In recent weeks, Pixel 8 and 9 users have expressed their frustration with significant performance drops following the latest software updates. Complaints about lag, bootloop issues, and sudden battery drains have triggered accusations of "planned obsolescence" directed at Google. Many owners are now left wondering if their devices are designed to fail prematurely.
Sluggish Performance?
Android Authority
Users across various platforms are reporting that their once-responsive Pixels have slowed dramatically, leading to considerable input lag and a frustrating experience.
Same issue with my Pixel 9. It's driving me insane. So laggy, apps take ages to open, scrolling is slow motion.
I recently updated the latest #Pixel March security update on my Pixel 8. I noticed most apps started lagging, FPS dropped.
Came here because as of this week (03/27/26), my Pixel 9 is laggy too. It's driving me crazy.
For many users, switching between applications has become cumbersome, and even basic web browsing tests one's patience.
Everything is just slowed to a crawl. Apps that used to run fine are visibly laggy and slow now.
What Went Wrong?
My 10 Pro XL is laggier than ever with the newest update. I will add I've brought my phone to 5-10 fps while multitasking. It felt like it was going to crash and restart.
Most users have not changed any settings or conditions that would typically lead to performance degradation, like dropping their devices or maxing out storage.
I've noticed this today as well. It started lagging heavily, and the battery has been dying much quicker.
No definitive solution has emerged yet. Some users suggest a factory reset could help, while others found that switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data provided temporary relief.
Since the latest software update (April 5th, 2026), most apps have been working worse on Wi-Fi than on data.
Customer Frustration
Won't be buying Google Pixel again unless this is resolved.
Google Needs to Improve
Whether the issues stem from Tensor chip limitations or Google's focus on AI over hardware performance remains unclear. Nonetheless, if Google wants to maintain confidence in its Pixel lineup and avoid being associated with its notorious product graveyard, it needs to address these concerns swiftly.
