An example device includes a display component that is configured to operate at a first refresh rate or a second refresh rate. The device also includes one or more processors operable to perform operations. The operations include identifying a rate change triggering event while the display component is operating at the first refresh rate. The operations further include determining a current brightness value of the display component. The operations also include determining, based on an environmental state measurement associated with an environment around the device, a threshold brightness value. The operations additionally include transitioning the display component from the first refresh rate to the second refresh rate m response to identifying the rate change triggering event if the current brightness value of the display component meets or exceeds the threshold brightness value.