If you've bought a new phone and see it everywhere boasting 90, 120 or even 144 Hz, but you're not sure what that means or how to get the most out of it, stick around. Many current phones include high refresh rate displaysBut they don't always come configured to give their full potential, or they do so automatically without you having control.
Furthermore, the automatic or "intelligent" modes that manufacturers provide do not always behave as we expect. Some games get stuck at 30 or 60 FPSEven though the screen might be much smoother, it's worth understanding how these 120Hz refresh rates (and similar ones) actually work and how to manually activate them, provided your phone allows it.
What is the screen refresh rate on a mobile phone?
The refresh rate indicates How many times per second does the screen image update?and is measured in hertz (Hz). A 60Hz screen refreshes 60 times per second, while a 90Hz screen refreshes 90 times, and a 120Hz screen refreshes 120 times. The higher the number, the smoother the animations, menu navigation, and especially the games appear.
In mobile phones a few years ago, it was common to see... 60 Hz fixed as standardToday, however, many mid-range and high-end models, especially those from 2024 onwards, integrate panels capable of working at 90, 120 or even 144 Hz, such as the Nubia Play 5GThis not only improves overall smoothness, but also influences the system's responsiveness and the experience when playing games or watching fast-paced content.
The difference is especially noticeable when scrolling through social media, browsing websites, or opening the app drawer: The transitions seem faster and less jerky.Even if the processor is the same, going from 60 to 120 Hz makes everything seem more responsive, giving a feeling of greater power and speed.
What is variable or adaptive refresh rate?
Many modern screens don't always operate at the same refresh rate, but instead use a variable or adaptive update frequencyThis means that the panel can automatically switch between different values (for example, 30, 60, 90 or 120 Hz) depending on what you are doing at any given time.
When you're simply reading static content, such as an article or a paused chatIt makes little sense for the screen to run at 120 Hz. In such cases, the system reduces the refresh rate to values like 30 or 60 Hz to save battery. However, if you start scrolling quickly, navigating the interface, or open a compatible game, the screen may increase to 90 or 120 Hz for smoother operation.
The main advantage is clear: A smooth experience is achieved without unnecessarily draining the battery.This automatic management is usually enabled by default on many mobile phones, under names like “Automatic”, “Adaptive”, “Dynamic”, or “Smart Mode” within the display settings. Some manufacturers and models, such as the iPhone 12 ProThey have also been linked to high frequencies in their configurations.
However, this adaptive behavior doesn't always align with what the user wants. There are situations where The system decides to lower the frequency to 60 Hz even though the screen supports 120 HzFor example, if it detects that the application is running internally at 60 FPS. In some games, the app itself limits the frames per second and doesn't allow it to be increased, by decision of the developers.
Advantages and disadvantages of using 120 Hz
The first thing you notice when manually activating 120 Hz is the smoothness. Navigating the menu feels extremely smooth.The animations appear higher quality, and the touch response feels more immediate. In games that support high refresh rates, the sense of speed and control is significantly enhanced.
However, not everything is positive: Working constantly at 120 Hz consumes more battery power.Because the screen refreshes twice as often as at 60 Hz, the panel and GPU have to work harder, resulting in higher energy consumption. That's why automatic or adaptive modes exist, designed to balance smoothness and battery life for everyday use.
Another important point is that Not all apps and games support 120 HzSome games intentionally cap the frame rate at 30 or 60 FPS, either because developers want to ensure stability on more devices or due to design choices. In cases like Call of Duty Mobile, for example, the frame rate may be limited by the game itself, even if your screen supports much higher frame rates.
Furthermore, even in fixed 120 Hz mode, The system can alternate between 120 and 60 Hz Depending on the context, or when switching between applications and multitasking, sometimes when switching from an app to the home screen, the screen refresh rate momentarily increases to 120 Hz and the game detects this, displaying a higher FPS peak. However, the refresh rate then drops back down if the game determines it cannot maintain a stable frame rate.
How do I know if my phone allows me to change the refresh rate?
Before attempting to manually activate 120 Hz, it is essential to confirm that Is your phone or tablet really compatible with a high refresh rate?Almost any recent mid-range phone usually includes at least 90 Hz, and many models already come with 120 Hz as standard, but it never hurts to double-check.
