Google is set to unveil the highly anticipated Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones during an upcoming hardware event on October 4. As we eagerly await this release, rumors about the following year’s Pixel 9 series have started to emerge. These reports suggest that Google’s next-generation branded SoC, the Tensor G4, will power the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, offering a slight improvement over the current Tensor G3 SoC. Join us as we delve into the details of this potential upgrade.
Tensor G4 SoC and its Possible Enhancements
Reports from Android Authority’s Kamila Wojciechowska shed light on the Tensor G4 SoC, internally known as “Zuma Pro,” which is expected to drive the Pixel 9 lineup. As an evolution of the nine-core Tensor G3 SoC, codenamed “Zuma,” the Tensor G4 SoC is anticipated to bring forth marginal performance improvements. Collaborating with Samsung’s System LSI division, Google is likely to develop a semi-custom chip for this iteration.
Roadmap Adjustments and Future Prospects
Initially, Google had plans to introduce a “fully custom” Tensor SoC named “Redondo” on the 2024 Pixel series smartphones, utilizing TSMC’s advanced process node. However, due to production delays, the launch of this chipset has been pushed back by a year. To facilitate development, Google has devised a dedicated development board named “ChallengerDeep” for this chip. Furthermore, there are reports of ongoing work on the next-generation fully-custom Tensor chip, codenamed “Laguna Beach,” slated for the Pixel 10 series in 2025. The corresponding development board for this chip is referred to as “Deepspace.”
Pixel 8 Series Launch and Expected Features
The eagerly awaited Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, powered by the Tensor G3 SoC, are scheduled to be unveiled at the Made by Google event on October 4 in New York at 10:00 am local time (7:30 pm IST). Alongside these smartphones, Google will also showcase the Pixel Watch 2 and introduce a new color variant for the Pixel Buds Pro during the event. Both Pixel 8 devices are anticipated to feature Android 14 and boast a 120Hz refresh rate displays.
Key Specifications and Battery Details
In terms of specifications, the Pixel 8 Pro is expected to come equipped with a 4,950mAh battery, supporting 27W wired fast charging. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 is estimated to feature a 4,485mAh battery, enabling 24W wired charging as well as 12W wireless charging.
Conclusion:
The imminent Pixel 8 release has set in motion speculations about Google’s future flagship smartphones. While the Pixel 9 series is anticipated to harness the Tensor G4 SoC, delivering only incremental improvements over its predecessor, Google’s continuous efforts towards custom SoCs for the Pixel line offer an enticing glimpse into what lies ahead for the device’s performance and capabilities.
