What is a Display Refresh Rate? | Difference Between 60Hz vs 120Hz vs 144Hz vs 40 Hz

The difference between different refresh rates is very hard to understand in a picture. For that, you must have to watch the video.

In addition, LaptopRadar.in also explains what to look for in the video to identify the difference. In this article, I will show you two videos of bullet and character movement.

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What is a Display Refresh Rate? Difference: 60Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, and 240 Hz

Display Refresh Rate Difference by Character Movement

To identify near to exact difference between the two refresh rate displays, you have to record the object’s movement with respect to the imaginary column. Sounds a bit complex, right? Don’t worry.

See the following video, in which, the soldier is moving through the door and that was recorded using a Sony RX10 II camera, thanks to WASD.ro.

Here, in the above video, consider the columns. Though the columns cannot be used as a reference to measure the smoothness.

But, for the sake of easy understanding in layman’s terms, I will tell you the number of columns that the character will travel.

Keep in mind that

  • In a low refresh-rate display, the character will travel more columns. This means that the movement of the character from one column to another will be more apparent and noticeable, creating a visual effect that may be different from what is seen on a high refresh-rate display. The slower refresh rate allows for a longer time between each update of the display, resulting in a slower movement of the characters. As a result, the character will appear to travel more columns before the next update, giving the impression of a slower transition.
  • At a high refresh-rate one, it will travel fewer columns.

After analyzing the entire video, the Laptop Radar expert found the following results.

Display Refresh RateColumns Traveled
60Hz4.5 Columns/sec
120HzAlmost 2 Columns/sec
144HzAlmost 2 Columns/sec
240Hz1-1.5 Columns/sec

I have added here that I couldn’t find any noticeable difference between 120Hz and 144Hz displays.

So, based on the above data, it’s pretty clear that a 240Hz refresh rate display shows a bit more detailed content than a 60hz vs 144hz display.

Now, check out the second video down there. It’ll give you a better idea of some technical Display Refresh Rate details. This second video is also from WASD.ro. In the video below, I’ve explained the bullet’s movement (toward the end of the video) to emphasize the significant contrast in refresh rates.

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Display Refresh Rate Difference by Bullet Movement

The bullet’s movement was monitored by measuring the distance between two stopping points. The corresponding findings are presented below.

Display Refresh RateDistance traveled
60Hz1 cm
120Hz0.45cm
144Hz0.45cm
240Hz0.20-0.25cm

So, In a 240Hz refresh-rate display, you still won’t get a smooth picture when you sit at the start to measure it. But, during gaming, it’s not noticeable.


What’s the Difference Between 60hz and 144hz

Difference Between 60Hz and 144Hz Refresh Rate Displays

When comparing a 60Hz refresh rate display to a 144Hz refresh rate display, several key differences can significantly impact your viewing experience. Here are the main differences:

Refresh Rate:

  • 60Hz: A 60Hz display refreshes the screen 60 times per second, which means the screen updates every 16.67 milliseconds.
  •  144Hz: A 144Hz display refreshes the screen 144 times per second, resulting in a screen update every 6.94 milliseconds.

Smoothness of Motion:

  • 60Hz: With a 60Hz display, fast-moving objects may appear slightly blurred or have more noticeable motion blur due to the longer time between screen updates. This can make fast-paced actions in games or videos less smooth and potentially affect your viewing experience.
  •  144Hz: A 144Hz display provides a significantly smoother experience when it comes to motion. The shorter time between screen updates reduces motion blur, resulting in more precise and more fluid visuals. This can make fast-paced actions in games, or videos feel more responsive and immersive.

Responsiveness and Input Lag:

  • 60Hz: A 60Hz display may have higher input lag, the delay between your input (such as moving the computer/laptop mouse or pressing any keyboard key), and the corresponding action on the screen. Higher input lag can make gaming or other interactive activities feel less instantaneous and can impact your performance.
  •  144Hz: A 144Hz display typically offers lower input lag, which means actions on the screen are more closely aligned with your inputs. This can enhance the responsiveness and precision required for gaming or other activities that demand quick reactions.

Gaming Experience:

  • 60Hz: While a 60Hz display can still provide an enjoyable gaming experience, a higher refresh rate like 144Hz can offer a more immersive and competitive advantage. The smoother motion and reduced input lag can make fast-paced games feel more fluid and responsive, giving you a better chance to react quickly to in-game events.

In summary, a 144Hz refresh rate display offers a noticeable improvement over a standard 60Hz display in terms of motion clarity, smoothness, responsiveness, and overall gaming experience.

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Difference Between 60hz and 120hz

Here are the key points differentiating between a 60Hz and a 120Hz refresh rate display:

60Hz Refresh Rate:

  • Updates 60 times per second.
  •  It may have a noticeable motion blur.
  •  Higher input lag, resulting in a delay between input and action on the screen.
  •  The gaming experience can be enjoyable but less immersive compared to higher refresh rates like 120Hz.
  •  Suitable for general usage, such as browsing the internet, watching movies, or working on documents.

120Hz Refresh Rate:

  • Updates 120 times per second.
  •  It offers reduced motion blur compared to a 60Hz display.
  •  Lower input lag, resulting in more responsive actions on the screen.
  •  120Hz comparatively Provides a more fluid and responsive gaming experience.
  •  It offers a smoother motion, enhancing the viewing experience for both gaming and watching fast-paced videos.
  •  It can be more immersive and competitive, especially for fast-paced games that demand quick reactions.
May have a noticeable motion blur60Hz120Hz
Refresh RateUpdates 60 times per secondUpdates 120 times per second
Smoothness of MotionMay have noticeable motion blurReduced motion blur
ResponsivenessHigher input lagLower input lag
Gaming ExperienceEnjoyable but less immersiveMore fluid and responsive

In summary, a 120Hz refresh rate display offers reduced motion blur, lower input lag, and a more immersive gaming experience compared to a standard 60Hz display.


So, what’s the difference between 60Hz vs 120Hz vs 144Hz vs 240Hz refresh rate displays? If you have an option of getting a 120Hz panel at a low price compared 144Hz panel at a little high price, then I recommend going for 120Hz. As I couldn’t find a noticeable difference between the two closely refreshing displays.

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