Google blocked Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro reviewers from using popular benchmarks to test the Tensor G3 chip, new owners too
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Google has taken the extraordinary step to block reviewers from being able to download popular chip testing benchmarks directly through its Play Store, surprising reviewers of its latest Pixel 8 series smartphones. Incredibly, the company has extended this block to include all new customers of its Pixel 8 phones following the launch, in attempt to suppress the widespread distribution of results.

To Pixel 8/8 Pro owners here, is this true? Are you really unable to install Geekbench and 3D Mark from Google Play? What about a regular install using those apps’ APKs?

EDIT: some owners now report that they can install those apps, so it could have been just a Play Store issue and not a deliberate block from Google’s side.

    • AlmightySnoo 🐢🇮🇱🇺🇦@lemmy.worldOPMEnglish
      32·
      1 year ago

      I just installed Geekbench 6 and 3dmark on my Pixel 7a running Android 14 without any issues, so I doubt it has anything to do with the OS. Let’s see whether Pixel 8/8 pro owners can tell us if the APKs can be installed and whether those apps function correctly.

      • yoevli@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        1 year ago

        They can now be installed from the Play Store and both apps work without issue.

    • DoomBot5@lemmy.worldEnglish
      33·
      1 year ago

      I have a Pixel 6 Pro for work along with a Samsung phone. The night and day difference between the two is apparent. Samsung is still leading the innovation for Android devices, and Google is struggling to keep up. Heck, if the always on display at least worked consistently on the pixel, it would be nice.

      • random65837@lemmy.worldEnglish
        21·
        1 year ago

        LOL, Google “struggling”… sure. Google is doing EXACTLY what they want to do. Keep phones more affordable. Thats always been the goal with their line of phones. My AOD has always worked without issue, also on a 6Pro.

  • Jeremy [Iowa]English
    1·
    1 year ago

    That would certainly help explain the immediate deep discounting on the 8 and 8 Pro - it seems Google is aware they have a mediocre and potentially-problematic phone generation on their hands.