While the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 update brings plenty of visible changes like flashlight controls and folder animations, Pixel 10 owners are receiving a massive under-the-hood upgrade that could redefine the device’s gaming performance.
After weeks of anticipation, Google has finally delivered the promised GPU driver update for the Pixel 10 series, unlocking modern graphics standards that were previously missing at launch.
The Pixel 10 series launched with an Imagination PowerVR GPU that, while capable, was running on older drivers (version 1.602.400). This led to early concerns regarding compatibility and inconsistent performance in high-fidelity titles.
With QPR3 Beta 1, the GPU driver has jumped to version 1.634.2906. Crucially, the system now reports a driverInfo version 25.1, which aligns perfectly with Imagination Technologies’ major August release.
This isn’t just a version number bump. It officially enables Vulkan 1.4 support (conformance version 1.4.1.0) and full Android 16 compatibility.
What are the benefits for you?
If you aren’t a developer, you might wonder why “Vulkan 1.4” matters. Here is how this update translates to user experience:
- Smoother gaming: Vulkan is the graphics API used by high-performance Android games to talk to your phone’s hardware. Support for Vulkan 1.4 means the Pixel 10 can now handle complex graphics instructions more efficiently, theoretically resulting in higher frame rates and fewer stutters in demanding titles.
- Future-proofing: Many modern game engines are optimizing for the latest Vulkan standards. By updating the driver, Google ensures the Pixel 10 won’t be left behind as mobile games become more graphically intensive over the coming years.
- Stability improvements: The Pixel 10 had a rocky start with some developers questioning PowerVR support (most notably rumors surrounding Genshin Impact, though Google clarified support was never removed). This update brings the software in line with the hardware, likely ironing out the specific bugs and crashes users faced during the device’s early months.
The change was first spotted by eagle-eyed enthusiast A_Button117 on Discord, who used the “Hardware CapsViewer for Vulkan” app to verify the new driver details. The diagnostic tool confirmed the leap in driver version and the presence of the new API support on the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
When will you get it?
Currently, this driver update is exclusive to those running the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.
However, because this is part of the QPR (Quarterly Platform Release) cycle, it is almost guaranteed to arrive for all users in the next Pixel Feature Drop, likely scheduled for March 2026.
While we still need to wait for real-world benchmarks to see exactly how many extra frames per second this update squeezes out, it is a promising sign that Google is committed to optimizing the Pixel 10’s unique hardware long after launch.
Hillary Keverenge
2481 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.