[ GLOSSARY DEFINITION ]
Display
Variable Refresh Rate
The screen's ability to change refresh rate dynamically to save battery or match frame output.
Also known as:
VRR
Adaptive Sync
Adaptive refresh rate
Full Definition & Technical Explanation
Variable refresh rate (VRR) lets a panel switch refresh rate on demand. On phones, LTPO VRR drops to 1 Hz for static content (saving battery) and rises to 120 Hz for scrolling/gaming.
On laptops/desktops, G-Sync/FreeSync sync the panel to the GPU's frame rate to remove screen tearing. See Adaptive Refresh Rate and Sync technology specs.
Related Technical Terms
FreeSync
AMD's variable refresh technology to prevent screen tearing; also works with G-Sync-compatible disp…
Gaming
G-Sync
NVIDIA's variable refresh technology that matches the display to the GPU to remove screen tearing.
Gaming
LTPO
Backplane tech allowing 1-120 Hz adaptive refresh to save battery while keeping motion smooth.
Display
ProMotion
Apple's name for adaptive 120 Hz refresh (via LTPO), used on Pro iPhones and iPads for smooth scrol…
Display
Refresh Rate
How often the screen redraws per second (Hz); higher feels smoother but uses more power.
Display