The modern smartphone market is filled with devices with displays operating at frequencies of 90, 120 and even 144 Hz. This has become an important marketing advantage that manufacturers actively use to attract gamers and demanding users. However, it often happens that the smoothness of the picture declared in the characteristics is not felt in practice, or the system automatically reduces the frequency to save battery power. A logical question arises: how to check the hertz on Android and make sure that your gadget is working correctly?
Understanding how it works screen refresh rateis critical for correctly setting up the device. Many users buy expensive flagships, but do not know how to activate the maximum performance of the display. In this article we will analyze all available diagnostic methods - from built-in engineering menus to third-party applications.
You will learn why the picture can look jerky even on powerful hardware and how to distinguish real 120 Hz from software interpolation. We will look at the nuances of working with different shells, such as MIUI, One UI i OxygenOSso that you can get the most out of your smartphone.
What is screen hertz and why check it
Hertz, or refresh rate, is measured in Hertz (Hz) and shows how many times per second the image on the display is redrawn. Standard screens run at 60Hz, which means 60 frames per second. More advanced models offer 90, 120 or 144 Hz, which makes interface and game animations visually smoother and more pleasing to the eye.
Checking the current frequency is necessary, since many smartphones are equipped with adaptive displays. This means the system can dynamically change the setting from 120Hz to 60Hz or even lower depending on the content. For example, when reading static text energy consumption is reduced by reducing the number of updates.
⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers use frame interpolation technology, when the screen physically operates at 60 Hz, but programmatically completes the intermediate frames. This creates the illusion of high Hertz, but does not provide the same level of responsiveness as native 120 Hz.
Knowing the real indicators helps diagnose problems with display drivers or incorrect power saving settings. If you feel lags in the menu, checking the Hertz voltage will be the first step to solving the problem.
Using the engineering menu and hidden settings
The fastest way to get technical information about the display is to use the built-in capabilities of the system. Android has hidden sections intended for developers and service engineers. They are often accessed through a set of special codes in the Phone application.
Try entering the combination ##4636## or #0# (relevant for Samsung). If the code works, the testing menu will open, where you can find the Display or Screen testsection. The current operating mode of the panel may be displayed there.
However, on modern versions of Android, access to these codes is often blocked by manufacturers. In such cases, you need to activate developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number.
After activation, go to the menu For Developers. Look for Show Surface Updates or GPU Debugging. Although they do not directly show the Hertz number, a visual indication of flashing areas of the screen confirms rendering activity.
If the codes do not work, try downloading the Activity Launcher app from the Play Store. It allows you to open hidden system activities, including old service menus that were hidden by firmware developers.
apps for monitoring the update rate in real time
The most accurate and visual verification method is the use of specialized applications. They read data directly from the display driver and output the current frame rate on top of any window. This allows you to see how the Hertz changes when moving between the desktop, browser and games.
One of the most popular utilities is Device Info HW. It provides comprehensive information about the hardware, including the matrix model and supported refresh rate modes. The Screen tab will show a list of all available profiles that your device can use.
Another powerful tool is Screen Tester. This application not only shows numbers, but also allows you to run a visual test. Moving objects appear on the screen, by the smoothness of which you can subjectively evaluate the operation of the panel.
- 📱 Device Info HW —shows the technical specifications of the screen and the current mode.
- 📊 Screen Tester —visualizes the Hertz response and allows you to conduct stress tests.
- ⚙️ FPS Meter —displays the frame counter in the corner of the screen in real time.
When using such apps Pay attention to the behavior of the counter. If, when scrolling through the news feed, the number jumps from 60 to 120, it means it’s working for you. Adaptive Sync. This is normal behavior to save battery.
Why might apps show different data?
Different apps use different APIs to request information from the system. Some read the declared maximum frequency, others - the current active one. In addition, the frequency may be affected by the overlay of other windows or the energy saving mode.
Visual tests and online services
If you do not want to install unnecessary applications, you can use online tests through the browser. This method is suitable for quickly checking the perception of smoothness, although it does not provide accurate technical data about the operation of the driver.
There are sites with tests for flicker and smoothness of motion (UFO test and analogues). The principle is simple: an object moves on the screen. At 60 Hz it may leave a noticeable trail or move jerkily, while at 120 Hz the movement will be almost perfect.
