Google’s latest foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, comes with a hefty price tag for repairs, especially its inner screen. The replacement of this ultra-thin LTPO OLED display, which includes the frame and hinge, costs between $899.99 and $1,199.99. This is due to its advanced design, featuring a resolution of 2076 x 2152 pixels. The outer screen is more affordable at $189.99.

For other repairs, iFixit offers parts like the rear camera assembly ($249.99), the front cameras ($79.99-$89.99), and a USB-C charging port for $59.99. Battery replacements are priced at $66.99 each for both the base and flip batteries.

The repair process for the inner display is complex, requiring 199 detailed steps and around 3-4 hours to complete. This reflects the intricate design and build of Google’s latest foldable, catering to users who may encounter issues with this sophisticated device.

The Pixel 9 series marks a major turning point for Google, reflecting a significant improvement in its smartphone line. Over the years, Google has struggled with various issues across its Pixel phones, but it seems the company has finally managed to address the biggest flaws with its latest release.

A History of Hits and Misses

The journey of the Pixel series has been a roller coaster ride for Google. The first-generation Pixel had a solid debut but was criticized for its dated design compared to other smartphones of its time. However, its camera quality and software experience set it apart, planting the seed for what would become Google’s signature strengths.

The Pixel 2 series continued this trend but introduced new problems. The smaller Pixel 2 felt outdated in its design, while the larger Pixel 2 XL suffered from inconsistent display quality. Many users complained about poor colors and burn-in issues, which was a major letdown for many fans who were looking forward to a premium experience.

With Pixel 3, Google made strides in design and hardware improvements, yet the large “bathtub” notch on the display was a divisive feature, and many users found it hard to overlook. The inconsistency in Google’s design choices became apparent here, as the series had both hits and misses.

The Pixel 4 series was unique, featuring an advanced IR-based face unlock system and Google’s innovative “Soli” radar technology for motion gestures. However, its potential was marred by the poor battery life on the smaller model, making it one of the most criticized aspects of the phone.

The Tensor Era and its Growing Pains

The Pixel 5 release during the pandemic was seen as a transitional phase for Google. It offered a good smartphone experience but lacked a larger size option, which alienated a segment of users.

With the Pixel 6 series, Google introduced its custom Tensor chip, marking a significant shift in strategy. It was a bold move, aimed at optimizing AI capabilities and delivering a more integrated experience. However, this first-generation Tensor chip faced issues, especially with network reception. These problems continued into the Pixel 7, where users also dealt with an unreliable fingerprint sensor. Although the phones were innovative, they didn’t meet customer expectations due to these flaws.

The Pixel 8 series showed significant improvement. Google managed to fix major problems like overheating and stability, delivering two almost flawless devices. The displays were impressive, even competing with top smartphones in the US market. However, the reputation hit from the previous Pixel 6 and 7 series made some potential buyers hesitant.

The Pixel 9 Series: A New Benchmark

With the launch of the Pixel 9 series in August 2024, Google seems to have finally found its footing. The lineup includes four models, each boasting mature hardware and refined software that address the persistent issues of the past. The Pixel 9 series has:

1. Top-notch Displays: Vibrant and bright screens that offer an excellent visual experience.
2. Outstanding Cameras: Continuing Google’s legacy, the Pixel 9 series delivers some of the best smartphone photography available.
3. Improved Software: Clean, intuitive, and user-friendly, the software has become a major selling point for Pixel phones.
4. Better Marketing Strategy: Google has effectively positioned the Pixel 9 as an appealing alternative to the iPhone, especially with features like RCS messaging on iOS, making it easier for users to switch.

These improvements have resonated well with customers, as seen in the strong sales figures reported by Google.

Record-Breaking Sales and Market Impact

The Pixel 9 series has shown a surge in popularity, with Google recording its highest-ever quarterly sales in Q3 2024. The company achieved a remarkable 20% year-over-year growth in the US market, a testament to the improved reception of its devices. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has been particularly successful, making it into the top 10 premium smartphones in the US. This is a significant achievement given the fierce competition from Apple’s iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models, as well as Samsung’s flagship Galaxy devices.

One of the most impressive statistics is that Google Pixel smartphones now account for over 14% of tracked web traffic in the US. While Apple dominates with more than 50% of web traffic, Google’s share is over half of Samsung’s, representing a nearly threefold increase in just one month. This indicates a significant rise in the number of Pixel users, highlighting the growing popularity of Google’s devices.

Addressing Key Issues

The success of the Pixel 9 series can be attributed to Google’s efforts in fixing the longstanding issues that have plagued its smartphones. The improvements include:

• Better Cell Reception: One of the major complaints from users in previous models has been resolved, enhancing overall connectivity.
• Reduced Overheating: Google has managed to optimize the hardware to prevent overheating, a problem that affected earlier Pixel models.
• Enhanced Battery Life: The battery performance, especially on the smaller models, has seen a noticeable improvement, addressing one of the biggest pain points from past generations.

However, despite these advancements, some users still express concerns about the Pixel 9 series. There are complaints about Google not using the latest high-end chips and the increased pricing of the devices this year. Yet, these issues have not deterred many buyers, as the overall package of the Pixel 9 series appears to deliver excellent value.

