EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Google Pixel 9's TENSOR G4!

[@TomsGuideUS]

What feature are you most excited about that the Tensor G4 will unlock? 📱

[@mikldude9376]

I dunno , i`m a bit old school , while i can see the AI has some good points , but to me a lot of it still seems fairly gimmicky ( sorry pixel team ) , i have an 8 pro which already has some of the photo AI stuff on it , and i am a bit of a camera dude but less so with a smart phone , though i appreciate what a smart phone can do , i like the old ways of taking photos using skill and good hardware/glass rather than AI . i`m a bit of a dinosaur i guess . My pixel 8 pro prompts me to have a go at gemini fairly often , from what i have read if you use gemini it reduces functionality of the on phone assistant . Looking at Gemini in the playstore and reviews , it is not always glowing reviews . I`m not sold on the AI .

[@Chayoeverett]

You should use Gemini for a few minutes one day just to see how terrible and slow it is. And Google is using Gemini as a reason the phones are more expensive...

[@albundy06]

None. The silicon unlocks nothing. All the software gimmick BS is locked by artificial software locks. How about you do your job as the tech media and tell like it is.

[@JahedShaikh]

It's very disappointing from Google. She literally changed the subject when he asked about G4.

[@JahedShaikh]

Is this a question about G4 or Gemini? Why is the title so wrong?

[@ChaimS]

I think I put my finger on what's bothering people about this interview. This interview really seems more like a B2B discussion, not B2C. They're talking about things the most consumers just don't care about, and are completely ignoring the problems everyday people have, like how Gemini is missing crucial Google Assistant functions, how Pixels thermal throttle or even thermal power down way way before other flagships, Or how the Fold's software is a long second to Samsung's. This interview did nothing to address why regular consumers don't buy pixels, and instead was like a business pitch.

[@hermanwooster8944]

You've nailed it. I've yet to see any significant consumer interest in AI and have even found pockets of resistance from tech enthusiasts. It's primarily being pushed by businesses hoping to monetize AI, which is why this video appears to target the business community.

[@bprabawabr]

To be fair they did cover power efficiency

[@CliffR]

This interview seems to be all about features/gimmicks and not performance of Tensor (which has historically been a poor performer)

[@hermanwooster8944]

That's because the G4 is not the chip to fix the poor performance. It's being produced by Samsung like the previous ones. The G5 is more likely to fix it. That one will be made by TSMC next year.

[@mateogiordano2735]

​@@hermanwooster8944 Actually yes, Tensor G4 is based on the same 4nm wafer for E2400. So there will be a considerable improvement in efficiency and temperatures.

[@CerandoX]

@@hermanwooster8944 You think the manufacturer is more important than chip design? If the Tensor G4 was produced by TSMC it would also be a poor performer, only on a smaller 3nm process so it could or would have better performance, but still poor in comparison to a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the Gen4 and A18 Pro are just around the corner. Besides that, who cares about their intentions for the future, we compare real world performance right now between phones and we are not living in 2025.

[@hermanwooster8944]

@@CerandoX Chip fabrication plays a significant role in thermal control. Better thermals mean better performance, but yes, Google needs to step up their design as well.

[@JohnConnor-ij1jk]

Yes! They talk a lot in this interview, without actually saying very much at all.

[@romsg2255]

So you made a custom exynos chip with power efficiency 3 generations behind Qualcomm and Mediatek. Great fucking job 👍. These 2 lied through their teeth during the whole interview. Tensor G4 throttles over twice as much than comparable Qualcomm and Mediatek chips. All this AI bullshit is made up. It can and does run on other phones. Like some of this stuff has literally been ported to the Pixel 5 💀. Not only that, the Tensor G3 got absolutely crushed by the 8 gen 3 in every AI/ML benchmark we have.

[@ninaadleo]

Tensor G4, the only reason I'll skip 9 series, that processing power isn't good enough

[@ColonelFusion]

I've got a Galaxy S22 Ultra and it might be a marginal upgrade for me. I was intrigued but not anymore. Plus, I've already seen them getting smack hard about their abysmal trade in values. I'm rooting for Pixel.. but they've got a lot of catching up to do. Quality and functionality needs to hit right out of the box.. no more "we'll fix it in post" with software fixes.

[@johnnykeener3727]

Android!

