Google Pixel 4’s 90Hz display only works at high brightnesses

The Google Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL were announced last week and the duo was savagely leaked, with Google contributing to those leaks through official revelations. We weren’t expecting bells and whistles since most of the features were already out in the open – many of which Google didn’t even talk about at the Pixel 4 keynote – but, the new, smoother 90Hz display on the Pixel 4/4 XL was among the key features that a lot of us were anticipating. While our Editor-in-Chief, Mishaal Rahman had already revealed instances giving away to the 90Hz display at least a month ahead of the official launch, there’s something interesting he recently discovered.

Pixel 4 XDA Forums / Pixel 4 XL XDA Forums

Just like the OnePlus 7 Pro and the new OnePlus 7T series, the 90Hz refresh rate is not valid for all scenarios and only works in certain use cases or supported apps. Apparently, Google is using an algorithm to reduce the refresh rate of the Pixel 4/4 XL’s display to 60Hz smartly in cases such as when you’re watching a video or reading a PDF or ebook and it automatically kicks back in when you scroll. However, Mishaal has discovered a peculiar behavior and determined this automatic switching between 90Hz and 60Hz refresh rate is based on the brightness of phone’s display.

Sorry, looks like it should be:

If brightness <= 75%, display id = 2.
If brightness > 75%, display id = 1.

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) October 23, 2019

Using the Logcat tool via ADB, Mishaal figured that the Pixel 4’s display automatically turns down to 60Hz when the brightness is below 75%. It’s unclear why Google has tied the setting to brightness and Mishaal is currently probing Smooth Display APK to see if there are other parameters that may cause the display to switch to 60Hz automatically.

Notably, neither OnePlus 7 Pro nor the ASUS ROG Phone II displays this behavior. So, we’re not sure whether this behavior is intentional or maybe just a bug and will have more clarity soon after Mishaal is done digging into the Smooth Display APK. This might be an attempt by Google to avoid complaints regarding the smooth display draining the small batteries on the Pixel 4/4 XL too quickly, but we’re not certain about it either.

Force 90Hz Refresh Rate on Pixel 4

Meanwhile, if you have a Pixel 4/4 XL and want to always enjoy the 90Hz display, you can set the display to stay at 90Hz permanently by forcing the option from Developer Settings. This will also allow you to create a quick settings tile if you want to switch it seamlessly.

Dev option to force 90Hz at all times pic.twitter.com/0LuxaZgUjK

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) October 15, 2019

We’ll update the article with more information, so stay tuned!

Thanks to Android developer, Brian Sefcik, for the tip!

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