Refresh rate refers to the number of times the screen displays a new image every second. Measured in Hertz (Hz), the refresh rate is a significant factor in the performance of devices with screens such as televisions and smartphones. It shows how often and quickly the display updates. Thus, contributing to the experience of the users.
But what is its importance to smartphones? Devices with displays that have higher refresh rates offer a smoother user experience. Users can scroll through content without any lags or hitches. It also allows for minimal to no screen tearing when playing games or streaming.
In today’s standards, high refresh rates on smartphone screens are at 90Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz. But for this list, we will focus on smartphones with 120Hz displays. The models included in the list are the ones launched in 2020 and are locally available in the Philippines.
ASUS ROG Phone 3
A screen with a high refresh rate is most beneficial to gaming smartphones as it allows users to enjoy lag-free sessions when they play. This allows them to execute plays smoothly and enjoy the graphics even on demanding apps and programs. So for the ASUS ROG Phone 3, the brand’s ultimate gaming device, to have a 120Hz display is a no-brainer.
Both the ROG Phone 3 Classic Edition and the ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition are equipped with the same screen functionalities. They also have the same processor: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+. However, the Classic Edition comes with a 16GB or 12GB RAM, paired with a 512GB internal storage. Meanwhile, the Strix Edition has a slightly lower RAM of 8GB along with a 256GB ROM.
- ASUS ROG Phone 3 Classic Edition (12GB + 512GB) – P49,995
- ASUS ROG Phone 3 Classic Edition (16GB + 512GB) – P54,995
- ASUS ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition (8GB + 256GB) – P39,995
OnePlus 8 Pro
While the OnePlus 8 smartphone is a powerhouse in itself, the Pro edition ups the ante even more. One of the ways the OnePlus 8 Pro further upgrades the experience is through a beautiful screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. This device also boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor under the hood. The powerful CPU is complemented by the 8GB or 12GB of RAM. Users also have the option to get a 128GB or a 256GB ROM. Launched in April this year, the Pro model has the following suggested retail prices:
- OnePlus 8 Pro (8GB + 128GB) – P45,990
- OnePlus 8 Pro (12GB + 256GB) – P48,990
OPPO Find X2 Series
The OPPO Find X2 Series are among the devices that offer 120Hz display to users. However, OPPO has only launched the Find X2 Pro in the country for now. The Pro version arrives with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor. It is offered in a massive 12GB RAM configuration. Plus, the phone provides 512GB internal storage to save all your files, data, apps, photos, videos, and more.
- OPPO Find X2 Pro – P65,990
Poco X3 NFC
Dubbed the flagship killer, the Poco X3 NFC challenges flagship-level devices by offering premium specs and features at a bang-for-the-buck price. Imagine getting a 120Hz display on a smartphone that is 3 to 10 times more affordable. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G, the X3 NFC has 6GB of RAM. It is available in a 64GB or 128GB internal storage configuration.
- Poco X3 NFC (64GB) – P10,990
- Poco X3 NFC (128GB) – P12,990
Realme X3 SuperZoom
Like with any other Realme phones, the X3 SuperZoom brings flagship features at an affordable price. The Realme X3 SuperZoom is one of the reasonably priced among smartphones with a 120Hz display. This device also arrives with Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ (SM8150) processor, 12GB RAM, and 256GB built-in storage.
- Realme X3 SuperZoom – P24,990
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra uses a 120Hz display to ensure hitch-free productivity for its users. Launched in August 2020, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is available in 4G- and 5G-ready configurations. The two models come powered by a Samsung Exynos 990 mobile processor. Both phones also have 256GB internal storage. However, they differ in the memory department–the 4G handset has 8GB RAM, while the 5G model has 12GB RAM.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (4G) – P67,990
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (5G through telcos) – P72,990
Samsung Galaxy S20 Series
The latest Samsung flagship smartphone line, the Galaxy S20 Series is expected to only have the best specs a high-end device can offer. That is why it is no wonder that the Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra all sports 120Hz displays. Even the special Samsung Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition smartphone offers the same screen refresh rate to its users.
Launched in February this year, the Galaxy S20 smartphones come equipped with a Samsung Exynos 990 processor. Both the Galaxy S20 and S20+ arrive with 8GB of RAM while the S20 Ultra boasts 12GB of RAM. All of the Galaxy S20 Series handsets features 128GB of built-in storage.
Meanwhile, the BTS Edition of the Samsung Galaxy S20+ was launched in June of 2020. It has the same internals as the regular model–8GB RAM + 128GB internal storage. Under the hood is the same Exynos 990 processor.
Here are the prices of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Series:
- Samsung Galaxy S20 (4G) – P49,990
- Samsung Galaxy S20+ – P55,990
- Samsung Galaxy S20+ (BTS Edition) – P57,990
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra – P69,990
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
Another Samsung entry to the 120Hz display category is the future-forward Galaxy Z Fold 2. The next-generation foldable smartphone from the Korean tech giant offers a screen with a high refresh rate–of course! This cutting-edge Samsung device boasts Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus for its computing hardware. It also comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB internal storage.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 – P109,990
Did we miss any smartphone with a 120Hz display? Let us know in the comments so we can add them to the article!
