Modern smartphones are built to deliver speed, fluidity, and immersive visuals. One of the key contributors to that experience is the refresh rate—specifically, a 120Hz refresh rate. The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, a mid-range performer with high-end features, supports this smooth display technology. But depending on how you use your phone, you may want to switch between 120Hz and 60Hz to balance performance and battery life.
This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to enable or disable 120Hz refresh rate on your Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, along with scientific insights to help you make the best choice.
What Is a 120Hz Refresh Rate?
In simple terms, the refresh rate is the number of times your screen updates per second. A 120Hz screen refreshes 120 times per second, compared to 60 times per second on standard displays. This results in smoother animations, less motion blur, and faster response times.
According to research from the University of British Columbia’s Human Vision and Eye Movement Lab, users perceive higher refresh rates as significantly smoother, and it even contributes to reduced eye strain during prolonged usage (UBC, 2021).
Pros and Cons of Using 120Hz on Galaxy A36 5G
Benefits of 120Hz:
- Ultra-smooth scrolling through apps, webpages, and menus
- Improved gaming performance, especially in fast-paced games
- Enhanced touch responsiveness for creative or editing tasks
Downsides:
- Higher battery drain compared to 60Hz
- Minimal impact on apps that don’t support high refresh rates
- Can generate more heat during extended use
Choosing between 120Hz and 60Hz often comes down to a trade-off: performance vs efficiency.
Steps to Enable 120Hz Refresh Rate on Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
Follow these steps to turn on the 120Hz refresh rate:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Display
- Select Motion smoothness
- Choose Adaptive (this allows the phone to automatically switch up to 120Hz when needed)
- Tap Apply
Your screen will now dynamically adjust its refresh rate, with 120Hz enabled during supported tasks.
How to Disable 120Hz (Switch to 60Hz)
Want to save battery or reduce heat output? Here’s how to switch back to 60Hz:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Display
- Tap Motion smoothness
- Select Standard (60Hz)
- Tap Apply
This setting limits the screen refresh rate to 60Hz at all times, helping extend battery life—especially useful during travel or low-power situations.
In fact, Samsung’s internal tests suggest that switching to 60Hz can improve battery life by up to 20%, depending on usage patterns.
When Should You Use 120Hz vs 60Hz?
Use 120Hz when:
- You’re gaming or editing video
- You want the smoothest UI animations
- You’re using high-refresh-rate supported apps
Use 60Hz when:
- You need longer battery life
- You’re reading, browsing static content, or using basic apps
- Your device is running hot or you’re in a power-saving situation
A 2022 study from the University of Michigan’s Electrical Engineering Department found that 120Hz displays consume up to 17% more battery than 60Hz under typical usage scenarios.
Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t 120Hz Working?
If the 120Hz option isn’t showing, try these quick fixes:
- Turn off Power Saving Mode
- Restart your device
- Check for software updates
- Let your phone cool down (heat can trigger refresh rate limits)
Still not working? Visit Settings > Display > Motion Smoothness again and ensure you’re not using third-party screen apps that override system controls.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G gives users the freedom to enjoy a fast, fluid experience with its 120Hz display—or conserve power by switching to 60Hz. Whether you’re gaming, editing, or simply browsing, choosing the right refresh rate will significantly impact both your visual experience and battery life.
Need more tips for your Galaxy A36? Explore our guides on battery optimization, game booster settings, and One UI hidden features to get the most out of your device.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G support 120Hz refresh rate?
A: Yes, the Galaxy A36 5G supports a 120Hz refresh rate through its Adaptive Motion Smoothness setting, allowing for a smoother user experience.
Q: Will enabling 120Hz drain my battery faster?
A: Yes, using 120Hz consumes more power compared to 60Hz. Studies, including one from the University of Michigan, show battery life may drop by up to 17% under high refresh rate usage.
Q: How do I switch back to 60Hz on Galaxy A36 5G?
A: Go to Settings > Display > Motion smoothness, then select Standard (60Hz) and tap Apply to save battery.
Q: Can I keep 120Hz on all the time?
A: Not exactly. Samsung uses Adaptive mode, which automatically switches between 60Hz and 120Hz based on your activity to optimize performance and battery life.
Q: Why can’t I find the 120Hz option in settings?
A: You may have Power Saving Mode on, or your device might be overheating. Disable Power Saving and restart the device. Also, make sure you’re running the latest software version.
