Tensor G4: The core of Google’s smartphone vision

Tensor G4
Tensor G4

Key Points:

  • The Tensor G4 maintains Google’s focus on security and AI enhancements.
  • Standard ARM v9-A cores show slight performance improvement over the Tensor G3.
  • Google’s design philosophy prioritizes balanced performance over raw power.

Google’s Tensor G4 chip has surfaced in leaks, revealing a continuation of the company’s distinctive approach to smartphone processors. Although specifics remain scarce, early benchmarks suggest modest improvements over its predecessor, the Tensor G3. This isn’t surprising given Google’s consistent design philosophy, prioritizing specific enhancements over sheer power.

The Tensor G4 features ARM v9-A cores in a 1-3-4 arrangement, a standard setup that delivers incremental performance gains. While these benchmarks might not excite the average user, they confirm Google’s steady path. Unlike Apple and Qualcomm, who often push the envelope with high-powered, turbocharged processors, Google’s strategy is more measured.

This new processor, like its predecessor, won’t be a top performer in gaming or intensive CPU/GPU tasks. Instead, it shines where Google sees the most value: security and artificial intelligence. This focus is evident in the incremental yet meaningful improvements seen in the transition from the G2 to the G3, and now to the G4.

In the past, the power of a phone chip was often judged by its clock speed and raw performance. However, Google diverges from this path. By balancing various key aspects, Google aims to create a more holistic and effective smartphone experience. Each generation of Tensor chips builds upon this philosophy, offering a blend of practical performance and advanced features tailored to enhance everyday use.