When your new Pixel 11—a flagship with a flagship price attached to it—doesn't let you play Genshin Impact, one of the world's most popular games ever, it's clear that something is way off.
How come ordinary mid-rangers that are way cheaper (and less sophisticated) than Google's brand-new Pixel 11 can run Genshin Impact?
It doesn't really matter whether this is a hardware or software issue. The important part is that Google should've addressed this months and weeks before the new Pixel 11 hit the shelves.
But why isn't the Pixel 11 capable of running Genshin Impact?
It's a major problem. | Image by Tech Spurt
Like we've told you, the whole fiasco might be happening because the game (Genshin Impact) doesn't support the PowerVR GPU that is used in new Google phones like Pixel 11 and Pixel 10.
Yes, even Google's phones from last year weren't fully compatible with Genshin Impact. Players complained for months and months about nasty graphic flickering, screen tearing, invisible characters or enemies and crashes.
So, Google had literally a year to sort things out. But it didn't, and that's indicative of the company's care for gamers.
Sure, Genshin Impact is a game that's best enjoyed on a flagship, since it's resource-heavy and specs-demanding. The problematic PowerVR GPU in the Pixel 11's Tensor G6 chipset is providing stunning day-to-day visuals, but that's not enough.
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Per the latest reports, HoYoverse (the game's makers) support agents say that the new PowerVR GPU simply doesn't meet Genshin Impact's minimum requirements.
Google says it's something else
But Google, again per the aforementioned report, has another angle for explaining things. The search engine giant says that the problem lies with the game optimization.
That's why Google is reportedly working with HoYoverse to solve the issue and get the game up and running for you to enjoy. Funny enough, this issue occurs only with Genshin Impact, as other games by HoYoverse like Zenless Zone Zero or Honkai Star Rail are pretty much OK.
When to expect it?
Sadly, there's no official date attached, so I guess Pixel 11 owners will have to play another title for at least a couple of weeks (or months?), or get another mobile device that's aimed at gaming.
This is the right time to guide your eyeballs to a cool deal. It's the gaming champ Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 that's currently on a cool discount, so check it out.
What's one improvement you really want to see in Pixel 12 lineup?
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Sebastian is one of PhoneArena’s senior opinionators. A veteran news writer with almost 20 years of experience in media and technology, he not only covers all the hot news about Galaxies and iPhones, but often provides hot takes on industry trends. He’s fascinated with camera-focused flagships from the likes of Oppo and Vivo, as well as foldable phones.
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