Google’s Tensor G4 is here, but it might be a minor upgrade

The Pixel 8 series’ Tensor G3 chipset marked a significant advancement over previous iterations of Google’s chipset for phones and tablets.

So it’s no surprise that those waiting for the latest Pixel 9 series phones are hoping for another leap in performance with the Tensor G4.

While improvements are expected, ultimately the new chipset may be more of minor update than a genuine upgrade. However, we’ll only find out everything once we’ve tested the Pixel 9 series, so look out for our reviews soon.

Here’s everything we know about Google’s Tensor G4 chipset at this point.

When was the Google Tensor G4 launched?

Google’s Tensor G4 powers the Pixel 9 series, which was launched on 13 August 2024.

As a reminder, the Tensor G3 debuted on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro in October 2023.

Which phones use the Google Tensor G4?

The Tensor G4 can be found in the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

As it was with the Tensor G3 and the Pixel 8a, if Google releases a Pixel 9a model in the future, it’s most likely to use the Tensor G4 as well.

However, it’d be a surprise to see it come to any other phones, unless perhaps if Google decides to make a flip phone.

What specs and features does the Google Tensor G4 have?

Although Google today unveiled the latest Pixel 9 series phones, which are powered by the Tensor G4, we didn’t learn much about the chipset itself. Therefore, until we test these devices, some of the information about the Tensor G4 still remains uncertain.

The only certain thing Google said about the Tensor G4 is that it’s their most efficient chip yet and designed to improve everyday use cases, like opening apps or browsing the web. It’s also designed with Google DeepMind and is the first processor to run Gemini Nano with Multimodality — which helps your phone understand text, images and audio.

What’s more, Google introduced the Pixel Studio, an image generator that combines an on-device diffusion model running on Tensor G4 and Google’s Imagen 3 text-to-image model in the cloud.

That’s all we’re sure of at this point. Below is the information so far, from rumours and leaks regarding the Tensor G4.

Still based on the Exynos chipset

Android Authority claimed that the Tensor G4 will be based on Samsung’s Exynos 2400, just like its predecessors, and closer to the refinement we saw between the G1 and G2, rather than a big leap forward.

Additionally, The Information said that earlier rumours of Google making a brand-new chipset from scratch wouldn’t materialise. Now, this is unlikely to happen until the Tensor G5 arrives on the Pixel 10 series in 2025.

Improved heat management and power efficiency

If the Tensor G4 uses Samsung’s 4nm LPP+ node, it could offer better efficiency and thermal management compared to the Tensor G3.

According to a report from Korea, this move will happen and help address past issues with overheating, especially during demanding tasks.

Not a big upgrade compared to Tensor G3

Despite hoping for success in Google’s silicon division with the Tensor G4, recent leaks suggest disappointing performance compared to its predecessor, the Tensor G3.

The leaked Geekbench 6 scores indicate a significant slowdown, with the Tensor G4 even trailing behind the Tensor G3 by 19%. Furthermore, the chipset features an 8-core CPU cluster instead of the Exynos 2400’s 10-core setup, suggesting a significantly less powerful chipset.

It also seems that the Tensor G4 might be lacking improvements in graphical performance.

According to the same Geekbench 6 page, both the Tensor G4 and G3 will share the same ARM Immortalis-G715 GPU, leading to speculation that Pixel 9 phones might be placeholders for a more substantial launch with the Pixel 10 series in 2025.

As said before, Google is rumored to switch to TSMC for the Tensor G5 next year, adopting the 3nm process and developing custom CPU and GPU designs. While exciting, this means consumers must wait for a flagship range competitive in hardware and pricing.

A poorly performing Tensor G4 could invite criticism from enthusiasts, potentially impacting Google’s chipset reputation and leading consumers to consider Android phones powered by Qualcomm or MediaTek instead.

That’s all we know about the Tensor G4 at this point. In the meantime, you may also be interested in the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset.