When it comes to laptop displays, refresh rate is one feature that’s getting more attention than ever. For years, most laptops ran at 60Hz, and that was fine for everyday use. But now, 120Hz and even 240Hz displays are becoming common, especially in gaming and high-performance laptops.
If you’re comparing screen specs or helping buyers, choose from brands like Acer or others, it’s worth understanding what these numbers really mean. Do ultra-high refresh rates actually matter? And who should care about them?
Let’s break it down.
What is Refresh Rate?
Refresh rate is the number of times your screen updates per second. It’s measured in hertz (Hz).
- A 60Hz screen refreshes 60 times per second
- A 120Hz screen refreshes 120 times per second
- A 240Hz screen refreshes 240 times per second
Higher refresh rates result in smoother motion, especially during fast-moving content like gaming, action videos, or scrolling.
120Hz vs. 240Hz: What’s the Real Difference?
On paper, the difference between 120Hz and 240Hz sounds big—twice the refresh rate, right? But in real use, it depends on the situation.
→ 120Hz already feels very smooth for most users.
→ 240Hz is smoother, but mainly noticeable in fast-paced gaming like first-person shooters or racing games.
Unless someone is a competitive gamer, they may not see a big difference between the two in everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, or working on documents.
Who Benefits Most from High Refresh Rates?
Not everyone needs 240Hz. But for some users, it can make a noticeable difference.
- Gamers
This is the biggest group that benefits. Higher refresh rates mean less motion blur and faster response. For competitive e-sports players, the difference between 120Hz and 240Hz could affect their performance. - Video Editors & Animators
Professionals working with fast-moving visuals might appreciate smoother playback and preview performance, especially when editing high-frame-rate footage. - Power Users
Even if you’re not gaming, some users just love smooth scrolling and fast, fluid motion when multitasking or using apps. - General Users
If you mostly browse the web, check emails, or watch Netflix, a 60Hz or 120Hz screen will be more than enough.
Are 240Hz Laptops Worth the Extra Cost?
Here’s the key question many buyers ask—and it depends on the use case.
120Hz displays have become the new standard in many mid-range and premium laptops, including gaming models. They strike a great balance between performance and battery life. And they’re more affordable than ever.
240Hz displays are usually found in higher-end gaming laptops. They often come with powerful specs, which also means a higher price tag. If the buyer is not a serious gamer, they may not get enough value from the upgrade.
In fact, a well-optimized 120Hz laptop can offer a better overall experience than a 240Hz machine paired with lower specs.
What’s Available in the Dubai Laptop Market?
If you’re shopping for laptops or stocking up as a reseller, both refresh rate options are widely available.
For example, you’ll find several 120Hz and 240Hz options in the latest Acer lineup. Many Acer Nitro and Predator models offer high refresh rate screens. If your customers are looking for smooth gameplay and fast visuals, Acer is a great brand to suggest.
As a trusted name for performance and value, demand for Acer laptops in Dubai is strong, especially among students and entry-level gamers.
Meanwhile, a reliable laptops supplier in Dubai can provide a variety of high refresh rate models—from Acer to ASUS, Lenovo, Dell, and MSI. By offering both 120Hz and 240Hz models, suppliers give buyers options that match both budget and performance needs.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Here are a few tips for buyers and resellers to help customers pick the right refresh rate:
- Check the GPU: A 240Hz screen won’t help if the graphics card can’t push enough frames per second.
- Battery Impact: Higher refresh rates can drain battery faster. Many laptops now offer variable refresh rate modes to save power.
- Screen Quality Matters: Don’t just chase the number. A good IPS panel with accurate colors and brightness can matter more than just having a 240Hz rate.
- Usage Type: Match the refresh rate to how the laptop will be used. Everyday users won’t benefit much from 240Hz, but gamers will.
Final Thoughts
Both 120Hz and 240Hz displays offer smoother visuals than traditional 60Hz screens. For most users, 120Hz is more than enough—it’s smooth, responsive, and now widely available even in mid-range models. But for competitive gamers or visual professionals, 240Hz can offer that extra edge.
As demand for high-performance laptops grows, especially in cities like Dubai, it’s important for resellers to understand what different users really need. Whether you’re selling Acer laptops in Dubai or sourcing from a top laptops’ supplier in Dubai, offering the right screen options helps meet customer expectations—and boosts your sales.
