The Google Pixel 9 is a feature-packed smartphone. However, if you just bought it, there’s one setting that’s preventing you from getting the most out of your new phone. I’ll show you how to change it right away.
Google is blocking your Pixel 9’s 120Hz refresh rate
The Google Pixel 9 is one of the best value-for-money smartphones of 2024. It has the same AI features as the Pixel 9 Pro, a great camera system, and a perfectly sized 6.3-inch display that’s great for everyday use and media consumption. However, as we mentioned in our Pixel 9 review, Google hasn’t enabled the Smooth Display setting (which activates the 120Hz refresh rate) by default.
Although Google advertises the Pixel 9 as having Smooth Display on the Pixel 9 store page, this setting is disabled by default. In fact, when you first set up the device, you aren’t even given the option to enable it. Instead, you’ll need to go into 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 simple. All you have to do is open the Settings app, go to Display, scroll down to find the Smooth Display option, and turn 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 this feature enabled.
While it’s great that enabling the 120Hz refresh rate is just a few taps away, Google should have shipped the phone with this feature enabled by default — or at least offered it during setup. Given 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 right away. 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 immediately noticeable.