Nearly every detail, including marketing materials, about Google’s upcoming Pixel 9 series launch, which is scheduled for later this month, has already been revealed.
Up until now, little information has been available regarding Google’s latest processor, the Tensor G4, which appears to be a slight improvement over its predecessor.
Tensor G4 CPU Details Surface
With its 4+3+1 core design, the Tensor G4 CPU utilizes Cortex-A520, Cortex-A720, and Cortex-X4 ARMv9.2 cores.
The clock speeds have increased little from the previous model.
Because of the reduction of one core, multi-core performance might be comparable to the Tensor G3, even with the additional cores.
Early Geekbench ratings show that single-core performance has improved by 11%, while multi-core performance has improved by about 3%.
Although the modem continues to be the primary power user in Tensor SoCs, core layout modifications may have been made to increase cooling, with new cores being more efficient and reducing power consumption.
Tensor G4: Specifications and Features
Tensor G4 with the new Exynos Modem 5400 work together to provide up to 50% more power efficiency and support satellite connectivity compared to the Exynos Modem 5300.
It’s possible that some Tensor G4 devices—possibly even the Pixel 9a—continue to operate on the outdated Exynos Modem 5300.
The Mali-G715 GPU from the Tensor G3, which is now clocked at 940 MHz (up from 890 MHz), is retained in the Tensor G4.
The Tensor G4 retains the Edge TPU, GXP, BigWave, and Titan M2 proprietary IP blocks from Google.
Reportedly, the chip will switch to FOWLP packaging technology, but it still uses Samsung’s FOPLP packaging.
The Tensor G4’s original design called for an entirely proprietary chip, or “redondo,” that was unaffiliated with Samsung.
Owing to missing deadlines, Google and Samsung worked together to create the “zumapro” minimum upgrade.
Early leaks of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold operating on Tensor G3 demonstrate how the Pixel 9 series development accelerated the process by using Tensor G3 prototypes.
Even if the Tensor G4 isn’t a huge advance over its predecessor, it does have a new modem.
The slight improvements imply that the new Pixel 9 features are driven more by software than by hardware.
More information regarding the CPU’s performance and benchmark results will be disclosed on August 13 at the Made by Google event, which will also feature the introduction of the Pixel Watch 3.
