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If you mean smoother scrolling and screen motion, the Pixel setting to check is Smooth Display. It can let supported Pixel models use a higher display refresh rate for some content. Animation scale does something different: it changes how quickly interface animations play. Neither control is universally “more important”; choose based on the motion you want, and weigh Smooth Display’s battery cost.
What Smooth Display changes
A display refresh rate describes how often the screen can update. Smooth Display can automatically raise that rate for some content on supported Pixel models. A higher available refresh rate can make supported motion look smoother, but it does not mean every app or moment runs at the model’s maximum.
Google’s current Pixel Help documentation, accessed October 7, 2026, lists these supported ranges:
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match| Pixel model | Documented refresh-rate range with Smooth Display |
|---|---|
| Pixel 7 and Pixel 7a | Up to 90 Hz — Google Pixel Help, 2026 |
| Pixel 7 Pro | Up to 120 Hz — Google Pixel Help, 2026 |
| Pixel 8 | 60–120 Hz — Google Pixel Help, 2026 |
| Pixel 8 Pro | 1–120 Hz — Google Pixel Help, 2026 |
| Pixel 8a | Up to 120 Hz — Google Pixel Help, 2026 |
| Pixel Fold | Up to 120 Hz — Google Pixel Help, 2026 |
These are model-specific supported ranges, not a guarantee that all content uses the highest rate. Google’s help page describes the feature and its availability at Manage screen & display settings on a Pixel phone.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
How it differs from animation scale
Smooth Display and animation scale affect separate parts of what you see. Smooth Display concerns the screen’s refresh behavior; animation scale controls animation playback speed. Android Developers describes the window and transition animation scale options as playback-speed controls: lowering a scale makes those animations play faster. It does not change the display refresh rate.
| Setting | What it changes | Useful when |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth Display | Refresh rate available to supported content on supported models | You want supported scrolling and motion to look smoother |
| Animation scale | How quickly interface animations play | You want transitions to finish sooner |
For the definitions of animation-scale options, see Configure on-device developer options. There is no official head-to-head test establishing that one setting makes a Pixel faster or better overall.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Choose based on the motion you want
- For smoother supported scrolling or motion: try Smooth Display on, if your Pixel offers it. Whether you notice a difference depends on the model and the content.
- For quicker interface transitions: adjust animation scale separately. This changes animation playback speed, not refresh rate.
- For lower display-related battery use: turn Smooth Display off. Google includes turning it off among its battery-saving suggestions in Get the most life from your Pixel phone battery.
Turn Smooth Display on or off
- Open Settings on your Pixel.
- Tap Display & touch, then select the display setting for Smooth Display.
- Switch Smooth Display on or off.
The exact menu location can vary by device and software version. If you do not see the option or the labels differ, search Settings for “Smooth Display.” Availability and refresh-rate range depend on the Pixel model.
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Why it switches off in Battery Saver
Google says Smooth Display increases battery usage, and the feature is disabled while Battery Saver is on. That behavior prioritizes battery use over the feature’s higher-refresh-rate option; it does not mean the display or animation-scale settings have failed. Google documents the battery effect and Battery Saver behavior on its Pixel display settings help page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
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