What Is OnePlus Gaming Mode?
OnePlus Gaming Mode is a software feature built into OxygenOS that optimizes the phone’s performance, network connectivity, and notification handling when you launch a game. It is designed to reduce distractions and allocate system resources toward maintaining a stable frame rate. On the OnePlus 15, which features a 165Hz display, Gaming Mode also gives you direct control over the screen’s refresh rate and touch response settings, allowing you to tailor the visual experience for different types of games.
Accessing these display-specific controls is straightforward, but knowing which settings to use for a 165Hz panel can make a noticeable difference in how smooth and responsive a game feels. This article covers how to enable Gaming Mode and, more importantly, how to configure the 165Hz display settings for the best balance of fluidity and battery life.
How to Enable Gaming Mode and Access Display Settings
Gaming Mode activates automatically when you open a game, but you can configure its behavior beforehand. The display options that matter most for a high-refresh-rate panel are found within the game’s individual settings panel, not in the main system settings.
- Open the Games app – On the OnePlus 15, locate the “Games” app on the home screen or in the app drawer. This is the central hub for managing all installed games and Gaming Mode preferences.
- Select a game – Tap the game you want to configure. You will see an option labeled “Game settings” or an icon that leads to the individual game’s configuration page.
- Enable Gaming Mode – Inside the game’s settings, ensure that “Gaming Mode” is switched on. You can also adjust general preferences here, such as blocking notifications or enabling “Pro Gamer” mode for maximum performance, though those options are separate from display tuning.
- Locate display controls – Within the same game’s settings page, look for a section named “Display” or “Screen.” This is where you will find the refresh rate and touch sensitivity options that are critical for using the 165Hz panel effectively.
Best 165Hz Display Settings for Gaming
The OnePlus 15’s display can run at 165Hz, but not every game will automatically benefit from the highest refresh rate. The key is matching the refresh rate to the game’s frame rate capability and your preference for battery life versus smoothness.
Refresh Rate Setting
Inside the game’s display settings, you will typically see options like “Standard,” “High,” or “Custom,” or a direct list of refresh rates such as 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and 165Hz.
- For competitive shooters and racing games – Select 165Hz if the game supports it. Titles like Call of Duty Mobile, Apex Legends Mobile, or Asphalt 9 often have high frame rate modes. Setting the panel to 165Hz ensures that every frame rendered by the GPU is displayed without delay, reducing motion blur and making fast movements appear more fluid. This provides a tangible advantage when tracking targets or reacting to quick changes on screen.
- For RPGs and slower-paced games – Choosing 120Hz or 90Hz is often the better choice. Many role-playing games or strategy titles do not consistently output more than 90 or 120 frames per second. Running the display at 165Hz in these cases does not improve visual smoothness because there are no additional frames to show. It only consumes extra battery power unnecessarily.
- When battery life is a priority – Switch to 60Hz for any game where smoothness is not critical, such as puzzle games or turn-based titles. This can significantly extend playtime away from a charger.
Touch Sampling Rate
Alongside the refresh rate, the OnePlus 15’s Gaming Mode display settings may include a touch sampling rate option. This controls how often the screen checks for your finger input. Higher touch sampling rates reduce the delay between touching the display and the game registering the action.
- Enable the highest available touch sampling rate – For competitive games, set this to its maximum value. The OnePlus 15 supports a high touch sampling rate that pairs well with 165Hz, ensuring that your taps and swipes feel instant. This setting is particularly noticeable in multiplayer shooters where a few milliseconds of delay can affect your aim.
HDR and Brightness
Gaming Mode on the OnePlus 15 may also offer an HDR enhancement toggle for compatible games. If the game natively supports HDR, such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile, enabling this setting improves contrast and color vibrancy. For games that do not support HDR, leave this setting off to avoid potential color inaccuracies.
Keep the brightness level moderate during long sessions. Running the display at maximum brightness for extended periods while at 165Hz increases heat and battery drain. Adjusting brightness to around 60–70% indoors provides good visibility without unnecessary power consumption.
Balancing Performance and Battery
Even on a flagship phone like the OnePlus 15, running a game at 165Hz consumes more battery than lower refresh rates. The system’s thermal management will also work harder to keep the SoC cool. To manage this trade-off effectively:
- Use the per-game refresh rate setting rather than a global 165Hz lock. This lets you reserve maximum fluidity for the games that truly benefit from it.
- Monitor the in-game frame rate counter if available. If the game cannot sustain at least 90% of the selected refresh rate, dropping to the next lower step (e.g., from 165Hz to 120Hz) will actually result in a more consistent experience because the display will not be waiting for missing frames.
- Consider using “Pro Gamer” mode in Gaming Mode only for short competitive sessions. This mode prioritizes performance and may limit background activity, but it reduces battery runtime and increases heat.
Common Display Issues and Adjustments
If you notice stuttering or inconsistent smoothness after changing settings, the problem is rarely the display itself. More often, the game’s frame rate is fluctuating. Check the game’s graphics settings: lowering resolution, shadows, or effects can help it maintain a frame rate closer to your chosen refresh rate.
If the screen appears too dim or colors look washed out while Gaming Mode is active, verify whether the HDR enhancement is enabled for a game that does not actually support HDR. If it is, disable it. Additionally, some games override system brightness levels; you may need to adjust brightness within the game’s own settings.
Should the touch response feel sluggish despite setting the highest touch sampling rate, restart the phone to clear any background processes that may be interfering. Avoid using a screen protector that is overly thick or non-certified, as it can reduce touch sensitivity on some high-refresh-rate panels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does setting the refresh rate to 165Hz reduce battery life significantly?
Yes, running the display at 165Hz requires more power than lower refresh rates. The impact depends on the game’s frame rate and how long you play. Using per-game settings to select 165Hz only for compatible competitive titles helps preserve battery life during other games.
Can I set a global 165Hz refresh rate for all games?
The OnePlus 15 allows you to set a system-wide refresh rate, but using Gaming Mode’s per-game setting is recommended. A global 165Hz lock forces the display to run at maximum speed even for games that cannot benefit from it, wasting battery without improving smoothness.
Why does my game not feel smooth at 165Hz?
If the game cannot output at least 165 frames per second consistently, you may notice stutter or frame pacing issues. Lower the in-game graphics quality or reduce the refresh rate to 120Hz to match the game’s actual performance. Use the in-game frame rate counter to verify.
Do I need to enable Gaming Mode every time I play?
Once enabled for a specific game through the Games app, Gaming Mode will activate automatically each time you launch that game. You do not need to turn it on manually.
