While we’re patiently waiting for Google’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro to be fully launched with the upgraded Tensor 2 chipset, we’ve got word about the Tensor 3 CPU that could power the Pixel 8 when it launches next year.
according to Galaxy Club (opens in new tab) (pass 9to5Google (opens in new tab)), Samsung and Google are already testing the upgraded Tensor chipset, logically calling it Tensor 3. The third-generation chip is apparently model number S5P9865 and is being tested on a development board codenamed Ripcurrent.
This distinguishes it from the Tensor 2, whose model number is believed to be S5P9855 (and is being tested on a board codenamed Cloudripper). The original tensor chipset has the model number S5P9845, so you can see the pattern.
Chips are available
We don’t have any indication here that the Tensor 3 CPU might be more powerful – we don’t actually know much about the Tensor 2, other than that it will power the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro.
There will undoubtedly be some performance upgrades and even more AI processing power, but it’s worth noting that Google will continue to work with Samsung on these chips as the Pixel line develops. The Tensor processor is believed to be based on Samsung Exynos technology.
Speaking of Exynos, the GalaxyClub report also states that a chip may also be in development for the Exynos 1380, the successor to the Exynos 1280 currently found in several mid-range Samsung phones such as the Samsung Galaxy A53.
Analysis: Power On
While the original Tensor chipset has a lot to offer, it’s fair to say that it doesn’t match up with chipsets like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the A15 Bionic processor currently inside the iPhone 13.
However, working with Samsung to develop its own chips does mean that Google can tailor it specifically to the needs of its Pixel phones. This means making sure the architecture is suitable for the AI processing required to perform tasks using Google Assistant and the Pixel’s advanced photo processing capabilities.
For example, we know the original Tensor chip helps with face detection when taking pictures, and powers the real-time translation feature offered by the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Expect more of the same when the Tensor 3 finally shows up in phones, likely sometime next year.
Even from the standpoint that benchmark scores aren’t the most important part of mobile processor performance, Google still wants a flagship that can keep up with the competition, and it’ll be interesting to see how the new chip performs. that aspect.
