Google’s upcoming smartphone, the Pixel 10, is rumored to come with a screen upgrade that could set it apart from competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. The focus seems to be on improving the PWM dimming rate, a feature that has been a point of concern for some users of Google’s Pixel phones.
In response to queries about the low PWM dimming rate causing headaches for users, a Google spokesperson mentioned that their teams are investigating the issue and promised updates later in the year. This indicates that Google is working on enhancing the PWM dimming rate for the Pixel 10, suggesting that this feature cannot be added to the existing Pixel 9 series through a mere software update.
But what exactly is PWM dimming? Pulse Wave Modulation Dimming is a technology used in screens to simulate brightness by turning the screen on and off at different frequencies. While the flickering effect is usually not noticeable at normal brightness levels, it can become apparent in dim lighting conditions, causing discomfort for some users and potentially affecting sleep quality.
Phones with higher PWM dimming rates refresh at higher frequencies, reducing the flickering effect in darker settings and minimizing eye strain. Models like the OnePlus 13, Honor Magic 7 Pro, and Xiaomi 15 Ultra boast impressive PWM dimming rates, while phones like the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra lag behind with lower rates.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro, on the other hand, offers one of the lowest PWM dimming frequencies at just 240Hz. To compete with the likes of the Honor Magic 7 Pro, OnePlus 13, and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, Google may need to significantly improve its PWM dimming rate for the Pixel 10.
There are speculations that Google could introduce a new accessibility mode for users sensitive to screen flicker, similar to Motorola. Another possibility is that Google may opt to increase the PWM dimming rate substantially to address the concerns raised by users.
Overall, the Pixel 10’s potential improvements in PWM dimming could put it on par with top competitors in the market. It remains to be seen how Google will address this issue and whether the Pixel 10 will indeed surpass its predecessors in this aspect. Stay tuned for more updates on Google’s upcoming smartphone.
