Google Tensor G4: A Small Upgrade for the Pixel 9 Series

CPU Details

• Core Configuration: The Tensor G4 has 4+3+1 cores. It uses new ARMv9.2 cores, which are Cortex-A520, Cortex-A720, and Cortex-X4.
• Performance: The new chip has slightly higher clock speeds. Early tests show an 11% improvement in single-core performance and about a 3% improvement in multi-core performance compared to the Tensor G3.

Cooling and Efficiency

• Google adjusted the core layout to help with cooling and power use. The new cores are more efficient, using less power.

Modem and Connectivity

• The Tensor G4 will come with the Exynos Modem 5400, which supports satellite connectivity and is up to 50% more power-efficient than the previous model, the Exynos Modem 5300.
• Some devices, like the Pixel 9a, might still use the older Exynos Modem 5300.

GPU and Custom Blocks

• The Tensor G4 uses the same Mali-G715 GPU from the Tensor G3 but with a higher clock speed (940 MHz vs. 890 MHz).
• Google’s custom IP blocks (Edge TPU, GXP, BigWave, and Titan M2) remain unchanged.

Development and Changes

• Google originally planned a fully custom chip for the Pixel 9 series, codenamed “redondo,” but it wasn’t ready in time. Instead, they used a minimal upgrade, codenamed “zumapro.”
• Early leaks showed the Pixel 9 Pro Fold running on Tensor G3 prototypes.

What to Expect

The Tensor G4 might not be a huge upgrade, but it does bring some improvements, especially with the new modem. Most of the new features in the Pixel 9 series are likely to be software-based rather than hardware-driven.

More details about the Tensor G4’s performance and benchmark scores will be revealed at the “Made by Google” event on August 13, where the Pixel 9 series and Pixel Watch 3 will be officially introduced.