Meet the Google Tensor G4, the brain powering the Pixel 9 series

Get ready to meet the powerhouse behind the Pixel 9 series: the Google Tensor G4. This latest chip from Google packs a punch with new features, smarter AI, and faster performance, all designed to take your smartphone experience to the next level. Whether it’s a speedier CPU, a more efficient GPU, or enhanced connectivity, the Tensor G4 brings a mix of improvements that you’ll definitely want to know about. Let’s dive into what’s new and exciting with this cutting-edge processor.

Google Tensor G4: What’s new?

The Google Tensor G4 is the latest iteration in Google’s line of semi-custom processors, specifically designed to power the Pixel 9 series. It builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, the Tensor G3 and Tensor G2, but with a mix of incremental and notable upgrades. The Tensor G4 was developed in collaboration with Samsung, leveraging Arm’s CPU and GPU cores, while Google contributed its in-house technologies for AI, photography, and security.

Here is all you need to know about it:

CPU

The Tensor G4 features a tri-cluster CPU architecture:

• 1x Arm Cortex-X4 core clocked at 3.1GHz for high-performance tasks.
• 3x Arm Cortex-A720 cores at 2.6GHz for balanced performance and efficiency.
• 4x Arm Cortex-A520 cores at 1.92GHz for power-efficient operations.

This setup represents an evolution from the Tensor G3, offering a slight improvement in performance, particularly for single-core tasks, due to the newer Cortex-X4 and A720 cores.

GPU

The GPU remains an Arm Mali-G715, likely with a seven-core (MC7) configuration, slightly boosted in clock speed to 940MHz. This provides a modest performance uplift compared to the Tensor G3 but still lags behind flagship GPUs like Qualcomm’s Adreno and MediaTek’s Dimensity series.

RAM

The Tensor G4 supports LPDDR5X RAM, which is faster and more efficient than LPDDR5. The Pixel 9 comes with 12GB of RAM, with the Pro models extending to 16GB. A portion of this RAM is dedicated to AI processing, particularly for running Google’s Gemini AI models on-device.

Machine learning

The Tensor G4 is equipped with Google’s third-generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), named “rio.” This TPU is central to the chip’s AI capabilities, handling tasks such as natural language processing, computational photography, and other AI-driven features.

A standout capability is its ability to process 45 tokens per second, particularly useful for running on-device AI models like Google’s Gemini Nano, which powers features like Gemini Live.

Modem

One of the significant upgrades in the Tensor G4 is the new Exynos 5400 modem. It supports 5G sub-6GHz, mmWave, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.x, and satellite connectivity, improving both connectivity and power efficiency by up to 50% over the previous modem.

Media and security

The Tensor G4 includes the same GXP Digital Signal Processor for handling camera and audio tasks and the BigWave media codec block for efficient media processing. The Titan M2 security chip also remains unchanged, continuing to provide robust security features for Pixel devices.

Google Tensor G4 performance

The Tensor G4 offers around 20% faster web browsing and 17% faster app launching compared to the Tensor G3, largely thanks to the newer CPU cores and improved efficiency.

Despite these improvements, the CPU design with one fewer middle core (compared to the G3) may slightly impact multi-threaded workloads like mobile gaming but provides better single-thread performance.

The GPU upgrades are modest, focusing on a small clock speed boost. This keeps the GPU performance mid-range, adequate for most tasks but not competitive with the highest-end mobile GPUs.

AI is where the Tensor G4 truly shines, with its TPU designed to handle demanding AI tasks efficiently. The TPU’s 45 tokens per second output rate is impressive, especially for running compact AI models on-device, making the Pixel 9 series capable of sophisticated AI-driven features.

Google claims up to 20% improved power efficiency across various use cases. This is achieved through a combination of the more efficient CPU cores, the new modem, and optimized power management features in the Tensor G4.

Google Tensor G4 AnTuTu score

AnTuTu evaluates a processor’s performance across multiple dimensions, including CPU, GPU, memory, and user experience (UX), and then generates an overall score, known as the processor’s AnTuTu score. Although we don’t have official results yet, according to Rozetked.me, here is the  Google Tensor G4 AnTuTu score:

In summary, the Google Tensor G4 brings a balanced blend of performance, efficiency, and AI advancements to the Pixel 9 series. With its upgraded CPU, modest GPU enhancements, and improved connectivity, it ensures a smoother and more responsive experience. While it may not top the charts in every benchmark, the Google Tensor G4 stands out with its AI capabilities, making the Pixel 9 series a powerful tool for both everyday tasks and cutting-edge features. Whether you’re browsing the web, launching apps, or exploring the latest AI-driven tools, the Tensor G4 is designed to keep up and keep you impressed.

Featured image credit: Google