Conclusion

The Pixel 9 series signifies Google’s comeback in the smartphone market. By addressing its past mistakes and refining its approach, Google has delivered a lineup that appeals to both long-time Pixel fans and new users. With strong sales figures, positive user feedback, and a growing market share, the Pixel 9 series is a clear indication that Google has finally managed to fix its biggest smartphone flaws. This success story shows that Google’s commitment to improving its devices is paying off, setting a strong foundation for the future of the Pixel brand.

Android 15 Brings True Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Support

Most modern Android smartphones, including mid-range and flagship devices, come equipped with high-refresh-rate displays. These screens often operate at fixed rates like 60Hz, 90Hz, or 120Hz. Even some budget phones now feature refresh rates above the standard 60Hz. However, while many phones boast this feature, they lack true variable refresh rate (VRR) technology. Despite manufacturers marketing VRR support through LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) displays, Android itself didn’t fully support VRR until the release of Android 15.

What Is Adaptive Refresh Rate in Android 15?

With Android 15, Google has introduced Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARR), a form of VRR, directly into the operating system. Previously, Android could switch between different fixed refresh rates like 60Hz and 90Hz based on the display mode. However, this was not a true adaptive system. The operating system would switch modes based on content but couldn’t seamlessly adjust refresh rates within a single mode.

In Android 15, ARR dynamically adjusts the refresh rate according to the content’s frame rate without needing to change display modes. This ensures a smoother user experience by adapting the screen refresh rate on the fly, whether you’re watching a video or playing a game.

Benefits of True Variable Refresh Rate in Android 15

Google highlights two main benefits of the ARR feature in Android 15:

1. Power Efficiency: By allowing the display to operate at lower refresh rates when high refresh rates aren’t necessary, the device consumes less power. It ramps up the refresh rate only when the content requires it, reducing unnecessary battery drain.
2. Improved Performance: Since ARR eliminates the need to switch between different display modes, it reduces potential “jank” or stuttering issues that occur during mode transitions, offering a smoother visual experience.

Why Wasn’t True VRR Supported Before?

Although smartphone manufacturers have promoted variable refresh rate features with LTPO displays, these implementations were limited. LTPO displays allowed for a broader range of refresh rates, from as low as 1Hz or 10Hz up to 120Hz. However, this was achieved by toggling between fixed display modes rather than dynamically adjusting within a single mode.

For example, on many Android devices with LTPO OLED panels, the refresh rate could drop to 10Hz during static content like reading, then jump to 120Hz during gaming. However, these changes were still tied to pre-defined modes and didn’t dynamically adapt based on real-time content needs, unlike true VRR seen in PC gaming monitors.

Technical Advancements in Android 15

In previous Android versions, some OEMs tried to implement VRR-like features at the kernel level. However, this approach required custom logic for each device, making it difficult to standardize due to Android’s Generic Kernel Image (GKI) requirements. The kernel, responsible for managing hardware, lacked deep insights into the content being displayed, limiting its ability to adjust the refresh rate effectively.

Android 15 addresses this by implementing VRR at the Hardware Composer (HWC) HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) level, specifically with the introduction of version 3 of HWC HAL APIs. This allows the operating system to make more informed decisions about when to adjust the refresh rate based on the content displayed. It offers a unified method for OEMs to implement adaptive refresh rates without needing complex customizations at the kernel level.

Device Compatibility and Challenges

While Android 15 introduces true VRR support, not all devices will be able to use it right away. For a phone to take advantage of this feature, it must have support for the updated HWC HAL version 3. Currently, devices like the Google Pixel 7 and newer models, as well as those powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, have this version. However, older devices, including the Google Pixel 6 series and phones using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, do not support the necessary HAL version.

Additionally, even if a device receives an update to Android 15, it may not support ARR due to hardware limitations or the effects of Google’s Requirements Freeze (GRF) program. This program prevents mandatory hardware changes in updated devices, so phones designed before the release of HWC HAL version 3 may not fully support Android 15’s adaptive refresh rate features.

Future Impact and Expectations

If Android 15’s adaptive refresh rate feature is widely adopted, it could lead to better performance and battery efficiency in everyday use. For instance, it may help devices reduce the refresh rate to 30Hz or 24Hz when playing films, rather than defaulting to 60Hz, which could conserve battery life.

However, it’s important to note that Android 15’s implementation is not the same as the true VRR seen in gaming PCs, where the refresh rate matches the frame rate of the game. Instead, Google’s documentation indicates that the adaptive refresh rate in Android 15 only supports rates that are divisors of the display’s native refresh rate to prevent tearing effects.

This means that while Android 15’s ARR feature offers significant improvements, it may not provide full synchronization between game frame rates and display refresh rates, as seen in PC monitors with NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync.

Looking Forward

As more details emerge and updates roll out, it will be interesting to see which existing devices fully adopt Android 15’s adaptive refresh rate capabilities. Google’s future Pixel devices are likely candidates for early adoption, but broader support will depend on how quickly OEMs implement the necessary hardware and software changes.

In conclusion, Android 15 marks a significant step forward in providing true VRR support at the operating system level. While the feature is promising, its real-world impact will depend on device compatibility and OEM adoption. Users can look forward to a smoother experience and potentially better battery life, making it a long-overdue but welcome addition to the Android ecosystem.