Modern smartphone users are increasingly paying attention not only to the resolution of the matrix, but also to its refresh rate. This parameter, measured in Hertz (Hz), directly affects the smoothness of animations, web page scrolling, and the responsiveness of the interface. However, manufacturers do not always make this information visible, leaving the owner in the dark about the real capabilities of his device. This is especially true for models with adaptive frequency, where the value changes dynamically.
You can find out the exact number in several ways: from simple system settings to using specialized software or engineering teams. In this article we will analyze in detail all available diagnostic methods, explain the difference between static and variable frequency, and also show how to interpret the data obtained. You can independently verify whether your screen operates at the declared 90, 120 or even 144 Hz, or whether the device is limited to the standard 60 Hz.
Checking through the smartphone system settings
The most obvious and safest way to find out the supported frequency is to look into the display settings. Most modern shells based on Androidsuch as OneUI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi, allow the user to manually select the screen operation mode. If there is an option in the menu to switch between 60 Hz and high frequency, then your smartphone technically supports higher values.
However, there is an important nuance here: the presence of a switch does not guarantee that the screen always works at maximum. In the “Adaptive Frequency” or “Auto” mode, the system itself decides when to raise the dial for smoothness, and when to lower it to save battery power. To see the current value in real time, the standard menu is often not enough, and more in-depth diagnostic tools are required.
To access these settings, you usually need to go through Settings → Screen → Refresh rate. In some cases, manufacturers hide this option deeper, for example, in the “Advanced Settings” or “Accessibility” section. If you do not find an explicit mention of Hertz, this may mean that the device has a fixed frequency, or the manufacturer decided to hide this information from the user.
⚠️ Attention: In some budget models, manufacturers programmatically unlock the frequency selection menu, but physically the matrix remains 60 Hz. Switching to “High” mode in this case will not give any visual effect.
If there is no explicit indication of Hz in the settings, look for modes like “Smooth scrolling” or “Motion Smoothness” - these are marketing names for a high refresh rate.
Using specialized applications
When built-in tools do not provide comprehensive information, third-party utilities from the store come to the rescue Google Play. These applications read data directly from display drivers and output it in a clear format. One of the most reliable tools is considered Device Info HW, which provides detailed hardware specifications.
After installing and launching the app, you need to go to the Display or “Screen” tab. Here you will find a line Refresh Ratethat will show the current refresh rate. The advantage of such utilities is that they often display the range of supported frequencies, and not just the current value. This allows you to understand whether the screen is capable of operating in 120 Hz mode, even if it is now reset to 60 Hz.
Other popular applications such as AIDA64 or CPU-Zalso contain sections with display information. In AIDA64 the necessary data is in the section Display, where the pixel density and refresh rate are indicated.
- 📱 Device Info HW —shows detailed technical information about the matrix and supported modes.
- 🛠️ AIDA64 —a universal diagnostic tool with a section about the display.
- 📊 CPU-Z is a lightweight application that quickly determines the main screen parameters.
Developer menu and USB debugging
For more advanced users, it is possible to activate the hidden developer menu, which provides access to system logs and debugging information. This method does not require installing third-party software, but requires caution when changing settings. To activate the menu, you need to click on the build number seven times in the section About phone.
After activation, a new item will appear in the main settings For developers. Inside it you can find the option Show refresh rate (Show refresh rate). When you enable this function, an overlay with the current Hertz value in real time will appear in the corner of the screen. You will be able to watch the number change from 1 to 120 (or higher) depending on the load on the processor and the content on the screen.
It is worth noting that on some devices this function may not display entirely accurate data or work with a delay. In addition, constantly displaying the counter may slightly increase the load on the system. If you do not find the required switch in the developer menu, your smartphone manufacturer may have restricted access to this function.
Settings → About phone → Tap 7 times on "Build number" → For developers → Show refresh rate⚠️ Attention: Do not change other settings in the developer menu. if you are not sure of their purpose. This may lead to unstable system operation or reset settings.
What to do if the “Show refresh rate” item is missing?
On some shells (for example, older versions of MIUI or ColorOS) this option is hidden or removed. In this case, the only way to see the real frequency is to use applications like Device Info HW or connect to a computer via ADB.
Diagnostics via computer and ADB
The most accurate and professional method of obtaining information about the screen refresh rate is using a debug bridge Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to query system properties directly, bypassing UI restrictions. To do this, you will need a computer, a USB cable and ADB drivers installed.
