As the eagerly awaited Google Pixel 8 event draws near, discussions about the Google Pixel 9 have already begun to surface, and it appears that the 2024 flagship smartphone may offer a more modest upgrade in the chipset department.
Sources cited by Android Authority indicate that the Tensor G4 chip destined for the Pixel 9 will be “semi-custom” and developed in collaboration with Samsung’s System LSI division. Furthermore, it is suggested that this chipset upgrade will likely be more incremental than initially anticipated.
In essence, Google’s long-term aspiration to produce a fully custom system-on-a-chip (SoC) for its smartphones, independently of Samsung’s involvement, may have to wait until the release of the Google Pixel 10 series in 2025.
Drawing a parallel, Android Authority compares this chip upgrade to the transition between the original Tensor chip (utilized in the Pixel 6) and the Tensor G2 chip (featured in the Pixel 7) introduced a year later—a noticeable advancement, but not a significant leap in performance.
Ultimately, Google’s goal is to emulate Apple’s approach of designing its own SoCs for its smartphones. This strategy allows for tighter integration of software and hardware, as teams within the same company collaborate closely. Moreover, Google can tailor its chipsets to suit the specific requirements of its Pixel phones, particularly in the realms of AI and advanced image processing.
However, the development of custom chipsets is a time-consuming and resource-intensive endeavor. Consequently, Google has opted to partner with Samsung for the production of the silicon inside recent Pixel phones, including the forthcoming Pixel 9.
It appears that this collaboration will persist for the Pixel 9, expected to debut later in the coming year. In the interim, tech enthusiasts can look forward to the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch 2 launches, scheduled for Wednesday, October 4. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of the event and its exciting announcements.
