Google Tensor G3: Google has once again pushed the boundaries of what smartphones can achieve with the introduction of the Tensor G3 chipset in its Pixel 8 series. In a fiercely competitive landscape, Google aims to establish the Tensor G3 as a powerhouse among mobile processors.
Let’s dive into the details of this cutting-edge chipset and its potential impact on the smartphone industry.
Tensor G3 Processor Specs
The Tensor G3 chipset represents a significant leap in processing power. While specific peak clock speeds have not been fully disclosed, the chip features a processor configuration comprising:
- 1x Cortex X3
- 4x Cortex-A715
- 4x Cortex A-510
This unique configuration, codenamed Zuma, suggests that the Tensor G3 is poised to be Google’s first 64-bit-only chipset, in line with the industry’s evolving standards.
Graphics Marvel
To enhance the visual experience, the Tensor G3 incorporates a Mali-G715 GPU that is 15% faster than its predecessor. The Tensor G3 introduces a 10% more powerful AI TPU, referred to as “Rio,” designed to handle the most complex AI tasks.
Google’s commitment to the Tensor G3’s capabilities is evident in their words: “Our work with Tensor has never been about speeds and feeds, or traditional performance metrics. It’s about pushing the mobile computing experience forward.”
Benchmark Performance and Features
The Tensor G3 excels in benchmark performance and brings new features to the table:
- Higher clock count for more powerful peak performance.
- A 15% faster deca-core ARM Mali-715 graphics processor.
- A 10% faster AI TPU for more efficient AI processing.
- Lower power consumption, ensuring extended battery life.
While the Tensor G3 may not quite reach the performance levels of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it’s expected to match or even surpass the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which powers many Android flagships in 2023.
To put it into perspective, here’s a comparison of benchmark scores:
| Benchmark | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | Google Pixel 8 (Tensor G3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 5 Single (Higher is Better) | 1583 | 1884 | 1051 |
| Geekbench 5 Multi (Higher is Better) | 4937 | 5491 | 3241 |
| 3DMark Extreme (High) (Higher is Better) | 3828 | 3382 | 1854 |
| 3DMark Extreme (Low) (Higher is Better) | 1951 | 2327 | 1521 |
Tensor G3 5G Modem and Connectivity
While details about the Tensor G3’s 5G modem remain limited, Google’s history with 5G connectivity has been impressive. The Tensor G2 chipset, found in the Pixel 7 series, delivered remarkable download speeds, positioning Google as a serious contender in the 5G arena.
Expected Google Tensor G3 Processor Phones
The Tensor G3 chipset is set to power Google’s Pixel 8 series, which includes:
This comprehensive lineup caters to a wide range of users, ensuring that the exceptional capabilities of the Tensor G3 chipset are accessible to all.
An Exclusive Look into Tensor G3
Two years ago, Google introduced the Tensor chipset, marking its foray into custom smartphone SoCs. With the Tensor G3 powering the Pixel 8 series, Google continues to build upon its unique chipset, offering significant improvements in performance and AI capabilities.
Modern CPUs for Enhanced Performance
The Tensor G3 introduces a more modern CPU configuration, featuring up-to-date ARMv9 cores. The chip comprises nine CPU cores, including four Cortex-A510s, four Cortex-A715s, and a single Cortex-X3, all running at higher frequencies.
This reconfiguration promises a substantial performance boost, potentially matching or even surpassing the performance of other flagship SoCs released in 2022.
Ray-Tracing Graphics for Enhanced Visuals
Graphics performance receives special attention with the Tensor G3. It adopts the Arm Mali-G715 GPU, expected to feature ten cores, offering significant improvements in graphics performance. What’s more, this GPU includes ray-tracing capabilities, promising an even more immersive visual experience.
| Tensor G3 (zuma) | Tensor G2 (gs201) | Tensor (gs101) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
GPU Core Model
|
Mali-G715 (Immortalis)
|
Mali-G710
|
Mali-G78
|
|
Core Count
|
10
|
7
|
20
|
|
Frequency (shaders)
|
890MHz
|
848MHz
|
848MHz
|
The First Smartphone Chip with AV1 Encode
The Tensor G3 significantly improves video decoding and encoding capabilities. It introduces support for 8K30 video decoding and encoding in H.264 and HEVC, substantially enhancing video-related tasks. Most notably, the Tensor G3’s “BigOcean” hardware video decoder now evolves into “BigWave,” featuring AV1 encoding up to 4K30.
| Tensor G3 (zuma) | Tensor (gs101) | Tensor G2 (gs201) | |
|---|---|---|
|
H.264 decode
|
8K30 | 4K120 | 720p240 (MFC)
|
4K120 | 720p240 (MFC)
|
|
H.264 encode
|
8K30 | 4K120 | 720p240 (MFC)
|
4K120 | 720p240 (MFC)
|
|
HEVC decode
|
8K30 | 4K120 | 720p240 (MFC)
|
4K120 | 720p240 (MFC)
|
|
HEVC encode
|
8K30 | 4K120 | 720p240 (MFC)
|
4K120 | 720p240 (MFC)
|
|
AV1 decode
|
4K60 | 1080p120 (BigWave)
|
4K60 | 1080p120 (BigOcean)
|
|
AV1 encode
|
4K30 | 720p240 (BigWave)
|
This innovation makes Google the first smartphone brand to ship a mobile device with AV1 encoding, opening up new possibilities for video recording and playback.
Enhanced AI Capabilities
The Tensor G3 places a strong focus on AI, central to Google’s Tensor lineup’s identity. With the introduction of a new TPU codenamed “Rio,” running at 1.1GHz, Tensor G3 is set to offer even better AI performance.
The TPU plays a crucial role in AI-related tasks, including camera and speech applications, promising an improved user experience.
Other Notable Improvements
The Tensor G3 chipset introduces various enhancements:
- GXP (Google’s custom “Aurora” digital signal processor) is included for more efficient image processing.
- A faster UFS 4.0 storage controller doubles theoretical speeds and enhances storage efficiency.
Conclusion
The Tensor G3 chipset signifies Google’s commitment to providing users with powerful and intelligent smartphones. With significant advancements in CPU, GPU, video encoding, and AI capabilities, Google aims to deliver a competitive general applications processing experience. This comprehensive upgrade sets the stage for the highly anticipated Pixel 8 series, promising exceptional performance and innovative experiences.
In conclusion, Tensor G3 is Google’s strategic move to enhance its smartphone capabilities, ensuring that users can enjoy a top-tier experience across all aspects of their devices. While the Tensor G2 marked a significant step forward, Tensor G3’s substantial improvements in CPU, GPU, video encoding, and AI capabilities indicate a more profound evolution that promises to position Google’s Pixel 8 series among the top-performing smartphones of 2023. With the Tensor G3, Google is set to redefine smartphone performance and inspire a new generation of mobile phones.
Source: Blog Google
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