It's not designed as a gaming device, but I'm sure there is some driver / software issues here.
Doing some more reading into this, it seems that the driver issue could also be causing a few other issues:
Based on recent information and discussions from tech communities, it appears that the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL has faced a specific and temporary issue with its GPU performance at launch. The situation is as you've described, with a few key details:
* GPU Driver and API: The Pixel 10 Pro XL's new Imagination PowerVR DXT-48-1536 GPU is indeed capable of supporting the newer Vulkan 1.4 API. However, at the time of its release, its driver was "stuck" on Vulkan 1.1, which is the minimum requirement for Android 14 and above. This mismatch between the hardware's capability and the software's current state has caused a performance bottleneck.
* Clock Speed Limitation: This driver issue has been directly linked to the GPU running at a significantly lower frequency. Multiple reports from benchmark tests (like Geekbench) have shown the GPU operating at around 396MHz instead of its intended "default" clock speed, which is around 1100MHz.
* Benchmark Performance: As a result of this limitation, early benchmark scores for the Pixel 10 Pro XL's GPU were surprisingly low, sometimes even falling behind its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro. This has raised concerns among users, particularly for gaming performance.
* The Cause and Solution: The consensus in the tech community is that this is a software-related issue, likely an unoptimized or outdated driver that was shipped with the initial release of the device. The expectation is that Google will release an update in the near future to address this. This is not the first time Google has improved GPU performance on its Tensor chips through software updates.
In short, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL's GPU hardware is not inherently limited to 400MHz, a driver issue at launch has caused it to be artificially capped at that speed. A future software update from Google is expected to unlock the GPU's full potential and bring its performance in line with its competitors.
The key takeaway is that the Pixel 10 Pro XL will transition from a severe underperformer to a true flagship contender once the driver issue is resolved. It won't necessarily lead the pack, but it will be in the conversation with the very best.
Impact on Battery and Other Issues
Yes, a driver fix will have a positive impact on the phone beyond just benchmark scores and gaming.
* Improved Battery Life: A poorly optimized GPU driver forces the GPU to work harder and longer to complete tasks, even simple ones. By allowing the GPU to run at its proper clock speed and operate more efficiently, it can finish tasks more quickly and return to a low-power idle state. This directly translates to improved battery life in both everyday use and during graphically intensive tasks like gaming.
* Better Thermal Management: When the GPU is running inefficiently, it generates more heat. An updated driver will help the GPU operate more efficiently, reducing its thermal output. This can lead to a cooler phone, especially during prolonged use.
* Overall System Responsiveness: A healthy GPU is critical for the overall fluidity of the user interface. An optimized driver will ensure that all animations, scrolling, and app transitions are smooth and seamless, providing a more responsive and premium user experience.