[@WeaponGrade]

I have Pixel 8 Pro. It has two very annoying issues: 1. It stutters when scrolling fast. 2. Dialing numbers on the phone app is very lagy and unsatisfying. It is embarrassing to have these simple issues in 2024. I rather have these items fixed before caring for AI on my phone. Does P9 address these problems?

[@dr.emilyacevedo812]

I never had that. I did have the smaller model.

[@ColonelFusion]

The Tensor processors are about 3-4 years behind Snapdragon and Apple processors. Google "Tensor G3 benchmarks" to get started on the rabbit hole.

[@Eclipzebass]

It doesn't it's literally almost the same as the pixel 8 pro processor and has the same GPU I'm selling it for a iPhone I had a OnePlus 12 before and it was so much better. The battery life sucks on the pixel and lags when I text more than a paragraph.

[@piyush83dimri]

Nothing much to know about SoC details from this interview apart from AI. I wish they could have asked more detailed questions.

[@Markus56165]

Google 100% instructed them on what they could or couldn't ask.

[@ColonelFusion]

@@Markus56165 I believe that 100. Nothing great is leaking about the Tensor G4. So far it's looking on par with my old Galaxy S22 running the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. But worse, G4 thermal throttling isn't looking great. You can tell they are trying to keep things quiet!!! It's just another year to pass and wait for the next Pixel.

[@WildAsDaTaliban]

Nobody gives a fuck about AI gimmicks.

[@aryanagrawal5329]

I just dont understand if you got the opportunity to talk to tensor team why dont u ask the performance compared to the same price model phone which have 8 gen 3 😢😢😢😢😢

[@markspoonauer5360]

I actually did ask about performance but we will definitely benchmark vs Gen 3 in our review

[@aryanagrawal5329]

@@markspoonauer5360 it's definitely worse then the 8 gen 2 you should have asked them why it is so underpowered and how they can sell this chip in that price shame to google 😞😞😞😞

[@markspoonauer5360]

@@aryanagrawal5329 Well we don't know that for sure yet but if it is that will be a problem

[@aryanagrawal5329]

@@markspoonauer5360 I mean how don't you know all the leaks show that its just a modest upgrade compared to pixel 8 pro tensor g3 I mean when you go for the interview don't u research about everything and then go I mean look at the tensor g3 it was the worst chip compared to 8 gen 3 and apple a17 pro

[@markspoonauer5360]

@@aryanagrawal5329 Yes we have covered the leaked benchmarks in fact but leaked is not the same as official final results and I knew they would not comment on that. We'll see how it performs but point taken

[@dhruvkumar6139]

Whata crap answers they've given 🤣🤣🤣 Because processor is already crap

[@Chayoeverett]

"benchmarks might not capture what you want" sure, but two things can be true. Benchmarks can be inaccurate and the Pixel can also still be underpowered for the price (it is). Also it's HILARIOUS to see googles team talk about Q U A L I T Y. Until that obsession with quality comes to the hardware it will continue to not matter. Let's see if the P9's will be as slippery as all Pixels have always been for the NINTH time

[@markspoonauer5360]

It's a fair point about quality and quality control. A lot of the Pixel phones have impressed initially only to encounter issues later that need to be addressed. Hopefully the quality control will improve this time

[@umeshdaivanayagam5097]

Similar to paid promotion. Nothing interesting 😃

[@mrdadecounty3056]

