones sit comfortably in the 60Hz to 90Hz range. High-end flagships often pack 120Hz panels and beyond.

For example, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro supports screen speeds of up to 120Hz. In the Android universe, phones such as the Asus ROG 6 Pro go as fast as 165Hz, while the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 features a best-in-class refresh rate of 240Hz. Because smartphone