The spec sheet arms race is officially back on. While many smartphone brands have settled into a comfortable rhythm of 120Hz displays, a new wave of leaks suggests that a few key players are looking to raise the bar—specifically, to 165Hz. According to recent reports, both OnePlus and REDMI are internally testing devices with super-smooth 165Hz screens, a move that could kick off a new battle for gaming phone supremacy.
The Rumors: OnePlus and REDMI Go Head-to-Head
Tipster Digital Chat Station, a reliable source for smartphone leaks, claims that REDMI is exploring the use of 165Hz panels for its upcoming devices. This wouldn’t be REDMI’s first foray into high-refresh-rate territory; the brand has already released monitors with 165Hz displays, such as the REDMI G24. However, bringing this technology to a smartphone would be a game-changer, especially for the brand’s popular gaming-focused devices like the REDMI K series.
What’s even more interesting is that this isn’t a solo mission. The same leaks indicate that OnePlus is also heavily involved in testing 165Hz flat displays “in large quantities,” with plans for both a new smartphone and a gaming tablet. While OnePlus has been a long-time innovator in display technology, this would represent a significant leap beyond its current 120Hz offerings. The rumors specifically point to the upcoming OnePlus 15R as a potential candidate for this ultra-fast screen, positioning it as a mid-range “flagship killer” for gamers.
Why 165Hz? The Gaming Advantage
So, why the jump from 120Hz to 165Hz? For the average user, the difference between 120Hz and 165Hz might be minimal. The smooth scrolling and fluid animations of a 120Hz display are already a huge improvement over standard 60Hz screens.
However, for a dedicated gaming audience, every millisecond counts. High refresh rates directly impact a game’s responsiveness and can provide a competitive edge in fast-paced titles. Brands like ASUS and Nubia have already been pushing these boundaries with their ROG Phone and RedMagic series, which have featured 165Hz screens for years. By bringing a 165Hz display to a wider audience with more affordable devices, REDMI and OnePlus could effectively democratize a feature that was once exclusive to high-end gaming phones.
The high-refresh-rate push also seems to be part of a larger trend in the mobile gaming space. As mobile chipsets like the Snapdragon 8 Elite and MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ become more powerful, phones are capable of running demanding games at higher frame rates. A 165Hz display ensures that the hardware can truly be pushed to its limits, offering a visually stunning and responsive experience.
The Road Ahead
It’s important to remember that these are still just leaks and rumors. The “research” and “internal testing” mentioned by tipsters don’t guarantee a final product. However, if these leaks prove to be true, we could see a dramatic shift in the mid-range and affordable flagship market. REDMI and OnePlus’s move could force other brands to follow suit, making 165Hz a standard feature rather than a luxury. This would be a welcome development for mobile gamers and tech enthusiasts alike, promising a future of even smoother, faster, and more immersive smartphone experiences.
Which brand’s rumored 165Hz display is more significant for the smartphone market?
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