It’s been almost five years since Google introduced the Tensor SoC line, with the idea that Pixel phones would get AI and machine learning-friendly chips. In theory, this was supposed to give Google more control over the features that differentiate Pixel phones from other Android devices.
In some areas, Tensor fulfilled part of that goal. Pixel phones have received powerful software features, especially in photo processing, speech and AI capabilities that rely on the Google ecosystem. However, the most frequently mentioned problems concern what users feel every day: battery, heating and performance.
This is precisely why some Pixel users believe that Google’s own chips still fail to meet expectations. Power management, higher temperatures and a weaker sense of performance over time have left the impression that Tensor is not competitive enough against the leading Snapdragon chips.
Google Tensor divided Pixel users, but most felt it failed
An additional problem is that even Google’s AI ambitions don’t always seem as convincing for users of older, but still capable Pixel phones. If some of the new functions are tied to newer models, owners of previous generations may get the impression that Tensor did not bring them the long-term advantage they expected.
In a reader poll, the question was asked whether Google should continue with the Tensor project despite its flaws. More than 1,700 people participated, and the result is quite clear: 69.2% of respondents believe that Google should shut down the Tensor project, because the company failed to bring it to the required level.
However, Tensor is not without support. About 31% of survey participants believe that Google should continue developing its own chips, because the benefits still outweigh the drawbacks. For that part of Pixel fans, long-term control over hardware and software is more important than immediate comparison of raw performance with the competition.
User comments further show that the discussion is not black and white. Critics of Tensor most often emphasize heating, autonomy and weaker gaming potential, while supporters believe that Google should not give up right now, but continue to develop its own platform until it matures.
According to unofficial information so far, the Pixel 11 series should still continue with the Tensor chip. The Tensor G6 is mentioned, which could use more powerful Arm cores, but also a GPU that could represent only a limited improvement.
That’s why the survey doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the Tensor project, but it clearly shows a perception problem. Google wanted a chip that gives Pixel phones an identity, especially through AI functions, but a large part of users still expect the basics: better autonomy, less heating and more stable performance. Without that, Tensor remains a project that has an idea, but still needs to prove it can carry the flagship Pixel phones, reports Android Authority.