Google Pixel 4 smooth display improvements coming with November update

Google is now rolling out the November 2019 security update for its Pixel devices – all Pixel phones minus the first-generation – that brings, among other things, smooth display improvements to the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. We do not know exactly what these improvements are, but owners of the Pixel 4 will be hoping it would allow them to run their phones at 90Hz refresh rate more often than what Google would let them out of the box. More details are awaited. 

One of the big headlining features of the Pixel 4 is its ‘smooth display’ - that’s what Google calls it. And it calls it that because the Pixel 4’s OLED display can refresh at 90Hz per second, like the OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 7T Pro. But as it turns out, the Pixel 4 screen can do 90Hz only at high brightness – more precisely, when the screen brightness is over 75 per cent. That screen defaults to 60Hz as the brightness level goes below the limit. That’s not all. It has come to light that in some cases, it is possible for the Pixel 4 screen to do 90Hz at lower brightness provided your ambience gets bright enough. 

“We constantly assess whether these parameters lead to the best overall user experience. We have previously planned updates that we’ll roll out in the coming weeks that include enabling 90hz in more brightness conditions,” Google recently said in a statement to The Verge. And indeed, it has done something about it. 

This is notably the second software fix that Google has been working on now for the Pixel 4 – a phone that launched barely a few days ago. The other fix is regarding the Pixel 4’s face unlock that works even with your eyes shut – that’s coming in the next few months. 

The November 2019 security update also brings unspecified camera quality improvements to the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.  

Google is rolling out the update to older Pixel phones as well. These include the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. The first-generation Pixel and Pixel XL will not be getting it since they have completed 3 years. 

Also Read:  Google Pixel 4 Screen Can Do 90Hz Only At High Brightness, Fix Coming