Is Tensor G4 Good for Gaming & Everyday Use? Let’s Find Out

Google has launched its 2024 flagship, the Google Pixel 9 series, featuring Google’s own Tensor G4 processor.

We anticipated a significant upgrade over the previous generation Tensor G3, but unfortunately, Google has opted not to deliver flagship-level processing power, despite the Pixel 9 series being positioned as a true flagship device.

While it’s a controversial decision to equip a flagship device with a less powerful CPU, the Tensor G4 is not entirely without merit. It remains capable of handling many modern tasks.

So, is Tensor G4 good for gaming and everyday use? Let’s find out.

Key Specifications of Tensor G4

Performance Benchmarks

Note that the AnTuTu benchmarks can vary across devices. For example, the score is lower on the Pixel 9 due to its smaller size and less effective heat dissipation, while the score is higher on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, thanks to its larger size and superior heat dissipation system.

Performance benchmarks clearly show that the Tensor G4 falls short of true flagship processors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or even the Apple A17 Pro.

Comparing it with other competing CPUs will give you a better understanding of where the Tensor G4 stands.

You might find the Tensor G3 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 comparison interesting.

Tensor G4 vs Competitors

Since the Google Tensor G4 is launched as a flagship processor, it should be compared to other flagship processors to understand its position in the lineup.

Based on the specs and benchmark tests, it’s clear that the Tensor G4 lags significantly behind flagship processors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

What’s particularly interesting is that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a 2023 processor, while the Tensor G4 is from 2024, yet the Tensor G4 still can’t compete with the year-old Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

When the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 launches, the Tensor G4 will likely stand no chance against it in terms of raw performance.

The Tensor G4 appears more like a mid-range chip when compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and it will be even more telling to see how it stacks up against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

It’s also worth noting that the Tensor G4 is very similar to the Tensor G3 in most areas, with only a few upgrades. This is deeply disappointing because, while Tensor processors aren’t geared towards heavy users, we still deserve a meaningful upgrade over the previous generation.

AI Capabilities

While the Google Tensor G4 isn’t a powerhouse, it comes equipped with some impressive AI capabilities. The processor supports Gemini Nano with multi-modality, enabling advanced features like Pixel Screenshots.

This feature essentially reminds you of the screenshots you’ve taken. Since we often capture screenshots for specific reasons, this reminder ensures you won’t forget why you took them.

Another notable feature is ‘Add Me,’ which allows the photographer to be dynamically added to the frame, making group photos more inclusive.

The Tensor G4 is packed with numerous other AI-driven features, both hardware and software-based, that collectively enhance the overall user experience.

Whether it’s optimizing photos, improving device performance, or adding new layers of convenience, the AI capabilities of the Tensor G4 play a pivotal role in setting it apart.

Also: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 vs 7 Gen 3.

Battery Life and Efficiency

When asked, officials stated that the new Tensor G4 is now more power-efficient, consuming less energy across various tasks, whether recording video, taking photos, or scrolling through social media apps.

Overall, the Tensor G4 is claimed to be 20% more power-efficient, which translates to a 20% improvement in battery life.

However, companies often make bold claims that don’t always hold up in real-world use.

While battery life has improved on the standard Pixel 9, it has seen a downgrade on the Pro model, with the Pixel 8 Pro being replaced by the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Due to their smaller size, the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro may offer decent battery life, but a larger battery would have provided users with more peace of mind regarding charging.

Pixel devices have never been known for outstanding battery life. Regardless of battery size, poor optimization and heating issues have historically contributed to battery drain.

Since the Tensor G4 isn’t significantly different from the Tensor G3, battery life is expected to be similar, with only minor improvements.

Early reviews suggest that the battery life is good, but we remain skeptical, especially when the phone is used on mobile data. Tensor processors, which are essentially rebranded Exynos chips, have only been average in delivering good battery life.

You might get a full day of battery life, but only with moderate usage. If you use the device heavily, especially on mobile data, the battery life is unlikely to impress.

Heating and Throttling Issues

Throttling has been an ongoing issue with Tensor processors, and we were hopeful that the Tensor G4 would show improvement in this area.

Unfortunately, it seems Google has not prioritized addressing this issue.

In a post on X by @callmeshazzam, a 15-minute throttling test revealed that the Tensor G4 throttled to 50% of its maximum performance, which is unacceptable.

