Pixel 9 Tensor G4 vs Pixel 10 (G5 ) Should You Upgrade Now or Wait

Pixel phones have always been known for their incredible software and cameras, but their custom Tensor chips have received mixed reviews over the years. Common complaints include overheating, battery issues, and inconsistent performance. With the Pixel 9 on the horizon, the question is whether the Tensor G4 chip will finally address these issues and if you should buy a Pixel 9 or hold out for the Pixel 10, rumored to have a completely redesigned Tensor chip manufactured by TSMC instead of Samsung. Let’s take a deep dive into the Tensor roadmap to help you decide.

The Journey of Tensor Chips

In late 2021, Google made a bold move in the smartphone world by replacing Qualcomm Snapdragon chips with their own custom-designed Tensor chips for the Pixel 6 series. This marked the beginning of a major shift in strategy, where Google aimed to move beyond raw performance and embrace a more integrated AI-focused approach to their smartphones. This change came at a perfect time, as major competitors like Apple and Samsung were already making big strides in their custom chips.

Three years into the Tensor journey, reception has been mixed. The first-generation Tensor chip was heavily based on the Samsung Exynos platform, showing promise in machine learning tasks. It enabled features like improved speech recognition for Google Assistant, more efficient on-demand video translation, and enhanced computational photography. The chip embraced heterogeneous computing, which uses multiple types of computing cores to complete one task efficiently. However, the first-generation Tensor faced criticism for power inefficiency and thermal management, leading to overheating and reduced battery life under heavy use.

The Evolution of Tensor: G2 and G3

The Tensor G2, introduced in the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, was a refined iteration of the first-gen chip. Google touted a 60% increase in speed and a 20% increase in efficiency, along with minor cellular improvements. The G2 chip expanded the Tensor ecosystem, powering not only the Pixel 7 series but also the Pixel Fold and Pixel android tablet, bringing Google’s AI capabilities to a wider range of devices. However, despite these improvements, the Tensor G2 did not completely resolve the overheating issues present in the first generation. Users continued to experience thermal throttling, increased heat, and reduced battery life under heavy workloads.

The Tensor G3, featured in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, marked a more substantial leap forward in performance and capabilities. The G3 upgraded every major subsystem within the chip to enhance its on-device AI capabilities, allowing it to run twice as many machine learning models compared to the G1. This led to new features like a more conversational Google Assistant, server-quality text-to-speech, enhanced HDR video recording, improved Magic Eraser, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser. However, android tablet users still reported overheating issues, particularly under heavy loads, indicating room for improvement in thermal management.

What to Expect from Tensor G4

As we look forward to the Tensor G4 chip, there are reports of two major improvements: better heat management and power efficiency due to Samsung’s latest 4-nanometer process and their new fan-out wafer-level packaging method. This should offer cooler temperatures under heavy use and improved battery life. For a comparison, we can look at Samsung’s 4-nanometer process in the Galaxy S24, which runs the Exynos 2400 chip. While there are marketed benefits like hardware ray tracing, on-device AI, and faster 5G speeds, there is still criticism regarding power efficiency compared to leading Snapdragon chips.

It isn’t confirmed that Google will base the Tensor G4 on the Exynos 2400, but if they do share a lot of DNA, it raises questions about whether the G4 will fully resolve the overheating issues. The G4 is also rumored to feature a new Samsung modem with satellite connectivity, potentially offering faster 5G speeds and power efficiency. On paper, these improvements should make the Pixel 9 a worthwhile upgrade, especially for those who aren’t obsessed with specs.

The Potential of Tensor G5

However, it’s worth wondering if the Pixel 10’s TSMC-manufactured Tensor G5 chip is worth waiting for. The Tensor G5 is rumored to be a major turning point in Google’s chip development, being Google’s first fully custom-designed chip, a departure from previous Tensor iterations based on Samsung’s Exynos processors. Manufactured by TSMC, known for producing highly efficient chips for industry veterans like Apple and Qualcomm, the G5 is expected to be built on a 3-nanometer process. This promises increased performance and power efficiency, using an integrated fan-out packaging method to reduce thickness and increase efficiency.

The shift to TSMC combined with Google’s fully custom chip design could finally address the previous criticisms about Tensor chips. We can expect more AI capabilities on-device rather than relying on the cloud, improving everything from camera capabilities to charging speeds. The Pixel 10 with the Tensor G5 could offer a whole new level of smartphone experience.

Should You Upgrade Now or Wait?

So, should you grab the Pixel 9 with the Tensor G4 or wait for the Pixel 10 with the rumored Tensor G5? It’s a tough call, but here’s how I see it. If you need a new phone now because yours is broken or outdated, waiting might not be an option. The Pixel 9’s performance should be more than enough for the average user, and it will still offer a ton of AI features, great software, and excellent cameras. The Tensor G4 will likely be the most refined version yet, making it a reliable choice.

On the other hand, if Google successfully pulls off the Tensor G5 with no major issues, it could be the most future-proof Pixel device we’ve ever seen. The G5 promises significant leaps in performance and battery life, thanks to TSMC’s expertise in power efficiency. With a fully custom chip design, we could see improvements across all aspects of the Pixel experience.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your individual needs. If you can wait and want the most advanced technology, the Pixel 10 with the Tensor G5 might be worth holding out for. But if you need a phone now, the Pixel 9 with the Tensor G4 should serve you well.

Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. Do you think it’s worth waiting for a future-proofed redesigned Tensor chip in the G5, or are you content with the performance of today’s Samsung-made offerings and will move forward with the G4 in the Pixel 9? Let’s start a discussion in the comment section!

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Thank you all for watching. This has been Jordan Floyd with 9 to 5 Google. I’ll see you in the next one!