Google Tensor G3: Unveiling Google's New 9-Core Flagship SoC
Discover Google's latest flagship SoC, the Tensor G3, featuring powerful performance and outstanding photography capabilities. Is it enough to compete with industry leaders? Find out in our in-depth review.
Google has unveiled its latest flagship SoC for 2023, the Tensor G3, succeeding last year's Tensor G2. This SoC is already featured in Google's Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones. Google, once reliant on third-party chip manufacturers like Qualcomm, has been designing its own SoCs since 2021, and the Tensor G3 is a testament to their commitment to innovation.
Key Specifications of the Tensor G3
- CPU Cores:
- Prime cores: 1x ARM Cortex X3 (2.91GHz)
- Big cores: 4x ARM Cortex A715 (2.37GHz)
- Small cores: 4x ARM Cortex A510 (1.7GHz)
- GPU: Mali G715 MP10
- ISA: ARMv9
- Fabrication Process: 4nm Samsung
- RAM: LPDDR5X (16GB)
- Storage: UFS 3.1
- ISP: Pixel Neural Core
- Camera Support: Up to 200MP
- Video Support: 4K HDR @60fps
- Connectivity: 4G, 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 7, USB, GPS
Performance of the Google Tensor G3
The Tensor G3 boasts a 9-core architecture with performance cores including 1x ARM Cortex X3 (2.9GHz) and 4x ARM Cortex A715 (2.37GHz). These cores handle resource-intensive tasks such as gaming and heavy applications. Coupled with the Mali G715 GPU, this combination offers impressive processing power. Additionally, power-efficient cores (4x ARM Cortex A510) manage light tasks and optimize battery life.
It's essential to note that while the Tensor G3 delivers strong performance, it falls short of industry leaders like the Apple A17 Pro, Dimensity 9200+, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The Tensor G3 is on par with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2.
Similar SoCs in terms of performance include:
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (Poco F5 Pro, OnePlus 10T, Motorola Edge 30 Ultra)
- Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (Poco F5, Redmi Note 12 Turbo, Realme GT Neo 5 SE)
- Google Tensor G3 (Pixel 8, 8 Pro)
- Dimensity 9000 (OnePlus Nord 3 5G, Tecno Phantom X2 Pro, Vivo X80 5G)
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Oppo Find X5 Pro)
- Apple A14 Bionic (iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max)
- Exynos 2200 (Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra)
- MediaTek Dimensity 8200 (Xiaomi 13T)
RAM and Storage on the Tensor G3
The Tensor G3 supports LPDDR5 RAM with a maximum capacity of 16GB and is compatible with UFS 4.0 storage. This ensures a smooth and responsive user experience, making it well-suited for devices powered by this SoC.
Multimedia (Camera and Video Performance)
With support for camera resolutions of up to 200MP and the inclusion of a Pixel Neural Core for image and video processing, the Tensor G3 excels in multimedia capabilities. It can record 8K videos at 30fps and 4K HDR videos at 60fps, making it ideal for photography and videography enthusiasts.
Connectivity Range of the Tensor G3
The Tensor G3 is a next-gen SoC, providing 5G connectivity along with support for older network technologies like 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G. It also features Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 7, ensuring seamless wireless connectivity options.
Conclusion:
While the Google Tensor G3 stands out with its impressive photography capabilities, it falls behind other flagship SoCs from industry leaders in overall performance. Before considering a Pixel 8 or 8 Pro, it's essential to recognize that the Tensor G3's strength lies in its photography prowess, and this should factor into your purchasing decision.