165 Hz Smartphone Display Takes Centre Stage at MWC 2026, Its Advantages

KOMPAS.com - China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT), a TCL subsidiary focused on display innovation, showcased a display named ‘Super Pixel’ at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) technology expo held from 2-5 March 2026 in Barcelona. Notably, the Super Pixel display has a refresh rate of 165 Hz and can be used for smartphones. If adopted, this would raise the refresh-rate standard of flagship smartphones from the current typical 120 Hz. The current 120 Hz refresh rate that supports most flagship phones provides a smooth and comfortable viewing experience. It also promises smoother gaming with more realistic-looking motion. However, the experience will only be felt when users actually use a phone with a 165 Hz display. The Super Pixel demo shown by TCL CSOT not only demonstrated a faster refresh rate but also sharper visuals with better power efficiency. Technically, Super Pixel changes how pixels are managed, not by cramming more pixels. TCL CSOT increases the number of sub-pixels by 1.8 percent to match the sharpness of WQHD SPR. The Real RGB layout on Super Pixel is also said to require lower bandwidth than SPR, enabling refresh rates up to 40 percent higher. CSOT has not disclosed which devices will adopt the screen. But given the company’s track record, TCL CSOT is a panel supplier for Xiaomi. The 165 Hz screen could also equip the next Xiaomi smartphone, the Redmi K100, which is believed to be released this year as the successor to the Redmi K90. The rumours are unconfirmed as both TCL and Xiaomi have yet to comment on the Redmi K100’s display specifications. Clearly, the Super Pixel display demo at MWC 2026 shows that the panel is ready for adoption on future devices, compiled by KompasTekno from GizChina, on Wednesday.