Google's new Tensor G3 chip supercharges AI capabilities for Pixel 8 phones

Google’s new Tensor G3 chip supercharges AI capabilities for Pixel 8 phones

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Shubham Sawarkar is a technology journalist at GadgetBond, covering Apple, AI, consumer technology, software, gadgets, and product launches. His work explores emerging technologies, industry developments, product...

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Oct 4, 2023, 3:13 PM EDT

Google today unveiled its latest Pixel phones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro at its highly anticipated Made by Google event. What sets these smartphones apart? Well, it’s the cutting-edge Tensor G3 System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that promises to turbocharge their AI performance.

Google first introduced the Tensor hardware with the Pixel 6, and it made quite a splash. Now, with the Pixel 8 series, the tech giant is taking its AI game to the next level. The Tensor G3 chip is at the heart of this transformation.

According to Google’s claims, the Tensor G3 allows the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to perform more than twice as many machine learning tasks on the device compared to their predecessors. Additionally, the largest machine learning model on these new phones is reported to be a staggering 10 times more complex than what was found on the Pixel 6. These leaps in AI capability underscore both Google’s impressive engineering prowess and the fierce competition among tech companies vying for supremacy in the AI arena.

While the Tensor G3 chip is undeniably faster than its predecessor, its real value lies in the array of new features it brings to the table. This year, users can expect improved Call Screen functionality, making it even more effective at filtering out spam calls. Google also promises enhanced audio and video quality, particularly for the Pixel’s Clear Calling feature. Furthermore, the “Audio Magic Eraser” feature lets you remove annoying background noises from your videos, akin to the original Magic Eraser‘s prowess in tidying up photo backgrounds.

Another noteworthy addition is the expansion of screen reading capabilities across the Pixel 8 experience, thanks to the Tensor G3. A simple long press on the power button now triggers screen reading, making it convenient for reading lengthy articles on the go. Users will also gain control over playback speed and the option to switch playback languages.

Although Google hasn’t divulged all the technical details of the Tensor G3, recent benchmark leaks suggest it’s powered by a 9-core CPU with a Cortex-X3 core humming along at 2.91GHz—a core also found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The G3 boasts 12GB of RAM and a Mali-G715 GPU. Notably, it should be significantly more power-efficient than the Tensor G2, thanks to its construction on Samsung‘s advanced 4nm process.

Google’s initial focus on AI-powered features, like the groundbreaking Night Sight, set the stage for its continued innovation in the field. Now, with the Tensor G3 chip at the helm of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, Google is poised to further solidify its leadership in the world of artificial intelligence.