Tablet Refresh Rate Guide: 60Hz, 90Hz, or 120Hz?

What Is Refresh Rate?

The refresh rate of a tablet display is the number of times the screen redraws its image in one second. It is measured in hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate means the display can show more frames per second, which results in smoother motion and less visible flicker.

Most tablets offer a standard refresh rate. Some premium models include a high refresh rate mode that you can enable for specific tasks. The choice of refresh rate affects how fluid the interface feels, especially when you are scrolling through long pages or moving items on the screen.

For a deeper look at how display specifications affect your experience, see our tablet screen resolution and tablet display types articles.

How Refresh Rate Affects Scrolling

When you scroll through a web page, an email, or a social feed, the content moves across the screen. With a lower refresh rate, the text and images can appear blurry or stutter as they move. A higher refresh rate updates the image more frequently, which keeps the text crisp and reduces the 'jelly' effect that some users notice.

For casual reading and web browsing, the difference may be subtle, but many people appreciate the extra smoothness when they switch to a high refresh rate tablet. If you spend hours each day scrolling through articles or documents, a high refresh rate can make the experience noticeably more comfortable.

Refresh Rate and Gaming

Gaming is one of the most demanding tasks for a tablet display. Fast-moving scenes require the screen to keep up with the action. A higher refresh rate reduces motion blur and can make fast turns and quick reactions feel more immediate. Some games are designed to run at high frame rates, but the display must also support a high refresh rate to show all those frames.

If you play racing games, shooters, or any title with rapid graphics, a tablet with a high refresh rate can make the game feel smoother and more responsive. However, not all games take advantage of a high refresh rate, and the benefit is most noticeable on games that run at frame rates that match the display's capability.

You can explore tablets that suit gaming in our large screen tablet guide or Android tablet guide.

Refresh Rate and Note Taking

Using a stylus to write or draw on a tablet can also benefit from a higher refresh rate. When you move the pen across the screen, the display needs to update the line you are drawing. A low refresh rate can cause a slight lag between the position of the pen and the ink on the screen. With a high refresh rate, the line appears more immediately, which makes note taking feel more natural.

For note taking and sketching, a high refresh rate is not strictly necessary, but it can reduce the perceived latency of the stylus. If you rely on your tablet for handwritten notes or digital art, you may notice a significant difference in the responsiveness of the display.

To find models that pair well with a stylus, see our tablets with a stylus guide.

Battery Life Considerations

A tablet's refresh rate has a direct impact on battery life. The display is one of the largest consumers of power in a tablet, and a higher refresh rate means the screen is updating more often, which uses more energy. Many tablets allow you to switch to a lower refresh rate to extend battery life when you are not doing tasks that benefit from a high rate.

Some tablets automatically adjust the refresh rate based on what you are doing. For example, they might run at a low rate when you are reading a static page and boost it when you scroll or play a game. This adaptive approach balances smoothness with energy efficiency. If battery life is a top priority, you may want to consider a tablet that offers an adaptive refresh rate.

For more on getting the most from your tablet's battery, check our tablet battery life article.

How to Choose the Right Refresh Rate

Choosing the right refresh rate depends on your primary use. If you mostly browse the web, watch video, and check email, you may not need a high refresh rate. These activities are not very demanding, and a standard display will serve you well. However, if you frequently play fast-paced games or use a stylus for drawing and note taking, a high refresh rate can improve your experience.

Consider where your priorities lie. If you want the best visual smoothness and are willing to accept a shorter battery life, look for a tablet with a high refresh rate. If you value long battery life and do not engage in tasks that require quick screen updates, a standard display is a practical choice. You can also find tablets that let you adjust the refresh rate, giving you the flexibility to choose the right balance for each situation.

Tasks that benefit most from a high refresh rate:

Fast-paced gaming

Stylus note taking and drawing

Quick scrolling through long documents

Tasks that do not need a high refresh rate:

Reading a static page

Watching movies (usually filmed at a fixed frame rate)

Typing on a virtual keyboard

What to pick for your use

Questions

Does a higher refresh rate matter for watching movies?

Movies are usually filmed at a fixed frame rate, and a higher refresh rate does not make them look better. In fact, some users see a 'soap opera effect' when motion smoothing is applied. For video playback, a standard refresh rate is completely fine.

Can a tablet's refresh rate be adjusted?

Many tablets include a setting to switch between standard and high refresh rates. Some adaptive displays automatically change the rate based on the content. Check the display settings on your tablet to see what options are available.

Is a high refresh rate essential for a tablet?

No. It is a nice-to-have feature that improves perceived smoothness, especially for scrolling, gaming, and stylus input. For many tasks, a standard refresh rate is perfectly adequate.

Does a high refresh rate drain the battery quickly?

Yes, a higher refresh rate uses more power because the display updates more often. However, many tablets let you lower the rate to save battery, or they use adaptive technology to balance performance and energy use.

Which tablets have high refresh rates?

Many premium tablets from major manufacturers include high refresh rate displays. You can find them in our large screen tablet guide and Android tablet guide.