In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to check your screen refresh rate on Android. Whether you’re just curious or looking to optimize your phone’s performance, it’s good to know what’s going on behind the scenes.
Ever wondered why your phone’s screen sometimes feels super smooth and other times a bit choppy? That has a lot to do with your phone’s refresh rate. If you’ve heard the buzzwords like 60Hz or 120Hz and are curious about what they mean—or if you just want to check or adjust your phone’s refresh rate—you’ve come to the right place!
What Is Screen Refresh Rate?
Let’s start with the basics. The refresh rate is the number of times your screen updates every second. It’s measured in Hertz (Hz), and common rates you’ll see are 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz. The higher the number, the more times the screen refreshes, which makes things like scrolling or gaming feel much smoother.
For example:
- 60Hz = refreshes 60 times per second.
- 90Hz = refreshes 90 times per second.
- 120Hz = refreshes 120 times per second.
That’s why if you’ve recently upgraded to a phone with a 90Hz or 120Hz display, you might notice how much smoother and faster everything feels.
Why Does Screen Refresh Rate Matter?
You’ve probably heard people talk about refresh rates in the context of gaming, but it also impacts day-to-day tasks like scrolling through apps or browsing the web. A higher refresh rate means fewer stutters and more fluid animations, but it can also use more battery.
For example, on phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21 or OnePlus 9, a 120Hz refresh rate makes everything buttery smooth, but it can drain your battery faster than if you were using a standard 60Hz rate.
If you want to find out what refresh rate your phone is using and how you can change it, keep reading!
How to Check Your Screen Refresh Rate on Android
Not all Android phones have the option to show the refresh rate, but most modern devices running newer versions of Android do. Here’s how you can check it.
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
To access advanced settings like checking your screen refresh rate, you need to enable Developer Mode on Android. This hidden menu unlocks tools and features for developers, but it’s useful for regular users too. To activate it, go to Settings > About phone and tap Build Number seven times. Once enabled, you’ll find Developer Options under System in your settings. For a more detailed guide, check out this step-by-step tutorial on enabling Developer Mode on Android.
This unlocks some hidden settings that we’ll need to check your refresh rate.
Step 2: Display the Refresh Rate
Now that Developer Options is enabled:
- Go back to Settings.
- Scroll down to System and tap on Developer Options.
- Scroll down until you find Show Refresh Rate.
- Toggle this on.
Once you do this, your phone will display the current refresh rate at the top of the screen, so you’ll always know what it’s running at.
Step 3: Check Refresh Rate in Display Settings (If Available)
Some phones, especially higher-end models like Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel, make it easier to find the refresh rate:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Display.
- Look for Screen Refresh Rate or Motion Smoothness.
Here, you can choose between different refresh rates like 60Hz, 90Hz, or 120Hz depending on your device.
How to Check if You Have 120Hz Refresh Rate
If you have a phone that supports a 120Hz refresh rate, it might automatically adjust based on what you’re doing to save battery life. To see if you’re running at 120Hz:
- Follow the steps to enable Show Refresh Rate from the Developer Options.
- Use your phone normally—open an app or scroll through your home screen. The refresh rate at the top should show 120Hz during these actions.
How to Adjust Your Screen Refresh Rate
If you want to balance between performance and battery life, you can manually adjust the refresh rate on many Android devices.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Display.
- Tap on Motion Smoothness (or Refresh Rate, depending on your device).
- You should see options for 60Hz (standard) and 90Hz or 120Hz (high).
Some phones even have an Adaptive option, which automatically adjusts the refresh rate based on what you’re doing.
What’s the Difference Between Refresh Rate and Frame Rate?
You might have also heard the term frame rate, which is similar but not the same as refresh rate. Frame rate refers to how many frames per second (FPS) your phone is processing, while refresh rate is how often the screen updates. Both affect the overall smoothness of your phone, but refresh rate is all about the display, while frame rate is tied to the performance of apps and games.
What to Do If Your Phone Doesn’t Show the Refresh Rate
If you have an older or budget Android phone, you might not be able to see or change the refresh rate. Don’t worry! You can use third-party apps from the Google Play Store like Refresh Rate Checker or Display Tester to get the job done.
Conclusion
Understanding and managing your phone’s screen refresh rate is an easy way to make sure you’re getting the best performance out of your device. Whether you’re a gamer who needs every frame to count or just want smoother scrolling, knowing how to check and adjust the refresh rate can make a big difference.
So, the next time you feel like your phone is lagging, or you’re trying to preserve battery life, just remember—your refresh rate might be the key!
FAQ: Screen Refresh Rate on Android
Q: What is a good refresh rate for an Android phone? A: A higher refresh rate generally provides a smoother and more responsive visual experience, especially for tasks like gaming and watching videos. 90Hz and 120Hz are considered good refresh rates for Android devices.
Q: Can I increase my Android phone’s refresh rate? A: While some devices offer adjustable refresh rates, others may have a fixed rate. If your device doesn’t have an option to increase the refresh rate, you won’t be able to change it.
Q: Does a higher refresh rate affect battery life? A: Yes, a higher refresh rate can consume more battery power. This is because the screen needs to update more frequently, which requires additional energy. However, many modern Android devices have optimizations to help manage battery usage even with higher refresh rates.
Q: What are some popular Android phones with high refresh rates? A: Many flagship Android phones. Especially gaming-focused models, offer high refresh rates. Some popular examples include devices from Samsung, OnePlus, Razer, and Asus.
Q: Can I check my Android phone’s refresh rate without using a third-party app? A: Yes, you can often check your device’s refresh rate by going to Settings > About Phone > Display or Screen. However, the exact location may vary depending on your Android version and device manufacturer.
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