Refresh rate is the number of times per second a display updates its image, measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate produces smoother motion on screen.
Refresh rate determines how many frames per second your screen can show. A standard 60Hz display updates 60 times per second, which is sufficient for everyday tasks. However, 120Hz and 144Hz displays update twice as often, resulting in noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming.
For smartphones, 120Hz has become standard in flagship devices since 2020. Budget phones typically offer 60Hz, while gaming-focused devices can reach 144Hz or 165Hz.
For monitors, competitive gamers often prefer 144Hz or higher to gain a reaction-time advantage. Content creators prioritize color accuracy over refresh rate.
Higher refresh rates consume more battery power. Most modern devices use adaptive refresh rate technology (LTPO) to dynamically adjust between low Hz for static content and high Hz for fast motion, balancing smoothness and battery life.
When comparing products, a 90Hz display feels meaningfully smoother than 60Hz, but the difference between 120Hz and 144Hz is less noticeable in daily use.