Adaptive refresh rate

[qwer123]

Dear Samsung,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the ongoing misrepresentation of the LTPO technology in your marketing materials. Specifically, the claim that the S21 Ultra's display can throttle down to 10Hz has been proven to be inaccurate, with the actual refresh rate fluctuating between 60Hz and 120Hz, with occasional dips to 48Hz.

Furthermore, the assertion that the display can reach a minimum refresh rate of 1Hz, as you have claimed for the past three years, remains unsubstantiated. The current minimum refresh rate stands at 24Hz, indicating a lack of progress in this area.

It is important to note that this issue is not an inherent limitation of the Android operating system, as evidenced by the Pixel 8 Pro's ability to throttle down to 1Hz. This suggests that the discrepancy may lie either in the One UI software or in a deliberate decision to prioritize other aspects of the device's performance.

If the issue lies with One UI, I urge you to be transparent with your customers and cease making misleading claims. Alternatively, if this is a strategic decision, I kindly request that you reconsider your approach and prioritize the accurate representation of your products' capabilities.

Moving forward, I hope to see genuine progress in this matter with the upcoming S25 series. While I understand the marketing appeal of promoting a 1Hz refresh rate, I believe it is more important to deliver on the promised specifications and provide accurate information to consumers.

The Always-On Display (AOD) feature on Samsung devices does not require a refresh rate of 24Hz. Samsung is not the first company to introduce this feature, and it is not accurate to claim that Samsung has downgraded the AOD or limited users to an iOS-style AOD. While the current AOD implementation may result in battery drain of 1-2% per hour in standby mode, this issue could potentially be resolved by throttling the refresh rate to 1Hz. However, it is important to note that Samsung may not prioritize addressing this issue until it becomes more widely known and exposed. As a long-time user of Samsung products, I believe that this issue should be taken seriously and addressed in a timely manner.

[Dem_Crumblies_TechYT]

Agree. I've never seen it drop anywhere near the advertised specs even leaving it on a static screen with no scrolling or interactions. If they're trying to strike a balance and still have good fluid performance, at least give the user a toggle to enable a mode where we're ok for it to adjust lower. Could come in handy when you're on the road or not near a charger and preserving battery life is paramount.

[RedDogRabbit]

Very well written, and thoughtfully presented 👍🏻

[Day_Walker]

Yet WHERE IS THIS PROOF the op claims?!
What scientific method of testing in such proof was used?!

I want to SEE this not a diatribe and a horrible list of icons on some home page!

[qwer123]

Look at the number on the top left that's the show refresh rate it doesn't go below 24hz that's the proof and watch a video of Google pixel 8 pro or try enabling show refresh feature on it and you will see when not touching it drops to 1hz pay attention to the number not lists on icon that isn't the important thing here, you enable show refresh rate on your s22 ultra s23 ultra or s24 ultra even on AOD it doesn't go down to 1hz

[Day_Walker]

Ok, I missed that.

Yet again, there are so many variables unknown in a screenshot vs. a proper test in video.

1. Looks can be deceiving. This could be an unlocked screen.
2. We don't know of any other apps or processes that force the screen to remain unlocked or to keep it bright. (The brighter the screen, the more cycles it'll run)
3. If this is your lock screen, why are there so many icons riddled amongst it, and what launcher did you use to do so?
4. Are you using the standard out of box launcher or 3rd party? Is there anything 3rd party running or installed that may affect your claim?

Sorry, I was taught by the scientific method, and if I see a statement but nothing laid out as such, I question it. I think by reason and have to see all variables before either can agree or disagree, reasonably.

I'm not saying you're completely wrong. I'm just wondering how you determined this? How long have you had the S22, and surely you can not be the ONLy one that's noticed this issue nor the first to have tested it, right?

[qwer123]

Good day. I am not utilizing a third-party launcher; rather, I have created shortcuts for the icons located at the bottom of the screen. Therefore, this is not a third-party launcher. Furthermore, please note that I am using the S24 Ultra, not the S22 Ultra. I am not the only one experiencing this issue. Kindly enable the "Show refresh rate" option on your device and conduct a search for the S22 Ultra's adaptive refresh rate. You will discover that it does not go below 24Hz or drop to 1Hz. This is not a third-party launcher issue. Even on the Always-On Display (AOD), the refresh rate remains fixed at 24Hz. Consequently, this is a fault on Samsung's part, not Android's.

Even if I were using a third-party launcher, the AOD does not account for the variable refresh rate dropping to 1Hz. Samsung is surreptitiously slacking off and engaging in false advertising. At the very least, they should be honest and acknowledge that the refresh rate goes as low as 24Hz. In contrast, the iPhone's AOD does not drain the battery as quickly, with only a 5% reduction in battery life over 24 hours of screen-on time. This clearly indicates that the refresh rate drops to 1Hz, even though there is no way to directly view the refresh rate on an iPhone. The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, does drop to 1Hz. Therefore, this is not an Android issue but rather a Samsung-specific problem. If this explanation is insufficient, you can watch relevant videos or personally enable the "Show refresh rate" option in the developer settings to verify the issue.

[Day_Walker]

Good day to you to @qwer123

I was mistaken with the system you're having the refresh issue with as the original post above only mentions the Galaxy S21. Pudding in the details is cc crucial on a forum where others are to read your posting- helps being fully clear btw.

If it's Samsung doing false advertising and your tests cab be done repeatedly then file a class action lawsuit and reap the benefits helping out end users as well. Surely thata worth a few thousand dollars and end users half the cost of their current device with full retail receipt or 6mths contractual payments for those of us that bought and pay monthly.

[Day_Walker]

The title should specifically state which device(s) are claimed to be affected here as I only see the complaint of the S21 mentioned. Over generalization doesn't make this a good writeup at all, nor does it directly referencing the source for the claim of proof.
Again, the proof provided should be thorough and transparent in the testing methodology used.

[Helenna]

Hi qwer123, thank you for taking time and sharing your feedback and suggestions with us.

We do appreciate hearing from customers on what service and features are of interest and value to them. We are doing our best to communicate constructive suggestions to relevant teams, and will be happy to pass along your feedback.

Thank you.