Everything you want to know about the Pixel 8's processor leaked.
Two years ago, Google introduced Tensor — its first custom SoC for smartphones. Now, we're on our second generation unique Tensor chip, which powers the Pixel 7 series.
Tensor has allowed Google to leverage its AI expertise and build brand-new experiences that would otherwise be impossible, which have become core to the Pixel’s identity.
Thanks to a source inside Google, AndroidAuthority have gained a lot of insight into the upcoming Google Pixel 8 series of phones, as well as the SoC that will power them — Tensor G3 (codename zuma).
Thanks to a source inside Google, AndroidAuthority have gained a lot of insight into the upcoming Google Pixel 8 series of phones, as well as the SoC that will power them — Tensor G3 (codename zuma).
The Tensor G3 will feature nine CPU cores — four little Cortex-A510s, four Cortex-A715s, and a single Cortex-X3, all while raising the frequencies compared to previous generations.
The move to ARMv9 also allows Google to implement new security technologies. The Pixel 8 will feature Arm’s Memory Tagging Extensions (MTE), which can prevent some memory-based attacks.
Graphics has always been a focus of Google’s Tensor line-up. Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8 will rectify this with a predictable upgrade to the Arm Mali-G715.
Tensor G3 finally upgrades the video block. Firstly, the MFC block now supports 8K30 video decoding/encoding in H.264 and HEVC. While its video decoding capabilities remain the same (up to 4K60 AV1 video), the block now supports AV1 encoding up to 4K30. This makes Google the first smartphone brand to ship an AV1 encoder in a mobile device.
The main focus of Tensor is undoubtedly AI. Tensor G3 predictably includes a new version of the TPU — codename “Rio” and running at 1.1GHz.