Performance isn’t exactly the best suit of the Google Pixel 10. Users bought it for the cameras or the AI smarts, not because the Tensor G5 performed better than the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Reports suggest the Pixel 10 is getting faster, and not because of hardware tweaks but from software changes.
According to Android Authority, the latest software updates, including the December Android 16 QPR2 release, are improving the Pixel 10, making it more responsive in day-to-day activities. At launch, it was a phone that had promising hardware but faced criticism for GPU performance in comparison to Snapdragon-powered devices. Google is gradually upping its game with nothing but software optimization, as noted by some users on Reddit.
Android 16 QPR2 boosts performance and general system refinements
At first, the Android 16 QPR2 update only seems like a minor update that changes the appearance of the interface. From early tests, it can be seen that a Pixel 10 Pro XL with QPR2 gets about a 5% boost in both multi-core CPU and peak GPU scores.
While that’s interesting, the real surprise is in everyday use. PCMark Work 3.0 scores went up by nearly 20%, which suggests Google improved task scheduling in ways users will notice.
Even with these changes, Pixel 10 isn’t ideal for gaming, but it does feel smoother. The QPR2 doesn’t just improve performance. It also adds system upgrades like customizable launcher icon shapes, a better widget panel, improved HDR brightness control, and many fixes for battery, Bluetooth, camera, and display issues.
The December patch bundles packs over 30 security and bug fixes, and tightens up the software foundation the Pixel 10 runs on.This update is different from the Google update strategy we’re used to. Instead of waiting for yearly Android releases to boost performance, Google is now adding real improvements in quarterly updates. If the company keeps us this way, the Pixel line could hold up much better over time than the first-generation Tensor devices did.
