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.

  • Nia [she/her]@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    32·
    9 months ago

    I was considering maybe switching back to Pixel in a few years but if this ends up being true, I’ll never buy one again

    Edit: Just read where someone said this is because the apps haven’t updated to an API version that Android 14 has minimum support for, might work in a few weeks, if it’s just that then it isn’t an issue at all and just that the benchmark tools need to update to support newer versions of Android.

    • DoomBot5@lemmy.worldEnglish
      33·
      9 months 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·
        9 months 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.

    • AlmightySnoo 🐢🇮🇱🇺🇦@lemmy.worldOPMEnglish
      22·
      9 months 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·
        9 months ago

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