Google's Tensor chips usher in new Pixel phone era with AI gains but bumpy transition from Snapdragon
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Google switched to its own Tensor chip in Pixel phones starting with Pixel 6 in 2021, moving away from Qualcomm's Snapdragon. This marked a reboot of Pixel hardware efforts.
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The transition to Tensor brought AI improvements but also some initial growing pains like overheating and modem issues. Software updates also had some bugs early on.
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Tensor enabled flagship-level performance in cheaper Pixels like the 6a. The Tensor G2 and G3 chips have shown steady if not huge gains over time.
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With the upcoming Tensor G5 chip reportedly being Google's first fully custom design, 2024 feels like the end of the Tensor transition with Snapdragon Pixels fading out.
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A key benefit of Tensor is enabling cheaper Pixel pricing than rivals. But some feel the performance and battery tradeoffs weren't worth ditching Snapdragon.