Google particulars the Pixel 6’s distinctive Tensor chip | Engadget

Google was all too excited to unveil Tensor, its first system-on-a-chip, in August. We knew it might be powering the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, and very similar to Apple’s A-series cell chips, it was an try at tying collectively Google’s software program with some custom-tuned {hardware}. In specific, Google positioned Tensor as one thing of an AI powerhouse, giving its new telephones higher {hardware} for picture processing and voice recognition. Now, we all know precisely what makes Tensor tick.

Google’s SoC is a 5nm eight-core design damaged down into huge, medium and small cores. Leading the best way is 2 ARM Cortex-X1 cores operating at 2.8GHz. That’s notable since Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 888 chip, which powers Samsung’s Galaxy S21 and lots of different high-end telephones, solely has a single X1 core. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see simply how a lot sooner Tensor is compared. 

Below that, the SoC additionally options two Cortex A76 cores operating at 2.25GHz, in addition to 4 1.8GHz A55 cores because the “small” bits. Thankfully, Google did not skimp on graphics: the Tensor additionally has a Mali-G78 graphics core, which you may additionally discover on different flagship Android telephones. 

All of the speak of {custom} {hardware} could call to mind the ill-fated (however gloriously ingenious) Moto X, Google’s 2013-era try at constructing a better smartphone. It wasn’t probably the most highly effective cell round, however its always-on voice instructions have been a good step in direction of ambient computing, one thing Google continues to be centered on as we speak with the Tensor chip. 

The new SoC permit the Pixel 6 to translate movies and messages shortly with its Live Translate characteristic, and it will be smarter about recognizing your voice as nicely. That needs to be notably useful with regards to utilizing your voice to sort, edit and ship messages. Most importantly, although, it’s going to have the ability to do all of that work with out consuming a lot battery life. Overall, the Tensor chip will carry out round 80 p.c sooner than the Pixel 5, in accordance with Google. That’s a lofty determine, so we’ll positively be testing the Pixel 6 closely to substantiate these numbers.

Additionally, Google says Tensor additionally offers the Pixel 6 an additional layer of safety. It’ll work along with the Titan M2 chip within the telephone to guard in opposition to malware and different potential assaults. That’s a very good step ahead for Google, and we’re hoping to see extra safety {hardware} in different Android telephones down the road.

At this level, Tensor seems to supply all the pieces we would need in a brand new cell chip: Fast speeds, and loads of forward-thinking AI options. It might ultimately make the Pixel telephones Google’s true iPhone equal: Flagship {hardware} that dances in live performance with a {custom} cell chip. (And if Google is really profitable, perhaps Tensor might make its means over to units from different firms.)

Catch up on all the newest information from Google’s Pixel 6 occasion!