I get tired of saying this and I swear to God. I feel like I work for Google and it's just because it's annoying when people want something to be turned into what it's not supposed to be. I'm a gamer and that pisses me off every time I see a review and the game is made to be a single player experience. Oh, it doesn't have multiplayer so we're going to give it a negative review or we're going to take points off. Why? Why are you trying to force developers, engineers? Whatever it is to make something that was not made to be that way. If you don't like it, it was not made for you. Do not buy it. It's simple. It's the same concept with the pixel. If all you care about is a bunch of benchmarks and hard numbers on paper then guess what the pixel was not made for you. So keep on with your Samsung and your OnePluses and your Huawei. That's the phone that was made for you. They don't care about the experience the way Google does they care about. That's why their UI it's trash. I don't care what you say why ways no matter what Huawei the all those Chinese phones that are beautiful and they have amazing specs and the biggest battery and all these super high charging speeds and a thousand megapixels on your camera. They don't care about the software experience. They're not trying to put. They're not trying to build a software that's coherent. That's not where they're focused and you can tell because if they put all their money into their r&D, the software experience on those phones would be night and day. It would rival even apples, but that's not where there are in the go to them. They get more success about putting hard numbers and basically being in the media on. Oh they got the best benchmarks and this and that that's what they care about. But if you look at the majority of all these large KZbinrs, none of them used as a daily phone, any of those phones unless they're reviewing it. Why? Because they even said it, they always go back to the pixel or the iPhone. Why? Because of the experience that is what Google is building. The experience you get with an iPhone or an Apple product is what Google is doing and eventually it's going to come down to where it's going to be Google versus Apple and it's going to stay that way because when everybody like Samsung and Wawa and OnePlus and all these people are just putting hard numbers into hardware and trying to make the best chip the best GPU the most megapixels the this the that the highest battery life they can fit on a stainless phone. None of that is part of the experience. It feels nice in your hands. It looks nice. Oh yes, it's super smooth because the most powerful chips on the planet, but then you go into it. You start using the actual software is not Android anymore. That is the reason why Google started working on fuchsia. That is eventually going to be where the pics was going to work with. Android software but it's not going to be an Android device. Android is going to completely stay open and it's going to stay for Samsung for all these other companies and Google's eventually going to lockdown Fusion like an iPhone does with iOS and that's going to be the pixel device. You're not going to be able to get that experience on any other device, but Android is going to stay around and it's going to continue to stay open for everybody else. That is the part that nobody knows where Google is headed and you will know in about 3 more years when it starts to become more and more full. That's why Google has been testing fusion on their home devices because eventually it's going to be a device that is going to look and function exactly the same on every single device

[@suryakantsoni20]

I don't think Google's Tensor chips are good enough to last 4 years without issues. Promise of 7 years of updates makes more sense with Snapdragon chips.

[@syedhussaink9822]

They should explain how they fixed heating issue and battery from previous tenor chipset

[@sundarrajn1003]

While these gimmicks are fine. There are many fundamental issues that are simply not acceptable in 24. Like, heating issues, stuttering issues needs to be fixed. Network issues, which is simply not acceptable.

[@katinasoutherland7693]

All i care about is battery and efficiency which were completely gloss over I will stop watching thanks 🙏

[@MatthewRobbinsColumbusOhio]

"But what really makes this phone standout is the Tensor G4 chip" 😂

[@codyjohnson3893]

There are videos showing how Google outperforms other phones under heavy stress even with subpar benchmark numbers. Just because a car has more horsepower, doesn't make it the fastest around the track.

[@ColonelFusion]

Never seen such videos! lol

[@imseein]

All I cared about is the power efficiency, not when using the AI, but when the phone is using the 5G modem.

[@wolpumba4099]

