Highlights
1. Google’s Pixel devices prioritize smart features over benchmark performance. The focus is on improving power efficiency rather than topping benchmark scores.
2. The Google Tensor G3 chip, which has one more CPU core than conventional chips, performs similarly to Apple’s three-year-old A14 chip in the 3DMark Wildlife Extreme GPU test. This may be disappointing for a flagship phone.
3. The Tensor G3 chip performs 1.5 times worse than the Dimensity 9200 chip in tests, but it achieves similar power efficiency.
4. The improved power efficiency of the Tensor G3 chip is significant for Pixel fans because it suggests that the Pixel 8 series devices may not overheat as much as the Pixel 7 series.
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Test Results: Google Tensor G3 Falls Behind in Benchmarks
Google’s Pixel devices have never been known for their raw power or high rankings in benchmark scores. Instead, Google focuses on incorporating smart features into their devices. However, the power efficiency of Google’s Tensor chips has often lagged behind. In order to assess the improvements in power efficiency on the Tensor G3, various tests were conducted.
Golden Reviewer conducted a series of tests to determine if the performance and power efficiency of the Tensor G3 have been enhanced. The Tensor G3 comes equipped with one additional CPU core compared to the standard configuration (1x Cortex-X3 + 4x A715 + 4x A510) and an ARM Mali-G715 GPU.
Benchmarks show lower performance
Unfortunately, in the 3DMark Wildlife Extreme GPU test, the Tensor G3 performed similarly to Apple’s A14 chip, which was released three years ago. For a flagship phone, this is quite disappointing, as it should be able to handle demanding games with ease.
GSMArena compared the Tensor G3 to the Dimensity 9200, which shares the same Mali-G715 GPU but is fabricated on TSMC’s nodes. In contrast, Google collaborates with Samsung for the fabrication of their chips, and this has been a weak point for Tensor chips in the past. According to Golden Reviewer, Samsung Foundry’s 4LPP node is nearly two generations behind TSMC’s 4nm node.
In the tests conducted, the Dimensity 9200 outperformed the Tensor G3 by 1.5 times. However, the Tensor G3 managed to achieve similar power efficiency. Transitioning to the GFXBench Aztec test (using the Vulkan/Metal back end and running at 1440p offscreen), the Dimensity 9200 scored nearly double that of the Tensor G3, while maintaining a similar level of efficiency.
Improved efficiency is significant
The crucial point to note here is that Google has successfully matched the efficiency of TSMC-fabricated silicon. However, real-life scenarios may yield varying results.
These results suggest that Pixel 8 series devices may not experience as much overheating as the Pixel 7 series. This is excellent news for Pixel fans, as overheating and related issues have been major barriers preventing the Pixel from surpassing its current status as one of the top contenders in the market.
