Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device and a method for controlling heat generated on the surface of the electronic device. The electronic device may comprise a display and a processor, wherein the processor: displays, on the display, graphic elements at the request of a first application; during a first period of time, acquires first information corresponding to the graphic performance of the displayed graphic elements, and identifies a clock control level for controlling operation performance according to execution of the first application; and during a second period of time following the first period of time, identifies a clock value corresponding to the identified clock control level on the basis of the acquired first information, and controls the operation performance according to execution of the first application by using the identified clock value.