The Google Pixel 9 is a feature-packed smartphone. However, if you just picked it up, there’s one setting holding you back from getting the most out of your new phone. I’ll show you how to change it right away.
Google Is Holding Back Your Pixel 9’s 120Hz Refresh Rate
The Google Pixel 9 is one of the best value-for-money smartphones of 2024. It boasts the same AI features as the Pixel 9 Pro, an excellent camera system, and a perfectly sized 6.3-inch display that’s great for everyday use and media consumption. However, as we noted in our Pixel 9 review, Google hasn’t enabled the Smooth Display setting (which activates the 120Hz refresh rate) by default.
Even though Google advertises the Pixel 9 as having a Smooth Display on the Pixel 9 store page, the setting is disabled by default. In fact, even when you set up the device for the first time, you aren’t given the option to enable it. Instead, you’ll need to dive into the settings after the initial setup to activate and enjoy this feature on your Pixel 9.
How to Enable Smooth Display on Your Pixel 9
Thankfully, enabling the 120Hz refresh rate on your Pixel 9 is quite straightforward. All you need to do is open the Settings app, go to Display, scroll down to find the Smooth Display option, and toggle it on. This activates the 120Hz refresh rate on your device. While Google mentions that using this feature may increase battery consumption, I personally didn’t notice any significant battery drain on my unit with the feature enabled.
While it’s great that enabling the 120Hz refresh rate is just a couple of taps away, Google should’ve shipped the phone with this feature enabled by default—or at least offer it during setup. Considering how the company actively markets this feature, it should be more accessible right out of the box.
Is it worth enabling the Smooth Display setting on the Pixel 9, you ask? Absolutely. The screen is one of the most used components of any smartphone, and the refresh rate is something you notice immediately. With Smooth Display enabled, every animation and interaction on your device feels smoother. Whether you’re scrolling through Reddit or switching between apps, the difference in fluidity is instantly noticeable.
