Tensor G4 in Pixel 9 isn’t a big performance upgrade, but the modem is

Written on 08/01/2024
Taylor Bell


Google Pixel 9’s New Modem and Satellite Connectivity

Google’s upcoming Tensor G4 chip was never going to be a major upgrade, especially as it’s just a final stop-gap before the arrival of fully custom Tensor chips produced through TSMC. But that doesn’t mean it can’t have a meaningful boost for users, and it seems that will come in the form of improved battery consumption and heat through a better modem within the Pixel 9 series.

The Pixel 9 series chip has a new 1+3+4 layout comprised of a single Cortex-X4 core, three Cortex-A720 cores, and four Cortex-A520 cores. Those are all newer cores compared to Tensor G3, which used Cortex-X3 for the main CPU core and older generations of the other two core types. Clock speeds across the board are also going up.

A recent leak sheds light on how the upcoming Google Pixel 9 modem will handle satellite connectivity using Android 15. Here are the key details:

Exynos Modem 5400:

  • The Google Pixel 9 will introduce the new Exynos Modem 5400.
  • This modem is expected to be “faster and more power-efficient” than the last-gen Exynos Modem 5300 used in both Tensor G2 and G3 chips.
  • The upgraded software stack should also enhance stability.

Tensor G4 Chipset:

  • The Exynos Modem 5400 will be part of the all-new Tensor G4 chipset.
  • The Pixel 9 series will be the first to support Google’s satellite connectivity implementation in Android 15.
  • The satellite-based text-only service will initially be powered by T-Mobile, with other networks possibly joining later.

Satellite Gateway App:

  • A new Satellite Gateway app will allow users to get in touch with emergency services using an onboard feature called “Emergency SOS.”
  • The app will prompt users with preset questions related to the emergency situation.
     

Pixel Fold 2 and 5G Tablet:

  • The Pixel Fold 2 is also expected to use the same Tensor G4/Exynos Modem 5400 combo.
  • Additionally, an under-development 5G Pixel tablet codenamed “clementine” will feature the same SoC.
  • In summary, the Google Pixel 9 series is poised to lead the way in satellite connectivity, offering improved hardware and emergency communication features.