Android 15 brings a ‘true’ adaptive refresh rate feature

Android 15 is bringing a new and ‘true’ adaptive refresh rate (ARR) tool that can provide an enhanced visual experience. Google says this is the first Android version to support ARR technology with efficient capabilities other than display scenarios.

The adaptive refresh rate (ARR) can easily alter a specific display’s refresh rate to adapt to the content frame rate via separate VSync steps and internal processes.

Earlier Android versions can only switch between fixed refresh rates. For instance 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz. However, ARR takes the refresh rates thing to the next level.

It enables the display to work at the most accurate refresh rates without switching between different modes. Google reveals that Android 15 allows the display to alter the refresh rates within one display mode. It is a perfect feature for those devices supporting LTPO panels.

Benefits

Inputs further reveal that the Android 15 adaptive refresh rate feature has two benefits. Firstly, it reduces the requirement of mode switching which often leads to jank. Here, jank refers to reoccurring flickers or stuttering in the user interface.

Secondly, it lessens the power consumption. ARR feature enables devices to run at rates lower than their maximum refresh rates. It only shifts to a higher rate when required. For instance, playing games or watching high-end videos on YouTube.

But here’s a twist! The new feature won’t be available on all devices. Why? Well, every phone maker has to generate their logic to implement the adaptive refresh rate to their devices. Every device should have the latest HWC HAL version 3 (Android’s display software) to support the respective feature.

While most of the new models like the Pixel 7 and above support this feature, older ones like the Pixel 6 series won’t. It would be worth seeing what Google can do further on this matter.

Android 15 brings a ‘true’ adaptive refresh rate feature (Image Credits: Google/X)

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