In recent years, Google has taken a unique approach to its Pixel smartphone processors. Instead of relying on Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, the company has opted to collaborate with Samsung to develop its own semi-custom Tensor SoCs. This strategy has set Google apart from other smartphone manufacturers and allowed them greater control over the hardware and software integration of their devices.
It is anticipated that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be released in the latter half of the year, and it is highly likely that it will be powered by a Tensor G3 processor. According to an initial rumor, the Tensor G3 inside the Pixel 8 series may provide a substantial performance increase compared to the Tensor G2 used in the Pixel 7 series.
The latest rumors on Twitter from tipster Revegnus suggest that the upcoming Tensor G3 chip will have a notable improvement in its components. The new chipset is expected to feature a nine-core CPU, with one Arm Cortex-X3 core, four Cortex-A715 cores, and four Cortex-A510 cores. It is also said to be built on a Samsung 4nm process and could include a Mali-G715 MC8 GPU.
Tensor G3
— Revegnus (@Tech_Reve) April 28, 2023
ARM Cortex-X3 MP1 3.3 GHz + ARM Cortex-A715 MP4 2.6 GHz + ARM Cortex-A510 MP4 2.2~2.3 GHz
If SF hasn't fooled us again, this chip will beat the 8 gen2.
Because SF4 does not "nominally" lose to TSMC N4 pic.twitter.com/g4A9x2eC7Y
The Pixel 8 chipset needs a big upgrade
The tipster claims that Google’s upcoming Tensor G3 chip is expected to outperform the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This is due to the fact that Samsung’s new 4nm process, which is believed to be used in the Tensor G3, has been shown to be on par with TSMC’s N4 process. With this in mind, it seems that Google’s Tensor G3 chip has the potential to be a real contender in the high-end chipset space. However, until official benchmarks are released, we won’t know for sure if the Tensor G3 can beat the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Indeed, compared to its competitors, the Tensor G2’s Cortex-X1 CPU and other cores are a few generations behind. The little and big CPU cores used in the Tensor G2 are actually still shared with the original Tensor chip, which was a surprise to many. It seems like Google is playing catch-up with its processors and is hoping to make up for lost ground with the upcoming Tensor G3.
The use of older technology in the Tensor G2 is evident in benchmark scores, as shown in our testing, where it falls behind last year’s flagship chipsets. When compared to current high-end processors such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the performance gap widens even further.
Upgrading to newer components is expected to provide a significant increase in processing power compared to previous Tensor processors. While some may not see the significance of this upgrade, having more power available could allow Google to incorporate new and exciting features in their next flagship phone.
The increased horsepower also means that the Pixel 8 is more likely to offer a seamless gaming experience and support the most demanding titles in the coming years. As people are holding onto their smartphones for longer periods of time, having a powerful device that can keep up with new technologies and demands is increasingly important.
The move to newer and more efficient components, along with the transition from a Samsung 5nm to a 4nm design, is expected to result in a more power-efficient chipset. This is good news for users who have been wanting better battery life from their Pixel devices, such as the Pixel 7 Pro, which has been criticized for delivering good but not great endurance. Several Pixel 7 Pro reviews have highlighted this issue, so the promise of a more efficient chipset with the Pixel 8 series is a welcome one.
Additionally, the move to new components and a smaller manufacturing process could also address heating issues that have plagued some Pixel devices. Many users have reported their Pixel phones heating up more than other devices, especially during prolonged camera usage. By upgrading to newer components and a smaller process, the Pixel 8 series could potentially offer similar or improved performance while generating less heat. This would be a welcome improvement for users who value a cool and comfortable phone experience.
This is an important point to consider as many high-end smartphones, including Google’s previous Pixels, have struggled with maintaining peak performance over extended periods. A more powerful and efficient Tensor G3 chip, coupled with optimized base clock speeds or better cooling, could help the Pixel 8 maintain its performance over extended usage periods.
Google’s strategy of using its Tensor machine learning silicon to enable new features and relying on older CPU tech to power its smartphones is a unique approach. However, there are clear benefits to adopting more recent components, including addressing heating issues, improving battery life, and keeping pace with rival smartphones.
The Pixel 8 series, powered by the rumored Tensor G3 chipset, has the potential to deliver stable results under load, offering a smooth gaming experience and supporting demanding titles. We can only hope that the Tensor G3 leak is accurate and that Google’s continued focus on innovation will pay off with improved performance and user experience.
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