Update enables 90Hz on the Pixel 4 at lower brightness levels but there's a catch

Google just pushed a much-needed update to its latest Pixel 4 and 4 XL smartphones regarding the 90Hz refresh rate issue. However, there are some things you have to know about the new firmware.

Firstly, the high-refresh-rate mode is enabled throughout all brightness levels only on the big Pixel 4 XL. The Pixel 4's 90Hz range, on the other hand, is extended to 42%, meaning you will get the smooth display feature as long as you keep above that brightness level. We assume this is because the smaller pixel has a tiny battery, so Google is still looking for a way to preserve battery life.

Moreover, the gamma bug is now more prominent. When you turn the display off and on in 90Hz mode, the software applies the wrong gamma, making it look "contrasty" and with a noticeable magenta hue. This is not new, though, but it can be seen more often since the 90Hz mode covers a broader range of brightness levels. Perhaps Google will patch that in the near future as well.

"Only on the Pixel 4 XL when it's running at 90Hz and you turn off and on the display, it applies the wrong gamma table and the display looks ridiculously contrasty and very magenta-shifted." - Dylan Raga Left: 60Hz / Right: 90Hz Anyone else see this? pic.twitter.com/4de1HNf8A8

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) November 5, 2019

Oh, and the update also brings November's security patch.

Via