Google Pixel 4, Pixel 4XL Update Brings A Cool Display Feature

Google Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4XL feature a 'Smooth Display'. The Smooth Display is supposed to deliver a 'buttery-smooth' user experience with a 90Hz refresh rate. Other smartphone manufacturers like Realme and OnePlus have already offered a similar feature in the past.

Google Pixel Smooth Display

Some of the Google Pixel 4 users have noted a drop in the refresh rate to 60Hz after updating the Smooth Display feature. Even on other smartphones, it's been noticed that the refresh rate drops with the fall in screen brightness levels.

Google said in a media statement that the refresh rate drops to 60Hz at lower brightness levels. To fix it, Google has promised a software update to bring more stability to the Smooth Display feature in the coming weeks.

Google further said that the refresh rate falls in some conditions or situations to preserve the battery of the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL devices. Some of the situations include when the user switches to battery saver, while watching video content or even under bright and ambient conditions, Google said to a media house.

As users began pointing out the drop in refresh rates, Google is saying that it's constantly 'assessing' whether these parameters lead to the 'best overall user experience'. Google told The Verge: "We have previously planned updates that we'll roll out in the coming weeks that include enabling 90hz in more brightness conditions."

Google Smooth Display Comparison

The Google Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4XL Smooth Display has assured a 90Hz refresh rate. However, if we look at the OnePlus 7T, the 90Hz refresh rate doesn't drop with the decrease in brightness levels. The OnePlus 7T, at the same time, comes with the ability to drop the refresh rate when the smartphone is displaying static content.

Google has said it would fix the Smooth Display issue with a software update, which makes it two software updates for the Pixel 4 devices, the other being an update regarding the face unlock feature. The screen refresh update will roll out in the coming weeks.