What is HFR and why is it important to Xiaomi?
Have you ever noticed how dynamic scenes in movies or games blur and move? This is a classic problem of low frame rate, which is called to solve the technology HFR (High Frame Rate). In the Xiaomi ecosystem, support for HFR appeared relatively recently, but has already become one of the key arguments in choosing TVs and flagship smartphones of the brand.
HFR is not just a marketing term, it’s a real visual experience enhancement. If standard video is 24 to 30 frames/sec (like in movies), HFR offers 60 to 120 frames/sec and higher. For Xiaomi, it means smoothly scrolling the interface on smartphones, realistic games without brakes and movies without the soap opera effect on TVs. But not all brand devices support this feature — it’s important to understand the nuances here.
In this article, we will discuss in detail: which Xiaomi models work with HFR, how to enable high frame rates in the settings, and why it is sometimes better to stay on the standard 60 Hz. And also find out why even on supported devices, HFR may not work with some videos - here are technical limitations that the manufacturer does not always warn about.
HFR vs Standard Frame Rate: What’s the Difference in Practice?
To see if you should be chasing a high frame rate, let’s compare HFR to standard values. Take the Xiaomi TV Q2 75 with 120Hz support for example:
| Parameter | Standard video (24–60 Hz) | HFR video (60–120 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Smoothness of movement | Visible “twitching” in dynamic scenes (sports broadcasts, action films) | Smooth, natural movement without artifacts |
| Reaction in games | Delayed input to 30-50 ms, possible "fries" | Delay 10-20 ms, instant response to actions |
| Hardware load | Minimum, suitable for weak chipsets | Requires a powerful processor and GPU (e.g. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or MediaTek Dimensity 9000+) |
| The soap opera effect | Not present (the usual cinematic appearance) | It can be manifested by artificially increasing FPS to 120 Hz in old movies. |
The key point is that HFR isn't always equal to "better." For example, in feature films, high frame rates can look unnatural -- many directors shoot 24fps specifically to create a cinematic atmosphere. But for sports broadcasts, shooters or 120Hz racing, it becomes critical.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs when turned on HFR Dolby Vision can be automatically disabled or HDR10+. It's got to do with restrictions. HDMI 2.0 – Check the specifications of your model!
Which Xiaomi devices support HFR video?
Not all Xiaomi gadgets are capable of playing high frame rate content, here is the current list of devices with confirmed HFR support (data for 2026):
- 📺 Television: Xiaomi TV Q2/Q2 Pro (all diagonals) - up 120 Hz through HDMI 2.1 Xiaomi TV A Pro (models) 2023–2026) — 120 Hz only 55" and 65" Mi TV P1 (narrowly) — 60 Hz supported MEMC pseudo-120 Hz Redmi Smart TV X only 60 Hz, HFR unsupported
- 📱 Smartphones: Xiaomi 14/14 Pro/14 Ultra - display 1–120 Hz (LTPO), support HFR in games and videos by Xiaomi 13T Pro — 144 Hz, but HFR video 60 fps due to processor limitations POCO F6 Pro — 120 Hz display, but HFR It only works with certain Redmi Note apps. 13 Pro+ — 120 Hz, but without hardware support HFR in video (only in games)
Important: Even if your device is on the list, HFR may not work with some streaming services (like Netflix or YouTube) due to DRM or codec limitations.For example, Xiaomi TV Q2 supports 120Hz only when connected via HDMI 2.1 to a PC or game console, but not through embedded apps.
Why is my Xiaomi not running HFR, even though the model is supported?
How to turn on HFR on Xiaomi TVs: step-by-step instructions
If your Xiaomi TV supports high frame rates, you can turn it on in two ways: through system settings or through game mode. Let's consider both options.
Method 1: Through the main display settings
This method is suitable for models with support for 120 Hz via HDMI (for example, Xiaomi TV Q2):
- Open the settings (cog on the remote).
- Go to the Display and Sound section → Display.
- Select the screen refresh rate.
- Set a value of 120 Hz (if available).
- Return to Display and Sound → HDMI and turn on Game Mode for the port that your console or PC is connected to.
