What You Need to Know Before You Start
Getting a stable 120 FPS (frames per second) depends on several factors beyond just enabling a setting. The new gaming core, generally referred to as the chipset or processor inside your device, provides the hardware capability, but the software and game itself must cooperate. Before you attempt any changes, understand that not every game supports 120 FPS, and your device’s cooling system and battery condition will affect how long you can maintain that frame rate.
The term “new gaming core” could refer to a specific processor like a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, MediaTek Dimensity 9300, Apple A17 Pro, or a newer model. For the purpose of this guide, it applies to any modern high-performance chipset designed for gaming. The steps below are general and will work across Android and iOS devices, as well as gaming handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally or Steam Deck, provided they have a capable gaming core.
Requirements for 120 FPS
You need three things working together:
- A display with a 120 Hz refresh rate – This is the screen’s ability to refresh 120 times per second. Without it, 120 FPS will not be visible.
- A game that supports 120 FPS – The game must have a 120 FPS mode or an unlocked frame rate option.
- Sufficient hardware performance – The gaming core must be powerful enough to render frames at 120 FPS without thermal throttling. This often requires a device with adequate cooling.
How to Enable 120 FPS
The process varies slightly between operating systems, but the logical steps are the same. Follow them in order.
Step 1: Set Your Display to 120 Hz
Most modern devices default to a dynamic refresh rate to save battery. You must force the display to 120 Hz or use a high-performance mode.
On Android:
Go to Settings > Display > Screen refresh rate (or Smooth display). Select 120 Hz or High. Some devices, particularly gaming phones, have a separate “Game Mode” or “Performance Mode” that automatically sets the refresh rate to maximum when a game launches. Check your device’s game launcher or gaming dashboard for this option.
On iOS (iPhone 13 Pro and later Pro models):
iOS does not have a manual 120 Hz toggle. The system automatically uses ProMotion (120 Hz) when the app supports it and the workload demands it. To ensure the display is ready, simply make sure the device is not in Low Power Mode, which locks the refresh rate to 60 Hz. Go to Settings > Battery and disable Low Power Mode.
On Windows gaming handhelds (ROG Ally, Legion Go, Steam Deck):
Open the quick settings panel (usually a button on the device) and set the refresh rate to 120 Hz. On the Steam Deck, the default is 60 Hz; you must enable the 90 Hz or 120 Hz option if your model supports it. Performance mode should also be set to “Turbo” or “High” to ensure the gaming core runs at full power.
Step 2: Disable Battery Saving Features
Battery optimization modes intentionally limit CPU and GPU performance to extend battery life. This directly prevents the gaming core from reaching 120 FPS.
On Android:
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver (or Power Saving Mode). Ensure it is turned off. Some devices have a separate “Game Mode” that automatically disables battery saving when a game is open. Use that if available.
On iOS:
As mentioned, Low Power Mode must be off. Additionally, check Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements and ensure Game Mode is enabled (iOS 17 and later). This feature prioritizes the gaming core resources for the game you are playing.
On Windows gaming handhelds:
Open Windows Settings > System > Power & Battery. Set the power mode to “Best Performance.” Also, open the manufacturer’s control center (e.g., Armoury Crate on ROG Ally) and set the thermal and power profile to “Turbo” or “High Performance.”
Step 3: Set the Correct Graphics Options in the Game
This is the most common reason people fail to get 120 FPS. Even with a powerful gaming core, a game set to max graphics may struggle to sustain 120 FPS.
Open the game’s settings menu. Look for:
- Frame Rate Limit – Set to 120 FPS, “Unlimited,” or “High.” Some games cap at 60 FPS by default.
- Refresh Rate – If an option exists, select 120 Hz.
- Graphics Quality – Set to “Medium” or “Low” for competitive games. For single-player games, you may need to lower shadows, reflections, and anti-aliasing to achieve 120 FPS.
- Resolution – Lowering the resolution (e.g., from 1440p to 1080p) significantly reduces the load on the gaming core, making 120 FPS easier to reach.
If the game has a “Performance” vs “Quality” mode, choose Performance.
Step 4: Use the Device’s Game Mode or Performance Mode
Almost every modern gaming phone and handheld has a built-in game mode that optimizes the gaming core, network, and display. This is often the most reliable way to enable 120 FPS.
On Android:
Swipe down from the top of the screen while in a game to open the game dashboard. Look for an icon for “Performance Mode,” “Game Mode,” or “120 FPS.” Enable it. On some devices, you must install the manufacturer’s game launcher app first.
On iOS:
iOS 17’s built-in Game Mode activates automatically when you open a game. You can confirm it is active by checking the Control Center – a Game Mode icon may appear. There is no manual toggle for 120 FPS, but if the game supports it, ProMotion will handle the frame rate.
On Windows handhelds:
Open the manufacturer’s overlay (e.g., Armoury Crate Quick Access) and set the operating mode to “Turbo.” This raises the power limit of the gaming core, helping maintain higher frame rates.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Game Still Shows 60 FPS
This usually means the game has a built-in cap. Check the game’s graphics settings for a “Frame Rate” option. Some games, especially older titles, do not support 120 FPS at all. In that case, nothing on the device side can force it.
FPS Drops After a Few Minutes
This is thermal throttling. The gaming core gets too hot, and the device reduces performance to protect itself. Solutions include:
- Lowering graphics settings further.
- Playing in a cooler environment.
- Using a phone cooler or clip-on fan.
- Ensuring the device is not in a case that traps heat.
Display Doesn’t Feel Smooth Despite 120 FPS
Check if the display is actually running at 120 Hz. On Android, you can use the “Show refresh rate” option in Developer Options. On iOS, you can use the “FPS counter” in the game’s own settings or a third-party developer tool. Sometimes the display may be stuck at 60 Hz due to a bug. Restart the device and try again.
Battery Drains Very Fast
120 FPS uses significantly more power than 60 FPS. This is normal. If you want to maintain 120 FPS for longer, keep the device plugged in while gaming, or lower the brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special cable or adapter to get 120 FPS on an external monitor?
Yes. If you are connecting your gaming phone or handheld to a monitor, you need a cable that supports the required bandwidth. For 120 FPS at 1080p or higher, use an HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.4 cable. USB-C to HDMI cables must be certified for 4K60 or higher. Without a capable cable, the output will be limited to 60 FPS or lower.
Can I get 120 FPS on a non-gaming phone?
Only if the phone has a 120 Hz display and a sufficiently powerful processor. A mid-range chipset may achieve 120 FPS in less demanding games like PUBG Mobile (low settings) but will fail in heavier titles like Genshin Impact. The “new gaming core” must be a high-end model.
Does 120 FPS affect the touch response?
Yes, indirectly. A 120 Hz display paired with a high touch sampling rate (usually 240 Hz or higher) makes the screen feel more responsive. The gaming core must process touch inputs quickly as well. Most modern gaming cores handle this well, but a slow chipset can cause input lag even at 120 FPS.
Conclusion
Getting 120 FPS with the new gaming core requires a combination of display settings, performance mode, and in-game graphics tweaks. Start by forcing the display to 120 Hz, disabling battery saving, and using the device’s game mode. Then, adjust the game’s graphics to a level the core can sustain. If thermal throttling occurs, lower the settings further or improve cooling. Not every game will support 120 FPS, but for those that do, following these steps will give you the smoothest experience possible.
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