In the world of smartphones, laptops, monitors, and tablets, one phrase keeps popping up, refresh rate. You’ve likely seen it in specs: 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, or even a mind-blowing 240Hz. But what does it really mean for you? Do high refresh rate screens matter for your daily life, your gaming experience, your creative work, or just your average scroll through Instagram?
Let’s break it down, not just with jargon, but with clarity, so that whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or someone just trying to buy a new device, you’ll understand why this number matters (or doesn’t) for your specific needs.
What is a Refresh Rate?
Refresh rate is the number of times that a screen updates the image per second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). Therefore, a screen with a refresh rate of 60Hz refreshes 60 times per second, 120Hz 120 times and so forth. The greater, the smoother the movement on your monitor.
Now, this might seem to be yet another technicality that manufacturers will come up with but the fact is that it influences your viewing and interaction experience directly. Whether it is the smooth buttery-smooth animations or a smooth stutter-free game experience, the high refresh rate displays transform the gaming experience- literally.
So, Do High Refresh Rate Screens Matter?
Yes—but only if you fall into specific categories of users. Here’s why:
1. To Gamers: It is a Game Changer
High refresh rate screens are an obvious benefit when you play fast games such as Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG, or Fortnite. A 144Hz screen is so much smoother than 60Hz when playing your game. All the movements are more responsive. The ease of this in the competitive world can spell the difference between victory and defeat.
The 120Hz refresh-rate phones such as the Infinix GT 20 Pro are also the great option in terms of performance/cost ratio when it comes to the budget Nigerian gamers
2. As a Content Creator: Easier Editing & Previewing
When you are editing videos or animations or motion heavy visuals, the smooth transitions of the 120Hz+ displays are going to be appreciated. It is easy to scroll through timelines, preview clips, and edit clips. It does not make the content quality better but the workflow significantly improves.
With this said though, a 60Hz screen can still suffice in case you are only using your device to create static content such as when writing or graphic design. However, the smoother visual feedback of 120Hz and higher may reduce eye strain and yield higher productivity during extended lengths of time.
3. To The Everyday Users: Is It Worth It?
Depending on what you do mostly on your device (social media, browsing, emails, streaming videos), the 60Hz vs. 120Hz might not be a life-altering experience. Of course, scrolling and animations that are smoother are a good addition, but may not be worth the additional price, especially in such a market like Nigeria where affordability tends to take precedence over bleeding-edge technology.
Nevertheless, after you have tried 120Hz, returning to 60Hz can be like getting into a time machine. It is not a necessity, it is luxurious, and you will soon come to appreciate it.
The Battery Trade-Off
Here’s where things get tricky. High refresh rate screens consume more power. Your 5000mAh battery may feel smaller if you’re constantly running your display at 144Hz. Some devices use adaptive refresh rate technology to switch between refresh rates depending on what you’re doing—preserving battery life while still giving you a smooth experience when needed.
So before you go all-in, ask yourself: Do high refresh rate screens matter more than battery life for you? If you’re on the move all day, maybe a balanced 90Hz or 120Hz with adaptive refresh might be better.
Pricing and Accessibility in Nigeria
High refresh rate displays are getting closer in the Nigerian market. The mid-range devices that have a 90Hz to 120Hz display are now available under brands such as Tecno, Infinix, Xiaomi, and Samsung. The 144Hz laptops and monitors are also becoming more affordable, and thus are now more appealing to gamers and editors.
However, watch out against marketing hype. A 120Hz phone that has a weak processor will not do so well. It will reload the screen quicker, however the internal will be a drag. Seek a balanced spec sheet always.
Final Thoughts: Are High Refresh Rate Screens Important?
Is a high refresh rate screen important? The answer is: it depends on who you are and what you do.
High refresh rate (120Hz, 144Hz, or higher) can take your experience to the next level when you are a mobile gamer, video editor, or multitasker.
A standard 60Hz or 90Hz screen is still very functional in case you are a cost-conscious buyer or you only carry out simple tasks.
With that said, the trend is obvious: high refresh rate is the new standard. And when you have experienced that scroll of fluid, it may be difficult to revert.
So before you make that purchase, pause and ask yourself again: Do high refresh rate screens matter to you?
Let your needs not just the specs guide your decision.
