Google Promises New Pixel 4 Software Update to Fix the Smooth Display

Google’s Pixel 4 has only recently launched, and it’s facing some major problems already. We recently reported about the face unlock problem that lets anyone unlock your phone when your eyes are closed, with Google promising a software update to fix the issue.

And now, there’s another problem with the Pixel 4: the device’s Smooth Display feature and how it works is pretty confusing. Early owners of the Pixel 4 are starting to find out that the Smooth Display feature, which sets the display rate to 90Hz, often comes down to the regular 60Hz.

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To avoid yet another controversy, Google has come out with an explanation as to how the feature works. The company said to make sure the battery life doesn’t get affected, it lowers the refresh rates in cases where the higher refresh rates aren’t necessary. “In some conditions or situations, we set the refresh rate to 60Hz. Some of these situations include: when the user turns on battery saver, certain content such as video (as it’s largely shot at 24 or 30fps), and even various brightness or ambient conditions,” the company said in a statement to The Verge.

Google’s Pixel 4 doesn’t include massive batteries to power the 90Hz refresh rate on the display throughout the day, so it has to go back to the regular 60Hz refresh rates to help last the device longer. Google says the company will roll out a new update “in the coming weeks” that will enable the new 90Hz Smooth Display in “more brightness conditions”.

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Conversation 5 comments

  • madthinus

    Premium Member
    24 October, 2019 - 6:22 am

    <p>Oh boy. </p>

    • jeff.bane

      24 October, 2019 - 10:19 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#483146">In reply to madthinus:</a></em></blockquote><p>Yep</p>

  • michael

    24 October, 2019 - 12:06 pm

    <p>I would probably use the lower rate all the time to improve battery life. </p>

  • lezmaka

    Premium Member
    24 October, 2019 - 2:20 pm

    <p>You're looking at the screen wrong.</p>

  • judgejewelz

    24 October, 2019 - 4:17 pm

    <p>I have the Pixel 3a XL and it's a wonderful phone; I prefer this ( in many, but not all cases) over my iPhone XS Max. So considering we have another Pixel flagship with another (I'd say pretty major) downside – with the battery life – then I think I'll await the Pixel 4a before buying another phone from Google. </p><p><br></p><p>I'm going to keep my iPhone (for family reasons; it's just easier in this regard) but as far as day-to-day use is concerned (and for that camera!) then the Pixel 3a XL is often my go-to device.</p>

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