First you need to enable USB debugging in the developer menu on your phone. Then connect your smartphone to your PC and open Command Prompt. By entering the command adb shell dumpsys SurfaceFlinger, you will receive a huge log with information about the surface composer. In this log you need to look for lines containing refreshRate or preferredRefreshRate.
An alternative, simpler request - adb shell dumpsys display. The output from this command contains information about the connected displays, including their resolution and current refresh rate. Look for the Display Devicessection, where all available modes (Modes) supported by the screen will be listed. This will give you a complete understanding of the hardware capabilities of the matrix.
| ADB Command | What it shows | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
adb shell dumpsys SurfaceFlinger |
Detailed information about rendering and frame rate | High |
adb shell dumpsys display |
List of supported display modes | Medium |
adb shell wm size |
Screen resolution only | Low |
adb shell getprop ro.display.rate |
Base refresh rate (if available) | Low |
Using ADB provides the most reliable data, since the information is read directly from the system core, and not through the manufacturer's interface add-ons.
Understanding adaptive refresh rate
Modern flagship smartphones rarely operate at a fixed frequency. Technology LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) allows the screen to dynamically change the refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz and higher. This is done to balance between picture smoothness and power consumption. When you read text or watch a static photo, the frequency drops to a minimum, saving power.
When you actively scroll the tape, play a game or transition animation, the frequency instantly increases. That is why, looking at the counter in the corner of the screen, you can see “jumping” numbers: 60, 90, 120, 48, 10. This is not an error or malfunction, but the normal operation of energy saving algorithms. Understanding this principle is important for correct interpretation of diagnostic data.
Some applications and games may forcefully block high frequencies if they are not optimized for it. In such cases, the screen may remain at 60Hz even if 120Hz mode is enabled in system settings. This is a software limitation, not a hardware limitation. Game developers often fix FPS at 60 or 30 for stability on a wide range of devices.
⚠️ Attention: Screen characteristics and the logic of the adaptive frequency algorithms may vary depending on the firmware version. The manufacturer can change the behavior of the screen after updating the software.
☑️ Checking the adaptive frequency operation
The influence of Hertz on autonomy and games
A high screen refresh rate certainly makes interaction with a smartphone more enjoyable, but it comes at the cost of increased energy consumption. The difference in consumption between 60 Hz and 120 Hz mode can be from 10% to 20% per active cycle. For users for whom autonomy is critically important, knowledge of the real Hertz speed helps them decide whether to disable the high mode.
In games the situation is even more interesting. If your phone supports 144Hz, but the game is limited to 60fps, you won't feel the difference, and the battery will drain faster due to the sensor running at a higher frequency. Many gamers deliberately lower the system refresh rate to 60 Hz before launching heavy projects in order to stabilize FPS and reduce processor heating.
Knowing how many hertz your screen produces at a particular moment allows you to optimize the settings for your tasks. For working with documents and reading, 60 Hz is enough, while for dynamic shooters or scrolling news, a high frequency will be a noticeable advantage. The balance between comfort and operating time is a key factor in setting up a modern smartphone.
- 🔋 Energy saving - reducing the frequency to 60 Hz significantly extends battery life.
- 🎮 Gaming - high Hertz gives an advantage in shooters, but requires powerful hardware.
- 👀 Eye comfort —a smooth picture tires your eyesight less during prolonged use.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to increase the screen resolution if the phone supports only 60 Hz?
It is impossible to physically increase the refresh rate of the matrix. If the screen is hardware designed for 60 Hz, no app or setting will force it to work at 90 or 120 Hz. Attempts to overclock using root access can lead to damage to the display or unstable operation of the system.
Why doesn’t 120 Hz work in games, although it is enabled in the phone settings?
Most likely, the game itself is not optimized for high frame rates. Developers must separately add support for 90/120 FPS to the application code. Check the settings within the game or look for information about high-Hz support for your specific phone model.
Are high refresh rates harmful to your eyesight?
On the contrary, a high refresh rate (90-120 Hz) makes the movement of objects on the screen smoother and more natural, which reduces eye strain compared to flickering images at 60 Hz. However, prolonged use of any screen without a break can cause fatigue.
Does the counter in the developer menu show the real FPS in games?
The counter in the developer menu shows the display refresh rate (Refresh Rate), and not the number of frames that the video card renders (FPS). These values may not be the same. If the game produces 40 FPS and the screen operates at 120 Hz, the counter will show 120, but the picture will be jerky.
How to find the Hertz frequency if the screen is broken and nothing is visible?
If there is no image, you can find out the frequency only by connecting to a computer and using ADB commands, or by connecting the phone to an external monitor via a USB-C to adapter HDMI (if the phone supports video output).