Pixel 9 may ship with Google’s first Tensor chipset with a custom CPU

Google’s journey towards self-reliance in smartphone chips is set to take a significant step forward with the upcoming Pixel 9 and Tensor G4 chipset. While still leveraging Samsung’s Exynos 2400 as a blueprint, the biggest news lies in the custom CPU design, marking a first for the Tensor series. This move represents a crucial stepping stone towards a fully bespoke chipset for future Pixel phones, potentially starting with the Pixel 10 and Tensor G5.

Previous Tensor iterations heavily relied on Samsung’s CPU configurations. The Tensor G1 was fully based on the Exynos 2100 that powered the Galaxy S21 series. The Tensor G2 and G3 came with a custom ARM-based GPU designed by Google but still kept the same CPU as the Exynos 2200 and Exynos 2300, respectively. However, a new report suggests that the Tensor G4 is set to break the mold with an octa-core CPU, distinct from the Exynos 2400’s deca-core setup. This suggests that the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro may ship with a Tensor G4 chipset made up of a custom CPU potentially designed by Google, marking a substantial leap in their chip development roadmap.

This shift highlights Google’s growing ambition to create fully customized Tensor chipsets. While manufacturing remains with Samsung Foundry for now, rumors suggest a potential switch to TSMC for the Tensor G5, further solidifying Google’s control over its hardware destiny.

With this latest development, Google is inching closer to its goal of offering Pixel devices powered by truly bespoke Tensor chipsets. The custom CPU in the Tensor G4 paves the way for even more tailored performance and innovation in future releases, potentially giving Google a more competitive edge in the smartphone market.