The Google Pixel 9 might not get much of a chipset upgrade

Google Pixel 7a review case on sticky notes
The Google Pixel 7a (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

We're only a couple of weeks away from the big Google Pixel 8 reveal, but there's already talk of what's coming with the Google Pixel 9 – and it seems the 2024 flagship will only be offering a modest upgrade as far as its chipset goes.

According to sources speaking to Android Authority, the Tensor G4 chip fitted inside the Pixel 9 is going to be "semi-custom" and "co-designed with Samsung's System LSI division". Also, it "will most likely be a smaller upgrade than initially planned".

In other words, it looks as though Google's long-term aim of producing a fully custom system-on-a-chip (SoC) without Samsung's help is going to have to wait until 2025 and the launch of the Google Pixel 10 smartphones.

Android Authority compares the jump in performance to the one we got between the original Tensor chip (fitted inside the Pixel 6) and the Tensor G2 chip (fitted inside the Pixel 7) that came a year later – a jump, but not much of one.

Chips with everything

Ultimately, Google wants to get where Apple is: designing its own SoCs for its phones. It means software and hardware can be more tightly integrated, because teams from the same company are communicating together.

It also means Google could tailor its chips more specifically for what it wants its Pixel phones to do (think lots of AI and advanced image processing). It's a bit like building your own PC compared with picking up a pre-built one.

However, custom chipsets take a long time to develop, and need a lot of resources devoting to them – which is why Google has so far been partnering with Samsung to make the silicon that has been fitted inside recent Pixel phones.

It now seems as though that will continue for the Pixel 9, which should appear later next year. In the meantime, the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel Watch 2 launches are set for Wednesday, October 4, and we'll be bringing you all the news as it happens.

You might also like

TOPICS
David Nield
Freelance Contributor

Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you'll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.

Read more
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a: latest news, rumors, and everything we’ve heard so far
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 10 model number leak hints that the next Google flagship is on the way
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Google app on phone
Google in 2024: the hits, the misses, plus what to expect in 2025
The Samsung Galaxy S24 pictured next to the Google Pixel 9
Here's how the Samsung Galaxy S25 can beat the Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
The Google Pixel 9a could bring a price hike, but only for certain models
Latest in Google Pixel Phones
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Google Pixel 9 in Wintergreen showing back camera bar
The Google Pixel 10 could get a big camera boost if this new leak is legit
Google Pixel 9 on green grey background with price cut text overlay
Want to get a half-price unlimited plan and a Google Pixel 9 for just $400? Check out Mint Mobile this week
Google Pixel 8 review Pixel 8 Pro cameras
Is your Google Pixel 9 screen flickering or are the haptics a lot more intense? You aren't alone, and thankfully there's a fix
Google Pixel 9
There's something strange going on with Google Pixel phone vibrations after the latest update
Google Pixel 8a
Latest leaked Google Pixel 9a images hint at new purple color and the tiniest of camera bumps
Latest in News
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #1148)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #379)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #645)
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over