However, this method has a serious drawback. The browser itself may limit the refresh rate or work incorrectly with high Hertz due to engine limitations. Therefore, the results of online tests should be taken as indicative.
| Verification method | Accuracy | Difficulty | Requires installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering menu | High | Medium | No |
| Special. applications | Maximum | Low | Yes |
| Online tests | Low | Low | No |
| System settings | Medium | Low | No |
For the most objective assessment, it is recommended to combine methods. First, look at the settings in the menu, then confirm the data through an application like Device Info HW, and only then conduct a subjective visual test.
How to enable high refresh rate in the settings
Often a smartphone is capable of running at 120 Hz, but is set to 60 Hz by default to save battery. To change this, you need to go to the main display settings. The path may differ depending on the model and version of the shell.
In pure Android or Pixel the setting is usually located in the Settings → Screen → Smoothnesssection. Here you can select either High or Adaptive mode. In devices Xiaomi i Redmi look for the item Refresh rate in the “Screen” menu.
Make sure that the mode is selected Highif you want to fix the maximum Hertz constantly. Adaptive or Auto mode will change the frequency depending on the content, which sometimes leads to a feeling of uneven smoothness.
☑️ Check display settings
Remember that turning on the maximum frequency significantly increases energy consumption. If autonomy is more important to you than smoothness, it makes sense to leave the adaptive mode or return to 60 Hz in everyday tasks.
Problems with Hertz in games and applications
Even if 120 Hz is set in the system menu, specific games may not support this mode. This depends on the optimization of the application itself and the restrictions imposed by the developer for stability.
Many heavy games, such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobilehave internal graphics settings. Go to the game settings and find the “Frame Rate” section. If there is no 90 or 120 FPS option, it means that the game is not optimized for your device or the phone model is not whitelisted.
⚠️ Attention: Forcing high frame rates in games through third-party mods or editing configs can lead to overheating of the processor, rapid discharge and even application crashes. Proceed with caution.
It is also worth considering that some applications (for example, video players or YouTube) are limited in content. Video is usually shot at 24, 30 or 60 frames per second. A screen with a frequency of 120 Hz will not make such a video “smoother” in the traditional sense; it will only ensure smoother scrolling of the interface around the player.
Support for high frame rates in games depends not only on the screen, but also on the processor power and optimization of the application itself by the developers.
Why Hertz may drop or not work
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the phone suddenly starts working only at 60 Hz, despite all the settings. This may be due to the power saving mode being turned on. When the battery charge is low (usually below 15-20%), the system forcibly reduces the update frequency.
Another reason is overheating. If the phone body is hot, the system throttles performance and reduces the screen Hertz to reduce heat generation. Let the device cool down and the parameters should be restored.
In rare cases, the problem lies in a software glitch after a firmware update. Resetting the screen settings or completely resetting the device to factory settings can help return the display to normal mode.
If all else fails, there may be a hardware failure in the display cable or power controller. In this case, diagnostics are necessary at a service center.
Does protective glass affect the Hertz response?
High-quality protective glass does not affect the refresh rate. However, cheap glass with a poor oleophobic coating or too thick glass can impair the sensitivity of the touchscreen, making scrolling smoother, even if the Hertz is high.
Is it possible to increase the Hertz of the screen if the phone only supports 60 Hz?
No, this is not possible in software. Refresh rate is a physical characteristic of the display matrix. If the panel is rated at 60Hz, it physically cannot update more frequently. Software “accelerators” only create an illusion or interpolate frames, which often leads to artifacts.
Why is there no choice in the settings between 60 and 120 Hz?
In some models (especially budget or old flagships), the manufacturer has blocked the choice, leaving only the adaptive mode. The system itself decides when to increase the frequency. Also, this option may be hidden in the developer menu.
Does high Hertz frequency affect vision?
A high refresh rate (90-120 Hz) usually tires the eyes less, as it reduces flicker and makes movements more natural. However, individual sensitivity may vary. For some users, high smoothness may seem unnatural after getting used to 60 Hz.
How to check Hertz without root access?
root access is not needed. It is enough to install an application from Google Play, for example, Device Info HW or Screen Tester. They work in user mode and have access to the necessary system parameters through standard Android APIs.
Is there a difference between 90 Hz and 120 Hz on a small screen?
Yes, the difference is noticeable, especially when scrolling text and interface animations. On screens with a diagonal of 6 inches and above, the human eye can clearly distinguish the smoothness of 120 Hz compared to 90 Hz, although the transition from 60 to 90 is felt with the most contrast.