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Google‘s Tensor processors for Pixels may no longer use an ARM-based CPU designed by Samsung. The Tensor G4, which will power the Pixel 9 series later this year, could feature a Google-designed CPU based on ARM’s latest CPU cores. However, the chip might still use Samsung’s Exynos 2400 as its base.
Tensor G4 could feature a Google-designed CPU based on ARM cores
In 2021, Google introduced its Tensor chips for Pixel devices. The company teamed up with Samsung to customize the latter’s latest Exynos processors for Pixels. The first-gen Tensor chip for the Pixel 6 series used the Exynos 2100, which powered the Galaxy S21 series in some markets, as its base. Google kept the CPU and GPU configurations unchanged.
The next year, the Tensor G2 arrived as a modified Exynos 2200 but with an ARM-based GPU designed by Google. Last year’s Tensor G3 is also said to be a modified Exynos 2300, which never saw the light of day (Samsung didn’t use an Exynos chip in the Galaxy S23 series). Early rumors said the story will remain unchanged in 2024, with Google finally designing the CPU on its own with the Tensor G5 in 2025.
However, a recent Geekbench entry suggested that the Tensor G4 will come with an octa-core CPU setup. Since the Exynos 2400 has a deca-core CPU (Tensor G3 has nice CPU cores), it appeared to be a custom solution from Google. X tipster @OreXda recently claimed that it was the case. If true, the upcoming tensor chip will be the first in the lineup to feature Google’s custom CPU.
Interestingly, the source said the Tensor G4 will still be based on the Exynos 2400. While Google may have taken the responsibility of designing the CPU, GPU (uses ARM’s Mali-G715 GPU), and backend system for the chip, it might be using Samsung’s fabrication and packaging technologies. The Exynos 2400 is the first Samsung chip to feature the FOWLP (Fan-out Wafer Level Packaging) technology. It enhances the chips’ thermal management capabilities.
The Pixel Fold 2 might also feature the next-gen Tensor processor
Google launched the Pixel Fold in May 2023 with the Tensor G2 chipset. It was expected to follow up with the Pixel Fold 2 this May, with the Tensor G3 under the hood. However, rumors are that the company will delay the launch of the new foldable until the fall and ship it with the next-gen Tensor, i.e., the Tensor G4. We should get a clearer picture in the coming months.
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