While Google is already set to announce the Pixel 8 on October 4, there are now details surfacing regarding the company’s Pixel 9 in 2024. Particularly, these provide insights to the Tensor G4 chipset of these flagship Android smartphones, which may bring a minor speed bump over the Tensor G3 on the Pixel 8.
The information comes from Android Authority’s Kamila Wojciechowska, which has been a frequent Pixel leaker in the past months. According to its insider source, the Tensor G4 that will power the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro is a marginal upgrade compared to the Tensor G3, disappointing those who are expecting significant improvements from the unannounced flagship chip.
It was not exactly detailed in terms of the silicon’s processing and graphics parameters on what this change was all about. However, it might likely mean the custom chip is only offering a difference in cores clock speed similar to Pixel Fold (review) and Pixel 7’s Tensor G2 coming from G1.
With this said, the Tensor G4 could still be based on Samsung’s Exynos 2400 SoC and the same as the semi-custom Tensor G3 after all. Hence, the pure in-house chipset of Google, which may aptly be called Tensor G5, could only be ready on the Pixel 10 by 2025. The Information cited this is based on a 3 nm lithography node that subsequently enabling more efficient output.
As for the Pixel 8’s Tensor G3, the chip is already a major upgrade from the Tensor G2. It has a nona-core CPU configuration along with a more capable GPU and machine learning capabilities. But despite this architecture change, the Tensor G3 is still seen lagging in performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and last year’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.
If Google fails to improve its Tensor chipsets, would you think they are better off using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips on its Pixel devices? We’re eager to hear your thoughts on this.
