Social Media Outcry Over Game Performance
Videos showing the Pixel 10 Pro XL struggling with the popular Android title Genshin Impact have gone viral over the weekend. In these clips, users report flickering textures, malfunctioning controls, and screen tearing—issues that sparked criticism toward Google’s choice of PowerVR GPU for its latest flagship. The controversy has led many to question whether the Pixel 10 lineup is truly compatible with one of the world’s most demanding mobile games.
The PowerVR GPU Compatibility Issue
The root of the problem seems to lie in Genshin Impact’s v5.0 update, which officially dropped support for PowerVR GPUs last year. Although the game can still launch on unsupported devices, developers have warned that users might encounter performance problems. Google’s decision to switch from ARM’s Mali GPUs to Imagination Technologies’ PowerVR DXT-48-1536 in the Pixel 10 series has therefore raised compatibility concerns among gamers and reviewers alike.
Testing Shows Mixed Results
Despite the online uproar, Android Authority’s early tests paint a different picture. Benchmarking on the Pixel 10 Pro XL with titles such as PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, Honkai: Star Rail, and Diablo Immortal revealed smooth gameplay with no significant glitches. Even Genshin Impact appeared to run without visible issues under the latest build, suggesting that the viral videos may not represent a widespread or consistent problem.
The discrepancies could stem from specific regional versions, older game builds, or outdated drivers, rather than a fundamental hardware fault. Nonetheless, the debate highlights the delicate balance between software updates and GPU optimization in modern smartphones.
Concerns About Google’s GPU Strategy
Criticism of Google’s GPU strategy continues to grow. The Pixel 10 series reportedly ships with an older GPU driver (v24.3) for the PowerVR DXT-48-1536, while Imagination Technologies released a newer version (v25.1) in August with Android 16 and Vulkan 1.4 support. Google has yet to deploy this update, though it may arrive in an upcoming Pixel Drop scheduled for December. Until then, gamers are left hoping that future updates will address the performance inconsistencies observed in certain titles.
Looking Ahead
Early evidence suggests that the Pixel 10 Pro XL can handle demanding games with ease, but the Genshin Impact glitch controversy underscores a larger concern: Google’s reliance on a GPU series that developers are starting to phase out. If more major titles discontinue PowerVR support, the company may need to rethink its graphics hardware choices to ensure better long-term compatibility and gaming performance.
