Samsung is developing a new screen refresh rate technology for mobile devices. A new Samsung patent application describes display technology that can simultaneously apply different refresh rates to multiple areas of the screen.

This could be the next evolutionary step in Samsung’s refresh rate technology for mobile displays. The Galaxy S20 was the first to use a fixed 120Hz refresh rate. Galaxy S21 Ultra and later Galaxy S22 had upgraded AMOLED displays with variable refresh rate; This means that AMOLED panels can adapt their refresh rate to the content on the screen to save battery life.

It looks like Samsung is working on the next evolutionary step beyond variable refresh rate technology. A recent patent discloses “Multiple Refresh Rate Display Control Method” and “an electronic device that controls multiple viewports of a screen with different control frequencies.”

In other words, Samsung’s upcoming refresh rate tech will be able to render part of the screen at 30Hz or 60Hz and the other part at 120Hz.

Theoretically, the system lets you use the high 120Hz refresh rate only partially where it matters, and displays other pieces of content in the same scene at a lower refresh rate. This refresh rate technology could lead to further improvements in battery life.

It is worth noting that the patent was filed quite a long time ago, in early 2021, but was only published by KIPRIS today. However, it’s impossible to say when this technology will become available. The Galaxy S23 looks like a great competitor for this new technology, but it may not be ready yet.

Also, patent applications don’t always reveal products that can go into production, so it’s not yet clear whether Samsung will be able to implement this “magical” refresh rate technology.