Pixel 10 is currently one of the latest flagship phones from Google. However, we found it lagging in a head-to-head raw competition with devices like the iPhone 17 and the Galaxy S26. We might fortunately see a performance improvement in the latest Pixel phones, including the Pixel 10, as they're reportedly getting a massive kernel upgrade very soon.
Pixel phones could receive a new kernel upgrade
Unlike software updates, kernel upgrades don't introduce any new capabilities to your smartphone. Instead, they usually help in improving the device's stability, security, and performance. Furthermore, they are not released on a regular basis like other software releases.
As a matter of fact, it was in late 2024 when Google updated the Android Linux kernel to 6.1.99 for all the Tensor-powered Pixel phones. That said, a reliable tipster, Mystic Leaks, claims that the tech giant is now once again ready to release a Linux kernel upgrade for its smartphones. However, not every device is reportedly included in the list.
According to the tipster, the Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and Pixel 9 series phones will be updated from version 6.1-android14 to 6.12-android16. The latest Pixel 10 family devices will move to version 6.12-android16 from 6.6-android15.
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The Pixel 6 lineup, which received the update during the previous upgrade process, isn't mentioned in the list this time around. The leaker believes that it's probably because the series is reaching the end of its software support in October this year.
What changes this upgrade could actually bring
Kernel upgrades could actually bring some performance improvements to devices. For instance, the new version could bring enhancement to CPU scheduling, memory management, and file system performance. The latter two in particular could ultimately help in reducing latency and improving performance and responsiveness.
Basically, following the upgrade, you can see your Pixel phone installing and launching apps faster than before. Battery life could also see a boost. Furthermore, you might notice your Google phone running faster, smoother, and cooler than before.
However, it's worth noting that all these are just educated guesses on what changes new kernel upgrades may bring, and there's no guarantee that we would actually see them. It could also be possible that we don't see any major changes at all, but I personally believe that the possibility of that happening is very low. In essence, whether we actually see something major like an improved performance boost or improved battery life totally depends on how Google actually implements the upgrade.
Pixel phones are in great need of this upgrade
Pixel phones definitely offer a great experience, but when it comes to raw performance, I often see them lagging behind their competitors like the Galaxies or the iPhones. It's not that I have something against Pixel phones; in fact, I use the Pixel 10 as my daily driver. But it struggles when I compare its CPU and GPU performance to phones like the iPhone 17, the Galaxy S25, or even the OnePlus 15.
You see, the main problem isn't the average performance itself, but the price at which we're getting it. The vanilla Pixel 10 launched at $800, the same price as the iPhone 17, and as mentioned above, there's almost a night-and-day difference in performance between the two devices.
Because of these reasons, I really hope that the new kernel upgrade gives a big performance boost to the Pixel 10 and all the other compatible Pixel phones.
What's one thing you think is stopping the Pixel 10 from justifying its flagship tag?
There might not be an official announcement
It's worth noting that, unlike software releases, Google isn't usually very vocal about kernel upgrades. It could silently roll it out without even mentioning it in the release notes.
That said, the last kernel upgrade came with Android 15 QPR2 in November 2024. So we can expect the same to happen this year with it launching with Android 17 QPR2 towards the end of this year. However, since all the information has come from a leaker and not from an official source, I would highly advise you to take everything with a grain of salt.
Aman Kumar is a news writer at PhoneArena covering Google Pixel phones, Android features, AI-powered smartphone tools, and mobile tech news. Before joining PhoneArena, he spent over five years writing about consumer technology for publications like MakeUseOf, How-To Geek, and Guiding Tech. His current daily drivers are the Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus, while his red iPhone SE (2nd gen) remains a personal favorite. Aman also appreciates bold smartphone experiments and still considers the Nokia N-Gage one of the industry’s most iconic designs.
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