Google’s Pixel smartphones have long been praised for their impressive camera capabilities and seamless software experience. However, they have perennially struggled with raw performance and some chip-adjacent issues. According to recent reports, the much-anticipated “first fully customized chip” from Google’s Tensor division, codenamed “Redondo”, has been delayed until 2025, fueling frustration among fans.
The current-generation Pixel phones have been experiencing subpar performance, with benchmark scores lagging behind competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Apple iPhone 14. The key culprit seems to be the Tensor G2 chip, which despite being decent for everyday tasks, fails to deliver top-tier performance. For instance, the Pixel 7 Pro’s multi-core Geekbench 5 scores are about 60% lower than those of the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.
Moreover, the Tensor G2 chip is prone to throttling, dipping to about 65% of its peak performance under synthetic stress tests. Moreover, heat-related issues continue to plague Pixel phones, with some users reporting random and intense heating while gaming or even just browsing the internet. This is unacceptable, especially considering the Pixel series’ premium pricing.
Another area of concern is the connectivity modem, which has been plagued by issues with Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth connections. As a result, Pixel 7 users have been experiencing a range of connectivity problems, further exacerbating the frustration.
The Google Pixel 9 series
Google’s reliance on Samsung’s Exynos blueprint has been a significant contributor to these issues. However, despite Samsung itself ditching Exynos for Qualcomm processors in its flagship phones, Google persists in using the technology. This has led to a sense of déjà vu, with the Tensor G2 chip’s performance problems eerily reminiscent of Samsung’s past issues with its Exynos chips.
Fans are left wondering when Google will finally address these issues and deliver a truly flagship-grade performance. The wait has become an interminable one, with the promised “first fully customized chip” delayed until 2025. As a result, fans are forced to reconcile the shortcomings of the current generation with the promise of a brighter future on the horizon.
Google’s Pixel phones face a performance crisis that demands a solution. The Tensor G2 chip’s subpar performance, heat-related issues, and connectivity problems have eroded user confidence. Fans can only hope that Google will learn from its mistakes and deliver a truly exceptional performance in the future. Until then, existing Pixel users must suffer the slings and arrows of performance woes.
