According to leaked documents from Google (reported by 9to5Google), one of the biggest reasons people return Pixel phones is because the device gets too hot.
Google’s own internal data shows that the company’s Tensor chips, which power Pixel phones, tend to overheat more than chips from other brands. Overheating has become the “number one reason” for returns, according to the leaked slides.
These documents, which are plans for future Tensor chips, reveal that Google is working hard to fix the overheating issue in upcoming chip versions.
The new chip, called Tensor G6, codenamed “Malibu,” is being designed with a focus on improving thermals (how hot the phone gets) and efficiency (how well the phone uses energy). Google recognizes that fixing this problem is crucial for making Pixel phones more appealing to customers.
The documents also show that users are very concerned with how hot their phone gets, as well as its battery life. If a phone runs too hot, it can be uncomfortable to hold and can even cause the device to slow down or malfunction.
On top of that, a phone that overheats is more likely to be returned. Google says that they need to lower the “comfort limits” for heat in future phones to keep customers happy and reduce returns.
Battery life is also a priority for Google, as longer battery life helps keep users satisfied and loyal to the brand. While Google has made some improvements to both heat management and battery life in the Tensor G3 chip (which powers the Pixel 8 series), the leaked documents show there is still room for improvement.
Google is also working on the Tensor G5 chip, codenamed “Laguna,” which should also bring better thermal performance and battery efficiency.
To achieve these improvements, Google plans to use a more efficient TSMC manufacturing process, which is the same one used by Apple for their chips. This could help make the chips run cooler and last longer on a single charge.
Altogether, the company is aiming to fix these issues in the upcoming Tensor G6 chip, which will likely be used in future Pixel phones.