Samsung will allow extreme battery saving. Smartphones will get a new mode

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Samsung’s One UI 9 Introduces Extreme Battery Saving with Lower Refresh Rates

Samsung has been actively rolling out updates for its One UI 9 interface recently, and one of the most noteworthy additions is a feature that can only be described as “extreme battery saving.” While it demands some compromise from the user, this new functionality could prove invaluable in critical situations where every percentage of battery life counts.

For a deeper dive into other innovations, read our article on What’s New in One UI 9: Multi-Window, AI, Cross-Device Functionality.

Understanding Display Refresh Rates

Smartphone manufacturers have traditionally focused on increasing display refresh rates. The goal has always been to enhance gaming performance and provide a smoother, more fluid user experience. While a 60 Hz refresh rate is standard for many computers and televisions, premium smartphones often boast 120 Hz displays.

How Refresh Rates Impact Your Experience:

  • Higher Refresh Rates (e.g., 120 Hz): Offer incredibly smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a more responsive feel, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content.
  • Lower Refresh Rates (e.g., 60 Hz): Still provide a perfectly acceptable experience for everyday tasks, but the visual fluidity is less pronounced compared to higher rates.

Samsung’s New Approach: Lower Refresh Rate Options

In a significant shift, Samsung is now taking a different approach by introducing additional, lower refresh rate options within One UI 9. Users on the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 series have already discovered three new settings: 20 Hz, 26.67 Hz, and 40 Hz. These lower rates are designed to drastically reduce power consumption by minimizing how often the screen updates its content.

This initiative aligns with Samsung’s continuous efforts to optimize its operating system. For more on upcoming developments, explore Samsung One UI 9, Android 17, and Galaxy S26 Ultra Development.

Widespread Availability and Battery Benefits

It’s anticipated that these new, lower refresh rate options will be supported across the entire Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25, and even the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. Additionally, foldable smartphones running One UI 9 are expected to benefit from this feature. By enabling the display to operate at a significantly reduced refresh rate, these devices will be able to conserve battery power more effectively, leading to extended usage times on a single charge, even for models with less capacious batteries.

This strategic move by Samsung empowers users with greater control over their device’s power consumption, making their smartphones more reliable in situations where charging access is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which Samsung devices will support these new low refresh rate modes?

These new refresh rate options are expected to be supported by the entire Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25, and upcoming Galaxy S26 series, as well as foldable smartphones running One UI 9.

How much battery life can I expect to save by using these extreme modes?

While specific percentages may vary based on usage patterns and device models, operating at significantly lower refresh rates (e.g., 20Hz) will substantially reduce display power consumption, leading to a noticeable extension of battery life, especially in critical situations.

Will using lower refresh rates impact the performance of my Samsung phone?

Yes, using lower refresh rates will make animations and scrolling appear less smooth. This is a deliberate trade-off to conserve battery. While overall processing power won’t be affected, the visual experience will be less fluid compared to higher refresh rate settings. This feature is intended for situations where battery life is prioritized over display smoothness.

Source: SamMobile. Opening photo: Krzysztof Wilamowski

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