A recent report has revealed that Google had intentionally blocked reviewers of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro from downloading and installing benchmarking software, like Geekbench 6, during the review embargo period.
As shared by NotebookCheck, according to Google, which provided a statement to the publication, the reason behind blocking easy installation of benchmarking software on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro review units was to prevent the leakage of benchmark scores and device specifications during the embargo.
Update October 25th, 2023 at 10:01am ET: Google also says it performed similar benchmarking blocking with previous Pixel devices to avoid leaks.
However, a lot about the device had already leaked way before the review devices made it to reviewers’ hands. Even the company itself leaked the devices several weeks before their launch.
Further, according to NotebookCheck, Google says that it lifted the benchmarking software block “ahead” of the consumer availability of the devices.
Jon Lamont and Dean Daley reviewed the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro for MobileSyrup. Both were unable to download Geekbench from the Play Store, and had to side-load the application for their respective reviews.
Of course, people who are reviewing devices are tech-savvy enough to know how to side-load applications, so blocking the app from being downloaded via the Play Store doesn’t really do much.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3 chipset has fallen behind, scoring less in both single-core and multi-core tests when compared to devices like the Galaxy S23 line, the iPhone 15 series, and even last year’s iPhone 14 Pro Max. That begs the question, could it be that Google blocked benchmarking software to be hide its new devices’ underwhelming benchmark performance?
According to Google, the Tensor semi-custom chips prioritize AI tasks over outright performance, which might explain the poor benchmkarking results.
Check out NotebookCheck's complete report about Google's controversial decision to restrict benchmarking access during the review embargo period and how it raises important questions about transparency.
Source: NotebookCheck
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