Skip to main content

Android 12 DP2: Dark theme on Pixel gets even lighter

Dark theme was the biggest feature in Android 10, and on Pixel, it adopted a true black theme to AMOLED-lover’s delight. Now, in the second preview of Android 12, Google is making its dark theme even lighter than it was in the first preview.

In case you missed it, Android 12 DP1 switched the Pixel’s dark theme from true black to a dark grey, common in Google’s apps. Now, with this latest release, the theme has changed again, going even farther from the dark, inky black to a lighter gray. Personally, I love this look, but it’s going to be frustrating for some users’ aesthetic tastes.

The change can best be noticed side-by-side with DP1, as pictured above, but it’s a stark difference you’ll notice the second you start using a phone running this version of the platform.

Why the sudden change? We’re not entirely sure. Google proclaimed that even grey themes can save battery on OLED displays compared to white, so it stands to reason that a lighter grey would lessen battery savings. It’s an odd choice, but like I said, I dig the look of it.

Android 12 DP2 is now available for download, and we’re still digging through all of the changes. Feel free to drop a comment below or ping me on Twitter if you notice anything new that we haven’t covered yet.

More on Android 12 DP2:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Ben Schoon Ben Schoon

Ben is a Senior Editor for 9to5Google.

Find him on Twitter @NexusBen. Send tips to schoon@9to5g.com or encrypted to benschoon@protonmail.com.


Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications