Both options significantly improve the user’s impression of a particular device. And if enough is said about the refresh rate, then with the term “sample rate” ordinary people encounter much less often. Let’s explain!
Screen sample rate = Polling frequency of the screen sensor.
Ever since creating smartphones with a high refresh rate display ceased to be mainstream (thanks to OnePlus, which set the tone), we began to perceive 120 Hz as the norm. And if when choosing a smartphone, we at least pay attention to this parameter, then few people know about the sample rate in principle. About everything in turn!
1. Display refresh rate in smartphone
Display refresh rate – the frequency of the picture on the screen, that is, how many times per second the display can display a new frame. This parameter is relevant not only for smartphones but also for other equipment too: tablets, monitors, TVs, laptops, etc.
The vast majority of smartphones offer a refresh rate of 60 Hz (there is an update of 60 frames per second). The mid-range and premium tiers are equipped with displays with an update of 90 Hz or 120 Hz – here between update cycles the interval will be less than that of screens with 60 Hz. And 120 Hz is not a ceiling, because some top models have a refresh rate of 144 Hz.
The higher this parameter, the smoother the working screen looks (animations, graphics, transitions, etc.).
Some models offer an “adaptive refresh rate,” where a device automatically changes frequency due to tasks being performed. For example, last year’s Galaxy S21 Ultra offered a range of 10 to 120 Hz. This feature, unlike a consistently high refresh rate, saves battery power.
In general, a high refresh rate is the enemy of autonomy. Therefore, if you need a phone that will hold % of the battery charge longer, then 90 Hz will be head-on, and even better 60 Hz.
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2. Touch sample rate
And this is the frequency at which the device screen marks the user’s touches = the number of times that the screen can perceive per second.
Thus, a screen with a sampling rate of 60 Hz will be able to detect touch input only 60 times within 1 second. Now smartphones are sold and with 480 Hz – impressive!
The higher this parameter, the less time it takes for the screen to accept the touch command and give the result. Simply put, the response to the command is faster.
3. And together? And which smartphone models are ahead?
We have already dealt with the definitions, but in practice, both parameters are equally important. When the sample rate is higher than the refresh rate, the smartphone will register and execute commands even before updating the display. So the work of the display will become as pleasant as possible visually and technically.
In general, since ordinary people pay more attention to the screen refresh parameter, this has already become a marketing ploy and there are more phones with a high refresh rate than phones with a high sample rate.
Currently, you can find about 20 models of phones with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, for example, ASUS ROG Phone 3 and Xiaomi Mi 10T. Over 150 models offer 120 Hz. In general, ahead of all those devices that are positioned by brands as “gaming”.
But what’s the conclusion? If you are not an avid gamer, then 90 Hz will be enough for daily pleasant use!