In a surprising revelation, Google has acknowledged that it blocked benchmark testing on its latest flagship smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, during the embargo period. The move has raised suspicions that the tech giant may be attempting to conceal shortcomings in its Tensor G3 chip.
The Controversy Unveiled:
A recent investigation uncovered that Google was actively preventing benchmark programs from being installed on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro while they were under embargo for reviews. This restriction left many tech enthusiasts and reviewers perplexed. Initially, it was believed that it might have been a technical issue causing the problem, but Google’s response to inquiries left much to be desired.
Google’s Explanation:
When questioned about the reason for blocking benchmark tests, Google’s response was less than convincing. The company claimed it aimed to prevent benchmark scores from leaking before the official launch. However, it was clear that users could easily sideload benchmarking applications, rendering the initial blocking ineffective.
Performance Concerns and Previous Leaks:
The motive behind Google’s actions becomes more apparent when considering earlier leaks. Reports suggested that the Tensor G3 chip in the Pixel 8 series was underwhelming in terms of performance. In fact, it was even reported to be slower than the three-year-old A14 Bionic chip used in the iPhone 12 range. Furthermore, concerns about overheating were raised, with the Pixel 8 scoring lower than its counterpart, possibly due to inadequate heat dissipation and the efficiency of the Tensor G3.
Future Prospects:
Despite these setbacks, Google has hinted at plans to bridge the performance gap with its competitors. The company aims to switch to TSMC for chip manufacturing and develop its own CPU cores, challenging Apple’s A-series chips. However, these improvements are not expected before 2025, possibly leading to another disappointing Tensor G4 launch.
Google’s plans for future chip development
In conclusion, Google’s decision to blocked benchmark testing on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro during the embargo period has ignited concerns about the performance of the Tensor G3 chip. While the company cites the prevention of benchmark leaks as its reason, it appears that there might be underlying issues with the chip’s performance. Google’s commitment to future improvements will be closely watched by tech enthusiasts and consumers alike.
