It is no secret that Google’s Tensor chipsets are among the least thermally efficient smartphone silicon at this time, but what happens when an overheating chip actually causes a device to stop working due to burn damage? That is exactly what a Pixel 6 Pro owner experienced, who revealed that it took just two years for the device to give out.
On Reddit, a Pixel 6 Pro with the username ‘zybernau’ shared an image of the former flagship with a large rectangular-shaped burned patch where the heatsink is present, indicating that the Tensor was reaching critical temperatures. From this angle, the cooling solution appears adequate, so the thermal inefficiency of the SoC likely caused this to happen. The Pixel 6 Pro also suggests that Google should switch to Qualcomm or any other chip besides the one powering its current-generation handsets. Aluminium Heat Sink Plate
“Beautiful Exynos processor from samsung Google most probably need to consider using relabeled Exynos Google chips. And switching to the Qualcomm or good processor for atleast pro devices.”
When asked how the Tensor overheated, the owner replied that all he did was make a 10-minute call, but it is possible that the overheating issues started manifesting way before. The Pixel 6 Pro user has not updated if Google will offer a replacement. However, for some customers, investing in a flagship means that they will keep it in their possession for a few years before upgrading, but that is not possible if these overheating issues persist.
Similar to the Pixel 6 Pro’s Tensor, the Tensor G3 powering the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro does not fare better either, as before the official launch, a 3DMark Wife Life stress test result revealed that the chipset thermal throttles and leaves a ton of performance on the table. These issues may not subside with the Tensor G4 as it is reported that the latter only offers a minor upgrade compared to the Tensor G3.
With the Tensor G5, we may witness some efficiency improvements, as Google is said to switch to TSMC and incorporate its custom CPU and GPU. While these reports do show that Google is serious about its custom chip division, what happened to the Pixel 6 Pro owner cannot be ignored, and it also presents a cautionary tale to other Pixel smartphone users to be aware of any overheating signs.
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