Refresh rate 60Hz 90Hz 120Hz: differences in LTPS In-Cell LCD display vs OLED, for iPhone & Android Consumption and Temperature

Published the 29.08.2025

DISPLAY REFRESH RATE: 60Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz
LTPS In-Cell vs OLED on smartphones: smoothness, power and temperature

If you’re choosing a replacement screen, the refresh rate (60/80/90/120Hz) affects smoothness, power usage and heat. On LTPS In-Cell panels (with backlight), higher Hz can feel warmer than on OLED (self-emitting pixels). Below we explain differences, pros/cons and practical tips to pick the right display.

At a glance
- 60Hz: lower power, more stable temperatures.
- 80/90Hz: smoother scrolling with moderate heat increase.
- 120Hz: maximum fluidity and responsiveness; on LTPS heat can rise under load.

LTPS In-Cell vs OLED
- LTPS In-Cell: requires backlight; strong performance but more heat when CPU/GPU and backlight work harder (e.g., at 90/120Hz).
- OLED (Hard/Soft/AMOLED): self-emitting pixels (no backlight); generally more efficient and cooler to the touch.

Why a warm LTPS is not a defect
The compact In-Cell structure concentrates heat near the surface and, with high refresh rates + intense use (gaming, video, GPS, 5G), the phone can trigger protections (dimming, throttling, charging paused). This behaviour is normal for the technology.

Factors that increase temperature
- Hot environment or direct sunlight (e.g., inside a car).
- Charging during heavy use.
- Apps with high GPU/CPU or network load.
- Fixed 90/120Hz setting (where available).

iPhone Temperature Thresholds & Protections

Apple devices use automatic protections that engage when specific internal thresholds are reached. These values explain why heat warnings are expected behaviour rather than defects.

Internal temperature	Device behaviour
40–45 °C	Possible performance throttling; screen may dim.
50 °C+	High-temperature warning; some functions disabled (charging, flash).
60 °C+	Automatic shutdown to prevent damage.

Common scenarios

Charging: may pause if the battery exceeds 45 °C.
Heavy use (gaming, rendering, 5G): sustained >50 °C can trigger warnings.
Hot environments (car in direct sun >50 °C): protections engage faster.

Practical tips for technicians & users
- Inform customers that high-Hz LTPS can run warmer under stress.
- Prefer OLED (Hard/Soft) if you want thermals closer to original.
- Limit peaks: avoid heavy use above 35°C, remove thick cases during gaming/charging, temporarily lower Hz where possible.
- If “Charging on Hold” appears, let it cool: it’s normal protection.

FAQ
Is LTPS heating a quality issue?
No: it’s a technical characteristic.

Will I notice more heat moving from OLED to LTPS In-Cell?
Yes, especially at 90/120Hz and under heavy use.

What’s the recommended operating range for iPhone?
In general 0–35°C; beyond this range protections may activate.

More guides
1) TFT “Thin Film Transistor LCD”
2) INCELL “In-Cell Display”
3) IPS “In-Plane Switching”
4) Hard OLED “Organic LED”
5) Soft OLED “Organic LED”
6) AMOLED “Active Matrix OLED”

Need help choosing the right spare? Contact Componenti Digitali: we’ll guide you to the most suitable display.