The Google Pixel 4 series has been around for few weeks and there are already several issues to talk about. For avoidance of doubt, the pair of smartphones Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are great by all standards. They come with several great features that will meaningfully improve user experience. From the excellent dual rear cameras to the latest Android 10 operating system to the Soli radar system, there are just so many reasons to grab one of the latest Google flagships.
One of the features of the Google Pixel 4 series that has been generating much attention is the Smooth Display. The two smartphones feature silky smooth display thanks to their 90 Hz refresh rate. According to Google, the silky smooth display is basically made to enable users enjoy the benefits of 90 Hz for improved UI interaction and content consumption.
Dynamic Smooth Display
Unlike other smartphones with high refresh rate displays, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL refresh rate changes dynamically. If you are currently using any of the device, you will notice that the display will go down to the standard 60 Hz refresh rate once brightness drops below 75 percent. While you can always try to keep your device brightness above 75 percent at all times, there are features that can alter it automatically such as Android’s battery saver mode, wind-down, digital wellbeing, and dynamic brightness. There are instances, too, where high brightness is not an option like dimly lit environments. This means that the 90 Hz display refresh rate that is considered a prominent feature of your device will not be steady.
There is a good reason why Google made the smooth display to be dynamic. High refresh rate drain device battery significantly. To manage battery life, Google made the Pixel 4s display to adopt to different refresh rate dynamically, depending on the requirements of an application or a program that is being run. While this has advantages, it doesn’t go down well for some users. It can be disappointing to have the refresh rate go down to 60 Hz when you need the smooth display feature the most.
Controlling your preferred refresh rate
There is a solution to the dynamic nature of the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL display. For individuals who are particularly keen about the Smooth Display, there is a way to force the display to run at 90 Hz refresh rate at all time. This involves getting into the developer options and toggling on the force 90 Hz refresh rate. While this will make sure that the user enjoys the silky smooth display at all times, it will take its toll on the battery life of the device.
If you are not keen about the smooth display and will rather use the standard 60 Hz refresh rate, you can turn off the 90 Hz refresh rate on your Google Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL. This is the focus of this post and we will go into details right away.
Disabling the 90 Hz refresh rate on Google Pixel 4s
Do you want to completely disable the 90 Hz refresh rate in your Pixel 4 series smartphone? Why do you want to embrace this option? For most users, it is better to have the phone display running at a particular refresh rate instead of switching between two. It can be very annoying to have the smoothness of your display reduced without warning when you are gaming or enjoying content with your smartphone. Such abrupt switch affect user experience negatively. It is better, therefore, to stick to one display option.
Another reason you may want to disable 90 Hz refresh rate in your Google Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL may be to preserve your battery. It is a known fact that high refresh rate drain battery drastically and you can prevent this by sticking to the traditional 60 Hz refresh rate. Considering that the Pixel 4 series smartphones are not known for long-lasting battery, this may be the most concrete reason to follow this route.
How to disable the 90 Hz refresh rate on your Google Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL
It is quite easy to disable the 90 Hz refresh rate on your Google Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL smartphone. To do that, follow the steps below:
- Go to Settings
- Scroll down to Display and click on it
- Select the Advanced button to expand the menu
- Tap on Smooth Display option
- Tap the toggle to turn off ‘Smooth Display’
- That is all, the 90 Hz refresh rate has been disabled.
Note: Once you switch off smooth display, your screen will run at 60 Hz refresh rate, irrespective of the application or program you are running.
The dynamic smooth display feature on Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL is a good feature. If you have checked well and feel that the 90 Hz display refresh rate is not important for you, you can disable it. You can follow the simple steps above to get it done.