Google’s Tensor G3 Rumored To Be A Modified Version Of Samsung’s Unreleased Exynos 2300, With A Cortex-X3 Core, New GPU, More

The Tensor G3 is Google’s next custom chipset that is expected to be found in the upcoming flagships, Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Given that previous Tensor SoCs were based on Samsung’s Exynos range, it is unsurprising to hear about the latest rumor claiming that the Tensor G3 will be a modified version of the Exynos 2300.

The Tensor G3 is rumored to shift away from an ARM Mali GPU and may feature an Xclipse processor co-developed by Samsung and AMD

The Tensor G3 will apparently have more cores than the Tensor G2, with Jason on Twitter stating that the CPU cluster will be ‘1 + 4 + 4.’ However, unlike the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Tensor G3 will not feature a Cortex-X4 core but a single Cortex-X3 clocked in at 3.09GHz. Next, we have four Cortex-A715 performance cores operating at 2.65GHz and lastly, four power-efficient Cortex-A510 cores running at 2.10GHz.

While the tipster has not confirmed the following, it is possible that the Tensor G3 is mass produced on Samsung’s 3rd-generation 4nm process, meaning the new SoC should improve performance and energy consumption. The multi-core performance should also increase, as the upcoming chipset is rumored to have more cores than the Tensor G2. However, we should not get ahead of ourselves because past evidence has shown that Google’s custom silicon is significantly behind the competition.

Tipster provides important specification details of the upcoming Tensor G3

Even with the increased core count, the Tensor G3 could perform in between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, though we are happy to be proven incorrect. Perhaps the biggest difference we will see is the transition from ARM’s Mali GPU to the Xclipse 930. For those that do not know, the Xclipse 920 was co-developed by Samsung and AMD and was found in the Exynos 2200.

Unfortunately, this GPU performed significantly below our expectations, so we hope that the Xclipse 930 brings something better. Even if it outpaces ARM’s Mali GPUs, that should be sufficient, seeing as how Google does not prioritize raw performance when compared to chipsets from Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple. The Tensor G3 could feature more cores as it may be fabricated on an improved manufacturing process from Samsung, so it could consume less power but deliver a higher-performance output.

Then again, we have been disappointed before, so we recommend our readers treat this information with a pinch of salt, and we will be back with more updates. Competition in the smartphone SoC space is a positive development, as it allows companies to push the boundaries of new technological feats. We can keep our fingers on what efforts Google makes this time around.