This result would have been somewhat understandable if the test had been conducted on the smaller Pixel 9 or 9 Pro, as both have smaller heat dissipation systems. However, the test was performed on the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL, which features a more substantial vapor chamber system.

It’s perplexing to see such significant performance degradation in a flagship device.

While you might not always push your phone to its limits, there are times when peak performance is necessary. If the phone throttles this severely, it raises questions about the value of calling it a flagship.

We acknowledge that processors heat up and experience some throttling, but it should be within reasonable limits to ensure that tasks can still be performed when needed, even if only occasionally.

So overall, the Tensor G4 suffers from significant throttling issues.

Is Tensor G4 Good for Gaming?

After facing criticism over the Tensor G4’s power, Google clarified that their devices prioritize user experience over raw performance, particularly in gaming.

This statement confirms that the Tensor G4 is not designed for gaming.

However, you can easily play light games, and even some heavier titles are playable at lower settings.

The issue arises when you play games for extended periods. The device begins to generate heat, leading to throttling, which causes frame drops and degrades the gaming experience.

It means that the Tensor G4 is suitable for casual gaming but is not intended for heavy gaming.

Check the Pixel 8a FAQs to know about its battery life, performance, and overall experience.

Is Tensor G4 Good for Everyday Use?

Absolutely, the Tensor G4 is suitable for everyday use, including tasks like watching content, scrolling through social media, video calling, and other daily activities.

However, in real-world scenarios, such as shooting 4K videos for around 30 minutes, taking photos in hot summer environments, using mobile data in the same conditions, and being under direct sunlight, the phone can overheat. You may notice significant heat buildup and the device might occasionally start to stutter.

This means that while the Tensor G4 is good for everyday use, there are certain situations where it begins to struggle.

The Tensor G4 is best suited for light to moderate use. When you push the processor harder, you’ll experience a noticeable performance drop.

Still, if you use the phone normally, you’re unlikely to encounter any performance issues.

Is Tensor G4 Future-Proof?

To be honest, the Google Tensor G4 is moderately future-proof but with notable limitations. Its AI capabilities and power efficiency improvements provide some longevity, particularly for users who prioritize Google’s ecosystem and AI-driven features. However, its lackluster raw performance, throttling issues, and limited gaming capabilities hinder its ability to stay competitive with other flagship processors over time.

For users with light to moderate usage who are deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem, the Tensor G4 could perform adequately for the next two to three years. However, for power users, gamers, or those seeking a processor that will remain robust against future demands, the Tensor G4 may not meet expectations, making it less future-proof compared to its rivals.

While Google’s commitment to offering seven years of OS updates and security patches is commendable, the practical value of such extended support is questionable if the device struggles to run efficiently over that period.

It’s fair to say that the Tensor G4 is not entirely future-proof, but it should remain functional for two to three years, assuming you’re not a heavy user.

You might also like the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 7+ Gen 3 comparison.

Pros and Cons of Google Tensor G4

Pros of Tensor G4:

• Advanced AI capabilities
• Improved power efficiency
• Deep integration with Google’s ecosystem
• Good performance for light to moderate use
• Seven years of OS updates and security patches

Cons of Tensor G4:

• Underwhelming raw performance
• Throttling issues
• Limited gaming capabilities
• Potential overheating in demanding scenarios
• Less competitive compared to other flagship processors

Conclusion: Is Tensor G4 Good?

Google Pixel phones cater to users who value a clean stock UI, advanced AI capabilities, a reliable and consistent camera setup, and do not require demanding performance.

If you fit this profile, the Google Tensor G4 will be sufficient for your needs.

However, the lack of significant improvement with this CPU, coupled with unresolved issues like overheating and throttling, is disappointing. Even for users who aren’t heavy on their device, a flagship product should deliver better performance, especially given its premium price.

While the Google Pixel 9 series is feature-packed, the Tensor G4, despite being an upgrade, falls short of expectations.

Many reviewers may praise it, but in practical use, especially for power or even moderately demanding users, the Tensor G4 is unlikely to impress.

This CPU will initially run quickly and responsively, but as the device ages and apps become more demanding, performance is likely to deteriorate.

No Need to Upgrade Your Phone Every Year or Two. Here’s Why.

FAQs

So, is the Tensor G4 good? You should have a clearer understanding now. If you have any remaining doubts, please feel free to ask us in the comments section.

We would also love to hear your thoughts. Share your opinions if you agree or disagree with the points discussed here.