It seems Google might be making a questionable choice again with its Tensor-class chips. The upcoming Tensor G6 System-on-a-Chip (SoC) will likely use a graphics processing unit (GPU) that originally came out in 2021. A few months ago, we criticized Google for using old ARM CPU cores in the Tensor G5 chip.
Good news on the CPU front, though: recent leaks suggest Google will use the latest ARM C1 Ultra and C1 Pro CPU cores in the Tensor G6. The single powerful core will run at 4.11GHz. However, unlike its predecessor’s eight-core design, the Tensor G6 appears to have a seven-core setup (1+4+2). This change probably comes from a need to cut costs.
But the latest bit of news is much harder to accept. A source from the Mystic Leaks Telegram channel, quoted by Android Authority, now reveals that the Google Tensor G6 chip will feature the PowerVR CXT-48-1536 GPU, which launched back in 2021.
Google is reportedly counting on this five-year-old GPU. It seems the company is strangely focused on making the Tensor G6 chip as small as possible. Google hopes the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) will handle some of the workload, especially for AI tasks. We have no doubt this odd choice will help Google save money, especially as memory costs keep going up. However, this is truly unfortunate for buyers of the Pixel 11 series.
On a positive note, the upcoming SoC will launch with the new Titan M3 security chip. For those who don’t know, Google’s Titan security chips offer hardware-level protection for user data, including encryption keys and fingerprint information.
This decision to potentially use an older GPU raises concerns about the overall performance of the Pixel 11 series, especially for graphics-intensive apps and games. While Google might rely on its NPU for AI, a powerful GPU is still crucial for a smooth user experience in many other areas. Consumers expect cutting-edge performance from premium smartphones, and using a GPU from 2021 might disappoint some.
