Making a chip of your own is a weight endeavor for any smartphone company. Most settle in with chipsets from Qualcomm or MediaTek, while others make their own, such as Huawei's HiSilicon, Samsung's Exynos, and Apple's A-series.
So, it was admirable when, in 2021, Google released the Google Tensor chip with the Pixel 6 series. Of course, starting afresh when other chipmakers are well-established was a ballsy move. The Tensor series had a rough start, but it looks like the chips are getting up to pace, and the Tensor G4 brings more improvements.
The Google And Samsung-Made Tensor G4 Will Manage Heat And Power Better
When the Pixel 8 series launched with the Tensor G3 chip keeping the lights on, one common complaint was that the phone was overheating—a lot. Several reports from users on Reddit and Google's official support forum show what the experience was like back then, even when browsing the web or streaming videos.
Those problems were linked to the Tensor G3, and based on a report from Financial News, that shouldn't be as much of a worry with the Google Tensor G4 chip. The new chip is being produced on Samsung's 4nm process exclusively for Google's new smartphones. It will use a new packaging method — essentially how the chip's circuit die is encapsulated — called “Fan-out Wafer Level Packaging).
The benefits of this new packaging method seem to be better heat management, which will be a major relief to Pixel loyalists. Improved power efficiency should also equate to longer battery life even if the battery capacity remains the same. We should also expect some degree of a performance boost, even if it isn't massive.
The Google Pixel 9 And 9 Pro Later This Year Will Launch With The Chip
Since Google's smartphones are the only ones that use Tensor chips, we expect the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro to be powered by the new chip when they launch later this year (and the Pixel 9a launches in 2025).
The new Pixel devices are expected to launch in the Fall, and we know a little about what we can expect with these phones. The regular Pixel 9 is expected to come with a redesigned camera visor, flatter edges, and a smaller footprint. The Pixel 9 Pro may also get smaller, with flatter edges and the same updated visor. However, it might also be getting a variable aperture camera for one of the three on the rear of the phone.
The Tensor G5 Might Be The End Of Google And Samsung's Camaraderie
It looks like the Tensor G4 will be the last Google chip made with the involvement of Samsung, as reports point to the Tensor G5 being designed from the ground up for Pixels and manufactured by TSMC (the same company that makes Apple's A-series chips).
This could mean significantly improved performance, and if they achieve the kind of synergy you find between iPhones, iOS, and Apple's processors, things could look really good for Google in the future.
