What Is a High Refresh Rate? Explaining 120 Hz on Phones, TVs, and Monitors

Many of our favorite TVs and monitors feature displays with high refresh rates, promising smoother on-screen action and a sharper picture. The same is true for the best Android phones and all of Apple’s iPhone Pro models (since the 13 Pro and onward). Today, every iPhone 17 model can reach a 120-Hz refresh rate. It has become standard across the board.

High refresh rates are frequently discussed in gaming, where fast reactions and instant on-screen updates can mean the difference between victory and…