*Inside the Google Pixel 9's Tensor G4 Chip: AI, Performance, and Efficiency* * *0:00** Introduction:* The Tensor G4 chip is highlighted as the key differentiator for the Google Pixel 9, powering its AI capabilities. * *0:30** Tensor G4's Standout Features:* The G4 is the first smartphone chip to run Gemini Nano with multimodality, enabling features like Pixel Screenshots and Add Me. [From ChaimS' Comment] However, this interview might feel more like a business discussion (B2B) rather than focusing on the needs of everyday consumers (B2C). * *1:23** Gemini Nano on a Phone:* DeepMind collaborated with the Tensor and Pixel teams to develop a compact, efficient version of Gemini for on-device AI processing. * *2:40** G4 Improvements:* The G4 offers significant efficiency and performance improvements over previous generations, resulting in faster web browsing, app launches, and a smoother UI. [From CliffR's and WeaponGrade's Comments] Some users are skeptical about the performance claims, citing issues like stuttering and lag in previous Tensor chips. * *3:15** Gaming Performance:* The G4 also demonstrates improvements in both peak and sustained gaming performance. [From romsg2255's and aryanagrawal5329's Comments] Others express concerns about the Tensor's performance compared to competitors like Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, particularly in AI/ML benchmarks. * *3:27** Overcoming AI Intimidation:* Pixel Tips will help users explore and understand the new AI-powered features on the Pixel 9. * *4:13** Addressing Privacy Concerns:* Pixel Screenshots processes data locally on the device, ensuring privacy. [From piyush83dimri's and sundarrajn1003's Comments] Many users are interested in improvements to fundamental issues like heating, battery life, and network connectivity, which were not addressed in detail. * *5:09** Balancing Performance and Efficiency:* The Pixel 9's design considers the entire system to optimize thermal performance and battery life, with features like a vapor chamber in the Pro model for enhanced heat dissipation. [From Chayoeverett's and syedhussaink9822's Comments] Several users are critical of the Tensor's power efficiency, particularly regarding 5G modem usage. * *7:45** Rethinking Performance Metrics:* Real-world use cases, such as web browsing speed, app launch times, UI responsiveness, and camera speed, are now more important performance indicators than synthetic benchmarks. [From ninaadleo's and kpehe100's Comments] Some users believe the Tensor G4's processing power is not sufficient for its price point. * *8:39** Gemini Nano Performance Evaluation:* DeepMind focuses on evaluating Gemini Nano based on specific use cases rather than solely relying on academic benchmarks like MLU, also considering factors like battery consumption and latency. [From Ellifiknow's and dhruvkumar6139's Comments] Some users are skeptical about the Tensor's ability to compete with Apple's silicon, citing issues like overheating and slower performance. * *11:03** Quality Over Numbers:* The quality of AI responses and output (e.g., photo quality) is increasingly important, alongside traditional performance metrics. [From PaulPhillipsUK's and malcontent_1's Comments] There is a general sentiment that Google's Tensor chips are significantly behind competitors in terms of performance and efficiency. * *11:25** AI Evaluating AI:* Larger Gemini models are being used to evaluate the quality of smaller models (Gemini Nano), speeding up iteration and development. [From umeshdaivanayagam5097's and Howie_fish's Comments] Several users express frustration with Google's focus on AI features while neglecting core performance and user experience aspects. * *12:02** Conclusion:* The Tensor G4 promises to deliver a smarter and more efficient smartphone experience, but its success will depend on how well it addresses real-world performance concerns and user expectations. [From Chayoeverett's and johnlv7060's Comments] A significant number of users feel that the Tensor chips are fundamentally flawed and that Google should prioritize core performance improvements and address issues like overheating and poor battery life before focusing on AI features. The debate on the true capabilities and value proposition of the Tensor G4 remains a key topic of discussion among users. *Note:* The user comments were overwhelmingly negative towards the Tensor G4 chip, primarily focusing on concerns about its performance, power efficiency, and Google's prioritization of AI features over addressing core issues. This sentiment is reflected in the summary, providing a balanced perspective on the information presented in the video and the user feedback. I used gemini-1.5-pro-exp-0801 on rocketrecap dot com to summarize the transcript. Cost (if I didn't use the free tier): $0.08 Input tokens: 20569 Output tokens: 1031

[@NakamaCamping]

Things will only get interesting with the Tensor G5 when TSMC finally takes over production with its 3nm node. Everything before that is unimportant.

[@volkris]

I laugh at the issue of users being intimidated by AI because when I'm listening to something like this I just keep thinking, I have no use for that feature, in fact I'd rather that feature not exist, not because I'm intimidated but because it just seems like a bad idea in the first place. In particular the manipulation of photos to include people who aren't really there sounds actually harmful. Not a road we should be going down. But just so many AI features haven't added any value. It's a trendy solution looking for a problem.

[@Ellifiknow]

Google treats the Tensor chip like a vehicle. It doesn't have the acceleration of a Tesla, but according to Google, it processes AI like a bulldozer. However, it's hard to believe that it could not process AI faster if it had a QUALCOMM chip.

[@purian23]

Terrible background music for an interview style like that one. Low volume as well. The rest, all good and good info.

[@7XDDM]

How effective with this chip be at stealing all of my data?

[@ColonelFusion]

Use of AI tools require their own separate agreements. One's you should DEFINITELY read before agreeing to.

[@CerandoX]

The Tensor G4 indeeds stands out, because of patato performance.

[@ThomasNowicki-m5s]

tensor 4 (08.2024) 1x Arm Cortex-X4 (3.1GHz) 3x Arm Cortex-A720 (2.6GHz) 4x Arm Cortex-A520 (1.92GHz) sd3 gen3 (12.2023) 1x 3.3 GHz - Cortex-X4 3x 3.15 GHz - Cortex-A720 2x 2.96 GHz - Cortex-A720 2x 2.27 GHz - Cortex-A520 the truth: the 1 year older snapdragon 8 gen 3 is 20% more powerfull and draws at same time 20% lowewr power from the battery = more effizenz in all aspects. next part tensor is relabeld exynos and use a exynos modem that is in compare to snapdragon modems relly horrible in conection performance + power drawing... tensor is over all a 100% junk SOC in compare to Qualcoms snapdragon series. and to put 1 year later into a "NEW" google a SOC in thats is totally outdated from a 1 year old SNapdragon. what is going on with google to but trash into 1000€ phones???

