Google’s subsequent smartphone, the Pixel 10, may function a quality-of-life display improve that takes it past the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely.
When requested in regards to the low PWM dimming price on its Pixel telephones (which might trigger some individuals complications), a Google spokesperson instructed Android Central that its “groups are conscious and investigating this. You possibly can anticipate updates later this yr”.
Whereas in need of a full on affirmation, it appears to recommend that Google might be enhancing the PWM dimming price for the Google Pixel 10, as such a function can’t be added to the present Pixel 9 sequence by way of a easy software program replace.
What’s PWM dimming?
Pulse Wave Modulation Dimming, or PWM dimming, is a display expertise that successfully turns a display on and off at a better or decrease frequency to simulate brightness.
That flickering impact is broadly imperceptible to the human eye at regular brightnesses, however as a smartphone display’s brightness drops in lesser lighting the glint can develop into obvious, and even fairly tiresome for some individuals, in addition to doubtlessly affecting sleep high quality.
Telephones with a better PWM dimming price proceed to refresh at greater charges, lowering the flickering impact in darkish circumstances, and thus doubtlessly fatiguing eyes a lot much less.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Which telephones have the most effective PWM dimming charges?
Such telephones embody the OnePlus 13, the Honor Magic 7 Professional, and the Xiaomi 15 Extremely. Notable telephones that function decrease PWM dimming charges embody the iPhone 16 Professional, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely, each with 480Hz.
In the meantime, the Google Pixel 9 Professional affords a few of the lowest PWM dimming frequency within the enterprise. We’re speaking a mere 240Hz.
None of those mainstream flagship telephones can in comparison with the Honor Magic 7 Professional’s 4320Hz, the OnePlus 13’s 2160Hz, or the Xiaomi 15 Extremely’s 1920Hz PWM dimming charges. All three additionally make use of the safer DC dimming approach at greater brightness settings.
Whether or not the Pixel 10 pulls away from that lower-end crowd stays to be seen. It may conceivably match the 480Hz output of the iPhone 16 Professional and Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely, and nonetheless justifiably declare to have considerably improved on this division.
Because the supply report states, Google may additionally implement a brand new accessibility mode for these delicate to display flicker, identical to Motorola. The ultimate choice is that it merely cranks that PWM dimming dial proper up.