Understanding 120fps: A Complete Guide to Ultra-Smooth Motion

When people talk about visuals in gaming, movies, or videos, one term that often comes up is frames per second (fps). Recently, you might have seen discussions about 120fps, especially in the context of modern gaming consoles, high-end smartphones, and next-generation TVs. But what does 120fps really mean? Why is it considered such a big deal? And is it worth upgrading your device for?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about 120fps—from the basics to the benefits, and whether it’s something you should care about in your daily life.

What is FPS in the First Place?

Frames per second (fps) refers to how many individual images, or “frames,” are displayed in one second of video. Think of it like flipping through a flipbook—if you flip slowly, the animation looks choppy, but if you flip really fast, it looks smooth.

• 24fps → Standard in movies for decades.

• 30fps → Common in TV broadcasts and older games.

• 60fps → Standard for modern gaming, YouTube, and many high-end smartphones.

• 120fps → Cutting-edge for gaming, sports broadcasting, and premium displays.

So, 120fps simply means 120 frames are displayed every second. The more frames, the smoother and more lifelike the motion looks.

Why 120fps Matters

At first, you might think: “If I already have 60fps, isn’t that smooth enough?” Well, it depends. While 60fps is considered very smooth compared to 30fps, 120fps takes it to another level.

Here’s why:

1. Ultra-Smooth Motion – The higher the fps, the less motion blur. This is particularly noticeable in fast-paced games, sports, or action-packed movies.

2. Improved Responsiveness – In gaming, a higher frame rate means quicker input response, giving players an edge in competitive play.

3. Better Clarity – At 120fps, moving objects are sharper, making it easier to track details like a flying ball or an enemy on the battlefield.

4. Less Eye Strain – Surprisingly, higher frame rates can reduce fatigue because your eyes process smoother motion more comfortably.

The Science Behind 120fps

To understand why 120fps feels so different, let’s look at how our eyes and brain perceive motion.

• The human eye doesn’t see in “frames,” but it processes changes in light and motion continuously.

• However, when a screen shows fewer frames (like 30fps), our brain notices gaps, making motion look choppy.

• At 60fps, most people consider the motion “smooth enough.”

• But at 120fps, the brain processes the motion almost seamlessly—it feels more “real.”

For example: imagine watching a car race. At 30fps, the car might look blurry as it zooms past. At 60fps, it looks clearer. At 120fps, it’s so sharp and smooth you almost feel like you’re standing on the track.

120fps in Gaming

If there’s one area where 120fps has made the biggest splash, it’s gaming.

Why Gamers Love 120fps

• Faster Reactions – In competitive shooters like Call of Duty or Fortnite, even milliseconds count. At 120fps, the game feels more responsive.

• Immersive Worlds – Open-world games like Assassin’s Creed or Cyberpunk 2077 look breathtakingly smooth at higher frame rates.

• Less Screen Tearing – Higher fps reduces visual artifacts that break immersion.

Console Gaming and 120fps

• PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X both support 120fps gameplay in many titles.

• Not all games run at 120fps, but developers are increasingly offering it as an option.

PC Gaming and 120fps

• On PC, gamers with high-refresh monitors (120Hz, 144Hz, or even 240Hz) can experience 120fps or beyond—if their hardware is powerful enough.

• Competitive esports players often prioritize fps over resolution. That’s why many pros lower graphics settings to achieve higher fps.

120fps in Movies and TV

Movies have traditionally been filmed at 24fps because it gives a “cinematic” look. However, some directors have experimented with higher frame rates.

• The Hobbit Trilogy (directed by Peter Jackson) was famously shot in 48fps. The result was a smoother look, but some audiences found it “too real” and distracting.

• Sports broadcasts, on the other hand, are starting to use higher frame rates to make action easier to follow.

TVs now often support 120Hz refresh rates, meaning they can display 120fps content if available. But since most movies are still shot at 24fps, TVs use motion-smoothing technology to “fake” extra frames. Some people love it, while others hate the “soap opera effect.”

120fps on Smartphones

High-end smartphones now boast 120Hz displays, which means they can show 120fps content.

Benefits on Phones:

• Smooth Scrolling – Websites, apps, and social media feel buttery smooth.

• Gaming – Mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile support high frame rates.

• Future-Proofing – As apps and video platforms embrace higher fps, having a 120Hz screen ensures you won’t miss out.

Popular phones with 120Hz displays include iPhones (from the Pro models), Samsung Galaxy S series, and many gaming phones.

The Hardware Side of 120fps

Not every device can handle 120fps. To experience it, you need:

1. A Display that Supports 120Hz

   • 120fps requires a screen with at least a 120Hz refresh rate.

   • Many gaming monitors, TVs, and smartphones now include this feature.

2. Powerful Hardware

   • Consoles, PCs, and phones need enough processing power (CPU + GPU) to push 120fps.

   • In demanding games, this can be tough—even high-end systems sometimes struggle.

3. Proper Connection Cables

   • For TVs and monitors, HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 are usually required to support 120fps at high resolutions.

Is 120fps Always Better?

While 120fps sounds amazing, it’s not always necessary.

Pros:

• Smoother and sharper visuals.

• Better responsiveness in gaming.

• More immersive viewing experience.

Cons:

• More Expensive – Devices with 120Hz displays are usually pricier.

• Higher Power Usage – On smartphones, running at 120Hz drains battery faster.

• Content Limitations – Not all movies, games, or videos are available at 120fps.

• Diminishing Returns – Some people don’t notice a huge difference beyond 60fps.

For casual users, 60fps might feel perfectly fine. But for enthusiasts, gamers, and tech lovers, 120fps can be a game-changer.

120fps vs. 60fps: The Real Difference

Here’s a quick comparison to make it easier:

The Future of 120fps

Technology is moving fast, and 120fps is becoming more common each year. Here’s where we’re headed:

1. Mainstream Gaming – As consoles and PCs grow more powerful, 120fps will become the standard, not the exception.

2. Sports Broadcasting – Expect to see more live sports in 120fps, giving fans a crystal-clear view of the action.

3. Virtual Reality (VR) – VR experiences benefit hugely from high frame rates. 120fps makes VR worlds feel more real and reduces motion sickness.

4. Everyday Smartphones – Within a few years, most mid-range phones may support 120Hz displays as a standard feature.

Should You Upgrade to 120fps?

The decision depends on your priorities:

• Gamers – If you’re into competitive or immersive gaming, 120fps is absolutely worth it.

• Movie Lovers – Unless more films are shot at higher fps, the benefit may be limited.

• Smartphone Users – If you value smooth scrolling and future-proofing, a 120Hz phone is worth considering.

• Casual Users – If you mostly watch YouTube or browse the web, 60fps is already great—you don’t need 120fps.

Final Thoughts

120fps represents the next step in visual smoothness and responsiveness. It may not be essential for everyone, but once you experience it—especially in gaming or on a smartphone—you’ll notice the difference immediately.

Just like the jump from standard definition to HD, or from HD to 4K, higher frame rates are becoming part of the natural evolution of technology. Over time, 120fps will become less of a luxury and more of a standard feature across all devices.

Whether you’re a gamer chasing every advantage, a tech enthusiast who loves the latest upgrades, or just someone curious about why people are talking about frame rates, 120fps is worth understanding. It’s not just a number—it’s the promise of smoother, more immersive digital experiences.