The Pixel 10 will get a GPU update, but significant performance improvements may not be included.

Google's Tensor G5 chip moved away from Arm's Mali design and adopted Imagination Technologies’ PowerVR DXT-48-1536, but without hardware ray tracing.

The Pixel 10 showed performance improvements over the Pixel 9 series, but it suffered from inconsistent performance and ran hotter. Additionally, users reported compatibility issues and stuttering, particularly with GoPro and DJI video playback, highlighting past issues with PowerVR drivers.

However, a recent report suggests potential improvements are on the horizon.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Review: Familiar Design, Updated Processing

When Android Authority inquired about the Pixel 10’s Imagination GPU, Google stated:

"We are continuing to improve driver quality in our monthly and quarterly system updates. For example, the most recent September and October patch releases included driver improvements. In future releases we are planning further GPU driver updates."

The confirmation of future improvements may not satisfy all users. The Pixel 10 uses driver version 24.3, while Imagination released version 25.1 in August, which includes Android 16 compatibility, Vulkan 1.4 support, and performance enhancements. Google has not released this update and has not announced plans to do so.

Pixel 10 owners have faced frustration, particularly after benchmarks showed the Pixel 9 Pro outperforming the Pixel 10 Pro in Vulkan tests. There have been increasing complaints on Reddit regarding GPU stability, battery consumption, and video playback problems.

The Pixel 10's GPU issues are not its only drawback. The Tensor G5, built on TSMC's 3nm process and fully designed by Google, did not meet expectations.

While CPU performance improved over the Tensor G4, graphics performance is still behind Samsung and Apple. This difference is difficult to overlook, considering the Pixel 10 Pro's $999 price.

Even with optimizations, the PowerVR chip in the Pixel 10 Pro has similar gaming performance to the two-year-old Galaxy S23. Driver updates may help, but they won't overcome hardware limitations.

3DMark Extreme(High)Higher is better

Google Pixel 10 Pro3426

Google Pixel 9 Pro2548

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra3828

Apple iPhone 15 Pro3628

3DMark Extreme(Low)Higher is better

Google Pixel 10 Pro2118

Google Pixel 9 Pro1673

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra1951

Apple iPhone 15 Pro2801

What's next? Possibly the December Pixel Feature Drop

If Google follows its typical release schedule, the next Pixel Feature Drop in December is the most likely opportunity for a significant driver update, which could include the PowerVR v25.1 rollout. However, Google's unclear statement leaves room for a less impactful update.

As of now, the Pixel 10’s GPU is suitable for casual gaming but can be frustrating for demanding users, while awaiting a major fix.

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