Understand why Google has restricted the use of some apps on its new phone. See what can't be downloaded on the Pixel 8.
Google may have blocked the installation of benchmark apps on the Pixel 8 series to prevent insiders from revealing the true processing power of the new Tensor G3 chipset. The information was shared by Sanjiv from Notebookcheck, as he had early access to the smartphone and was unable to install apps like Geekbench and 3D Mark from the Play Store.
For those who don't know, benchmark apps are used to evaluate the CPU and GPU performance of smartphones. They are a valuable tool for analysts and consumers because they allow them to compare the performance of different devices.
Benchmark applications blocked
Although Google tried to hide its activities with Tensor G3, many analysts were still able to “sideload” the application on new device. That is, installing via APK from outside the Play Store. As a result, it can be seen that the Tensor G3 performs worse than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in both single-core and multi-core tests in Geekbench 6.
The Tensor G3 also performed worse than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the 3D Mark Wild Life Stress benchmark test. This is despite the Tensor G3 having a newer, more advanced architecture. Overall, the data also shows that Samsung's 4nm technology is less efficient than TSMC's. Google has not yet commented on the matter.
Pixel 8 Face Scan Failed
Google highlighted several features during the Pixel 8 Pro launch, including the face unlock with type 3 certification, which will even be used in payment apps. However, a user reported that his brother managed to unlock his phone, which raises doubts about Google's security system.
The report comes from Reddit user MotorTransportation8, who stated the following:
“I watched [YouTube] dave2ds’ video yesterday, where one of his main points was about how the Pixel 8 Pro has much better face unlock, allowing it to be used in more secure apps. Today I finished setting up the [Pixel] 8 Pro. When I got home my brother picked up the phone, looked at it, and was able to unlock it with his face. I think we have some similar facial features, but we are both very different.”
Specific problem
So, we can understand that the Pixel 8 Pro’s face unlock feature was tricked by the user’s brother. However, this only happens in the case of identical twins (which is not the case), as the device uses artificial intelligence to verify the user’s face. Furthermore, the user reported that the same issue did not occur on his brother’s Pixel 7 Pro. Unfortunately, no photos were provided to compare the faces of the two users. However, it is a worrying situation, as it shows that even the certified Level 3 unlock method is not the most reliable, especially when the users are not identical twins.
So, the best recommendation is to use fingerprint, password, or pattern unlock if you want to protect your data. It is worth noting that this is the first reported case involving the Pixel 8 Pro, so we will have to wait for confirmation before saying whether this is a device-specific issue or if it affects all devices. If that is the case, the issue needs to be fixed with a software update.
