Some users of the new Pixel 9 Pro XL are reporting issues with the auto-brightness feature. One user noted that they often had to manually adjust the brightness to a more comfortable level. This issue seems to be more pronounced for users who upgraded from the Pixel 7 Pro, a device they didn’t encounter such issues with.
Possible Cause of the Problem
A Reddit user known as Matteventu has suggested a possible reason behind the auto-brightness issue. He speculates that it could be caused by restoring a backup from a previous device, like the Pixel 7 Pro. If the adaptive brightness model from the older device is carried over to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it could cause issues. The Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 7 Pro have different display panels, which means that the brightness levels and curves have changed. This difference could lead to incorrect estimation of brightness levels when using auto mode.
Display Panel Differences
The hardware in the Pixel 9 Pro XL features a display panel that can reach up to 2000 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM). In comparison, the Pixel 7 Pro’s display can only reach up to 1000 nits under similar conditions. This significant difference in brightness capability could be another cause of the auto-brightness issues. The Pixel 7 Pro’s adaptive brightness model may not be suited for the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s higher brightness potential, resulting in incorrect brightness adjustments.
How to Reset Adaptive Brightness
If you are experiencing similar issues with auto-brightness on your Pixel 9 Pro XL, there are steps you can follow to reset the adaptive brightness model. Here’s how to do it:
1. Go to Settings on your phone.
Tap Apps and then select See all apps.
3. Search for Device Health Services in the list and tap on it.
4. Go to Storage and cache options.
5. Tap on Clear storage, here you will see the option to Reset adaptive brightness.
Following these steps will reset adaptive brightness and potentially fix the issue. However, a reset may not completely erase the fine-tuned model that the phone has developed over time. Users may need to manually adjust brightness for a while longer until the adaptive brightness model relearns their preferences.
Ongoing Adaptation and Learning
According to Aamir Siddiqui of AndroidAuthority, the reset may not completely reset the adaptive brightness model. The model may have already fine-tuned itself based on past behavior. After the reset, users may need to continue manually adjusting the brightness. Over time, the adaptive model will learn the user's preferences and provide more accurate brightness levels.
In environments where lighting changes frequently, users may find it helpful to turn off auto-brightness entirely. This allows them to manually control brightness and avoid the frustration of having to constantly adjust it.
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User Experience and Concerns
The auto brightness issue has caused some frustration among Pixel 9 Pro XL users. The feature aims to make the user experience more comfortable by automatically adjusting to comfortable brightness levels. When it doesn’t work as expected, it can be annoying, especially in bright or dim lighting conditions.
Some users experiencing the issue noted that they were happy with the auto-brightness feature on older Pixel devices like the Pixel 7 Pro. The move to the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the resulting issues were unexpected for these users, leading them to question the consistency and reliability of the feature.
Is Google Aware of the Problem?
It’s currently unclear how widespread this issue is among Pixel 9 Pro XL users. There has been no official response from Google regarding the auto-brightness concerns. Without confirmation from Google, it’s unclear if or when a software update will be released to fix the issue.
Users experiencing the issue can expect a response or fix from Google soon, but in the meantime they have to rely on manual resetting and adjustment to maintain comfortable screen brightness.
Comparing Auto Brightness Between Pixel Models
There are notable differences in the display panels of the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The switch from LCD on older models to the advanced OLED displays on the Pixel 9 Pro XL may be contributing to the issue. The higher brightness capabilities of the new model’s display may require a different adaptive model that may not be fully compatible with settings or backups on older devices.
On devices like the Pixel 7 Pro, users have reported a more stable and reliable auto-brightness experience. The move to a more powerful display on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, while offering better visual quality, may still need some tweaking in terms of adaptive brightness algorithms.
Tips for Better Brightness Control
Pixel 9 Pro XL users can take some practical steps to manage screen brightness while waiting for a possible fix or update:
1. Use Manual Adjustment: If auto brightness is not working well, especially in changing light conditions, consider manually adjusting the brightness to a level that suits your comfort.
2. Reset Pattern: Follow the steps to reset adaptive brightness. This can help the phone give itself a fresh start and relearn user preferences.
3. Turn Off Auto-Brightness: In situations where lighting changes frequently, turning off auto-brightness can provide more consistent control over screen brightness.
4. Regular Feedback: If possible, provide feedback through the phone's settings. This feedback can help Google better understand the issue and prioritize a fix.
Solution
The auto-brightness issue on the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a concern for users who rely on the feature for optimal viewing comfort. While we await a full-fledged solution from Google, users can manage their experience by manually adjusting the brightness and resetting the adaptive model. As more users report their experiences, it will be important to see how Google addresses these concerns and whether a software update will be forthcoming to improve the accuracy and reliability of the feature.