# Pixels May Finally Receive the Processor Enhancement We’ve Anticipated
The Google Pixel lineup has consistently appealed to Android fans due to its streamlined software experience, exceptional camera capabilities, and Google’s dedication to advancing AI-driven functionalities. Nonetheless, one domain where the Pixel range has regularly fallen short against its rivals is in sheer processing power. The Tensor processors, first seen with the Pixel 6, have been somewhat of a mixed experience—performing admirably in AI-related tasks but often underwhelming in everyday applications, particularly with gaming and energy efficiency. However, with the impending release of the Pixel 10, it appears that Google could finally provide the long-awaited processor enhancement.
## The Tensor G5: A Major Breakthrough?
The Pixel 9 series, released in August 2023, received a variety of responses. Although it offered several intriguing new functionalities, like a brighter AMOLED screen and enhanced AI features, many were let down by the Tensor G4 processor. While it performed 2.25 times better in AI tasks compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Tensor G4 faced challenges in regular usage, especially in gaming contexts. This disappointment was heightened by the Pixel 9’s increased pricing and limited storage choices.
Yet, the forthcoming Tensor G5 processor, expected to launch with the Pixel 10, looks to be a significant upgrade. In contrast to its predecessors, which drew from Samsung’s Exynos architecture, the Tensor G5 is rumored to be Google’s first fully in-house engineered chip. Additionally, it will be fabricated by TSMC, a firm renowned for producing more efficient and cooler-operating chipsets than Samsung.
### The Importance of TSMC
To grasp the relevance of the shift to TSMC, it’s crucial to examine Qualcomm’s past. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, produced by Samsung, gained a reputation for overheating and severe throttling. Qualcomm transitioned to TSMC for the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, resulting in a noticeable improvement. The chip made by TSMC was not only swifter but also operated cooler and with greater power efficiency. Should the Tensor G5 follow a similar path, it may finally dispel the notion that Tensor is a sluggish, inefficient processor, allowing Google to further market the Pixel as a premium device.
## Design and Display: A Variety of Opinions
The Pixel 9 brought forth a completely new design, showcasing flatter, shinier side rails reminiscent of the iPhone. Some users welcomed the enhanced build quality, while others found the design less comfortable to grasp, particularly without a case. Disagreement also surrounded the Pixel 9’s display. Though it boasted an impressive 3,000 nits of brightness and introduced a “wet touch” feature, it still employed a low PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) rate of 240Hz, which might induce eye strain for certain users.
For the Pixel 10, many hope Google will rectify these concerns. An increased PWM rate could enhance visual comfort, and a return to more ergonomic design elements, such as rounded edges, could improve the phone’s overall feel. There are also hints that Google may unveil an entirely new design language, given the company’s history of implementing bold design changes with each Pixel iteration.
## Cameras: Emphasis on AI
Google’s Pixel devices have always been praised for their outstanding camera quality, and the Pixel 10 is likely to uphold this reputation. Rather than emphasizing hardware improvements, Google appears to be doubling down on AI-integrated features. The Pixel 9 rolled out multiple new AI-enhanced photographic capabilities, such as Zoom Enhance and improved Night Sight Video. With the Pixel 10, we can anticipate even more sophisticated AI functionalities that could potentially lessen the dependency on numerous camera sensors.
This AI-focused approach could enable Google to minimize the camera bump, especially on the more affordable Pixel variants, while still providing excellent photo and video performance. However, the Pro models will probably maintain their triple-camera configurations, ensuring they remain the preferred option for photography aficionados.
## Software: A New Chapter in Android
The Pixel 9 series debuted with Android 14, the same version that was introduced with the Pixel 8. This was largely due to the brief 10-month interval between the two launches, which limited the Android team at Google from creating a new iteration. Nonetheless, the Pixel 10 is anticipated to launch with Android 15, or potentially even Android 16, contingent upon its release timing.
Google has pledged to offer seven years of Android and security updates for its Pixel devices, but the timing of the Android version complicates this assurance. For instance, the Pixel 9 will receive updates until Android 21, consistent with the Pixel 8, but will include ten additional security updates. The Pixel 10, debuting with a newer Android version, will likely enjoy a longer support period, making it a more future-proof option.
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