The folks over at 9to5Google have discovered that Google has created two new display drivers. The drivers are tagged with “C10” and “P10”, which are the shorthand versions of the “Cheetah” and “Panther”, the company’s internal codenames for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, respectively. These files reveal the display specs for the upcoming Pixel duo. According to the new report, the Pixel 7 will use Samsung’s S6E3FC3 panel while the Pro model features the Korean firm’s S6E3HC3 display. These panels are unchanged from the Pixel 6 series. The display specs also remain unchanged — 1080 x 2400 resolution with up to 90Hz refresh rate for the Pixel 7 and 1440 x 3120 resolution with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz for the Pixel 7 Pro. However, there will still be a few differences this time around. Firstly, this year’s base model will be a little smaller than the Pixel 6 last year. As such, the screen will come 1mm narrower and 2mm shorter. Since the resolution remains unchanged, this will allow for a higher pixel density on the Pixel 7. The screen size will not see any change on the Pixel 7 Pro. However, the panel will reportedly get a native 1080p mode this year. This is an additional resolution option that will help save power. The device will render everything at 1080p, with the panel’s “DDIC scaling” converting it to 1440p. The result may not be identical to the native 1440p resolution, but this tech will certainly reduce battery usage. Other Android OEMs, including Samsung, have done so in the past.
There’s still a possibility of improved display hardware on the Pixel 7 Pro
The new report notes that the Pixel 7 Pro may still get improved display hardware. Google is reportedly “working to support a nearly identical display alongside the one specially marked for C10”. Bearing the model number S6E3HC4, this could be a newer display panel from Samsung. Unfortunately, it’s unclear whether the Pixel 7 Pro will feature this panel. The Pixel 7 series will break cover later this year and based on the information available, the new phones will be iterative entries rather than major upgrades over the Pixel 6 series. You can expect to hear more about the devices in the coming months. In the meantime, you can refer to our Pixel 7 and 7 Pro Preview for everything we know about the phones so far. The articles are regularly updated to add any new information that surfaces down the line.
