The Google Tensor G4 has been a topic of considerable speculation in the tech world. As we delve into the details, it's clear that this new System-on-Chip (SoC) may not be the groundbreaking innovation many were expecting.
The Anticipation
For tech enthusiasts, the mention of a new Google Tensor SoC naturally piques interest. The tech giant's fully custom chip, expected to debut in 2025, was initially hyped as a game-changer. However, the reality might be a bit more subdued.
Building on the Past
The Tensor G4 is set to be a successor to the Tensor G3, which was already met with mixed reviews due to its performance. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, while yet to be launched, have already faced leaks. These leaks suggest that they will be powered by the Tensor G3 SoC, which, based on its Geekbench performance, falls behind current-gen offerings.
So, what can we expect from the Tensor G4? Will it address the shortcomings of its predecessor?
The Evolution of Tensor SoCs
Android Authority, known for its insightful leaks, has shed some light on the upcoming Tensor G4. According to renowned leaker Kamila Wojciechowska, the Tensor G4 will continue to be an Exynos derivative, similar to its predecessors. This means it will build upon the foundation laid by the Tensor G3, also known as Zuma, as confirmed by its codename, Zuma Pro.
However, it's not all gloom and doom. The Tensor G4 could potentially see improvements in various aspects, even though it remains an Exynos derivative. The performance and capabilities of this SoC will largely depend on the advancements made by Samsung LSI's custom SoC team. Their collaboration with Google since 2020 suggests ongoing efforts to enhance these chips.
One intriguing question is the choice of the Samsung Foundry node for manufacturing the Tensor G4. While an optimistic assumption is the use of 3GAP, there's a higher likelihood of it being manufactured on the 4LPP or 4LPP+ nodes, which could bring significant improvements.
Google's Roadmap
Looking ahead, Google seems to have a clear roadmap. Kamila Wojciechowska's insights indicate that Google intends to gradually reduce its reliance on Samsung by building its Intellectual Property (IP) library. This strategic move will enable Google to design some parts of the SoC from scratch and license others.
The ultimate goal appears to be the introduction of a fully custom SoC by Google, which is expected to make its debut in 2025, alongside the Pixel 10 series. By then, TSMC's advanced N3E and N3P nodes should be fully operational, potentially offering Google exciting new possibilities in terms of chip design and performance.
However, whether Google will secure the necessary production capacity at TSMC is still uncertain. This uncertainty might push Google to explore alternatives, such as Intel's 18A node, which Arm plans to use for reference SoCs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Google Tensor G4 might not be the revolutionary leap forward that some had hoped for, it's clear that Google is actively working on refining its custom SoC offerings. The collaboration with Samsung and the development of an IP library suggest that Google has ambitious plans for the future.
As tech enthusiasts eagerly await the release of the Pixel 9 series and its accompanying Tensor G3 SoC, it's worth keeping an eye on the incremental improvements that Google is making in its SoC technology. The true potential of a fully custom Google SoC might just be on the horizon.
