Google is gearing up for the launch of its Pixel 8 and 8 Pro flagship smartphones, which is set for October 4. Now, tech publication Android Authority has exclusively revealed key details about the next-generation Google Pixel 9 series handsets, a whole year before their eventual launch.
Google entered into the chipset business with the launch of the Pixel 6 series smartphones. The company made a pivotal shift by utilizing its own in-house chipsets in a bid to have greater control over the smartphone experience. This continued for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, which came equipped with the Google Tensor G2 chipset, manufactured on Samsung’s 5nm process.
Exynos-based Tensor G4
After getting a not-so-good response on the Tensor G2, Google planned to equip its upcoming Google Pixel 9 series smartphones with an in-house chipset produced using TSMC’s foundry. This was highlighted in a report by The Information, where they alleged that Google’s plan to create a fully custom Tensor SoC in partnership with TSMC, codenamed Redondo. However, the Android Authority report now reveals that the plan to manufacture the Google Tensor G4 in collaboration with TSMC has been postponed until at least 2025.
Custom chip to come with Pixel 10
This delay is attributed to a missed deadline, pushing the timeline for the Google Tensor G4 to 2025. The custom in-house chip is now slated to make its debut with the Google Pixel 10 series. Google primarily sources the design of its chipsets from Samsung’s Exynos chipset, with customization reserved for Pixel smartphones and this will continue for one more year.
Android Authority’s report further states that the company has created a development board known as ChallengerDeep to oversee the production of a fully customized chipset in partnership with TSMC. The company also has a development board ready for the Tensor G4 chipset that will carry the codename Zuma Pro, distinguishing it from the Zuma chipset featured in the Tensor G3. While the upcoming chipset is expected to bring minor enhancements over its predecessor, it remains to be seen how it will perform.
These revelations precede the official launch of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, offering tech enthusiasts a glimpse into what to expect from Google’s latest offerings. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the October 4th launch date.