Google Pixel 10 PWM dimming Screen Upgrade Tipped

Google may be upping its game with the upcoming Pixel 10 smartphone, potentially surpassing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with a quality-of-life screen upgrade.

Addressing concerns about the low PWM dimming rate on Pixel phones causing headaches for some users, a Google spokesperson mentioned that their teams are looking into this issue and promised updates later this year.

While not a direct confirmation, this statement hints at a possible improvement in PWM dimming rate for the Pixel 10, as this feature cannot be easily added to the existing Pixel 9 series through a software update.

What is PWM dimming?

Pulse Wave Modulation Dimming, or PWM dimming, is a screen technology that modulates screen brightness by turning it on and off at varying frequencies.

At lower brightness levels in dim lighting, the flickering effect of PWM dimming can become noticeable and bothersome for some users, affecting eye fatigue and potentially sleep quality.

Phones with higher PWM dimming rates refresh at faster rates, reducing flickering in dark conditions and reducing eye strain.

Which phones have the best PWM dimming rates?

Phones with high PWM dimming rates like the OnePlus 13, the Honor Magic 7 Pro, and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra offer better flicker-free experiences. In contrast, phones like the iPhone 16 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra have lower PWM dimming rates at 480Hz.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro currently has one of the lowest PWM dimming rates at 240Hz. On the other hand, the Honor Magic 7 Pro, OnePlus 13, and Xiaomi 15 Ultra boast much higher rates like 4320Hz, 2160Hz, and 1920Hz respectively, along with the safer DC dimming technique at higher brightness levels.

It remains to be seen if the Pixel 10 will stand out in this aspect, possibly matching the 480Hz rate of the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra while significantly improving its performance in this area.

Google could introduce a new accessibility mode for users sensitive to screen flicker, similar to Motorola, or simply increase the PWM dimming rate for a smoother experience.