Google’s Pixel smartphones have long been recognized for their clean software experience, timely updates, and excellent camera capabilities.
When it comes to GPU performance, Pixels often lag behind competing flagship devices featuring Qualcomm’s Adreno or Apple’s custom GPU solutions.
Despite this, new reports indicate a significant GPU performance boost in multiple Pixel models following post-launch software updates.
Massive GPU Gains Observed in Geekbench 6 Scores
Several Pixel users on Reddit’s /r/Pixel_Phones community have reported substantial increases in Geekbench 6 GPU scores, particularly in tests utilizing the Vulkan API.
Devices such as the Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, and Pixel 9 have exhibited notable performance gains.
- Pixel 7a: 62% increase in Vulkan API scores
- Pixel 8: 31% increase
- Pixel 9: 32% increase
Seeing such dramatic improvements post-launch suggests that Google has implemented software optimizations and GPU driver updates to enhance performance significantly.
A Pixel 6a user even posted scores surpassing those of newer Pixel 9 devices, reinforcing the notion that the improvements stem from updated GPU drivers rather than an OS upgrade alone.
Google’s Arm Mali GPU Driver Updates
Android 15 build for Tensor G1, G2, and G3 processors used a GPU driver released by Arm in February 2024, while Tensor G4’s Android 15 version relied on a December 2023 release.
Subsequent quarterly updates (QPR1, QPR2, and Android 16 betas) have introduced progressively newer driver versions, as outlined below:
- r47p0 – Released December 14, 2023
- r48p0 – Released February 19, 2024
- r49p0 – Released April 18, 2024
- r51p0 – Scheduled for August 14, 2024
- r52p0 – Expected on October 3, 2024
These GPU driver updates typically include performance optimizations, stability improvements, and bug fixes, allowing better utilization of GPU resources and improved gaming performance on devices.
Real-World Impact of the GPU Performance Gains
While benchmark scores provide a useful metric, they do not always translate into real-world performance improvements. However, the Geekbench 6 GPU compute test evaluates processing tasks that impact everyday usage, including:
- Machine learning and AI computations
- Image and video processing tasks
- Real-time rendering in graphics-intensive applications
- Enhanced performance in games utilizing Vulkan API
Android games and apps utilizing the Vulkan graphics API could see noticeable performance improvements thanks to these updated GPU drivers. Vulkan API is designed to enhance rendering efficiency, making better use of available GPU resources.
- Higher frame rates in games that support Vulkan
- Reduced graphical stuttering and improved frame pacing
- Better power efficiency during high-performance gaming sessions
