Why Do Smartphone and Computer Companies Make Screens Over 120 fps Although the Human Eye Can Only See Between 30 to 60 fps?

The notion that the human eye can only perceive between 30 to 60 frames per second (fps) is a simplification. While it is true that the average person may not notice differences in frame rates above this range, several factors explain why smartphone and computer manufacturers produce displays with refresh rates exceeding 120 fps. This article delves into the reasons behind this trend and discusses the impact of higher refresh rates on user experience.

Perception of Smoothness

Higher refresh rates can create a perception of smoother motion, especially in fast-moving visuals like video games or action movies. Even if the eye cannot distinctly perceive each frame, smoother transitions can enhance the overall experience. For instance, in action scenes, higher refresh rates help the visuals flow more naturally, reducing judder and making the scene appear more fluid and engaging.

Reduced Motion Blur

Higher refresh rates can help reduce motion blur, making fast-moving objects appear clearer. This is particularly important in gaming and sports broadcasts where clarity is crucial. In competitive sports, this added clarity can be the difference between winning and losing. For gamers, a clearer image enhances immersion and provides a more realistic gaming experience.

Improved Responsiveness

Higher refresh rates can lead to more responsive interactions, especially in touchscreens and gaming. This can improve the user experience, making actions feel more fluid and instantaneous. For example, when playing a fast-paced game, a higher refresh rate ensures that your every movement and action is registered and displayed almost immediately, providing a more engaging and satisfying gameplay experience.

Variable Frame Rates

Many modern games and applications can render frames at variable rates that exceed 60 fps. Displays that can support higher refresh rates can take full advantage of this, providing a better experience. Variable frame rates ensure that the game runs at the maximum possible speed, reducing input lag and providing a more seamless and responsive gameplay experience.

Future-Proofing

As technology evolves, content creators are producing more high-frame-rate content. By equipping devices with higher refresh rates, companies ensure that their products remain relevant and capable of displaying future content effectively. This forward-thinking approach positions brands as leaders in the industry and ensures that their products remain competitive as the market evolves.

Competitive Advantage

In a competitive market, offering higher specifications can attract consumers. Higher refresh rates are often marketed as a premium feature appealing to gamers and tech enthusiasts. This not only differentiates them from competitors but also justifies the higher prices associated with these products. For example, gamers often seek out the latest and most powerful hardware to stay ahead of the competition.

Disproving the Myth: Human Eye Perception Beyond 60fps

Contrary to the commonly held belief that the human eye can only perceive up to 60 fps, recent studies have shown that this hypothesis is plain and simple wrong. The US Air Force conducted an experiment where they showed a 500 fps video with a single frame of an aircraft injected into it. All of their pilots were able to tell that there was an aircraft image in the video, and some of them even recognized the model. Additionally, more than half of the remaining participants were able to detect that something had been injected into the video stream.

However, it is important to note that not everyone can distinguish the difference between 30 fps and 120 fps. You can rephrase your hypothesis as "Untrained or inexperienced human eye cannot recognize beyond 60 fps," and it will be true. Nevertheless, when it comes to experience, the benefits of smoother motion, reduced blur, and improved responsiveness contribute to a more enjoyable and immersive experience.

While you may not notice any difference at first glance, once you get used to a high refresh rate monitor, you won't be able to return to 60 fps. The smoothness provided by a high refresh rate monitor is simply magical compared to 60 fps. If you have never used a high refresh rate monitor before, you won't notice anything different initially, but once you get used to it, you won't be able to go back to the lower refresh rate because you will be able to feel how slow it was, and 30 fps will feel like lagging or jittering as if there's something wrong with the video signal.

Overall, the benefits of higher refresh rates extend beyond just the technical aspects, offering a more satisfying and engaging user experience.

Key Takeaways

Higher refresh rates create a perception of smoother motion and reduced blur, enhancing the user experience. Modern games and applications often render frames at rates above 60 fps, making high refresh rates essential for optimal performance. Future-proofing your devices ensures that they remain relevant and capable of displaying high-frame-rate content in the future. Offering higher refresh rates provides a competitive advantage and justifies higher prices, appealing to tech enthusiasts and gamers.

Conclusion

Despite the common belief that the human eye can only perceive up to 60 fps, the benefits of higher refresh rates in terms of smoothness, reduced blur, and responsiveness cannot be overstated. Manufacturers continue to produce these high-refresh-rate displays because they offer a superior user experience, even if the difference is subtle to the untrained eye.