Smartphones to get 120Hz display panel soon

Mobiles phones we use today sport a 60Hz display panel, which is similar to desktop monitors you use on your desktop PC or laptop. With a 120Hz monitor, one can witness smoother display refreshes and even watch 3D content with special glasses. These 120Hz panels are seen on most 3D televisions, monitors and laptops. However, mobile phones were out of the 120Hz display zone, until MediaTek showed off that it is possible to sport a similar display on a mobile phone.

Anandtech reported that MediaTek gave a demonstration of the 120Hz display for smartphones at the CES 2015 in Las Vegas. The display sports a higher refresh rate (120Hz as opposed to conventional 60Hz) and the difference is pretty noticeable. Text scrolling and motion in graphics and videos are smooth, clear and fluid. Display panels used in smartphones today may not show many differences since it is almost invisible to the eye. However, faster refresh rates do matter in fast-panning videos, text scrolling and 3D content, which is noticeable to an extent and can be disturbing at certain times.

AnandTek also noted that MediaTek mentioned the new 120Hz display panels would consume 10% more power, thus reducing the runtime of a portable device by a huge amount.

Full View

In the video above, you can see the conventional 60Hz display panel (right) being compared to a 120Hz panel (left)

Though the new display panel is just a start, it will be some time till we see the panel being adopted by smartphone and tablet brands. Although the battery life could be hampered, there would definitely be Chinese smartphone vendors who would opt for the panels. We may most-likely see 3D tablets and smartphones entering the market as early as Q2, 2015. MediaTek is known for their mainstream and budget SoC (System on Chip) and most smartphones and tablets are presently running MediaTek’s chipsets under their hood.