Google’s Tensor G4, the chipset powering the Pixel 9 series, has faced scrutiny due to its performance in benchmarks. Recent comparisons have revealed that the Tensor G4 struggles to compete with both current and older flagship SoCs.
In the demanding 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark, the Tensor G4 only managed a slight 7% improvement over its predecessor, the Tensor G3. This underwhelming performance gap indicates that Google’s focus on AI capabilities has come at the expense of raw processing power.
More concerning is the Tensor G4’s inability to outperform the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a chipset released in 2021. In fact,the older Snapdragon chip holds a slight lead in the benchmark, highlighting Google’s lag in SoC performance compared to competitors.
The performance disparity becomes even more evident when compared to the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which boasts a score over 100% higher than the Tensor G4 in the same benchmark.
While Google has clarified its prior statements regarding the Tensor G4’s focus on AI, it’s clear that raw performance is not its primary strength. If you prioritize demanding tasks or gaming, other flagship options may be more suitable.
However, there’s hope for the future. Google is reportedly planning to use TSMC’s advanced 3nm process for its 2025 Tensor chip, which could lead to significant improvements in performance and efficiency. We’ll continue to monitor developments in this area.
