Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. In some systems, a user equipment (UE) may transmit, to a network entity, a first signal including a request to update a resolution of a phase shifting operation associated with beam-based communications. The UE may receive, from the network entity, a second signal approving the request. The UE may communicate using a beam according to an updated resolution of the phase shifting operation based on the second signal approving the request. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE may transmit a first signal including a request to suspend a beam refinement process based on the resolution of the phase shifting operation. The UE may receive a second signal approving the request to suspend the beam refinement process. The UE may communicate with the network entity using a beam based on suspending further beam refinement in response to the second signal.