The Pixel 10 seems to have become quicker, with Google not altering the hardware at all.
What you need to know
– The Pixel 10 debuted without any significant claims regarding its raw speed, yet Google is reportedly extracting genuine performance enhancements solely through software.
– Android 16 QPR2 is said to provide the Pixel 10 with a distinct boost in responsiveness, resolving initial concerns about subpar GPU performance.
– Benchmarks indicate approximately a 5% increase in CPU and GPU scores, but practical tests show nearly a 20% jump, resulting in a noticeably smoother experience.
The Pixel 10 wasn’t recognized for its raw speed at launch. If you purchased one, it was likely for its cameras or AI features, rather than for the Tensor G5 outperforming the Snapdragon 8 Elite in speed evaluations. However, the Pixel 10 is reportedly becoming faster, not through upgraded hardware, but due to some subtle software modifications.
The latest updates, including the December Android 16 QPR2 rollout, seem to be providing the Pixel 10 with a notable enhancement in daily responsiveness, as noted by Android Authority.
This is an intriguing development for a device that launched with promising specifications but faced early backlash for GPU performance that trailed behind Snapdragon-equipped competitors. Now, Google appears to be regaining some of that territory through pure software optimization, and some users on Reddit have begun to notice it as well.
More than just a minor update
The Android 16 QPR2 update might not appear significant initially, but it does more than alter the interface’s appearance. Preliminary tests show that a Pixel 10 Pro XL with QPR2 achieves around a 5% increase in both multi-core CPU and peak GPU scores.
The real shocker lies in everyday performance: PCMark Work 3.0 scores increased by nearly 20%, indicating that Google has optimized task scheduling in ways that users will appreciate.
While the changes aren’t massive, and the Pixel 10 still isn’t designed for gaming, the phone feels more fluid, according to the report. Performance isn’t the only advancement, either. QPR2 also introduces system-wide enhancements like customizable launcher icon shapes, an improved widget panel, better HDR brightness control, and numerous fixes for battery, Bluetooth, camera, and display problems.
This December update incorporates over 30 security patches and bug fixes, solidifying the software foundation that the Pixel 10 operates on.
The main takeaway is the implication for Google’s update approach. Rather than waiting for annual Android releases to enhance performance, Google is now implementing genuine upgrades in quarterly updates. If this trend continues, the Pixel line could maintain its performance far better over time compared to the first-generation Tensor devices.
