Google’s Tensor G4 Raises Questions About Pixel 9 AI Capabilities

The upcoming Google Pixel 9’s processor, the Tensor G4, is reportedly a minor upgrade from its predecessor, raising questions about Google’s strategy for feature distribution across Pixel generations.

Tensor G4’s limited improvements: The Pixel 9’s processor is expected to be the smallest change in the series to date, with little to no upgrade in its AI capabilities:

• The Tensor G4 reportedly features the same third-generation TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) as the Tensor G3, running at identical clock speeds.
• Google reportedly missed deadlines for a more powerful custom chipset, which will now be delayed until the Pixel 10.
• The CPU and GPU upgrades appear insufficient to significantly enhance AI processing capabilities.

Implications for Pixel 8 users: The similarities between the Tensor G4 and G3 processors suggest that Pixel 8 devices should be capable of running most, if not all, of the Pixel 9’s upcoming AI features:

• Core components like the DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for camera algorithms remain unchanged from the previous generation.
• The identical TPU, which is central to Google’s on-device AI capabilities, further supports the idea that Pixel 8 devices could handle new features.
• This raises questions about Google’s motivations for potentially withholding new features from Pixel 8 devices, with upselling the Pixel 9 being a possible reason.

Google’s Feature Drops track record: The company’s history with Feature Drops has been inconsistent, leaving uncertainty about future feature distribution:

• While Google has introduced numerous new features to the Pixel lineup over time, some promised features like Zoom Enhance are still pending.
• There’s no guarantee that all of Google’s latest AI features will be available for the Pixel 9 at launch, let alone older models.
• The similarities between the Tensor G4 and G3 make it more feasible than in previous years for Pixel 8 devices to receive Pixel 9 features, albeit potentially with a delay.

RAM considerations: Memory capacity could be a limiting factor for some AI features:

• On-device AI is RAM-intensive, which is why the base Pixel 8 initially didn’t ship with Gemini Nano, while the Pixel 8 Pro with 12GB RAM did.
• Leaked information suggests the Pixel 9 will have 12GB of RAM, with Pro models featuring 16GB.
• This memory increase may result in a fragmented AI feature set across different Pixel models and generations.

Strategic crossroads for Google: The minor processor upgrade presents both challenges and opportunities for Google’s Pixel strategy:

• Google must balance relying on hardware upgrades to sell the Pixel 9 with the potential to showcase software features that transcend generations.
• This situation raises questions about the meaning of Google’s promise of seven years of updates and whether it includes cutting-edge features throughout a device’s lifespan.
• Google has the opportunity to position the Pixel series as an evolving platform for advanced AI technology, regardless of the generation, but at the potential cost of diminishing the Pixel 9’s unique appeal.

Looking ahead: Balancing innovation and loyalty: Google faces a crucial decision in how it approaches feature distribution across Pixel generations:

• The company could leverage this opportunity to demonstrate that its best software features can work across multiple device generations, potentially increasing customer loyalty.
• However, this approach might require sacrificing some of the Pixel 9’s exclusivity and prestige.
• The outcome of this decision could significantly impact how consumers perceive the value proposition of the Pixel series and influence future purchasing decisions.