GoKawiilIt’s been nearly five years since Google launched its Tensor SoC line to take charge of its AI and machine learning priorities on Pixel phones.
In certain aspects, the Tensor line has delivered on this goal, but it has also failed in other areas that matter. Battery management, heat output, and waning performance have left many users disillusioned with Google’s silicon. And, as my colleague Stephen Radochia explains, even the AI ambitions fall short for users of older yet still capable phones.
In a recent poll on his article, we asked readers if Google should continue with its Tensor project given its various shortcomings. Your votes are in, and you can view the results below.
Should Google keep using Tensor chipsets? We received over 1,700 votes on this survey, and there’s a clear supermajority. Over two-thirds (69.2%) of respondents believe that Google should cancel the Tensor project, as the company hasn’t “been able to make it work.”
Andy Walker / Android Authority
The numbers make the anti-Tensor sentiment clear, but comments on Stephen’s article add more nuance to the argument.
Reader rafaelnevesf writes: Not that I care about this specific feature, but the company’s behaviour towards new software features made me decide that my current phone will be my last Pixel. Google’s level of enshitification it’s just too much for me, it feels immoral to pay more than one thousand in a phone for that to happen so soon. One of the most upvoted comments from reader M seemingly nails users’ biggest issue with Tensor chips: The absolutely pathetic thing about Tensor is it is supposed to be the absolute best in AI power on mobile chipsets. Yet, both the top Snapdragon and iPhone SoCs have equal AI performance and absolutely crush Tensor on the CPU and GPU side of things, all while also having better battery life.
Google Tensor still has its fans and hopefuls
Stephen Radochia / Android Authority
The Tensor series isn’t devoid of support, though. Just over 3 in every 10 readers (31%) believe that Google should continue developing Tensor, as its “benefits outweigh the negatives.”
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