What to expect from the Pixel 8 processor

Though the Google Pixel 7a has not lengthy hit retailer cabinets, we’re already shortly approaching the launch of Mountain View’s next-gen flagship smartphone — the Google Pixel 8. There’ll undoubtedly be thrilling new options aplenty when this handset arrives, however powering all of them would be the hotly anticipated Tensor G3 processor.

Google is protecting the successor to its Tensor G2 chip, which powers a spread of the model’s newest merchandise just like the Pixel Pill, underneath wraps for now. However we are able to work out just a little bit about what the chipset will appear to be and when it can debut primarily based on data at the moment circling the online.

With every flagship smartphone launch relationship again to 2021’s Pixel 6 sequence, Google has debuted a brand new Tensor processor. The upcoming Pixel 8 vary is predicted to comply with go well with. In keeping with a leaked roadmap of upcoming merchandise obtained by Android Authority, Google’s “zuma” chip (aka the Tensor G3) will debut within the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional.

Google usually releases its flagship Pixel telephones in October, after we count on to see the Pixel 8 and its Tensor G3 processor. Regardless that we don’t have a confirmed date but, we’re penning this month in for the chip’s launch.

If the Tensor G2 is something to go by, the Tensor G3 may additionally energy an in depth vary of Google merchandise all through 2024. The G2 ended up within the 2023’s A sequence funds smartphone, the Pixel Pill, and first-gen Pixel Fold, bringing the chip’s AI processing smarts to quite a lot of type elements. Refreshes of no less than a few of these merchandise are fairly possible in 2024.

Google’s Tensor has, traditionally, not adopted the normal cadence of CPU and GPU upgrades, so predicting precisely what elements will go into its subsequent flagship chipset is especially troublesome. Nonetheless, some leaks and rumors can level us in the proper path.

An upgraded CPU

The most important trace comes from Mishaal Rahman, who noticed help for Superior Reminiscence Safety for future chips within the Android 14 developer preview. This characteristic requires the Reminiscence Tagging Extension (MTE) supported by ARMV9 CPUs.

Arm debuted the ARMV9 structure with its Cortex-X2, Cortex-A710, and Cortex-A510 CPUs in 2021, all of which might be an improve over the Cortex-X1, A78, A76, and A55 setup employed by the unique Tensor and Tensor G2. As well as, the newer Arm Cortex-X3 and A-715, in addition to upcoming next-gen components, are all appropriate with MTE too.

Theoretically, Google may use any of those off-the-shelf cores for the Tensor G3, although the model has traditionally caught to older and, subsequently, cheaper elements. Nonetheless, rumors level to a 1x Cortex-X3, 4x A715, and 4x A510 CPU configuration for the G3. This may push efficiency a lot nearer to and maybe even marginally forward of the present Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, no less than within the CPU division. Such a transfer may additionally point out a totally 64-bit-only design, which might be an Android first and would match Google’s push with 64-bit-only software program for the Pixel 7.

The identical rumor factors to a transfer to an Arm Mali-G715 GPU in an eight-core configuration. This may be a good improve to the Tensor G2’s Arm Mali-G710 seven-core setup, which at the moment doesn’t compete with the perfect within the enterprise for graphics grunt. Arm says there’s a 15% ISO-process efficiency acquire and 2x machine studying enchancment with the G715 in comparison with the G710.

Nonetheless, the eight-core setup could be smaller than the 11-core model within the MediaTek Dimensity 9200. Ballparking the efficiency enhancements additionally means that the Tensor G3 will are available behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in gaming efficiency. Nonetheless, it stays to be seen how that performs out relating to real-world video games.

The dearth of Immortalis branding within the Tensor G3’s Mali-G715 rumor signifies an absence of ray tracing help, placing it additional behind present flagship silicon. Whereas removed from a necessary characteristic (there aren’t any Western video games sporting it but), this does counsel that critical cell players gained’t be tremendous impressed by the Pixel 8 sequence, regardless of its upgrades. If it seems to be true, after all.

Lastly, machine studying capabilities are what has stored the Tensor vary in competition with extra conventionally highly effective telephones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Apple’s Bionic A16. We count on Google to additional enhance the upcoming chip’s Tensor Processing Unit (TPU).

Sadly, Google retains its TPU sauce a intently guarded secret. However we are able to possible count on enhancements to enhance the effectivity of offline voice duties, akin to real-time language translation. Additional picture sign processor enhancements to HDR and object segmentation are additionally possible, to maintain the Pixel 8 sequence in competition for probably the greatest digicam telephones obtainable.

In keeping with rumors, the Tensor G3 will likely be manufactured on Samsung’s 4nm manufacturing line. That’s an enchancment over the older 5nm course of utilized by the Tensor G2 and may assist the chip run extra effectively (for higher battery life) and cooler (for longer sustained efficiency.)

Nonetheless, Samsung 4nm and low yields had been behind the overheating points with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. So it stays to be seen if Samsung can catch up or surpass TSMC’s N4 node employed by MediaTek and Qualcomm for his or her newest flagship chips. Primarily based on the continuing reshuffling at Samsung Semiconductor, it’s not a on condition that the Tensor G3 will likely be free from the thermal points that plagued 2022 graduates from Samsung’s foundry. Nonetheless, Samsung is now on its third 4nm iteration, which has apparently seen important yield enhancements that assist shut the cap on its manufacturing rival. Both manner, a cooler chip could be very excessive on our Tensor G3 wishlist.

What we wish to see from the Google Tensor G3

Given the shortage of CPU upgrades for the reason that first-gen chipset, a leap to the Arm Cortex-X3 and firm would go a protracted strategy to addressing issues that the Tensor sequence lags behind the competitors. A GPU improve to the most recent gen would additionally assist, even with out the inclusion of fledgling ray tracing help at this level. However our greatest criticism with Tensor to this point has been excessive temperatures and battery drain, which Google additionally appears prone to tackle by transferring to a smaller manufacturing node.

If the above seems to be true, Google can have checked just about all the pieces off our Tensor G3 wishlist. In that case, there’s much more motive to be excited concerning the arrival of the Pixel 8 sequence later within the yr.