Google has now explained why the Pixel 4 refresh rate is inconsistent. According to the search giant, the refresh rate is decreased when a higher one isn’t deemed critical.
Like plenty of other 2019 flagships, Google’s latest phones support a refresh rate of 90Hz. Refresh rate is basically the rate at which the visuals on a phone’s display are updated. While most phones have a 60Hz display, we have seen vendors up that rate to 90Hz or 120Hz in recent times. Google calls it 90Hz screen a Smooth Display. As the name applies, a higher rate makes everything look smoother. In fact, a faster refresh rate also gives the illusion that the phone’s performance has improved. That’s because the screen refreshes everything pretty quickly.
Pixel 4 Refresh Rate Adapts According To Various Conditions
It was earlier reported that the Pixel 4 refresh rate drops to 60Hz when the brightness goes below 75 percent. Google has now cleared that it has done so deliberately. The company says that lowering the refresh rate when it’s not necessarily required can help prolong battery life. Given that the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL do not have massive batteries, to begin with, this sounds like a good idea.
The screen automatically goes to 60Hz depending on whether the battery saver is on, fps of videos, and brightness and ambient conditions. Google says that this will allow users to benefit from 90Hz when needed, preserving battery when a high refresh rate is not critical. With these adaptations, the company wants to give users the best overall experience.
Google’s explanation might make sense to some. A higher refresh rate can elevate the viewing experience when you are watching a video, enjoying an animation, or playing a game, but it’s not so important when you are editing a word document or staring at static content.
That being said, having a high refresh rate at all times is something most users wouldn’t mind. It will make everything look more pleasant and fluid. Moreover, if the high Pixel 4 refresh rate is one of the reasons someone bought the phone, they would expect it to stay at 90Hz always.
Maybe Having An Always-On 90Hz Display Isn’t The Brightest Of Ideas
Google isn’t the only manufacturer that reduces that refresh rate. It also happens on the latest OnePlus flagships, depending on the content being shown. In fact, the company doesn’t recommend having it on all the time as it can be taxing on the battery.
However, if you still want the Pixel 4 to have the 90Hz display rate regardless of the brightness conditions, you can go to the developer mode and toggle “Force 90 Hz refresh rate.” But then again, an average user doesn’t like to fiddle with the advanced settings.
Google says it had already planned an update that will take care of the issue. It is coming out in a few weeks. Once it is installed, the Pixel 4 refresh rate will stay at 90Hz in more brightness levels. But, as mentioned before, this will probably take a toll on battery life.