TensorFlow G4 Performance Benchmark: A Comparative Analysis of Efficiency on the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL Devices

The Pixel 9 series debuts with the Tensor G4 processor, which exhibits little discernible difference from its predecessor last year. Google is set to integrate Arm’s latest processor cores, potentially featuring slightly increased clock speeds and a fresh Exynos modem, marking the most significant upgrade to this year’s silicon design.

It’s clear that the Tensor G4’s performance in everyday usage is comparable to that of the G3, as determined by my own experiments with and. While the phones might perform adequately in everyday tasks, like their Pixel 8 counterparts, they would still be hampered by the Tensor G4’s natural limitations when handling camera-intensive applications or demanding video games.

The G4 processor features a Cortex X4 core running at 3.1GHz, accompanied by three Cortex A720 cores operating at 2.6GHz, and four efficiency-oriented Cortex A520 cores that can potentially scale up to 1.92GHz. The Pixel 9’s Mali-G715 GPU features six cores, while the base model is equipped with 12GB of RAM; Professional variants, however, come standard with 16GB.

Unfortunately, Google has opted to pair the Pixel 9 series with UFS 3.1 storage across all variants, meaning that even larger models such as those offering 256GB and 512GB capacities will not benefit from the faster UFS 4.0 technology. While this may not be a pressing concern at present, designing phones to last just seven years is indeed a short-sighted approach.

Without that aside, let’s examine how the Tensor G4-powered Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL stack up against their speedy competitors.

The Tensor G4’s performance is comparable to that of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in various benchmarking tests.

I employed Vivo’s exceptional X100 Ultra to demonstrate; it unquestionably ranks as one of the most impressive smartphones I tested in 2024, boasting what is arguably the finest comprehensive camera package currently available. Qualcomm demonstrated exceptional expertise with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, boasting substantial performance enhancements that deliver a notable efficiency boost without compromising power consumption.

Comparing the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL, I’m highlighting key differences between the Tensor G4 and G3 processors introduced last year. 

Arm’s latest changes have enabled the Tensor G4 to deliver significantly higher single-core scores in Geekbench tests, yet a notable disparity persists between the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL, both powered by the same processor. Google’s Pixel 9 Professional XL, featuring a vapour chamber, may be subject to distinct energy limits and thermal constraints, which could be a significant factor in shaping its overall performance. While the standard Pixel 9 model omits the vapour chamber, this cooling technology is reserved for the Professional variants. 

Despite its impressive features, the Tensor G4’s performance lags in multi-core scoring, with any prolonged usage experiencing premature throttling. While gadgets fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 may not share this characteristic, the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL fortunately avoid overheating altogether.

The record shows that they tracked the lowest thermal performance scores for each device I tested in 2024, with Google prioritizing this aspect in its G4 product. 

Without a focus on gaming, Google remains unmoved, and the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL experience no substantial changes in this regard. Despite its impressive specs, the Pixel 9 Professional XL’s performance fell short, boasting only 78.7% stability in 3DMark’s grueling Metal Nomad Mild test, a score that trails behind other flagship devices. 

Tensor G4 outperforms its predecessor in everyday tasks, but this comes with a gaming caveat?

While the Tensor G4 doesn’t introduce revolutionary features, it does offer several improvements over its predecessor, the G3, from the past year. The upgrade to the Exynos 5400 modem has a significant impact, making itself apparent in routine daily usage. Despite optimal placement, my Pixel 8 Pro consistently fails to secure a stable cellular signal at home, while the low-power antenna struggles to maintain a reliable connection to our 5GHz Wi-Fi network.

The Google Pixel 9 Professional XL effectively resolved connectivity issues during my week-long usage, effortlessly maintaining a stable connection on my residential 5GHz network. Despite this, the performance still lags behind the Snapdragon X75 modem; all devices powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 showcased substantially improved bandwidth and a more robust signal.

Google’s latest smartphones are surprisingly limited in their photography capabilities, an unexpected shortcoming for devices designed for widespread use. While shutter lag is typically absent in everyday snapshots, portraits may incur a brief delay before images are written to the gallery, rendering rapid successive captures impossible with this setting? Here is the rewritten text:

While it’s uncommon for many high-end smartphones, I experienced this issue with the Vivo X50 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S22.

The Pixel 9 Professional XL’s gaming performance remains limited, with occasional throttling that surpasses its predecessor. Without a doubt, the Mali-G78 MP20 fails to deliver consistent frame rates in high-demanding games, trailing significantly behind the Adreno 750 by at least two generational leaps.

While overheating was once a major concern, it’s now less of an issue, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL running cooler than its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro, in comparable scenarios. While the Pixel 9 wouldn’t replicate the same benefits, it does tend to heat up during extended gaming sessions – albeit to a much lesser extent than its predecessors? It seems that Google’s settings for the Tensor G4 are excessively restrictive in terms of power consumption, implemented to prevent overheating, but this limitation comes at the cost of secure frame rates.

Are you convinced that buying the Pixel 9 is a must-have move for your mobile experience?

Following a week of usage, it becomes evident that Google has implemented several desirable refinements to the hardware. While the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL may not rival the X100 Extreme’s size, they have made significant strides over previous models, boasting few drawbacks in everyday usage. The primary obstacle remains the subpar gaming performance of these phones, which are ill-suited for handling graphically demanding games.

If you don’t mind, there’s undoubtedly a great deal to appreciate with these fresh Pixels. The construct of high-quality performance has undergone significant improvements compared to its predecessors, boasting impressive effectiveness advantages over the Tensor G3. The AI-driven features on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL models provide a significant competitive advantage, while their cameras remain unparalleled in consistency among flagship devices.