Importance of choosing a phone and a laptop with the right refresh rate

While buying a phone or a laptop, or even a TV these days, you may often have heard the term refresh rate being thrown around. Ever wondered what it means and why it is important? 

The refresh rate of a device, expressed in Hertz (Hz), is the frequency with which the screen updates itself. It considerably affects both- the user experience as well as visual quality of content. A higher refresh rate, such as 90Hz or 120Hz, produces clearer images and less motion blur, making it perfect for gaming and watching multimedia content. However, the usually default 60Hz refresh rate in most devices is sufficient for daily use, and helps save battery life. Your usage habits will ultimately determine which option you choose. 

What is the significance of higher refresh rates?

Here are some of the reasons why people prefer higher refresh rates. 

1. Smoother visuals

The screen refreshes more frequently with a faster screen refresh rate, ensuring smoother graphics. A 90Hz or 120Hz display can make movements appear much smoother and more lifelike, which is especially obvious when playing video games or watching fast-paced action movies.

2. Enhanced responsiveness

Increased refresh rates also make touch screens respond quicker, decreasing input lag. This is especially crucial for devices like smartphones and tablets, where responsiveness greatly affects the user experience.

3. Gaming performance

Higher refresh rates give gamers a competitive edge by allowing for quicker response times and a more engaging gaming experience. 

How to choose the right refresh rate for you?

Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when wondering what sort of a refresh rate is ideal for you, whether on your smartphones or laptops. 

1. For smartphones

A 60Hz or 90Hz mobile display is sufficient for routine daily operations like messaging, surfing the internet, and social media. It is a good mix of battery preservation while also ensuring visual quality.

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People who consume more media, such as in the form of film, or even engage in mobile gaming, should look for smartphones or tablets with higher refresh rates, such as 90Hz or 120Hz. These screens offer smoother animations, ensuring a more immersive experience. Moreover, most devices also come with a battery-saving mode which temporarily lowers the refresh  when a device has low battery, to extend its life. This is beneficial when you need your smartphone to run for longer on a single charge.

2. For laptops

A standard 60Hz display is suitable if most of your laptop usage is for office work, casual web surfing, and other applications which don’t require fast refresh rates. It preserves battery life, making it the perfect option for laptops designed for productivity. Choose a laptop with faster refresh rates such as 120hz and 144Hz, for an engaging multimedia and gaming experience. These screens improve your movie viewing and gaming experiences by providing better images and less motion blur.

Therefore, while considering a device, especially with regards to refresh rates, always keep in mind your use cases for the same. This will greatly help you in making a decision.