Google's highly anticipated Tensor G4 chip, set to power the upcoming Pixel 9 series, has recently made headlines after disappointing scores were spotted on Geekbench 5.
In a move reminiscent of Apple's strategy, Google ventured into the realm of self-developed chips in 2021 with the launch of the Pixel 6 lineup, featuring its custom Tensor chip. Now, with the impending release of the Pixel 9, the fourth iteration of this custom System on Chip (SoC) is expected. However, unlike Apple's successful A series chips, Google's Tensor chips have struggled to match up in terms of performance. An alleged Geekbench listing suggests that the upcoming Tensor G4 chip may further exacerbate this issue.
According to the purported Geekbench score, the Tensor G4 chip is undergoing structural changes and has achieved a score approximately 19% lower than its predecessor, the Tensor G3 chip found in the Pixel 8. Interestingly, the Tensor G4 is also rumored to power the upcoming Pixel Fold 2.
The alleged Geekbench score, shared by @QaM_Section31 and subsequently reported by NoteBookCheck, indicates that the Tensor G4 chip features an 8-core CPU and has been spotted in a device codenamed "Google Tokay." This is a departure from the Tensor G3 chip, which boasted nine cores, making the configuration of an eight-core CPU somewhat unconventional.
However, it's essential to approach these benchmark scores with caution, as they may not always provide an accurate reflection of real-world performance and can be easily manipulated. Additionally, the benchmarking website suggests that the Tensor G4 chip includes an Arm Mali G715 GPU.
The key takeaway from the benchmarking scores is the notable decrease in performance compared to its predecessor.