Pixel 9
Credit: Google
Google has been working on and improving the GPU performance of Pixel phones through software updates. These improvements are for devices as old as the Pixel 7 series, launched in 2022. Recent GPU driver updates have shown big boosts for Pixel phones, especially in gaming and machine learning tasks.
As reported by Android Authority, the Pixel 7a now scores a massive 62% higher than average in Geekbench 6; similarly, the Pixel 8 and 9 saw jumps of 31% and 32%, respectively. These improvements are noticeable in the Vulkan API benchmark, which is relevant for many modern games and graphics-intensive applications.
Recent Android updates have resulted in performance upticks thanks to new GPU drivers. In December 2023, Google released a new Mali GPU kernel driver for the Pixel 8's Tensor G3 GPU, which greatly improved gaming performance.
Users should notice higher frame rates, especially in Vulkan API-based games and graphics-intensive applications, and better efficiency in machine learning tasks. Unlike other manufacturers, Google uses its software expertise to continually increase performance post-launch through regular GPU driver updates via quarterly Feature Drops and OS updates.
These improvements may not fully close the gap with competitors like Snapdragon's Adreno GPU, but they narrow it considerably, making Pixel phones more attractive for performance-conscious users.
I like how Google is refining its devices even after sales, especially with such big gains.