Google's Plans for Tensor Chipsets: Pixel 8 Series with Tensor G3 SoC, Pixel 9 Series to Await Tensor G4 in 2025

As Google gears up for the launch of its Pixel 8 series smartphones on October 4, the company is also navigating the intricacies of its chipset strategy. While the upcoming Pixel 8 series will be powered by the Tensor G3 SoC, crafted using Samsung’s cutting-edge 4nm process, the long-term vision for Google’s chipsets appears to be evolving.

Google’s Pixel 9 Series: Enhanced Tensor Chipsets

In a strategic shift, Google seems to be delaying its fully customized Tensor chipset plans for the Pixel 9 series. Instead, the company is set to enhance the Tensor G3 SoC for the Pixel 9 lineup, addressing efficiency and heating concerns that arose with the Tensor G2 chipset found in the current Pixel 7 series.

Earlier reports had hinted at a collaboration between Google and TSMC to produce a bespoke Tensor SoC, codenamed Redondo, exclusively for the Pixel 9 series. However, due to missed deadlines, this ambitious project has been postponed until 2025. In the interim, Google aims to refine its chipset offerings.

Google’s Tensor chipsets are an amalgamation of designs, with the majority sourced from Samsung’s Exynos chipset, while Google customizes specific elements tailored to Pixel smartphones. An industry insider confirmed these developments, revealing that Google has established a dedicated development board named ChallengerDeep to oversee the creation of fully customized chipsets in partnership with TSMC.

Additionally, reports suggest that the upcoming Tensor G4 chipset will be identified as Zuma Pro, signaling incremental improvements compared to the Tensor G3. The Pixel 10 series is anticipated to introduce the culmination of Google’s chipset ambitions with fully customized Tensor chipsets.

Model Numbers for Upcoming Pixel Devices

In parallel, GSMChina has divulged the model numbers for the Google Pixel 9 series and the Google Pixel 8A smartphones. Notably, the Pixel 8A is expected to be denoted by model numbers GKV4X and GGH2X, while the Pixel 9 series will bear model numbers GRY0E, GR83Y, and GBDU9.

Extended Software Support and Pixel 8 Specifications

These developments coincide with Google’s aspiration to offer extended software support, potentially exceeding Samsung by delivering up to five major Android updates. Ahead of their official unveiling, let’s delve into the known specifications of the upcoming Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones.