### Google’s New Chipset: Tensor G4 – Progress Made, Yet Still Lacking Compared to Qualcomm
The Pixel 9 series from Google has launched with the Tensor G4 chipset, succeeding last year’s Tensor G3. Although the G4 enhances certain features, it remains behind Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in critical aspects. Nevertheless, the Tensor G4 indicates advancement over its predecessor, providing increased performance for specific tasks and enhanced efficiency. Let’s explore the details of the Tensor G4, its performance, and its standing against rival chipsets.
#### The Tensor G4: Innovations Introduced
The Tensor G4 is constructed on Arm’s newest architecture, encompassing a Cortex X4 core operating at 3.1GHz, three Cortex A720 cores at 2.6GHz, and four efficiency-oriented Cortex A520 cores reaching up to 1.92GHz. Additionally, the chipset features a Mali-G715 GPU with six cores. The base Pixel 9 model is equipped with 12GB of RAM, while the Pro editions boast 16GB as standard.
A significant update is the incorporation of a new Exynos modem, which claims to enhance connectivity and efficiency. However, Google has chosen to maintain UFS 3.1 storage across all Pixel 9 series variants, which is somewhat disappointing considering the availability of UFS 4.0 that offers superior read/write speeds. This choice could influence the device’s longevity, particularly since Google guarantees seven years of software updates.
#### Performance: A Mixed Bag
During daily use, the Tensor G4 operates effectively, managing basic tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light multitasking without issues. However, the limitations of the Tensor G4 become evident in more demanding scenarios, like gaming or heavy camera usage.
##### Benchmark Comparisons
When compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Tensor G4 does not perform as well in various benchmarks. For example, in PCMark Work 3.0, which assesses overall capability, the Vivo X100 Ultra (featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) outperforms both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL significantly. Although the Pixel 9 Pro XL demonstrates improvement over last year’s Pixel 8 Pro, it still falls short of the performance achieved by Snapdragon-equipped devices.
In Geekbench 6, the Tensor G4 exhibits enhanced single-core performance versus its predecessor, but continues to trail in multi-core scores. This indicates that while the G4 is more refined for single-threaded operations, it struggles with multi-threaded tasks that are becoming increasingly prevalent in contemporary applications.
##### Gaming Performance
Gaming remains a challenging area for Google’s Tensor chipsets. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL find it hard to sustain stable framerates in resource-intensive games, and the Mali-G715 GPU lags at least two generations behind Qualcomm’s Adreno 750. Despite the Pixel 9 Pro XL running cooler than its predecessor due to likely enhanced thermal management, it still cannot provide the same gaming experience as Snapdragon-driven devices.
#### Connectivity and AI: Strengths of the Tensor G4
One domain where the Tensor G4 exhibits advancement is connectivity. The new Exynos 5400 modem provides improved cellular and Wi-Fi performance over the Tensor G3. In my testing, the Pixel 9 Pro XL consistently maintained a robust cellular signal and performed admirably on a 5GHz Wi-Fi network, marking a significant enhancement over the Pixel 8 Pro.
Google’s AI prowess remains a compelling aspect of the Pixel series. The Tensor G4 facilitates a variety of AI-driven features, from real-time language translation to sophisticated photo editing tools. These functionalities, coupled with Google’s software enhancements, allow the Pixel 9 series to shine in everyday use, even if its raw performance does not match Qualcomm’s latest chips.
#### Camera Performance: A Mixed Experience
The Pixel 9 series still shines in photography, though some drawbacks exist. Regular photos are captured quickly and responsively, but portrait mode shots can take a moment to save, which might be annoying when trying to quickly capture multiple images. This delay is absent in other flagship models, suggesting that the Tensor G4 still needs optimization in this area.
#### Should You Purchase the Pixel 9?
The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL are robust devices with much to offer, particularly for those who appreciate Google’s software and AI capabilities. The build quality has seen enhancements, and the phones are more efficient than earlier versions. However, if gaming performance is crucial for you, or if you require the utmost in raw processing capability, you may want to explore other options.
That said, the Pixel 9 series certainly boasts its advantages. The AI-enriched features are genuinely beneficial, and the cameras, though facing some quirks, continue to deliver impressive results.
