The Galaxy S25 Edge, like other recent Samsung models, features a dynamic refresh rate that can switch between different frequencies, including up to 120Hz. This high refresh rate provides a smoother user experience, especially during scrolling and gaming, by displaying more frames per second compared to the standard 60Hz rate. However, this enhanced performance comes at the cost of increased battery consumption.
Impact on Battery Life
1. Increased Power Consumption: Higher refresh rates require the display and other components, such as the GPU, to work harder. This results in increased power consumption, which can lead to shorter battery life. For example, in the Galaxy S20 series, switching from 60Hz to 120Hz resulted in a battery life decrease of up to 36%[1][2].
2. Adaptive Refresh Rate: Modern Samsung devices, including the Galaxy S25 series, use an adaptive refresh rate feature. This technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on the content being displayed, reducing it to as low as 1Hz for static images and increasing it to 120Hz for dynamic content like games or videos. This adaptive approach helps mitigate the impact on battery life by optimizing power usage according to the user's activity[3][7].
3. Battery Life Comparison: While specific data for the Galaxy S25 Edge is not detailed in the available information, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which likely shares similar display technology, shows impressive battery life when using adaptive modes. However, setting the refresh rate to a fixed 60Hz can further extend battery life by about 15% compared to adaptive modes[6].
Balancing Performance and Battery Life
- User Preference: The choice between using a higher refresh rate like 120Hz or sticking with 60Hz largely depends on personal preference. If smooth visuals and responsiveness are crucial, the 120Hz mode is beneficial, despite its impact on battery life. For users prioritizing longer battery life, especially on busy days, the 60Hz mode is more suitable.
- Adaptive Technology: The adaptive refresh rate feature in modern smartphones helps balance performance and power efficiency. It ensures that the higher refresh rates are only used when necessary, minimizing unnecessary power consumption and extending battery life.
In summary, while the 120Hz refresh rate on the Galaxy S25 Edge enhances user experience, it does come with a potential decrease in battery life. However, the adaptive refresh rate technology helps mitigate this impact by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate based on usage, providing a balance between performance and battery efficiency.
Citations:
[1] https://www.phonearena.com/news/120Hz-vs-60hz-battery-life-comparison-samsung-galaxy-s20-ultra-plus_id122967
[2] https://www.androidcentral.com/why-does-high-refresh-rate-display-use-more-battery
[3] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/does-the-galaxy-s25-have-a-120hz-display/
[4] https://www.anandtech.com/show/15603/the-samsung-galaxy-s20-s20-ultra-exynos-snapdragon-review-megalomania-devices/11
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/oneui/comments/x2wyxa/does_adaptive_refresh_rate_make_a_big_difference/
[6] https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/samsung-phones/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-battery-life-tested-theres-good-and-bad-news
[7] https://www.visermark.com/post/screen-refresh-rate-and-its-impact-on-smartphone-battery-life-and-performance
[8] https://xdaforums.com/t/test-s21-ultra-exynos-battery-consumption-of-different-refresh-rates-and-resolutions.4249925/
[9] https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-a-series/refresh-rate/td-p/9779341