October 23, 2025
Following widespread user reports of underwhelming graphical performance, Google has officially confirmed that further GPU driver updates are planned for its Pixel 10 smartphone. The announcement comes after weeks of speculation that an outdated graphics driver was the primary cause of the device's poor benchmark results and gaming performance.
Since its launch, the Pixel 10 has perplexed users and reviewers with its inconsistent GPU performance, often lagging behind previous-generation models. The phone marked a shift for Google, moving to a PowerVR GPU from Imagination Technologies. However, analysis quickly revealed that the device shipped with PowerVR driver version 24.3, which was not fully optimized for Android 16.
Compounding the issue, Imagination Technologies had released driver version 25.1 around the time of the phone's launch. This newer driver included critical optimizations for Android 16 and Vulkan 1.4 compatibility. Users theorized that the outdated driver was forcing the GPU to operate at inefficiently low clock speeds, creating a significant performance bottleneck.
In a statement provided to Android Authority, a Google spokesperson acknowledged the ongoing efforts to resolve the problem. "We are continuing to improve driver quality in our monthly and quarterly system updates," the spokesperson said. "For example, the most recent September and October patch releases included driver improvements. In future releases we are planning further GPU driver updates."
While the statement confirms that a solution is in development, it also raises questions. Google's claim that recent patches contained driver improvements conflicts with user experience, as no noticeable performance gains were reported from those updates. The core reassurance for owners is the explicit commitment to "further GPU driver updates."
This confirmation provides a measure of hope for Pixel 10 users, as Google has a proven track record of enhancing GPU performance on its devices through subsequent software and driver updates. The company now faces the task of delivering these optimizations in a timely manner, especially since the corrected driver version has been publicly available for months. The tech community will be watching to see if the fix arrives with the next major Android update or a forthcoming Feature Drop.
SOURCE chromeunboxed
