Tensor G3 graphics in Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are slower than Apple A14
Google, in collaboration with Samsung, has created the Tensor G3 processor that powers the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. Manufactured on Samsung’s 4nm process technology, the Tensor G3 boasts a 9-core configuration (1x Cortex-X3 + 4x A715 + 4x A510) and an ARM Mali-G715 graphics accelerator. Although Google did not provide detailed specifications of this graphics chip, it seems that it has 7 computing units, just like the previous Mali-G710 GPU in Tensor G2.
Social media X user under the nickname Golden Reviewer has conducted tests to evaluate the efficiency of the Tensor G3 GPU, writes GSM Arena. In the 3DMark Wildlife Extreme test, the G3’s performance was comparable to the Apple A14 and lagged behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
Interestingly, MediaTek’s Dimensity 9200, which also uses the Mali-G715 GPU (with 11 compute units) but is manufactured on TSMC’s 4nm process, significantly outperformed the Tensor G3 in terms of speed. However, both chips showed a similar level of energy efficiency.
In the GFXBench Aztec benchmark (Vulkan/Metal back end, 1440p), the Dimensity 9200 again outperformed the Tensor G3, delivering nearly twice the frame rate. However, it also consumed almost twice as much power, resulting in comparable levels of efficiency. In this test, the Tensor G3 showed only a slight improvement over its predecessor, the G2.
Another GFXBench test (v3.1), run at 1080p, found a smaller performance gap between Google and MediaTek chips and a smaller power consumption gap.
Golden Reviewer’s analysis shows that Samsung’s 4nm LPP process lags behind TSMC’s 4nm process by 1.5-2 generations. Upcoming chips such as Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300, which are expected to be introduced later this year, could further undermine Tensor G3’s competitiveness.
The upcoming Samsung Exynos 2400 chip with a GPU based on AMD RDNA 3 technology may have an architectural advantage that compensates for the lack of a process. As for Google’s future plans, it is expected that Tensor G4 will be produced at Samsung’s factory, utilizing the experience of the Exynos team. However, it is rumored that Google is working on a completely in-house development that will not depend on Samsung, with a potential release in 2025.