Google Pixel phones are known for their tendency to run hot, which can lead to performance throttling. Despite improvements in thermal management, these measures often come at the expense of fully utilizing the Tensor SoC’s capabilities. Google appears to acknowledge this limitation and is developing a new feature called Adaptive Thermal to address it.
Initially uncovered by Android expert Mishaal Rahman, Adaptive Thermal will be integrated into Pixel’s Device Health Services app. While it won’t instantly lower temperatures, this feature will notify users and autonomously take corrective actions if the device starts overheating.
Understanding Thermal Throttling and Adaptive Thermal
Android devices, including Pixel phones, implement thermal throttling to automatically reduce performance when they overheat. Google’s Adaptive Thermal feature expands on this functionality by sending a notification when the device temperature reaches 49 degrees Celsius. This notification alerts users with the message “Phone Needs to Cool Down,” advising them to avoid direct sunlight and close resource-intensive applications.
Additionally, users may receive a preemptive notification stating, “You may experience slower performance. Try avoiding direct sunlight or closing battery-intensive apps.” Adaptive Thermal also includes a “See care steps” option, providing details on ongoing cooling measures and necessary actions users should take.
When the temperature reaches 52 degrees Celsius, the phone enters an emergency state where “more drastic steps” are initiated. If the temperature hits 55 degrees Celsius, Adaptive Thermal issues a 30-second shutdown warning to prevent potential damage.
Will Adaptive Thermal Fix Pixel’s Heating Issues?
Although Adaptive Thermal improves user awareness and temperature management, it may not entirely resolve Pixel’s persistent thermal challenges. It’s a beneficial addition for users residing in regions with particularly harsh summers.
While this update reflects Google’s recognition of the heating issues on Pixel phones, relying on throttling to prevent overheating seems outdated in today’s technological landscape. Unfortunately, Google is likely to impose performance restrictions on the Tensor G4 in its upcoming Google Pixel 9 series for similar reasons.
Speculations indicate a potential 10% performance boost over the G3, but concerns about throttling could diminish its impact. Unlike Google, other manufacturers tackle thermal challenges using advanced SoCs, efficient cooling materials, and innovative design strategies. Google’s reliance on software-based performance restrictions appears to overlook opportunities for hardware enhancements.
Nevertheless, Google excels in optimizing the Pixel UI, from managing background apps and optimizing battery usage to ensuring overall smoothness and responsiveness, particularly following Android 15 updates. This proficiency raises questions about whether Google should prioritize its focus on refining Android as a whole.
Tensor G5: Pixel’s Last Hope
The Tensor G5 carries significant expectations, akin to the climactic finale of a series. Manufactured by TSMC instead of Samsung, there’s hope that this change could lead to improved thermal performance.
Will there still be a few caveats? Possibly. Will the Tensor G5 match the performance of tomorrow’s flagship SoCs? Probably not. However, we’re hopeful that thermal performance will be improved; otherwise, competing with contenders like MediaTek, who are narrowing the gap with excellent SoCs, could be challenging.
Realistically, I’m not setting high expectations for the Tensor G5, given the history of issues often seen in initial launches of Tensor-powered Google Pixels. What are your thoughts on Google’s approach of limiting performance with Adaptive Thermal? Have you encountered any issues with Pixels? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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