Google Pixel 10 might get a much-needed display upgrade that your eyes would appreciate

We spend so much time staring at our phone screens every day. It’s easy to take the display for granted, but for some people, it can actually be a source of real discomfort. You see, while Google’s Pixel phones usually have fantastic screens in terms of color and sharpness, there’s one technical detail that has bothered a subset of users for years: how the brightness is controlled at lower levels.

This is often done using something called PWM, or Pulse Width Modulation. Think of it like rapidly flickering the screen on and off to make it appear dimmer. If this flickering happens too slowly, some people can actually perceive it, leading to eye strain or even headaches. It’s something I’ve personally noticed with certain phones over the years.

For reference on just how terrible PWM dimming is on Pixel phones, I’d suggest watching this video comparison:

Now, a recent report from Android Central suggests that the upcoming Google Pixel 10 might finally bring a significant improvement in this area. According to their reporting, based on a statement from Google, the company is “aware and investigating this” and that we can “expect updates later this year.” This is pretty big news because, for a long time, Google and even Samsung have been quiet on this particular issue, even as other phone makers adopted faster, eye-friendlier methods.

While the statement didn’t explicitly name the Pixel 10, the timing of “later this year” certainly lines up nicely with when we expect the next flagship Pixel phones to arrive. This could mean Google adopts a much faster PWM dimming rate, potentially adds an accessibility feature to reduce flicker, or something else.

Moving to a higher frequency, perhaps something in the 1920Hz range like some competitors use, would be a huge relief for those sensitive to the current lower rates. It would make looking at the screen, especially in dim environments, a much more comfortable experience for many users. It feels like a common-sense upgrade that focuses on user well-being alongside pure technical specs. This kind of user-focused improvement is exactly what I hope to see from the Pixel line.

That said, all these improvements, including in the camera department, might come at a cost, as leaked pricing details suggest some Pixel 10 models might get a bump in price.