Has Google’s Tensor processor mission actually been good for the Pixel sequence?

The arrival of the brand new Google Pixel 9 sequence additionally marks the fourth technology of Google’s semi-custom Tensor processor. Sadly, the brand new Tensor G4 has ended up as extra of a stopgap mannequin, providing little or no in the way in which of extra efficiency or new options over final 12 months’s chipset and handsets. The G4 definitely has not been a catastrophe; we now have SOS calling and a brand new CPU, however spending time with Google’s newest flagships has made me marvel if Tensor has been value all the effort.

Early Google Pixel smartphones introduced in silicon from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon sequence, largely matching the flagship chips present in different bleeding-edge handsets. It’s value remembering that good pictures and Pixel-exclusive options had been round lengthy earlier than Google began constructing chips. We had Name Screening on the Pixel 3, as an illustration. The Qualcomm relationship ended with the Pixel 6 sequence, the place Google debuted its Tensor processor, co-developed with and manufactured by Samsung’s semiconductor divisions. On reflection, this resolution has undoubtedly had its execs and cons.

We’re aware of a lot of the drawbacks by now. Tensor has lagged a technology (or extra) behind its rivals by way of efficiency, however this has not notably affected most apps, as we’re nicely previous the purpose of diminishing returns. Avid gamers have had a harder time of it; Google’s selection of graphics cores has supplied mid-range fairly than cutting-edge efficiency, and the sequence refuses to undertake ray tracing when all the opposite flagship chips have had it for years now. The newest Pixel 9 isn’t any completely different to the Pixel 6 in that regard.

The locked-in relationship with Samsung has additionally yielded points exterior of Google’s management. A reliance on Samsung’s Exynos modems has resulted in spotty networking efficiency and battery drain points, however fortunately, these have steadily been solved. Nevertheless, even the newest Tensor G4 hasn’t been in a position to escape Samsung’s manufacturing course of, which has run hotter and been much less power environment friendly than rival TSMC’s equal course of all through current generations. Whereas Qualcomm and MediaTek switched on the first indicators of bother, Google has been unable to. None of Tensor’s transgressions have been deal-breaking, clearly, however Google’s prospects have needed to muddle by way of {hardware} points that might have been prevented by shopping for a chip elsewhere.

Now, Google says it’s not significantly inquisitive about topping benchmark charts (simple to say when the Pixel 9 is nicely off the tempo); as an alternative, it claims to need Tensor to energy options you’ll be able to’t get elsewhere. Definitely, Google’s Pixel sequence provides best-in-class pictures software program instruments and has the most important cellular AI portfolio within the enterprise, which lends the Pixel 9 a declare to the leading edge, even with out brute efficiency. Pixel smartphones have, till this 12 months, additionally undercut their rivals by way of worth. Whereas solely Google is aware of the true margins, we all know that the price of flagship Snapdragon silicon has climbed 12 months on 12 months, whereas maybe Tensor has helped Google stay extra aggressive than it could in any other case have been.

Nonetheless, it’s not onerous to think about that the Pixel sequence might have ended up very comparable with out Tensor. The Galaxy S24 sequence, as an illustration, helps Gemini Nano, enabling the identical Gemini chat and another capabilities because the Pixel 9s. The telephone additionally sports activities Circle to Search, stay translation, and AI-imagine modifying instruments. Granted, the Galaxy S24 sequence just isn’t fairly as AI-rich because the Pixel 9, and others are a lot additional behind, however that’s in all probability extra of a software program growth/funding subject than a {hardware} one. Not forgetting that each are nonetheless depending on the cloud for a lot of their AI options, so the chipset doesn’t matter in any respect in these situations.t

You additionally don’t need to look far to see smartphones providing glorious picture seize capabilities, whether or not it’s Xiaomi’s good software program bokeh, vivo’s handheld astrophotography, or Samsung’s stable HDR implementation. Positive, Google has some fascinating additions, like Add Me and Prime Shot, however once more, it’s onerous to consider these couldn’t run on different platforms (although solely Google is aware of for sure). Even Apple is shortly closing the AI software program hole with its new Clear Up picture modifying instrument.

Google isn’t the one one doing AI, it’s supposed forte, and it’s not even clear that its chip is miles out in entrance in relation to AI efficiency. Qualcomm and MediaTek are fast to say massive in relation to quantity crunching as nicely, and sooner or later, Google goes to wish an as but illusive killer Tensor unique to justify the funding. Nevertheless, customers are ambivalent in regards to the newest tech buzzword. Google may need all its eggs within the incorrect basket.

Regardless of the way it sounds, I’m not down on Google’s Tensor mission. The trendy Pixel sequence has been, and continues to be, completely good. I’m simply unsure how a lot of that we are able to attribute to Tensor itself and whether or not it’s been well worth the tradeoffs, particularly now the Pixel 9 prices as a lot as its rivals. My intestine says Snapdragon-inside would have been simply as succesful and possibly even much less problem-prone. However maybe with out {custom} silicon, Google wouldn’t have had the drive to develop so many software program options to leverage the {hardware}. In the end, whether or not Tensor has been good or unhealthy for the Pixel sequence is a thought experiment with out a good reply.

All of the above mentioned, Tensor’s finest days might nonetheless be but to return. Subsequent 12 months’s Tensor G5 for the Pixel 10 sequence is anticipated to deliver some massive modifications as Google goes it alone. Though I’ll say that tentatively, as letting go of Samsung’s hand has already prompted Google to overlook its first deadline, and there’s no assure in-house growth can be issue-free.

The Tensor G5 can be constructed at TSMC (presumably on 3nm) fairly than Samsung Foundry, paving the way in which for a extra environment friendly chip with extra headroom for further efficiency if wanted on the inevitable Pixel 10. Ending reliance on Samsung additionally opens the door for a wider vary of parts that might propel the consumer expertise ahead. We don’t know the specifics but, however the doubtful Exynos modem might make approach for Snapdragon, as an illustration. We’d see a extra bold GPU setup for players, however that is all very speculative at this stage. I’m not satisfied we’ll see a serious departure from Google’s present growth ethos that may instantly propel the Tensor G5 to the highest of the benchmark charts, particularly if we take Google at its phrase about not being too bothered about traditional efficiency metrics.

Nevertheless, we’re sure to see next-generation Google-developed parts contained in the Tensor G5, which might elevate these Pixel-specific advantages and actually make the chipset (and next-gen telephones) stand aside from the competitors. An improved TPU for AI processing is inevitable after this 12 months’s hiatus, and it’ll be fascinating to see how this pairs with Gemini for next-gen on-device workloads. An upgraded Titan safety enclave would even be vital if we wish these instruments to play properly with our most delicate data. Computational pictures, after all, will doubtless be in line for some upgraded inner parts within the ISP and DSP departments, making for much more highly effective picture software program instruments. All of the issues that make Pixels create might be made even better with the G5. Right here’s hoping.

Wanting again over the previous 4 years, Tensor has in all probability been successful, however I don’t assume it’s fairly lived as much as its full potential. You haven’t missed out on a lot when you shopped elsewhere, although the Pixel 9 is difficult that even with out a meaningfully new chip. With AI now a shortly evolving differentiator within the cellular house and probably greater modifications coming with the Tensor G5, I’m optimistic that Google’s efforts pays greater dividends within the close to future. I may need solely simply laid arms on the Pixel 9, however deliver on the Pixel 10 already.