Samsung Display panel adapts refresh rate to different tasks

Researchers at Samsung Display test the variable refresh rate of a display. [SAMSUNG DISPLAY]

Samsung Display, a display affiliate of Samsung Electronics, has commercialized a new power-saving function for displays called adaptive frequency. The system is being used for the first time in the new Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

The technology is designed to cut the operating power of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display by as much as 22 percent, according to Samsung Display, by applying varying refresh rates depending on usage instead of adopting a unilateral rate.

Refresh rate, also known as scan rate, refers to the number of times a panel updates with new images each second.

For instance, the function will support a 120 hertz scan rate for playing mobile games since it requires speedy frame changes. A 60 hertz rate will be used for movie streaming, a 30 hertz rate for email correspondence, and a 10 hertz rate for viewing still images or browsing social networks.

Samsung Display expected the new feature to help advance the battery lifespan of smartphones at a time when more users turn toward mobile gaming and video livestreaming that requires a faster display response.

“High-definition video streaming and gaming are expanding their capabilities in line with 5G commercialization, creating a widespread need for display panel technologies that can enable greater power savings,” said Lee Ho-jung, vice president of the mobile display product planning team for Samsung Display.

“Our Adaptive Frequency display technology is expected to considerably enhance the user experience by calibrating refresh rates in line with the requirements of a specific application and therein more precisely allocating available power. This will free up time for other smartphone operations,” Lee added.

Samsung Display said that it looks to bring the function to a wider variety of gadgets to better optimize the functionality of the products, according to a statement.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]