Unveiling the Adaptive Refresh Rate of Samsung Galaxy S21

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series is known for its impressive display technologies, including its adaptive refresh rate. Despite some confusion, this feature is indeed available, but with a specific limitation. Let's dive into the details.

The Adaptive Refresh Rate of Samsung Galaxy S21

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series offers a feature called adaptive refresh rate, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on the device's usage. This feature is designed to improve efficiency and battery life while still delivering a smooth and fluid user experience.

How Adaptive Refresh Rate Works

Adaptive refresh rate technology allows the display to switch between different refresh rates depending on the application and usage scenario. By default, the S21 series can switch between refresh rates of 60Hz, 90Hz, or 120Hz, depending on the app and device state. However, there's a common misconception that setting the device to 60Hz would disable this feature entirely. This is not true, at least not entirely.

60Hz Mode and Adaptive Refresh Rate

When the Samsung Galaxy S21 is set to 60Hz, it still retains the ability to engage in adaptive refresh rate. However, the refresh rate is limited to a minimum of 60Hz. This means that despite being set to 60Hz, the display can still switch to a higher refresh rate if the conditions are right, such as when playing a fast-paced game or watching streaming media.

AOD (Always On Display) and Adaptive Refresh Rate

One of the unique aspects of adaptive refresh rate is the ability to toggle between slower refresh rates for certain features. In the case of the Always On Display (AOD), the S21 series can drop to as low as 1Hz for the AOD, but still maintain 60Hz for the main display and normal usage.

Understanding the Limitations

It's important to understand the limitations of adaptive refresh rate on the Samsung Galaxy S21 when set to 60Hz.

Key Limitations

Minimum Refresh Rate: If the device is set to 60Hz, the display will not drop below this value, even when adaptive refresh rate is engaged. Use Case: Adaptive refresh rate is most effective when the device switches between differing conditions and apps. Keeping it at a fixed refresh rate like 60Hz might not showcase the full benefit of this technology. Battery Life: While setting the device to 60Hz can improve battery life, the adaptive refresh rate can help balance this by providing better performance when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Samsung Galaxy S21 really have an adaptive refresh rate even when it's set to 60Hz?

Yes, the adaptive refresh rate is still active, but the refresh rate is limited to a minimum of 60Hz. This means that when set to 60Hz, the display can still switch to a higher refresh rate, but the lowest it will go is 60Hz.

How do AOD and adaptive refresh rate interact?

AOD can drop to 1Hz, but the main display and normal usage still operate at 60Hz. Adaptive refresh rate allows for this flexibility, making the AOD feature both functional and energy-efficient.

Is it beneficial to use the 60Hz mode on Samsung Galaxy S21?

Yes, using the 60Hz mode can improve battery life, particularly when the device is not in heavy usage. However, leaving the device on adaptive refresh rate can provide a better performance balance for different activities.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series is equipped with the innovative adaptive refresh rate technology, even when the device is set to 60Hz. This technology allows for dynamic adjustments that optimize performance and efficiency. While the set 60Hz option limits the refresh rate to a minimum of 60Hz, the adaptive refresh rate remains active, making the AOD and normal usage perform optimally. The key is understanding how to utilize this technology for the best results.