Google's Pixel 10 series received a notable driver update with Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1, enhancing its graphics performance, especially in gaming. The Pixel 10 Pro XL's Tensor G5 sees gains through the new Vulkan 1.4 support among other improvements.
Performance Gains in Gaming
The update significantly boosts gaming performance on several titles. Genshin Impact enjoys a 17.9% increase in frame rates while Asphalt Legends sees an 8.6% improvement. In COD Mobile Battle Royale, however, the enhancements are minimal, with just a 2-3% gain, falling within the margin of error.
Emulation tests show varied results: Mario Kart Wii on the Dolphin emulator improves by 6.6%, Need for Speed: Most Wanted by 9.5%, and F-Zero GX shows a remarkable 27% increase. Nevertheless, Vulkan's performance still lags compared to previous devices.
Limitations in Vulkan and Emulation
Even with these advancements, Vulkan's capabilities remain limited on the Tensor G5. The performance under Vulkan is notably poorer than the ARM Mali on the previous Pixel 9 series, keeping frame rates low and unplayable for certain tasks.
Despite some challenges, the Pixel 10 series gains from this free update, adding significant value for its users, though it remains less competitive in the emulation space.