Use it. HDMI 2.1.|Update the TV firmware|Enable the game mode HDMI-port|Check the signal source settings (PC/console)|Disable post-processing (MEMC if it interferes
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Method 2: Through Game Mode (for gamers)
If you’re connecting to PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, use a dedicated mode:
- On the remote, press the Game button (gamepad icon).
- In the menu that opens, select Game Mode.
- Activate the 120Hz option (if it is available in gray, check the cable or signal source).
- In the console settings, enable 120Hz output: For PS5: Settings → Screen and Video → Video output → Update frequency. For Xbox: Settings → General → TV and display settings → Update frequency.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with displays VA-panels (e.g. Redmi Smart) TV A Series) turning on 120Hz can lead to "ghosting" artifacts in dark scenes. If you notice this effect, go back to 60Hz.
HFR on Xiaomi smartphones: reality vs marketing
Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones are more complicated than TVs, and the manufacturer often claims to support 120Hz displays, but that doesn’t always mean HFR will work in all scenarios.
- 🎮 In games: HFR It only works if the game itself supports a high frame rate. For example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile can output 90-120 fps on the Xiaomi 14 Pro, but only if the graphics settings are reduced.
- 🎬 In video: Most streaming services (YouTube, Netflix) limit the maximum frequency to 60 fps even on supported devices. Local files with 120 fps (for example, shot on GoPro) will play correctly.
- 🔄 Adaptive frequency: Technology LTPO (Xiaomi 13 Ultra or 14 Pro allows the display to dynamically change frequency from 1 Hz to 120 Hz, but this is not the same as HFR content.
To check if HFR is working on your smartphone:
- Download test video from 120 fps (e.g., from the RED site).
- Open it in the standard Mi Video player or Google Photos.
- Enable FPS display via Settings → Additional → Show frame rate (if optional).
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On Xiaomi smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro) for stable HFR in games, turn off the background activity of applications through Settings → Battery → Performance Mode → Games.
HFR problems on Xiaomi: typical mistakes and solutions
Even on supported devices, HFR can not work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| HFR is not included in the settings | Outdated firmware or incompatible content | Update the software through Settings → About phone / TV → System update |
| Video with 120 fps played in jerks | Insufficient performance of the chipset | Close background apps or lower video resolution |
| On the TV, the screen flashes at 120 Hz | Problems with HDMI-cable | Try another HDMI 2.1 cable or port on TV |
| In games, the FPS sinks below 60 | Overheating or dietary restrictions | Activate the performance mode in the battery settings |
One of the most insidious problems is the false positive of HFR. For example, on Xiaomi TV A Pro can show 120 Hz in the settings, but the real frequency remains at 60 Hz due to the limitations of the panels, you can check this with the help of test videos or special applications like Display Tester (for Android).
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After inclusion HFR You've got vertical bands or flickering on your Xiaomi TV, which is a sign of incompatibility with your current signal source. Try lowering it to 60Hz or using another one. HDMI-port.
HFR and battery: How much power does a high frame rate eat?
On Xiaomi smartphones, turning on HFR can significantly affect autonomy. According to tests from DXOMARK’s lab, switching from 60 Hz to 120 Hz increases display power consumption by 30-40%.
- 🔋 Xiaomi 14 Pro (4610 mAh) in 120 Hz mode discharges 15-20% faster than 60 Hz.
- 🔋 POCO F5 Pro (5,160 mAh) loses up to 25% of its autonomy when used HFR play.
- 🔋 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (5000 mAh) feels little difference due to optimizations in the MIUI and a less powerful processor.
To save charge without completely abandoning HFR:
- Use adaptive frequency (if supported). On the Xiaomi 13/14 series, this is included in Settings → Display → Adaptive refresh rate.
- Limit HFR to gaming only through Settings → Special Resolutions → High refresh rate.
- Turn off HFR when the battery level is low (e.g., below 20%) using the automatic rules in MIUI Optimization.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra), the 120Hz display starts to overheat overtime, causing a forced brightness decline. If you notice this effect, go back to 90Hz or 60Hz.