Optimizing Android Phones: Refresh Rate, Wi-Fi Network, Power Saving Mode

Apps & Games / Mobile / Android / Optimizing Android Phones: Refresh Rate, Wi-Fi Network, Power Saving Mode
25 Jun 2024

Modern Android phones come equipped with high refresh rate screens, but many manufacturers set them to auto or low (60Hz) by default. While this conserves battery power, it may mean your favorite game isn't running at its highest potential. To enable a high refresh rate on OnePlus, Realme, and Oppo devices, navigate to the ‘Display and Brightness’ section within the Settings app. Scroll down to find ‘Screen refresh rate’ and set it to high. This will unlock an option named ‘App-specific refresh rate’. Tap on it to see a list of installed apps and set the desired game to maximum refresh rate.

For Samsung devices, this setting can be enabled by choosing the ‘Adaptive’ option under ‘Motion smoothness’.

Switch to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Network

Most modern Wi-Fi routers support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. By default, many Android phones prefer the faster 5GHz network, which significantly increases internet speed but offers less range compared to its 2.4GHz counterpart. If you play games in a room where the router isn't nearby, switching to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network can make a substantial difference by ensuring your phone maintains a stable connection.

Clear Apps from Memory

This tip may not be necessary for phones with more than 8GB RAM, but for those with budget or mid-range devices, running out of memory can cause lags or stutters in demanding games like BGMI or Genshin Impact. Before you start gaming, clear all apps from the recent app screen to prevent performance drops.

Disable Power Saving Mode

While it may seem like common sense, many Android phones automatically enable power saving mode when battery power is low. Once enabled, your phone will drastically cut down on animations, processing power, and other features to extend battery life. To avoid this, disable power saving mode before gaming or turn it off altogether if you want an uninterrupted gaming experience.

Enable Game Mode

Some Android phone makers like Realme, Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, and others offer a built-in game mode that optimizes hardware performance for gaming. If your device supports this feature, make sure to enable it for your favorite games. Game mode can enhance touch responsiveness, prevent mistouches, clear background apps, and even adjust CPU and GPU clock speeds. These features may vary from phone to phone and may need to be enabled individually for each game or app, but they can significantly enhance your overall gaming experience by reducing stutters and distractions.

Update: 25 Jun 2024