Glossary › Electronics › Refresh rate
💻 Electronics term
Refresh rate
How many times per second a screen updates its image, measured in hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate makes scrolling and motion look smoother.
Common questions
Is a 120Hz phone screen worth it?
Most people notice the difference straight away in smoother scrolling and animations. The trade-off is slightly higher battery use, although many phones lower the refresh rate automatically when the screen is static.
What refresh rate do I need for a gaming monitor?
144Hz or higher is popular for fast shooters and racing games, but you only benefit if your graphics card can produce that many frames per second in your games. Match the monitor to your GPU and resolution, and use a DisplayPort or suitable HDMI cable.
Does refresh rate matter on a TV?
Mostly for gaming and sports. A 120Hz TV with HDMI 2.1 lets current consoles run supported games at up to 120 frames per second. For everyday TV shows and streaming, 60Hz is fine.
Why it matters
Refresh rate affects how smooth a screen feels, but it only helps if the device or graphics card can keep up.
🇸🇬 In Singapore
High-refresh monitors are a popular upgrade among PC gamers in Singapore, and shops at Sim Lim Square often let you see them running before buying. Check whether the advertised refresh rate is native or only reached through overclocking.
Tips before you buy
- Match a high-refresh monitor with a capable GPU.
- Check the cable and port support the full refresh rate.
- For phones, look for adaptive refresh to save battery.