Unlocking Higher FPS in Android 15: A Glimmer of Hope with Limitations

The gaming world is buzzing with anticipation over Android 15's recent developer preview, which showcases a new feature poised to elevate the gaming experience on Android devices. This new developer feature aims to unlock the potential of high refresh rate displays found in modern Android devices by removing the default 60fps frame rate limit for games. For gamers who have long awaited the opportunity to enjoy their favorite games at their device's native refresh rate, this seemed like a dream come true. However, upon closer examination, it appears that this feature may not be the universal solution many had hoped for.

The core of this feature lies in the developer options, where a toggle allows users to disable the limiting of the maximum frame rate for games at 60Hz. This adjustment is made through a system property switch, which changes the game's default frame rate setting. Initially, this sparked optimism within the gaming community, envisioning a scenario where games could run at smoother, higher frame rates, thus providing a more immersive and responsive gaming experience. Unfortunately, the reality is that this feature's effectiveness is significantly more limited than initially anticipated.

Upon delving into the technicalities, it becomes apparent that the feature is designed to work only with games that do not explicitly set their own maximum frame rate. Most games today specify a frame rate to ensure a stable and consistent gaming experience, which means the list of games that could benefit from this new feature is relatively short. Additionally, the feature is subject to override by any game mode interventions set by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), further narrowing its applicability. This means that even if a game doesn't set its own frame rate, an OEM's decision to throttle FPS for that game would render the feature ineffective on their devices.

During testing on a Pixel 8 Pro running the latest Android 15 developer preview, it was challenging to find a game that benefited from this feature. The notable exception was Minecraft: Pocket Edition, which, due to peculiar circumstances, ran at 120fps when the feature was enabled. Nevertheless, this seems to be an exception rather than a common occurrence, suggesting that although the functionality holds promise, its present form is too limited to satisfy the anticipations of the wider gaming audience.

Despite the limitations, the introduction of this feature in the Android 15 developer preview shows Android developers' willingness to enhance the gaming experience on their platform. While it may not yet be the comprehensive solution many had hoped for, it lays the groundwork for future improvements. As Android's gaming ecosystem continues to evolve, there's hope that subsequent updates will expand the compatibility and effectiveness of this feature. For now, gamers can experiment with the toggle in developer options, keeping an eye out for any games it may positively impact. In the meantime, the anticipation for a more inclusive solution that unlocks the full potential of high refresh rate displays in Android gaming remains undiminished.