Recent leaks indicate that Google may finally address a significant display issue with the Pixel 10 series, aligning more closely with features found in iPhone and Galaxy devices. The Pixel 10 Pro is expected to introduce a brighter display capable of a higher PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) refresh rate. PWM is crucial as it affects how a screen dims, and a lower rate can lead to eye strain or discomfort for some users. Historically, Google’s Pixel devices have utilized a PWM rate of 240Hz, which is notably lower than the 480Hz found on competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The anticipated upgrade for the Pixel 10 Pro includes doubling the PWM rate to 480Hz, potentially benefiting users who have struggled with the previous lower rate. However, it is important to note that this improvement may only be available on the Pro model. The base Pixel 10 and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold are likely to maintain the 240Hz rate, creating a disparity across the lineup. In terms of display brightness, all models in the Pixel 10 range are expected to have increased brightness levels.
The base Pixel 10 may achieve HDR brightness levels of up to 2,000 nits, while the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL could reach 2,250 nits. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold might also deliver impressive brightness levels with 1,850 nits on its main display and 2,050 nits on the outer screen. It’s worth noting that these figures represent software specifications, and actual brightness may vary depending on usage. Although the information stems from an unconfirmed report, if these changes are implemented, they could significantly enhance the user experience, especially for those sensitive to screen flicker.
Nonetheless, the inconsistent implementation of these upgrades across models might draw criticism from consumers.