Google blocks benchmarking apps on Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro
Google has launched its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones with its Tensor G3 processor. The chip has a 9-core CPU and a 10-core GPU with ray-tracing support. Google claims the chip is optimized for efficiency and AI functions rather than raw power.
However, Google has also blocked App Store access to popular benchmarking apps like GeekBench and 3DMark for Pixel 8 series users. This is seen as a way to hide the chip’s performance shortcomings compared to other flagship processors.
Some users have bypassed this restriction and run these benchmarking apps on Pixel 8 series devices. As per the result, the Tensor G3 chip scores much lower than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2 chip in both single-core and multi-core tests. The GPU efficiency of the Tensor G3 chip is also behind the Snapdragon series.
Google’s decision to block GeekBench and 3DMark apps suggests it doesn’t have confidence in its chip’s performance and wants to avoid negative comparisons. Google focuses on AI enhancements and user experience, but better and higher performance is a main factor.