Smartphone displays are set to reach absurd refresh rate levels similar to those found on gaming monitors.
**OnePlus 15**
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends
For years, smartphone manufacturers have been in a competition for brighter screens, slimmer bezels, and sharper resolutions. Now, it seems the next area of focus may be refresh rates — and things are getting rather extreme.
A recent leak indicates that OnePlus is considering a strategy that could eventually introduce 240Hz OLED displays to its flagship devices. This frequency is usually seen in gaming monitors, not in gadgets primarily used for scrolling through social media and watching YouTube. According to tipster Digital Chat Station, OnePlus is contemplating a gradual increase from 165Hz and 185Hz panels before eventually reaching 240Hz in future models.
The competition for refresh rates is intensifying.
Currently, most flagship smartphones operate at a maximum of 120Hz, which already offers a remarkably smooth experience for everyday tasks. Animations are seamless, scrolling is quick, and games that support high frame rates appear noticeably improved. However, OnePlus seems keen on exceeding what most users would deem necessary.
Recent speculation around the upcoming OnePlus 16 suggests a transition from 165Hz to 185Hz while maintaining the company's preferred 1.5K display resolution. This indicates that OnePlus may be prioritizing refresh rate over pixel density, at least for the moment. The appeal is clear; higher refresh rates can enhance the responsiveness of supported games, particularly in fast-paced shooters and racing games. However, the advantages become harder to perceive as the numbers rise.
The actual challenge lies in managing battery life.
Achieving 240Hz is one aspect; doing so without severely impacting battery life is another. This is likely why OnePlus reportedly continues to favor 1.5K screens over crisper 2K displays. Merging ultra-high refresh rates with increased resolutions requires more power, stronger processing capabilities, and enhanced thermal management.
Qualcomm
The company may consider 2K displays in the future, but only if display technology improves sufficiently to prevent major trade-offs. For now, the anticipated OnePlus 16 is expected to launch later this year, featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip and a larger silicon-carbon battery, both of which could aid in supporting more intense display hardware. Whether a 240Hz smartphone screen is genuinely necessary remains an open question. However, if the leak holds true, OnePlus appears committed to exploring this possibility.
Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, with more than five years of experience in the technology sector.
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Smartphone displays are set to reach absurd refresh rate levels similar to those found on gaming monitors.
A 120Hz refresh rate used to seem excessive for a smartphone. However, a recent leak indicates that OnePlus may be pursuing refresh rates that seem more suitable for a gaming monitor than for a mobile device.