It has been a significant week for the Android ecosystem, marked by a critical software breakthrough for Google’s flagship smartphones and a global hardware rollout from OnePlus. Following months of user feedback regarding lackluster graphical performance, Google has begun deploying a potential fix for the Pixel 10 series, while OnePlus officially brings its latest budget-friendly tablet to consumers worldwide.
Addressing the Pixel 10’s Graphical Stumbles
Four months have passed since Google celebrated the tenth anniversary of its smartphone line with the launch of the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. This generation marked a pivotal shift for the company, signaling the end of the Samsung-manufactured chip era. Instead, the devices are powered by the new TSMC-fabricated Tensor G5. However, the transition hasn’t been entirely smooth. The inclusion of the PowerVR DXT-48-1536 GPU from Imagination Technologies—replacing the previous Arm Mali components—resulted in performance that fell short of expectations.
Early adopters and reviewers noted significant issues, particularly with demanding titles like Genshin Impact, where the device struggled to maintain stability. It became clear by early October that outdated drivers were likely the culprit behind the hardware’s inability to reach its full potential.
Under the Hood of Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1
Google is now addressing these complaints directly with the release of Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1. This update delivers the long-promised overhaul to the GPU drivers, jumping from version 1.602.400 to 1.634.2906, alongside an update to the “driverInfo” system to version 25.1. These changes indicate that Google has integrated updated code released by Imagination Technologies back in August.
Technical improvements in this patch are substantial. The update brings full compatibility with Android 16, support for the Vulkan 1.4 API, and a broader range of OpenCL features. While concrete benchmarks are not yet available, these changes are expected to unlock the true graphical capabilities of the Tensor G5, offering a noticeably smoother gaming experience for Pixel owners. While beta testers can access these improvements immediately, the stable version of Android 16 QPR3 is currently slated for release in March 2026.
OnePlus Pad Go 2 Goes Global
While Google focuses on software optimization, OnePlus has expanded its hardware footprint. Following an initial unveil during the third week of December, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is now available for purchase across the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Europe. This release positions the device as a strong contender in the mid-range tablet market, bringing significant upgrades over its predecessor.
The tablet features a revamped design centered around a larger 12.1-inch IPS LCD display. The screen boasts a resolution of 2800 x 1980 pixels, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 900 nits. Visual fidelity is further enhanced by Dolby Vision HDR support and 98% DCI-P3 color coverage, making it a viable option for media consumption.
Performance Specs and Battery Life
Internally, the Pad Go 2 sees a shift to the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. Storage options top out at 256GB, though users can expand this further via a dedicated microSD card slot. Running on OxygenOS 16 based on Android 16, the tablet also offers modern connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 6 and 5G support.
One of the most notable improvements is in power management. OnePlus has equipped the new model with a massive 10,050 mAh battery, a significant step up from the 8,000 mAh unit found in the first generation. The device supports 33W wired fast charging and offers 6.5W reverse charging. Additionally, unlike the original model, the Pad Go 2 officially supports the Pad Go Stylo, adding a layer of productivity for users who prefer stylus input.
Pricing and Launch Incentives
OnePlus has structured the pricing to remain competitive in various regions. The base model, configured with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, is priced at $399.99 in the US, €299 in Europe, and ₹26,999 in India. A higher-tier 5G variant with 256GB of storage is available for €399, £349, or ₹31,999.
To incentivize early adoption via their official website, OnePlus is offering promotional bundles depending on the region. Customers purchasing the tablet can receive complimentary accessories, including the Stylo Pad Go 2, a OnePlus Watch 2R, or a Folio Case.