[@Tayg1990]

So it's ok for Samsung to use the 8gen 3 in the s24 fe even though the s25 it's months away? Make it make sense. It's the same cores being used in tensor g4 only thing is different is the isp, tpu and security chip that's on board and of course who it was fabbed by. Google didn't prioritize high performance they had other things in mind

[@NakamaCamping]

I only care about Tensor G5 TSMC...

[@ligithanghal4042]

tensor is shit with qualcom it would have been a banger

[@kpehe100]

Exactly, we care about quality than the numbers 11:44

[@5150crazyfun]

So the vapor cooling chamber will only be on the Pro models? If so that sucks for people like me that can only afford the base model.

[@PaulPhillipsUK]

The Tensor chips are years behind Apple silicon. They run extremely hot and slow

[@mikldude9376]

Actually I saw a benchmark of pixel next to the iPhone 12 , the 12 was higher 😊.

[@frankw3123]

There is a video of someone cooking an egg in the back of iPhones on Twitter foo

[@johnlv7060]

Lag hiccup and overheat 😂

[@Howie_fish]

The screenshot app features, will it work if I’m transferring from previous phone that already have a bunch of screenshots?

[@martinongwae1931]

Exactly.. just performance and better battery life would be great … not forgetting the overheating

[@JahedShaikh]

Very disappointing Google, she is avoiding the questions. Hire THE idiots Googlemmmm

[@hermanwooster8944]

Will the G4 let me write soulless 'Dear Sydney' letters to unsuspecting athletes?

[@piyush83dimri]

What samsung node and packaging they are using ? Did they go for FOWLP

[@wide4head1]

Is this really g4? I have seen reports that g4 is not quite ready yet

[@malcontent_1]

Great conversation - thank you

[@111danish111]

What is multimodality ?

[@Chayoeverett]

Nobody wants Gemini. Nobody cares about Gemini. Tensor g4 will be disappointing just like every single year since they switched to tensor. Google has all the data in the world and chooses to ignore all that and then create useless features nobody will use based on AI that nobody (not even Google) can effectively explain. Tensor is geared toward AI but nobody can compare it to anything else- it's not faster doing ANYTHING than any other phone doing the same things but with a Qualcomm chip. Seeing tech reviewers just let Google be lazy and then praise them for features y'all know we don't care about. This year in mobile tech has been so tiresome

[@OscarLachapel]

They'll change to Qualcomm next year

[@Character-j1r]

And nobody cares about Apple intelligence.. but yall praise Apple about it .. dont hate join Pixel Family lmao

[@Chayoeverett]

@@Character-j1r I have a p8 pro. And I haven't seen ANYBODY- no real everyday person- say anything about Apple intelligence. It will be just as useless as Gemini.

[@Chayoeverett]

@@OscarLachapel and I'm sure the p10 will be 1200 Dollars. We'll see if they can make it worth it. I doubt it bc the p fold is overpriced still and I couldn't imagine what a Qualcomm chip would do to that 1800 dollar price tag. But ig the only way to make premium phones is charge an arm and a leg. And the other arm. And the other leg.

[@OscarLachapel]

@@Chayoeverett 😂😂😂 I can't deny it'll most likely be the case.. but what if just for next year they keep the current prices? It would be a killer, and the best thing is that they can afford it.. but also, with the low prices people were not buying the pixels phones as much, maybe they "had" to increase prices so they're not seen as a sub-par option.. this is the world we live in 😔

[@Ellifiknow]

Interesting how they dress like they have no respect for their audience, but they surround themselves with a nice room and decor. Judging by the way they have dressed, why didn't they have the interview in the bathroom? They would not dress like this to get a bank loan. So, they respect bankers more than their customers, which makes them hypocrites.

[@chancesareshewears]

I'm concerned that the 4XL has a better PPI and display than the 8 and 9 series

[@Betancourtdm]

I wouldn't be concerned. Are you talking about the base Pixel or the series as a whole? I am using a P8P and the screen is extremely sharp

[@mikldude9376]

Oh you mean the Pixel 4XL with 444 nits of display brightness :) , that pixel 4XL ? , i dont think you need to worry about the current generation of pixels bud , they are decently sharp , colorful and have very good brightness.

[@Chayoeverett]

I still have my og 4xl and the screen is the worst aspect of the phone I have no idea what you're on about 😅.