Google has launched its Pixel 9 lineup, featuring the new Tensor G4 chipset. This year’s Tensor G4 offers only incremental improvements over the Tensor G3, with a primary focus on enhanced efficiency. To see how the Tensor G4 compares to its predecessor, the Tensor G3, check out our detailed comparison. We’ve included Geekbench and AnTuTu scores for the Tensor G4 to highlight the performance differences. Let’s dive in.
Specifications
CPU
Unlike last year’s Tensor G3, which used an unconventional nine-core CPU configuration, the Tensor G4 adopts a more traditional eight-core setup. It’s still manufactured using Samsung’s 4nm process node, though it’s unclear if Google is leveraging Samsung’s enhanced 4LPP+ process or FOWLP packaging for the Tensor G4.
The Tensor G4 features a new CPU cluster with 1 Cortex-X4 core clocked slightly higher at 3.10GHz, 3 Cortex-A720 cores up to 2.60GHz, and 4 Cortex-A520 cores up to 1.95GHz. All these cores are clocked 200MHz to 300MHz higher than those in the Tensor G3.
In comparison, the Tensor G3 has 1 Cortex-X3 core up to 2.91GHz, 4 Cortex-A715 cores up to 2.37GHz, and 4 Cortex-A510 cores up to 1.70GHz. Despite having one fewer core, the Tensor G4 is expected to outperform the Tensor G3 due to its higher clock speeds and the use of the latest ARM cores, which offer improved performance and efficiency. Check out the Geekbench scores below to see the performance differences.
Geekbench Score
A leaked Geekbench listing for the Pixel 9 Pro XL reveals that the Tensor G4, with its octa-core CPU, scored 2,005 in the single-core test and 4,835 in the multi-core test. In comparison, the Tensor G3 scores 1,751 in single-core tasks and 4,208 in multi-core tasks. This indicates a 14% performance improvement in both single-core and multi-core performance with the Tensor G4.
AnTuTu Benchmark
In a leaked AnTuTu benchmark, the Tensor G4 on the Pixel 9 Pro XL achieved a score of 1,176,410 points, surpassing the 1 million mark. For comparison, the Tensor G3 scored 1,021,731 points in our tests last year. This represents a performance increase of about 15%, which is a respectable improvement.
GPU
The Tensor G4 features the same ARM Mali-G715 GPU found in last year’s Tensor G3, but with a higher frequency rising from 890 MHz to 940 MHz. This increase should result in a modest boost in GPU performance compared to the Tensor G3. However, the exact number of GPU cores in the Tensor G4 remains unknown; the Tensor G3 had seven GPU cores.
5G Modem
While the upgrades to the CPU and GPU in the Tensor G4 might seem incremental, the most significant improvement is the new Samsung 5G modem. Past Tensor chipsets have faced criticism for their underwhelming 5G performance, but that’s set to change with this update.
The Tensor G4 features the Samsung Exynos 5400 5G modem, which is built using Samsung’s 4nm EUV process technology and promises enhanced efficiency. Samsung claims that this modem can achieve peak download speeds of up to 14.79 Gbps, which is impressively fast. However, we will need to test the modem to fully evaluate its performance and efficiency.
Tensor G4 vs G3: AzMo Tech’s Verdict
The Google Tensor G4 appears to be more of a transitional chipset before Google transitions to TSMC’s foundry next year. Aside from the updated ARM CPU cores and an enhanced 5G modem, the Tensor G4 doesn’t offer major improvements over the Tensor G3.
Both the ISP and TPU remain unchanged, leaving Google’s chipset roughly a generation or two behind the latest offerings from Qualcomm and Apple, which is notably disappointing.
If Google has incorporated a large vapor chamber for improved cooling in the Pixel 9 series, users might experience better battery life and more consistent performance. However, we’ll need to see how effectively Google has enhanced thermal management for heat dissipation.
In summary, the Tensor G4 doesn’t represent a major leap from the Tensor G3. We’ll have to wait for the Pixel 10 series and the Tensor G5, which will be built on TSMC’s advanced fabrication process, for more significant upgrades.
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