The most direct way is to go to the device technical specificationsThis information can be found on the manufacturer's official website, on the product box, or in the phone's description at the store where you bought it. It usually clearly indicates "120Hz Screen" or "90Hz Screen," as in the case of the Galaxy S20If only 60 Hz is mentioned, you won't be able to increase that figure via software.
Another quick way is enter the phone's own display settingsIf your device supports variable or high refresh rates, you'll almost always find a specific section called something like "Display Refresh Rate," "Refresh Rate," "Smooth Motion," or similar. If you don't see anything like that, it's very likely your panel is only 60Hz.
How to change the screen refresh rate on Android?
Although the exact location of the option may vary depending on the brand, the basis of the process is usually very similar. On most current Android phones, the configuration is done from the settings menu., within the display section. The closest example would be a model like the Realme GT 2 Pro or the Ayn Odin 3But what you'll see will be very similar in other brands.
In general terms, the steps are these: Open the Settings app on your phone or tabletOnce inside, scroll down until you find a section called "Display," "Display and Brightness," or something similar. Enter that section and look for an option related to the refresh rate or screen movement; some manufacturers also place it within advanced submenus.
When you enter that section you will see several alternatives, which usually include an automatic or adaptive mode and several fixed values (For example, 60 Hz, 90 Hz, or 120 Hz). If you want the system to handle everything, choose automatic mode. If you prefer maximum smoothness, manually select 120 Hz or the highest value available on your phone.
Keep in mind that even if you follow this tutorial, Some menu names may change depending on the customization layer. (One UI, MIUI, Realme UI, etc.). Even so, in almost all cases the path will be very similar: Settings → Display → Refresh rate (or equivalent) → selection of the desired mode.
Automatic, high rate and fixed 120 Hz modes: how they perform
Within the refresh rate menu, the mobile phone usually offers several options. Automatic or Adaptive mode adjusts the refresh rate according to usageWhen reading something static, it drops to 30 or 60 Hz, and when it detects fast movements or content with a lot of movement, it rises to higher values, such as 90 or 120 Hz.
Some brands also include a High or "High" mode, which works similarly to automatic, but in a more aggressive way.This means it tries to maintain a higher refresh rate for longer, going up to 120 Hz more often. However, it's still an adaptive mode: if the app you're using runs at 60 FPS or less, the system may reduce the screen to 60 Hz to optimize battery life.
Finally, you usually find an option to fixed mode at 120 Hz (or the maximum value of your panel)Here, the screen tries to operate at that specific value most of the time, without dropping to lower ranges. This can help "force" greater fluidity in certain apps and system menus, although it doesn't always translate into more FPS in games, as it depends on whether the app is designed to take advantage of it.
The problem arises when, in automatic mode, the system decides lower the rate to 30 Hz in certain situationsThis causes some games to lock at around 30 FPS, even though the hardware could handle higher frame rates. This behavior is designed to save energy, but it may be inconvenient for those seeking the smoothest gaming experience.
Why do some games not go above 60 FPS even when you enable 120 Hz?
One of the most confusing points is seeing that, despite activating the 120 Hz, Some games still only run at 60 FPSThis could be due to several different reasons, some related to the system and others to the game itself.
First, adaptive modes make it The screen syncs at the frequency that the app "thinks" it can handle.If the system detects that the game is designed to run at 60 FPS, it will reduce the screen refresh rate to 60 Hz to avoid wasting resources. This makes sense from the system's perspective, but it can be frustrating for the user.
Secondly, there are titles where Developers intentionally limit the FPSGames like Call of Duty Mobile and many others lock the frame rate at 30 or 60 fps, even on very powerful mobile devices with 120Hz or higher refresh rates. They do this for reasons of stability, compatibility, competitive balance, or simply because they haven't wanted to officially support higher rates.
It also happens that, in some cases, Even if you force 120Hz mode in the settings, the system continues to alternate between 120 and 60. depending on what's on the screen. For example, when switching to multitasking, the interface might jump to 120 Hz and the game detects it for a moment, but as soon as you return to the game, if the app isn't ready, the effective rate drops back to 60 FPS.
In addition, there are games that feature internal limiters or compatibility blocks For certain configurations. Even using tricks or hidden settings, some titles cannot be "tricked" into running at higher refresh rates than the developer has allowed. In those cases, even if your screen is 120 or 144 Hz, you will be forced to play at the maximum refresh rate the app authorizes.
The role of the GPU and CPU in 120Hz gaming
When discussing gaming performance, there's often a certain obsession with the main processor, but In reality, it's the GPU that handles the graphics processing.In most games, especially the most demanding ones, the graphics processing unit is responsible for generating the frames, while the CPU handles logic, AI, physics, and other tasks.
By increasing the screen refresh rate to 120 Hz, The GPU has to work at a higher rate to try to generate up to 120 FPSThis is always the case, provided the game allows it. This translates to an increased load on the GPU and, consequently, higher energy consumption and more heat. Therefore, it's normal to notice increased battery usage and, sometimes, slightly higher temperatures when forcing 120 Hz.
As for the CPU, its role can vary depending on the game's load. Many systems They use low-power cores at lower refresh ratesand activate the high-performance cores when more speed is required (for example, with 90 or 120 Hz active). Some monitoring apps or tools display usage percentages that can be misleading if you don't know how the workload is distributed among the cores.
That's why it's not a good idea to get obsessed with what a monitoring app indicates while playing. It's normal to see spikes or sudden changes in CPU and GPU load. When you change the refresh rate, switch between menus and gameplay, or alternate between different games, the important thing is that the system maintains a smooth and stable experience within the limitations of your device.
Manually forcing 120 Hz: when does it make sense
If your phone allows it, manually enabling 120Hz instead of leaving it in automatic mode might be a good idea. You prioritize fluidity over autonomyThis is especially noticeable if you spend a lot of time playing games or if you value a very smooth interface in daily use, although the result will always depend on each app.
By selecting a fixed 120Hz mode, the screen will attempt maintain that refresh rate most of the timeThis can help some apps and games run more smoothly. On certain models, this setting also reduces the system's tendency to drop to 30Hz during periods of low activity, preventing screen tearing when you touch the screen again. If you have a specific model where this is noticeable, such as the Motorola Edge 70You'll see the difference when you force the high rate.
However, you will still find limitations in many games that They don't accept more than 60 FPSEven if the panel is set to 120Hz, there's little you can do in the system settings: if the app isn't compatible, you won't get the expected improvement. Some manufacturers include tricks or special modes to "lock" a high refresh rate in games, similar to what brands like Xiaomi have done in certain models, but it's not a universal solution.
You should also keep in mind that, by forcing 120 Hz for everything, The battery will wear out sooner than usual.If you tend to push your battery life to the limit until the end of the day, you might find an adaptive mode or a 60/90 Hz profile more beneficial, reserving the 120 Hz only for intense gaming sessions or when your phone is near the charger.
Practical tips for taking advantage of 120 Hz
If you want to really get the most out of your high refresh rate display, it's worth tweaking how and when you use it. A good strategy is to combine automatic mode and fixed mode depending on the context.For example, you can leave the system on automatic during normal use, and switch to a fixed 120 Hz when you're going to play for a long time.
Another recommendation is Check within each game if it includes a specific graphics section.Many games offer "High FPS," "High Frame Rate," or "Performance Mode" options, which must be manually enabled to attempt to reach higher refresh rates. If the game doesn't have this option or doesn't mention high frame rates, it's likely limited to 30 or 60 FPS.
It doesn't hurt either Monitor power consumption and temperature after forcing 120 Hzespecially during long gaming sessions. If you notice the device getting very hot or the battery draining too quickly, it might be wiser to switch back to an adaptive mode or 60/90 Hz to balance the experience.
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In any case, understanding how variable refresh rate works and the limitations imposed by some apps helps to better adjust expectations. Not all games will be able to run at 120 FPSHowever, you will be able to enjoy a much smoother interface and a more pleasant experience in many everyday tasks if you configure your mobile phone properly.
Mastering screen settings and refresh rate allows you really get the most out of your mobile phone or tabletChoosing when you want maximum fluidity and when you prefer to save battery. Although automatic modes usually work well for most people, understanding what each option does (60, 90, 120 Hz, adaptive, high, fixed…) makes all the difference when it comes to adapting the device to your usage style and the games and apps you like best. Share this information and more people will know how to manually activate 120Hz on Android.