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120Hz vs 240Hz: 5 Must-Know Facts

  • If you’re looking forward to buying a TV, monitor, or personal computer for office work, house viewing, and personal use, then the 120Hz motion rate may be the best choice cause the difference wouldn’t be noticeable.
  • If the purpose of buying is for sports or gaming, then the 240Hz motion rate will give you precisely what you’re looking for.
  • If the sharpness and fast motion handling are a big deal for you, then the 240Hz Motion rate is the best choice.
  • The 240Hz motion rate creates more frames and is faster than the 120Hz motion rate in the interpolation technique.
  • Also, when it comes to a smoother view and more precise image size, the 240Hz motion rate is always the best.

There’s competition for a better screen with more clarity and image technology, so knowing how to achieve that is important.

To give their viewers a better experience, the motion rate is created by Samsung to be used alongside the refresh rate. Still, there are different types of motion rates, like 120Hz and 240Hz. Many users are in a dilemma about which rate is better, 120Hz or 240Hz.

In understanding the difference between these two motion rates, it’s also necessary to note that there are fewer types of motion rates other than Samsung’s. LG is the creator of TruMotion Motion rate, and Sony also has a Motion rate called MotionFlow XR and XR Motion Clarity. Tel also uses a clearer Motion Index.

The refresh rate is a static attribute of a screen, while motion rates are techniques used to boost some lower refresh rates.

Let’s break down the two motion rates below, 120Hz and 240Hz to figure out which one makes more sense for your needs.

120Hz Vs 240Hz Motion Rate: Side by Side Comparison.

120Hz240Hz
DefinitionMeans the TV has a native refresh rate of 60HzMeans the TV has a native refresh rate of 120Hz
Interpolation Frame differenceThe interpolation technique needs to create three frames between each pair of frames for a 30 FPS videoThe interpolation technique is becoming more popular because it creates seven frames between each pair of frames in a 30 FPS video
Motion HandlingThe motion is not clear and sharp like 240Hz, since the higher response time leads to a more transparent and brilliant motionIt has a more precise and sharper motion handling than the 120Hz motion rate
For a Practical Gaming ExperienceGreat, but not as effective as the 240Hz motion rateMore effective with a sharper image display which leaves the users with a better experience
Picture QualitySmoother than 60Hz Smoother than 120Hz with a sharper motion rate

The table above clearly contained six differences between a 120Hz and 240Hz motion rate. We can use the above difference to make it easier and simpler to identify and understand the two motion rates.

The users rarely notice the differences between these two, so it’s essential to be enlightened about it— to help you whenever you need to purchase any of these products.

Man gaming on his PC during a live stream
Your motion rate is just as important as your refresh rate, especially for something like gaming, but be sure to not confuse them!

©iStock.com/Antonio_Diaz

120Hz vs. 240Hz Motion Rates: Pros and Cons 

240Hz has better clarity when images are moving, something that sometimes the 120 Hz struggles with. This is common in movies. 240Hz is usually only used for PC although 120 Hz laptops are becoming more available. 120Hz monitors have a higher resolutions although sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.

The 120Hz monitor may have better images, the 240 Hz has a much better response time on fast paced games. This type of monitor can reduce input lag, making it great for gamers or other fast-spaced computer activities.

NanoCell LG OLED TV monitor
Monitor LG Signature

©Grzegorz Czapski/Shutterstock.com

Here are some key difference between the two:

  • 120Hz motion rate doesn’t have the same image quality level as 240Hz.
  • 240Hz motion rate is preferable regarding gaming and sports more so than 120Hz.
  • When it comes to the high cost of purchase, 240Hz Motion rate costs much more than 120Hz.
  • 120Hz motion rate is less blurry while watching video games or gaming with your personal computer.
  • 240Hz has a higher motion rate handling.
  • 240Hz Motion rate is smoother.

The 120Hz vs. 240Hz Motion Rate: Which One is better? Which One Should You Use?

Here’s a quick summary to clear your mind regarding both motion rates:

  • If you’re looking for a TV or computer for personal use, 120Hz is a good option.
  • For a better gaming and sports experience, the 240Hz motion rate is preferable.
  • The 240Hz motion rate will cost more than the 120Hz Motion rate.
  • For smoother, clearer, and sharper motion handling, 240Hz is preferable because the higher the motion rate, the better the viewing experience.

Keep in mind that your personal preferences for your monitor as well as what you will be using it for are the most important considerations to make in choosing between 120Hz and 240Hz.

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120Hz vs. 240Hz Motion Rate: What’s the Difference in Performance? FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is 120Hz or 240Hz motion rate better?

120Hz and 240Hz motion rates are both excellent, but which one is best for you depends entirely on what purpose the screen is going to serve (gaming, movie watching, sports, work-from-home, etc.). For instance, a 120Hz motion rate is still preferable for personal use and office work, while a 240Hz motion rate will be a better option for sports and gaming.

Is the 240Hz motion rate worth it?

Yes, a 240Hz motion rate is worth it because the higher the motion rate, the better the experience. A 240Hz motion rate also includes a 120Hz actual refresh rate.

What motion rate is the best for sports and gaming?

Regarding sports and gaming, a 240Hz motion rate is the best option because it will give a brighter and sharper image view than a 120Hz motion rate.

For gaming, the higher the rate, the more smooth your game runs. The best TV rate for a pro gamer is 240Hz motion rate, while 120Hz is good for a casual gamer.

The rate matters for gaming because the higher the motion rate, the clearer and faster the target. The more times you change frames in a game, the higher your motion rate should be. So, the rate is one thing to consider when choosing a monitor and TV for gaming.

What is the difference between a motion rate and a refresh rate?

You may be wondering if all the noises about the motion rate and refresh rate are just hype or marketing strategy the companies employ to sell their products.

But that’s not the case; if you’re planning to buy a TV, you should understand the differences between these two.

While a refresh rate is a static attribute of a screen, motion rates are used alongside the refresh rate.

By comparison, the motion rate is twice the refresh rate. This means that a 120Hz motion rate is just a 60Hz refresh rate. And a 240Hz motion rate has a 120Hz refresh rate.

Know that refresh rate measures the number of times the TV panel may physically redraw an image per second, while motion rate considers software and AI enhancements. It’s double the refresh rate.

Is 120Hz motion rate reasonable?

We can describe the motion rate as a set of image processing technology that improves upon the true refresh rate with frame rate interpolation. When you have a higher refresh rate, then there is no need for compensating with a motion rate.

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