Joe Maring / Android Authority
There’s a lot to like about the Google Pixel 10. The triple-camera system on the back is one of the most impressive we’ve seen for a non-Pro Pixel. Magnetic Qi2 charging is a fantastic addition, the Tensor G5 is a significant upgrade, and the Indigo color this year is oh-so-pretty.
Google has also been at the top of its display game for a while now, and the Pixel 10 is no exception. With a 6.3-inch OLED panel, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, it’s a fantastic screen for the $799 starting price.
However, there’s just one problem. I’ve been using the Pixel 10 for a little while now, and as impressive as it is, there’s a critical setting you need to change if you want to use the display to its full potential.
Are you OK with Google disabling the Pixel 10's 120Hz refresh rate by default? 495 votes Yes, I'm fine with a 60Hz refresh rate. 23 % Yes, it's easy enough to enable 120Hz. 33 % No, I wish 120Hz was on by default. 42 % Other (let us know in the comments). 2 %
How to enable your Pixel 10’s 120Hz display
Joe Maring / Android Authority
I was excited to get my hands on the Pixel 10, but almost immediately after booting the phone up, I noticed something grating: the display was set to a 60Hz refresh rate. Animations looked laggy, scrolling felt bad, and it’s not at all the first impression I had hoped to get.
Thankfully, once you get through the initial setup screens, changing this takes just a few seconds. Here’s what to do: Open the Settings app. Tap Display & touch. Scroll down the page until you find the Other display controls section. Tap Smooth display.
Once you do this, the Pixel 10’s display starts refreshing at up to 120Hz, just as God intended. Google warns that enabling Smooth Display “increases battery usage,” though I’ll take slightly less battery life in favor of a 120Hz refresh rate any day of the week.
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